A bill to amend the Small Business Act to eliminate certain requirements relating to the award of construction subcontracts within the county or State of performance.
Summary
SB 991 would amend the Small Business Act by repealing paragraph (11) of section 8(a). The practical effect is to eliminate a federal requirement that construction subcontracts awarded under the 8(a) program be given within the county or State where the work is performed. In other words, the bill removes geographic restrictions tied to where construction subcontracting opportunities must be directed.
The bill is narrowly focused and does not create a new program or funding stream; instead, it changes how existing federal small business contracting rules operate. By removing the county- or State-based award requirement, the legislation would give agencies and prime contractors more flexibility in awarding construction subcontracts under the 8(a) program, potentially broadening the pool of eligible subcontractors beyond local boundaries.
Impact
If enacted, SB 991 would amend 15 U.S.C. 637(a), the Small Business Act provision governing the 8(a) business development program. It would remove a statutory geographic preference for construction subcontracts, affecting how federal contracting opportunities are allocated among small businesses participating in the 8(a) program. The bill would primarily affect federal procurement practices, construction subcontractors, and 8(a) program participants, rather than state law directly.
Sentiment
There is limited recorded debate, testimony, or voting history available for this bill, so overall sentiment cannot be measured from committee action. The introduction by Senators Sullivan, Murkowski, and Hirono suggests bipartisan interest in revising the subcontracting rule, and the bill’s narrow scope indicates it is framed as a technical or deregulatory procurement change rather than a controversial policy overhaul.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be whether eliminating the county- or State-of-performance requirement helps or harms local small businesses. Supporters may argue the change increases flexibility, efficiency, and access to a wider contractor pool, while opponents may worry it reduces opportunities for local firms and weakens place-based preferences intended to keep federal construction work in the affected community or state. No formal objections or recorded committee disputes are provided in the available materials.
Same As
To amend the Small Business Act to eliminate certain requirements relating to the award of construction subcontracts within the county or State of performance.