Roger Williams: “America's small businesses shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to apply for and win a simple government contract. Yet that…”

“America's small businesses shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to apply for and win a simple government contract. Yet that is exactly what Washington's bureaucratic process demands today. That is why I am honored to champion the Plain Language in Contracting Act, which will reduce the burden on small businesses when trying to secure government contracts. My legislation ensures Federal agencies use clear, straightforward language in solicitations, thereby removing barriers, increasing transparency, and giving small businesses a fair shot. Time and again, small business owners tell us the government contracting process is so complex, they ultimately walk away. Bidding on a contract is hard enough, but when the language is challenging and understanding it requires an advanced degree, it is easy to see why. A study conducted by the Naval Postgraduate School, which analyzed 1 million DOD contracts, found less than 3 percent were in plain English. Most were rated difficult or very difficult to read. There is no other way to describe it. It is unacceptable. Furthermore, of the 33 million small businesses operating in America, 74,000, only 0.22 percent, successfully secure Federal contracts. Mr. Speaker, 0.22 percent is just 1 in every 446 contracts. That is all.”