Bill Overview
Title: FIND Act
Description: This bill prohibits the federal government from entering into contracts with an entity that discriminates against firearm trade associations or businesses that deal in firearms, ammunition, or related products. Specifically, the bill requires a federal agency to include in each contract for the procurement of goods or services awarded by the agency a clause requiring the prime contractor to certify that it (1) has no policy, practice, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association; and (2) will not adopt a policy, practice, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association during the term of the contract. The bill establishes (1) a similar requirement with respect to subcontracts, and (2) penalties for violations. The bill makes such prohibition inapplicable to a contract for the procurement of goods or services that is a sole-source contract.
Sponsors: Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1]
Target Audience
Population: Entities and individuals involved with or dependent on the firearm industry and federal contractors
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The FIND Act impacts entities that have federal contracts, as it mandates non-discrimination towards firearm entities in contract policies.
- Firearm trade associations or businesses dealing in firearms, ammunition, or related products are protected under this bill from discriminatory practices.
- Contractors and subcontractors working with the federal government must comply with non-discrimination policies related to firearm entities.
- Penalties for violating the Act are established, potentially impacting contractors and subcontractors financially.
- The US has a substantial number of firearm-related businesses; these businesses would therefore be directly impacted by this legislation.
Reasoning
- The FIND Act directly impacts firearm businesses and federal contractors, but not the general population extensively.
- This Act will primarily impact those who are engaged in federal contracts or have policies discriminating against firearm businesses.
- Given the budget constraints for implementing this policy, it’s not feasible to affect a broad segment of the population, so the impact will likely be concentrated in key areas.
- It's expected that the policy will have varying degrees of impact, higher in some areas like certain firearm trade associations and lower in areas unassociated with gun trade.
Simulated Interviews
Owner of a firearm retail store (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives me confidence that my business will be treated fairly when it comes to federal contracts.
- I think this could lead to more opportunities for my business, as we often face pushbacks just because we deal with firearms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Federal Contractor (California)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial for us to not discriminate against lawful businesses, but this creates potential compliance challenges.
- I understand the policy's intent, but enforcement might be tricky.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Gun manufacturing executive (Illinois)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always believed in fair playing grounds for all sectors.
- The act should help mitigate undue discrimination we've faced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Small business owner (New York)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this will affect my business at all.
- Seems more like a policy for large businesses with federal contracts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
HR Director at a large federal contractor (Florida)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring no discrimination is a good thing, but enforcement might be resource-intensive.
- We might need additional training and resources to comply.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Gun rights advocate (Nevada)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction for preventing unfair treatment.
- I hope this translates to better business climates for gun-related entities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Policy Analyst (Virginia)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like these highlight the legal complexities in contracting.
- Our team will analyze how this affects overall contract management strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Firearm ammunition supplier (Alabama)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I look forward to seeing how this act impacts my business positively.
- Direct benefits are expected in the way contracts are awarded.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Legislative Aide (Washington D.C.)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Potentially this could streamline and clarify contract requirements regarding firearm businesses.
- Important to review how this plays out in actual contract scenarios.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Freelance outdoor journalist (Montana)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This provides interesting material for my articles, especially how it might affect hunting firearm suppliers.
- The act seems to reinforce fair treatment in business dealings, which is generally positive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Key Considerations
- The Act mandates compliance measures which can increase administrative costs for federal agencies and businesses.
- The financial impact largely stems from oversight rather than direct expenditure.
- The legislative focus is on compliance in trade practices, affecting contractual terms with entities receiving federal contracts involving firearms.