Bill > HR1816

This bill aims to modify the certification process for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) in federal contracting. Specifically, the bill prohibits self-certified WOSBs from being included in government-wide and agency small business goals, requiring instead that only WOSBs certified through a formal process by the Small Business Administration (SBA) or an approved national certifying entity can be counted toward these goals. The bill provides a transition period where existing self-certified WOSBs can continue to be included in goal calculations while they apply for formal certification. The SBA must issue implementing regulations within one year and provide quarterly briefings to congressional committees about the certification process, including details on the number of applications, processing timelines, administrative costs, and outreach efforts. The bill mandates that the SBA track and report on the certification process, with the goal of ensuring more rigorous verification of women-owned small businesses seeking federal contract opportunities. No additional funding is authorized to implement these changes, meaning the SBA must absorb the costs within its existing budget. The legislation is designed to increase accountability and transparency in the WOSB certification system while maintaining support for women-owned businesses seeking federal contracts.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1816/all-info