The Small Business Administration is taking steps to make sure agencies hit the White House’s equity goals. President Biden says he wants to increase the percentage of federal contracting dollars spent on Small Disadvantaged Businesses.
- Joe Jordan, chief executive officer of Actuparo and former administrator of federal procurement policy, said a little over 10% of federal contracting dollars have gone to Small Disadvantaged Businesses in recent years, exceeding the existing goal of 5%. Jordan said President Biden wants to increase the amount to 15%.
- Jordan said it is tricky to maintain balance between multiple small business programs, including the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Women-Owned Small Business, HUBZone and Small Disadvantaged Business programs.
- Jordan said one way to reach the goal is the 8(a) Business Development program, which allows agencies to issue sole-source contracts below certain thresholds.