Contact Congress about H.R. 787: Plain Language in Contracting Act

This bill would require certain federal contract notices aimed at small businesses to be clearer and easier to search. The SBA would have 90 days to issue rules, and agencies would have to implement the changes with existing resources.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Plain Language in Contracting Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Latest action on H.R. 787: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Who this affects: The bill mainly affects small businesses looking for federal contract opportunities, along with the federal agencies that write and post those notices and the SBA, which must write the rules. Its practical effect is focused on the specific notices posted on the main government-wide contracting portal, not every kind of federal notice.

Why this matters: Federal contracting notices can be hard for small businesses to read or search, especially for companies that have not worked with the government before. This bill could make some of those notices easier to understand and easier to find, which may help more small businesses decide whether to compete. At the same time, the bill leaves some details to later SBA rulemaking and gives agencies flexibility by using the phrase "to the maximum extent practicable," so the real-world effect could vary. It also provides no new funding, which may limit how quickly or consistently agencies make the changes.

Key provisions in H.R. 787

• Applies to "covered notices," meaning notices about small business concerns that federal agencies post on the single government-wide point of entry under 41 U.S.C. 1708.
• Requires covered notices to be written so small business concerns can easily understand the purpose of the notice.
• Sets standards that notices must be clear, concise, well organized, and follow best practices for the topic and audience to the maximum extent practicable.
• Requires each covered notice description to include key words, when practicable, so small businesses can more easily find and understand the notice on the government-wide contracting site.
• Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to issue implementing rules within 90 days after enactment.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 787

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 787

What is H.R. 787?

This bill would require certain federal contract notices aimed at small businesses to be clearer and easier to search. The SBA would have 90 days to issue rules, and agencies would have to implement the changes with existing resources.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 787?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 787?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 787 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.