New small business contractors down over decade

Win more business by starting the week with procurement trends, federal opportunities, budget priorities, and policy moves.

Decrease in First-Time Small Business Contractors

Decreasing numbers of first-time federal vendors in three closely watched small business categories — small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, and companies in Historically Underutilized Business zones — are sparking worries about federal agencies’ ability to attract and retain a diverse supplier base.

In an effort to reverse the trend, a House-passed bill (H.R. 7988) from Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) would require the SBA to add counts and achievement scores for new market entrants ...