Small Business Subcommittee Reviews SBA Contracting Office

Statement

Today, the House Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure heard from Associate Administrator Dr. Francis Spampinato on Small Business Administration Office of Government Contracting and Business Development (GCBD).

"The GCBD's primary goal is simple: to advocate on behalf of small businesses in the federal procurement world. This office is uniquely positioned to develop policies that affect nearly every federal agency and, with hundreds of billions of dollars at stake every year, it is imperative that the GCBD operate like a finely-tuned machine -- efficient, effective, and consistent in delivering the best outcomes for small businesses," said Ranking Member Pete Stauber (R-MN). "Small contractors are relying on this office to be their champion, to understand the whole picture of federal procurement and identify where small business participation can and should be increased."

New Administrator Emphasizes Increased Outreach, Importance of Data

"GCBD rapidly engaged with stakeholders [in response to COVID-19] to identify and implement measures to reduce barriers and increase opportunities for small businesses. These included posting guidance for small business contractors alongside SBA's COVID-19 resources, introducing flexibilities in 8(a) and HUBZone program participation, and conducting robust outreach to small businesses to connect them with federal agencies in need of products and services to combat COVID-19," said Dr. Francis Spampinato, Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting and Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration, in Washington, DC.

In response to questions about participation in the SBA 8(a) Program, Dr. Spampinato said, "We're happy to report a steady increase in the total number of firms accepted [to the 8(a) Program]. In FY20 to date, we've had 527 new firms, [compared to] over FY2019, 437 new firms. We've had an increase of roughly 90 firms accepted into the 8(a) Program. …We continue to emphasize to interested, eligible firms the importance of being procurement-ready from day one so they are positioned for a fully-successful nine year program. In some instances, firms have informed us they are glad they waited to apply after having received training and education about the program."

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