Recently, the Department of General Services formed a workgroup with a number of stakeholders to study previous versions of this bill and made a series of recommendations. None of the recommendations were incorporated into this version. I encourage the members of the subcommittee to refer to the full report. https://dgs.virginia.gov/globalassets/business-units/policy/pwg/2024/hb-1404-final-report-combined.pdf Recommendation 1 : The Workgroup recommends that the General Assembly consider not reenacting Chapter 834 enacting Clause 1 in the upcoming session and consider a section 1 bill to require the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity to report on December 1 , 2026, on the outcome of the disparity study currently being performed as required by 2024 Acts of Assembly Chapter 834 enacting Clause 4. This disparity study differs from previous studies in that it expanded to study the availability and utilization of small and micro-owned businesses in addition to previously studied women-owned and minority-owned businesses. It also specifically looks at the utilization and differences between categories of state procurement, such as by the types of goods and services needed or procured by state agencies. Recommendation 2: The Workgroup recommends that the General Assembly consider directing a study of the small business definition before codifying any enhancement plan. The Workgroup further suggests that the General Assembly direct the study to be based explicitly on Virginia business with the intent of benefiting Virginia businesses, similar to the policy the state of Maryland implemented. Additionally, the General Assembly, as part of the study, could consider directing Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, in collaboration with the Department of General Services, Virginia Information Technologies Agency and Virginia Department of Transportation, to review the DSBSD certification processes, including outreach practices. Finally, the Workgroup recommends that the General Assembly consider incorporating this recommendation into the disparity study report. Recommendation 3: The Workgroup recommends that the General Assembly consider not codifying a goal for the utilization rate of small SWaM businesses. An accurate goal for utilization cannot be set until the current disparity study is complete. The study being performed should provide data by commodity, detailing availability, participation and utilization. This will enable the Commonwealth of Virginia to establish a more appropriate goal. Additionally, if the General Assembly studies and changes the definition of a small business, the goal will need to be reevaluated once it is implemented. Recommendation 4: The Workgroup recommends that if the General Assembly intends to reenact Clause 1 , then the General Assembly may consider technical amendments to address the concerns mentioned in the Workgroup meetings. Items discussed included confusion over terminology and conflicts with existing definitions found in the Virginia Public Procurement Act.

This bill has the wrong name because when I request information it is all a record of incarnation. Even when it retains to my son who i have poa hippa release and release of all and any confidential information signed . Still told record of incarnation I know he is in prison I have his medical files and mental health files that clearly say he is incarnation so why is it a problem for any other info . Where is the freedom

HB160 Specify criminal actions and jail time (mandatory) as that will force compliance. HB463 Quorum means the govt can hide more things and be less transparent.

Give us freedom to request and receive the information . A record of incarnation is all I get where is the information

Submitted in support of HB842 based on direct experience with public-sector procurement, compliance, and construction contracting in Virginia.

As an owner of a SWaM Certified, Native American for-profit Entity, I ask that you vote YES in support of this HB842. Post Pandemic has been extremely difficult for small business owners, contractors, who have been negatively impacted by the dismantling of small business programs throughout the world. By approving this Bill, it will show that the Commonwealth of Virginia cares about small businesses and are committed to doing what is right to keep small businesses at the contracting table. Our livelihood and our children's legacies are depending on your vote in support of small businesses. Thank you,

I support HB842 because it brings fairness back to what it actually means to be a small business. Companies with hundreds of employees have resources that businesses like mine simply do not. When businesses with up to 250 employees are treated as “small,” truly small, independently owned businesses are pushed out of opportunities meant for us. HB842 recognizes that size matters and helps level the playing field so smaller businesses can compete, grow, and create jobs. Virginia’s procurement system should support businesses that are truly small, not just small on paper. Thank you.

HB842 helps level the playing field for Virginia’s small businesses. It ensures that contracts intended for small businesses actually go to small businesses — not large companies with the resources to outcompete them. This bill supports entrepreneurs, protects local jobs, and strengthens communities across the Commonwealth. When small businesses succeed, Virginia’s economy is more resilient and more equitable. I urge the House to support HB842 and stand with the small business owners this legislation is meant to serve. Thank you for your consideration.

Comments Document

Letter of support urging House committee members to advance Virginia HB842, which refines small business procurement definitions and expands contracting opportunities.

Hamkae Center is a community organization, providing direct services and organizing Asian immigrants across Virginia. We support this bill because our community members want to know that they are safe, and safety extends to knowing their private information is secure from those that would do them harm. Already we have seen individuals hesitant to utilize our healthcare and immigration legal services for fear of their data ending up in the wrong hands. We hope the support for this bill continues so that we can do our part in reassuring our communities that these protections exist.

Hamkae Center is a community organization, providing direct services and organizing Asian immigrants across Virginia. We support this bill because our community members want to know that they are safe, and safety extends to knowing their private information is secure from those that would do them harm. Already we have seen individuals hesitant to utilize our healthcare and immigration legal services for fear of their data ending up in the wrong hands. We hope the support for this bill continues so that we can do our part in reassuring our communities that these protections exist.