Duval Times

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton have introduced a new bill aimed at supporting small businesses in securing contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense. The Defense Innovation and Small Business Momentum Act is designed to address the challenges faced by small businesses due to current laws and regulations.

Senator Rubio emphasized the difficulties small businesses encounter in winning Department of Defense contracts, stating, "Overbearing rules and regulations have made it hard for small businesses to win Department of Defense contracts. There is already a temporary solution to help give America’s small businesses a better chance by not requiring as many bureaucratic roadblocks; my bill will make this solution permanent."

Senator Cotton highlighted the impact of bureaucratic delays on defense production and national security, expressing that, "Bureaucratic tape delays defense production and makes our country less safe. This bill will empower our small businesses to receive and fulfill contracts."

The proposed legislation aims to expand and make permanent a pilot program that currently provides relief to small businesses by raising the threshold for mandatory cost and pricing data disclosures. This program, set to expire in October 2024, has been instrumental in enabling more small businesses to bid on DoD contracts.

Senator Rubio's commitment to advocating for small business interests remains steadfast as he looks ahead to the future. It is noted that Rubio will continue to champion small business priorities in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.