Latest news with #plainlanguage
Forbes
04-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Plain Language Bill Targets $183 Billion in Small Business Contracts
Rep. Nick LaLota, a Republican from Long Island, is making a second push to simplify federal contracts so more small businesses can understand and compete for them. One barrier that keeps small businesses from chasing federal contracts might soon come down. And it's not cost or competition. It's the writing. On Tuesday, the House passed the Plain Language in Contracting Act by voice vote. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Nick LaLota, a Republican from Long Island, now heads to the Senate. It calls on federal agencies to write all new small business contracts using 'plain language' and keywords rather than legalese. If the bill becomes law, it could help level the playing field for smaller firms that want to work with the government but get discouraged by contracts they can't decipher. Many businesses say they need to hire outside legal help just to understand the requirements. That costs money upfront and makes bidding less attractive, especially for firms trying to win their first contract. A 2021 report from the Bipartisan Policy Center found that the complexity of the federal procurement process is one of the top three reasons small businesses avoid bidding on government contracts. The maze of requirements and legal language acts as a barrier to entry, often favoring incumbent firms that already know how to navigate the system. Still, for those that manage to break through, the payoff can be significant. In fiscal 2024, 28.8% of federal contract dollars went to small firms, topping the government's 23% target. That amounted to $183 billion in fiscal year 2024 (which ended on Sept. 30), a new record. But fewer companies are seeing those dollars. Even as total spending has gone up, the number of small businesses winning contracts has gone down. The same Bipartisan Policy Center report showed that between 2010 and 2019, the number of small businesses winning those contracts shrank by 38%. That trend has continued. According to GovSpend, a firm that tracks government procurement, the number of small businesses winning federal contracts fell from 79,116 in fiscal 2023 to 78,677 in 2024. This is LaLota's second attempt to pass the bill. A previous version cleared the House in April 2024 but failed to gain traction in the Senate. If complex language is one of the reasons fewer firms are getting involved, this bill could help fix that. The contracts may still be long, but at least they won't be impossible to read.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Center for Plain Language Announces 2025 ClearMark Award Winners
Winners from government, health care, nonprofits, and the private sector honored for excellence in plain language 'The ClearMark Awards remind us that when communication is clear, everyone benefits.'— Barbra Kingsley RICHMOND, VA, UNITED STATES, May 23, 2025 / / -- The Center for Plain Language is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 ClearMark Awards, which recognize outstanding plain language communication in English, French, and Spanish across North America. This year's awards were presented on May 22 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., following an afternoon workshop on design thinking and communication strategy. The event brought together leaders from government, business, health care, and nonprofit sectors, all united by their commitment to clear, effective communication. Over 40 volunteer judges evaluated entries in categories ranging from websites and printed brochures to legal documents and emails. Judges looked for documents that met the needs of their audiences and used plain language principles like findability, understandability, and actionability so audiences could find, understand, and use the information. Top Honors: 2025 Grand ClearMark Award Winner This year's Grand ClearMark Award went to Alberta Health Services, Canada, for their Immunization Health Topic Website on One judge commented, 'It is great to see an organization truly care about asking real users what they need and then delivering it.' Get the full list of 2025 ClearMark Award winners. 'The ClearMark Awards remind us that when communication is clear, everyone benefits,' said Barbra Kingsley, Chair of the Center for Plain Language. 'This year's winners show what's possible when organizations prioritize their audiences — whether it's a health fact sheet, a government form, or an online tool. We're proud to celebrate the people behind this important work.' The Center also honored winners in two new categories: Best In Awards, which highlight standout work in areas like user testing, visual communication, and leadership in specific sectors. Spotlight Awards, which recognize powerful one-off pieces — like a flyer, web page, or chart — that made a meaningful impact. ### ABOUT THE CENTER FOR PLAIN LANGUAGE The Center for Plain Language is a North American non-profit organization that helps government agencies and businesses write clear and understandable documents. The Center hosts the annual ClearMark Awards for the best communications in plain language and produces the Federal Report Card, which evaluates how well federal agencies are complying with the Plain Writing Act of 2010. To become a member or for more information, visit us at and connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Barbra Kingsley Center for Plain Language +1 918-939-8551 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
