SBA cybersecurity, manufacturing web portal bills pass the House - FedScoop
The House has passed two key bills aimed at helping small businesses improve their cybersecurity and access domestic manufacturing resources.
The legislation, passed on Veterans Day, represents a tech-heavy agenda from the House Small Business Committee. The Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act (H.R.10238) requires the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other agencies to develop resources that help small businesses adopt cybersecurity best practices.
Rep. Tony Wied, R-Wis., lead sponsor of both bills, emphasized that small businesses are particularly vulnerable due to "lack of resources" to defend against cyber threats. The legislation will ensure they "receive the most accurate and up-to-date information" to protect themselves.
Cybersecurity Requirements
The bill also directs the SBA to share information about compliance with the Defense Department's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program with small businesses. This will help them understand requirements for federal contracts without unnecessary spending.
Manufacturing Onshoring Portal
The Reshoring American Manufacturing Act (H.R.9718) would codify the "Make Onshoring Great Again" portal for four years. Run through the SBA's Office of Manufacturing and Trade, it will provide small businesses with connections to relevant agency offices and partner organizations.
With over 1 million American suppliers currently listed, the legislation aims to give "small businesses greater access to domestically sourced products" while helping to "shift manufacturing back to the United States and reduce our reliance on foreign nations," according to Wied.
Both bills now move to the Senate for consideration after passing the House alongside five other SBA technology bills focused on cybersecurity assistance and artificial intelligence utilization.
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