WOSB Certification Expansion and Opportunity Act

Summary of HR 1586: WOSB Certification Expansion and Opportunity Act

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 1586

Title: WOSB Certification Expansion and Opportunity Act

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced Date: February 25, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The WOSB Certification Expansion and Opportunity Act aims to enhance opportunities for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) by expanding the certification process and increasing access to federal contracting opportunities. The bill seeks to address barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in securing government contracts, thereby promoting economic growth and equity in the small business sector.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to the current WOSB certification process, including:

• Streamlining Certification: Simplifying the application process for WOSB certification to make it more accessible for women entrepreneurs.
• Increased Support: Establishing resources and support systems to assist women-owned businesses in navigating the certification process.
• Outreach Programs: Implementing outreach initiatives to inform potential WOSBs about available resources and opportunities within federal contracting.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Mandating regular reporting on the effectiveness of the certification process and the impact on women-owned businesses in federal contracting.

Impact

The WOSB Certification Expansion and Opportunity Act is expected to have a broad impact on:

• Women Entrepreneurs: By simplifying the certification process, more women-owned businesses will be able to compete for federal contracts, potentially leading to increased revenue and growth.
• Federal Agencies: Agencies will be required to enhance their outreach and support efforts, fostering a more inclusive contracting environment.
• Economic Development: The bill aims to stimulate economic development by empowering women entrepreneurs, which can lead to job creation and innovation.

Procedural Aspects

• Legislative Actions:

  • February 25, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Small Business for further consideration.

• Sponsorship:

  • Primary Sponsor: Nydia M. Velázquez
  • Cosponsor: Nick LaLota

Related Legislation

HR 1586 has a companion bill, HR 1816, which addresses similar issues related to women-owned small businesses and federal contracting.

This summary provides an overview of HR 1586, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on women-owned businesses and the federal contracting landscape.