S. 3375 – Reading Mode

118th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 3375

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

November 30, 2023

Mr. Padilla introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

A BILL

To establish a program so that business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals may achieve proficiency to compete, on an equal basis, for contracts and subcontracts in Department of Transportation projects, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Accelerating Small Business Growth Act.

Accelerating business growth program

(a)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation.

(2)

Socially and economically disadvantaged individuals

The term socially and economically disadvantaged individuals has the meaning given the term in section 11101(e)(2) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (23 U.S.C. 101 note; Public Law 117–58).

(b)

Establishment

The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program to provide financial assistance to eligible entities to establish and carry out innovative programs so that business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals may achieve proficiency to compete, on an equal basis, for contracts and subcontracts in projects carried out with financial assistance from the Secretary.

(c)

Eligible entities

An entity eligible to receive financial assistance under this section is—

(1)

a State or territory;

(2)

a political subdivision of a State or local government;

(3)

a Tribal government;

(4)

a special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function;

(5)

a port authority;

(6)

a metropolitan planning organization; or

(7)

a group of entities described in paragraphs (1) through (6).

(d)

Applications

To be eligible to participate in the program under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(e)

Partnerships

In carrying out activities with a grant under this section, an eligible entity may partner with—

(1)

1 or more nonprofit organizations; or

(2)

1 or more institutions of higher education.

(f)

Required report

(1)

In general

Not later than 2 years after an eligible entity is awarded a grant under this section, the eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a report that includes—

(A)

a description of the activities carried out with the grant; and

(B)

an evaluation of the effectiveness of those activities in meeting the objectives described in subsection (b).

(2)

Public availability

Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall be made available on a public internet website managed by the Secretary.

(g)

Report to Congress

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that evaluates the program under this section.

(h)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2026.