WASHINGTON — Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a prominent member of the Senate Small Business Committee, has introduced the DOE and SBA Research Act, aimed at increasing the ability of small businesses in Louisiana and across the United States to secure government contracts. The bill mandates a collaborative effort between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to explore and enhance opportunities for small enterprises.
“The DOE and SBA Research Act would help ensure the government is doing all that it can to expand contract opportunities to Louisiana and America’s best job providers—small businesses. The Senate should send this common-sense bill to the president’s desk quickly,” Kennedy asserted.
The House of Representatives has already passed a companion bill, co-led by Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), which emphasizes bipartisan support for this initiative.
The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program plays a crucial role in equipping small businesses with the necessary training to better access government contracts. Kennedy’s bill builds on this foundation by requiring the DOE and SBA to jointly submit a report to Congress. This report would detail their coordination efforts, identify potential opportunities to expand technical capabilities, and highlight collaborative research achievements that could further small business participation in federal contracting.
This legislative move is seen as a strategic effort to bolster economic growth by empowering small businesses, which are often hailed as the backbone of the American economy. By fostering an environment where small enterprises can thrive and compete for federal contracts, the bill aims to drive innovation, create jobs, and stimulate economic development, particularly in regions like Louisiana.
“The collaboration between the DOE and SBA is crucial for identifying and removing barriers that small businesses face in the federal marketplace,” Kennedy emphasized. “This act will ensure that our small businesses are not only equipped with the necessary tools but are also given fair opportunities to contribute to and benefit from government contracts.”
With the bill now heading to the Senate, Kennedy urged his colleagues to act swiftly in passing the legislation, highlighting the potential for significant positive impact on small businesses nationwide.