The RAND Corporation has announced the release of a study examining the representation of women-owned small businesses (WOSB) in the procurement of government contracts throughout various industries. This independent analysis based on National Academy of Sciences guidance was conducted by the RAND Corporation at the request of the SBA in order to determine areas in which a gender-based preferential contracting program could be applied as required by Congressional mandate contained in the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000.
"The SBA looks forward to reviewing the findings so that we can identify how to improve government contracting opportunities for WOSBs," said Dr. Paul Hsu, SBA's Associate Administrator for Government Contracting and Business Development. "It is a priority for the agency to advocate on behalf of America's female entrepreneurs and increase its outreach to them, especially on government contracting issues."
In addition to commissioning the study, SBA has moved to publish a final rule implementing the setaside program by the 3rd quarter of 2007. Meanwhile, many resources are available to help WOSBs seeks contracts at federal agencies, such as Small Business Development Centers, Women Business Centers, SCORE, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers and the Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization Centers.
Over the last several years, WOSBs have won a greater share of the federal procurement pie. Prime contract dollars going to WOSBs increased from $4.6 billion in FY 2000 to $10.5 billion in FY 2005, while subcontracting dollars increased from $3.6 billion in FY 2000 to over $6 billion in FY 2003.
"Women are playing an increasingly significant role in strengthening the nation's economic growth through entrepreneurial ventures and small business development," said Dr. Hsu. "SBA is proud to have helped thousands of female small business owners get their start, obtain advice or participate in one of our educational programs. We are committed to providing them with the assistance they need to help their business succeed."
To view the study, please visit www.rand.org.
Washington - April 27, 2007
Release Number: 07-27
Contact: Christine Mangi, (202) 205-6948
Information courtesy of the Small Business Administration.
