Bipartisan legislation co-introduced by Reps. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) to improve the ability of small businesses to compete for Federal contracts was included in the final passage of the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act today in the House of Representatives.

"Small businesses are the real job creators for America and Oregon," Rep. Schrader said. "I am pleased that my bipartisan work with Congresswoman Herrera-Beutler has been recognized as part of the solution for our nation's recovery and hope to see a renewed effort in Congress to create further economic certainty and opportunity for our small businesses."

“This is a win for small businesses and jobs in the northwest,” said Rep. Herrera Beutler. “I am grateful for Congressman Schrader’s help on this solution, and I am honored to be part of a group in Congress that is compromising and working to get things done for families and job-seekers back home.”

The Small Business Opportunity Act of 2012 improves the services provided by Small Business Administration (SBA) advocates that make sure small businesses are in the best position possible to compete for Federal contracts.

Currently, small businesses are not included in the Federal acquisition process until just before a Request for Proposal or Quotation is to be released. Schrader and Herrera Beutler's legislation requires SBA advocates to be involved in the Federal procurement and acquisition planning process from the beginning to better equip them to represent small business concerns and help small businesses have a fair shot at competing for more Federal contracts. 

The bill also introduces needed reforms to how SBA advocates perform their jobs by eliminating duplicative tasks and shifting their focus to core contracting-related assistance.

This is the second piece of legislation aimed at boosting our nation's small businesses introduced or cosponsored by Rep. Schrader to pass the House this week. The Small Business Investment Company Modernization Act, which passed Tuesday, raises the Small Business Investment Company's family of funds limit from $225 million to $350 million allowing the program to further stimulate and supplement private capital to finance and grow small businesses.