March 2, 2010
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released a proposed rule aimed at expanding federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses (WOSB).
The SBA has identified 83 industries in which WOSBs are under-represented in the federal contract marketplace. The proposed new rule would give WOSBs more opportunity to compete for federal contracts, and would help agencies reach their statutory goal of awarding 5% of federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses.
"Women-owned small businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of our economy, yet they continue to be under-represented when it comes to federal contracting. Across the country, women are leading strong, innovative companies, and we know that securing federal contracts can be the opportunity that helps them take their businesses to the next level, expand their volume and create good-paying jobs. This proposed rule is a step forward in helping ensure greater access for women- owned small businesses in the federal marketplace."
(Karen Mills, SBA Administrator)
Under the proposed rule, a firm must be 51% owned, controlled and primarily managed by one or more women. The women must be U.S. citizens, and the firm must be "small" in accordance with SBA's size standards.
The proposed rule would authorize a WOSB set-aside for federal contracts up to $3 million ($5 million for manufacturing contracts).
The public may submit comments to this proposed rule until May 3, 2010, to www.regulations.gov or by mailing them to:
Dean Koppel, Assistant Director,
Office of Policy and Research,
Office of Government Contracting,
U.S. Small Business Administration,
409 3rd St. SW,
Washington, DC 20416.
(Reference RIN 3245-AG06)
