Bill > HR1586

This bill aims to modify the certification process for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) by introducing stricter requirements for including these businesses in government contracting goals. Specifically, only WOSBs that have been officially certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) or an approved national certifying entity will be counted towards federal agency goals for women-owned business contracts, rather than allowing self-certified businesses to be included. The bill provides a transition period for currently self-certified businesses, allowing them to remain in the calculation of contracting goals while they apply for official certification. The SBA is required to issue regulations within one year and provide quarterly briefings to congressional committees about the implementation, including details on the number of certification applications, processing timelines, administrative costs, and outreach efforts. The bill does not require additional appropriations and is designed to ensure more rigorous verification of women-owned small businesses seeking federal contracting opportunities, potentially making the process more competitive and transparent.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1586/all-info