A new bipartisan bill would direct the Department of Defense to publicly post all Milcon contracts awarded in the Federal Register and incentive for local hiring for subcontracting work over $250,000.

“The Put Our Neighbors to Work Act 2020” was introduced by Congressman Andy Kim, Congressman John Garamendi, Congressman Donald Norcross, and Congressman Paul Cook.

The bill would also incentive Milcon projects to choose small businesses as subcontractors within the same state or 60-mile radius of the contract location.

“Our nation’s economy is facing new challenges brought on by the coronavirus, and our workers need support,” said Congressman Norcross in response to legislation. “This bill would ensure local small businesses are aware of the open opportunities within our community at the Joint Base.”

The full bill text can be found here, and a summary of the bill can be found here.

Photo by Air Force Senior Airman Javier Alvarez