Bill Summary
The **DPA Private-Sector Outreach Act of 2026** is legislation aimed at enhancing private-sector engagement with the Defense Production Act of 1950. The Act seeks to improve communication and resource sharing between federal agencies and the private sector regarding the use of various authorities established under this Act.
Key provisions include:
1. **Toolkit and Online Resources**: The Act mandates the development of a comprehensive toolkit and an online platform within a year of enactment. This platform will serve as a centralized resource for federal agencies to share information relevant to businesses interested in participating in contracts and funding opportunities related to the Defense Production Act.
2. **Education and Outreach Plans**: Federal agencies are required to create and implement outreach plans to inform the private sector about available commercial opportunities under the Act. These plans must be updated at least annually.
3. **Reporting Requirements**: The Act adds new reporting obligations for federal agencies to include information about outreach activities in their reports, ensuring accountability and transparency regarding private-sector engagement.
Overall, the DPA Private-Sector Outreach Act of 2026 aims to facilitate better collaboration between the government and the private sector, particularly focusing on small businesses and opportunities for participation in defense-related contracts.
Possible Impacts
The "DPA Private-Sector Outreach Act of 2026" could have various impacts on people. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Business Opportunities for Small Enterprises**: The legislation aims to create a "one-stop shop" online toolkit that provides information on contracting opportunities under the Defense Production Act. This could empower small businesses to access federal contracts and funding mechanisms that they may not have been aware of previously. As a result, small business owners could potentially increase their revenue and expand their operations by participating in government contracts.
2. **Enhanced Public Awareness and Engagement**: By mandating federal agencies to conduct outreach activities, the Act could improve public awareness about the resources and opportunities available under the Defense Production Act. This outreach could lead to greater engagement from the private sector, as more individuals and companies become informed about how they can contribute to national defense initiatives. Increased engagement can foster collaboration and innovation in sectors critical to national security.
3. **Greater Transparency in Government Contracting**: The Act's requirement for a searchable description of awards and voluntary agreements under the Defense Production Act would enhance transparency in how federal contracts are awarded. This could benefit the public and businesses by providing insight into the government's priorities and the entities receiving funding. Increased transparency can also foster competition, as businesses will have more information to assess their chances of securing contracts and can strategize accordingly.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8038 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8038
To enhance private-sector outreach in support of the Defense Production
Act of 1950, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 24, 2026
Mrs. Beatty (for herself and Mrs. Kim) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To enhance private-sector outreach in support of the Defense Production
Act of 1950, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``DPA Private-Sector Outreach Act of
2026''.
SEC. 2. PRIVATE-SECTOR OUTREACH ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--Section 722 of the Defense Production Act of 1950
(50 U.S.C. 4567) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(e) and (f), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new
subsection:
``(d) Toolkit and Online Resources Site.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 365 days after the date
of the enactment of this subsection, the Committee shall
develop a toolkit and an online `one-stop shop' that allows
Federal agencies to share information and resources with
interested persons regarding the use of authorities under this
Act (other than authorities under section 721 or title VIII),
including the following:
``(A) The process for solicitations under such
authorities, including information on submitting offers
and receiving assistance.
``(B) Opportunities under such authorities for
business concerns, including small business concerns
(as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 632)), to participate in contracts and other
funding mechanisms allowed under such authorities.
``(C) A searchable description of awards, including
an identification of the awardee and any priority
rating for such award, made using such authorities.
``(D) A description of any voluntary agreements and
executive reserves established, consistent with such
authorities, including an identification of the parties
engaged in each activity and the goals and terms of
such activity, as the Committee determines appropriate.
``(E) The contact information for an individual at
each Federal agency to which the President may delegate
such authorities.
``(2) Outreach.--Not later than 365 days after the
development of the toolkit required in paragraph (1), the
Committee shall develop a plan for each Federal agency to which
the President has delegated authorities under this Act (other
than authorities under section 721 or title VIII) to conduct
outreach activities to educate the private sector about the
commercial opportunities available under such authorities. The
Committee shall update such plans as needed, but not less
frequently than annually.''.
(b) Report.--Subsection (e) of section 722 of the Defense
Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4567), as so redeisgnated, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new
paragraph:
``(6) a description of outreach activities conducted under
subsection (d); and''.
SEC. 3. SHORT TITLE CORRECTION.
The first undesignated section of the the Defense Production Act of
1950 is amended, effective on the date of enactment of such Act, by
striking ``cited as ``the Defense'' and inserting ``cited as the
``Defense''.
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