Washington, DC –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) applauded action by the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Thursday, unanimously approving S. 2989, the
Small Business Contracting Revitalization Act of 2010.
The bill includes key provisions authored by Senator Cardin designed to maximize contracting opportunities for small businesses and create jobs.
“Ensuring that small businesses have access to government contracts is one of the most effective ways to expand opportunities and create jobs. Small businesses create two-thirds of our nation’s new jobs annually and account for more than half of America’s workforce but small businesses need capital and they need customers. Wherever possible, federal agencies should be looking to small businesses first to fulfill their contracting needs.”
“I want to thank Chairman Landrieu for moving forward this bill that is so vital for small businesses, particularly in Maryland. I was proud to work with her to strengthen the provisions that would prevent federal agencies from consolidating contracts totaling more than $2 million, as well as those designed to ensure federal agencies reach the previously set goals for contracting with small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran owned and HUBZones. In addition, the legislation now requires that each agency review its procurement or acquisition strategy to ensure small businesses are not inherently placed at a disadvantage.
Federal agencies need to spend tax dollars wisely. Contracting with small businesses gets the job done, while investing in our local communities with new jobs and expanded income.”
The
Small Business Contracting Revitalization Act of 2010
will:
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Require agencies to consider small businesses when placing orders on large contracts;
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Close many loopholes that give big businesses an unfair advantage;
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Add protections for small firms and sub-contractors;
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Reduce bundled contracts by reserving more contracts for small business concerns; and
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Shine light on which agencies bundle and why.
