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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act
3/11/2024, 5:45 PM
Summary of Bill HR 7149
The key provisions of the bill include increasing funding for supportive services such as technical assistance, training, and counseling for DBEs. These services are designed to help DBEs overcome barriers to entry and growth in the marketplace, such as lack of access to capital, limited business experience, and discrimination.
Additionally, the bill aims to improve the certification process for DBEs, making it easier for these businesses to qualify for government contracts and other opportunities. By streamlining the certification process, the bill seeks to increase the number of DBEs participating in government contracting and procurement. Overall, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act is intended to level the playing field for DBEs and promote economic opportunity and growth for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is currently under consideration for passage.
Congressional Summary of HR 7149
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act
The bill increases funding for and expands the disadvantaged business enterprise supportive services program of the Department of Transportation (DOT). The program provides training, assistance, and services to minority-owned small businesses to help them achieve proficiency to compete, on an equal basis, for federal aid highway project contracts and subcontracts.
Specifically, the bill (1) increases the annual funding cap for the program from $10 million to $25 million, and (2) authorizes DOT to implement the program at the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Aviation Administration so that small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals may achieve proficiency to compete for contracts and subcontracts regarding public transportation and airport projects.
