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Background
We have waited for three years. We aren't waiting any more!
It is time to tell Congress and the U.S. Small Business Administration that women-owned businesses are serious about obtaining federal contracts!
We call upon the Congress and the U.S. Small Business Administration to quickly implement P.L. 106-554, the Women's Procurement Program.
In an unconscionable lack of support for women-owned businesses - this legislation (which was signed into law in 3 ½ years ago) has never been implemented. (Here is the SBA response to one of our supporters.)
Meanwhile, the SBA has rapidly pushed through a new procurement program that will boost federal contract opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (and add another competitive barrier to success for women-owned small businesses). At a recent SBA advisory meeting, when asked about the status of the women's procurement program, attendees were told that the SBA is not focusing on this women's program now. Instead SBA is focusing on the service-disabled veteran's program – even though the women's program was signed into law 3 ½ years ago.
Women-owned businesses represent nearly 30% of the privately-held, majority (51% or more) women-owned businesses in the U.S. and receive less than 5% of federal procurement spending. Clearly, women-owned small businesses are substantially underrepresented in many, many industries and should be assisted through the implementation of this important legislation.
As representatives of the over 10 million women business owners of America, we ask that U.S. Small Business Administration quickly implement P.L. 106-554 and accept one of the hundreds of viable federal agency, state government or qualified national certifying entity certifications.
Background on the Program:
The Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 allows Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Set-Asides for requirements in an industry where Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) are substantially underrepresented and limited to contracts not exceeding $3 million for services and $5 million for manufacturing. P.L. 106-554 requires the small business concern be certified as WOSB by a federal agency, state government or national certifying entity approved by the Small Business Administration or if a WOSB can provide adequate documentation to support such certification. The SBA reports that there is an ongoing review being performed - however, the SBA has not even requested funding for this program. Meanwhile, the SBA has rapidly pushed through a new procurement program that will boost federal contract opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
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The Issue
The Swift Implementation of the Women’s Federal Procurement Program by the U.S. Small Business Administration
If you would like to discuss this initiative, please go to the discussion here.
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Take Action Now!
Follow these steps to get this important legislation implemented NOW!
- Sign the petition - click here. (Go here to see a partial list of those who have already signed their support!)
- Use our Advocacy Center to send an e-mail to SBA and congressional leaders encouraging them to implement P.L. 106-554 the Women's Federal Procurement Program quickly. Include information about you and your business. Go here - then fill in your zip code.
- Use our Advocacy Center to write to the media in your area and tell them about this important story - (be sure and tell them you are in their area) - click here! Just fill in your zip code and proceed.
- Join the National Women’s Lobby Now!
Register your organization as a National Women's Lobby supporter of this initiative - go here. You will be recognized in our campaign.
- Please pass this on to your friends.
The USWCC Testifies Before House Committee. Read the recent USWCC testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee - go here.
Not a member of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce yet? Please support us as we support you. Be part of the national voice for women in business. Join here.
If you would like to discuss this initiative, please go to the discussion here.
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