Officials expand opportunities for small businesses

5/7/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- President Obama signed two executive orders April 26 that focus additional resources on providing new opportunities for small businesses to compete for federal contracts.

Noting that "more work can and should be done" to help ensure the federal government meets its small business contracting goals, the executive orders define how government departments and agencies are to coordinate their efforts in making small business contracting a high priority in the procurement process.

One of the executive orders is dedicated to assisting veteran-owned small businesses. It seeks to "improve capital, business development opportunities and pre-established Federal contracting goals for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans and service-disabled veterans."

"Airmen, in particular, have the military training and experience that increases their ability to be successful small-business owners and provide capabilities and solutions back to the mission," said John Caporal, Air Force small business deputy director.

He added that many veteran Airmen inherently have the innovation, risk-taking skills and level-headedness to competently run an organization.

Leaders at all levels are increasing awareness of the efficiencies that small businesses bring to the mission.

Two interagency task forces (one for each executive order) are responsible for coordinating administrative and regulatory activities. Each task force is charged with a number of objectives, including expanding outreach strategies to match small businesses with contracting opportunities.

The task forces also will analyze how small businesses develop, expand access to capital and offer advice to help them stay afloat and obtain federal contracts.

"Over the past 15 years, 64 percent of all new jobs created were created by small businesses," Mr. Caporal said. "The positive impact of empowering small businesses is significant to veterans and to our nation's economy."

Communication between Air Force representatives and members of the small business community is vital to expanding opportunities for all types of small business, including companies located in historically underutilized business zones and firms owned and controlled by women, minorities, veterans and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Among the priorities of Air Force Small Business Program officials is need to increase the awareness of how small businesses make an invaluable contribution to Air Force mission, not only by meeting statutory, statistical goals but by ensuring warfighters have access to a comprehensive set of capabilities in support of Air Force priorities.

As stated in the Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses executive order, "Indeed, where small businesses have the capacity to do more, we should strive to exceed the statutory goals."

For more information about the Air Force Office of Small Business, visit www.airforcesmallbiz.org.

(Tim Dzyacky, Air Force Small Business Programs Office, also contributed to this story.)