Mark Kelly: “I rise in support of H.R. 4945, the Small Business Competition Preservation Act of 2000. Small businesses are a key…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4945, the Small Business Competition Preservation Act of 2000. Small businesses are a key factor in the growth of the American economy, and women-owned businesses are a vital element. Nevertheless, there remains one sector of the American economy in which small businesses in general and women-owned businesses face difficulty entering: the provision of goods and services to the Federal Government. Congress has enacted goals for small business participation of 20 percent and for women-owned businesses 5 percent. Not one Federal agency has met either of these goals. Despite the goals, Federal agencies and, in particular the Department of Defense, have instituted procurement policies that are more focused on alleged efficiencies in the procurement system than in meeting the statutory goals. By putting together and bundling a number of requirements into one contract, the Federal agencies erect a barrier to participation by small businesses. I have cosponsored H.R. 4945 because I believe it is a necessary step in eliminating unnecessary contract bundling.”