SBA Administrator Karen Mills and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke unveiled a government-wide plan that will focus on increasing access to contracting opportunities for minority, veteran and women-owned businesses.
As part of the initiative, over the next 90 days, federal agency procurement officials will hold or participate in more than 200 events to share information on government contracting opportunities, including those available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The SBA and Commerce department said it will expand their outreach to fellow contracting officials across the federal government, passing along best practices for outreach and education to every agency to ensure they have the tools they need to meet their annual contracting goals. Beyond the next 90 days, the two agencies said it will monitor and track the impact of these efforts going forward to help ensure the Obama administration is maximizing opportunities for small businesses.
Locke and Mills will promote small business contracting opportunities in remarks, events and discussions with small business groups across the country, including minority, women and veteran groups, according to the SBA.
Mills was recently added as one of the speakers at NAFCU's Congressional Caucus to be held Sept. 20-23 in Washington.
