Beatty Moves to Break Barriers with New Federal Contracting Bill

Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) joined Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (NV-04) in introducing the CONTRACTS Act of 2024, H.R. 9832, Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

The CONTRACTS (Create Opportunities and Networks for Talented, Ready, and Able Contractors to Succeed) Act of 2024 is a bill that will improve federal contracting practices and increase opportunities for disadvantaged small businesses (DSBs). The bill directs federal agencies to create databases, initiatives, and networks to support minority-owned businesses, in addition to providing technical assistance and establishing a task force to identify best practices, the needs of DSBs, and solutions to the challenges they face.

“I am proud to join Congressman Ivey and Chair Horsford in introducing the CONTRACTS Act to collect more data on where federal contracting dollars are going and to increase contract awards to disadvantaged small businesses,” said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. “Directing federal contracting dollars to minority-owned businesses enhances competition, performance, and innovation and directly leads to job creation and wealth-building in minority and underserved communities, creating avenues for small business growth and local economic development. This legislation will improve transparency and equity in federal contracting by establishing a public online database of contracts awarded and authorizing a comprehensive outreach and education program to increase participation among disadvantaged businesses.”

“I am proud to introduce legislation to enhance federal contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses and dismantle discriminatory barriers that they encounter,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey.“The number of minority-owned businesses has grown at the fastest pace in over 30 years, but according to the SBA’s disaggregated federal contracting data for Fiscal Year 2023, less than two percent of Black-owned and Hispanic-owned businesses receive federal contracting dollars. It is up to us to close this critical gap and improve opportunities for the talent pipeline and surge of entrepreneurs within the minority business community.”

“As Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I’m working to make sure that federal contracting reflects the diversity of our nation and creates pathways for economic growth in minority communities,” said Congressman Steven Horsford. “The CONTRACTS Act will level the playing field for minority-owned businesses by breaking down barriers, enhancing access to resources, and ensuring they have a fair shot at competing for federal contracts. This legislation will improve equity in contracting, empower entrepreneurs, and increase the diversity of our economy.”

The CONTRACTS Act of 2024 was referred to the House of Representatives Committee on Small Business and to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

Full text of the legislation will be available here.

For media inquiries, please email Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.

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