Aid, counsel, assistance, etc., to small business concerns
The essence of the American economic system of private enterprise is free competition. Only through full and free competition can free markets, free entry into business, and opportunities for the expression and growth of personal initiative and individual judgment be assured. The preservation and expansion of such competition is basic not only to the economic well-being but to the security of this Nation. Such security and well-being cannot be realized unless the actual and potential capacity of small business is encouraged and developed. It is the declared policy of the Congress that the Government should aid, counsel, assist, and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small-business concerns in order to preserve free competitive enterprise, to insure that a fair proportion of the total purchases and contracts or subcontracts for property and services for the Government (including but not limited to contracts or subcontracts for maintenance, repair, and construction) be placed with small-business enterprises, to insure that a fair proportion of the total sales of Government property be made to such enterprises, and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of the Nation.
Assistance to compete in international markets
Aid for agriculturally related industries; financial assistance
It is the declared policy of the Congress that the Government, through the Small Business Administration, should aid and assist small business concerns which are engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries; and the financial assistance programs authorized by this chapter are also to be used to assist such concerns.
Use of assistance programs to establish, preserve, and strengthen small business concerns
Assistance to victims of floods, etc., and those displaced as result of federally aided construction programs
Further, it is the declared policy of the Congress that the Government should aid and assist victims of floods and other catastrophes, and small-business concerns which are displaced as a result of federally aided construction programs.
Findings; purpose
Assistance to disaster victims under disaster loan program
section 636 of this titleIn administering the disaster loan program authorized by , to the maximum extent possible, the Administration shall provide assistance and counseling to disaster victims in filing applications, providing information relevant to loan processing, and in loan closing and prompt disbursement of loan proceeds and shall give the disaster program a high priority in allocating funds for administrative expenses.
Assistance to women owned business
Prohibition on use of funds for individuals not lawfully within United States
None of the funds made available pursuant to this chapter may be used to provide any direct benefit or assistance to any individual in the United States if the Administrator or the official to which the funds are made available receives notification that the individual is not lawfully within the United States.
Contract bundling
Pub. L. 85–536, § 2[2]72 Stat. 384Pub. L. 87–70, title III, § 305(b)75 Stat. 167Pub. L. 87–305, § 675 Stat. 667Pub. L. 93–386, § 2(a)(1)88 Stat. 742Pub. L. 94–305, title I, § 112(a)90 Stat. 667Pub. L. 95–507, title II92 Stat. 1760Pub. L. 96–302, title I, § 118(a)94 Stat. 840Pub. L. 99–272, title XVIII, § 18015(a)100 Stat. 370Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, § 8002102 Stat. 1553Pub. L. 100–533, title I, § 101102 Stat. 2689Pub. L. 100–590, title I, § 118102 Stat. 2999Pub. L. 100–656, title II102 Stat. 3859Pub. L. 101–37, § 6(c)103 Stat. 72Pub. L. 103–403, title VI, § 609108 Stat. 4204Pub. L. 105–135, title IV, § 411111 Stat. 2617Pub. L. 111–240, title I, § 1203(d)124 Stat. 2522(, , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , §§ 201, 203, , , 1763; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , §§ 204, 207(b), , , 3861; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , .)
Editorial Notes
Codification
act July 30, 1953, ch. 28267 Stat. 232June 30, 1955, ch. 251, § 469 Stat. 225Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 62869 Stat. 547Feb. 2, 1956, ch. 2970 Stat. 10Pub. L. 85–471 Stat. 4Pub. L. 85–12071 Stat. 341Pub. L. 85–33572 Stat. 27Section 1 of Pub. L. 85–536Pub. L. 85–536This chapter was originally enacted as title II of , , and designated as the “Small Business Act of 1953”. Title II of act , was amended by acts , ; , ; , §§ 1, 2, ; , , ; , §§ 1, 2, , ; , , . withdrew title II of act , as part of that act, and made title II a separate act to be known as the “Small Business Act”. The Small Business Act, as amended by , is classified to this chapter.
Amendments
Pub. L. 111–2402010—Subsec. (b)(1). , in introductory provisions, inserted “the Administrator of” before “the Small Business Administration” and “through the Associate Administrator for International Trade, and” before “in cooperation with”.
Pub. L. 105–1351997—Subsec. (j). added subsec. (j).
Pub. L. 103–4031994—Subsec. (i). added subsec. (i).
Pub. L. 101–37Pub. L. 100–656, § 207(b)1989—Subsec. (f). made technical correction to directory language of , which did not result in any change in text, see 1988 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 100–4181988—Subsecs. (b), (c). added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).
Pub. L. 100–418Subsec. (d). redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).
Pub. L. 100–656, § 204(b)Pub. L. 100–418Subsec. (d)(2)(A)(v). , which directed amendment of subsec. (c)(2)(A)(v) by striking out “sole source” after “power to let” was executed to subsec. (d)(2)(A)(v) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of subsec. (c) as (d) by .
Pub. L. 100–656, § 204(a)(1)Pub. L. 100–418section 636(j) of this titleSubsec. (d)(2)(B). , which directed general amendment of subsec. (c)(2)(B), was executed to subsec. (d)(2)(B) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of subsec. (c) as (d) by . Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “It is, therefore, the purpose of the programs authorized by to—
“(i) foster business ownership by individuals in groups that own and control little productive capital; and
“(ii) promote the competitive viability of such firms by creating a small business and capital ownership development program to provide such available financial, technical, and management assistance as may be necessary.”
Pub. L. 100–418Subsecs. (e), (f). redesignated subsecs. (d) and (e) as (e) and (f), respectively.
Pub. L. 100–656, § 207(b)Pub. L. 101–37Pub. L. 100–418Subsec. (f)(1)(C). , as amended by , which directed amendment of subsec. (e)(1)(C) by inserting “Native Hawaiian Organizations,” was executed to subsec. (f)(1)(C) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of subsec. (e) as (f) by .
Pub. L. 100–656, § 204(a)(2)Pub. L. 100–418section 637(a) of this titleSubsec. (f)(2). , which directed general amendment of subsec. (e)(2), was executed to subsec. (f)(2) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of subsec. (e) as (f) by . Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “It is, therefore, the purpose of to—
“(A) foster business ownership by individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged;
“(B) promote the competitive viability of such firms by providing such available contract, financial, technical, and management assistance as may be necessary; and
“(C) clarify and expand the program for the procurement by the United States of articles, equipment, supplies, services, materials, and construction work from small business concerns owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”
Pub. L. 100–590, § 118Subsec. (g). , added subsec. (g).
Pub. L. 100–533Subsec. (h). added subsec. (h).
Pub. L. 99–2721986—Subsec. (e)(1)(C). inserted “Indian tribes,”.
Pub. L. 96–3021980—Subsec. (e)(1)(C). included among the disadvantaged minorities Asian Pacific Americans.
Pub. L. 95–507, § 2031978—Subsec. (c). , designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Pub. L. 95–507, § 201Subsec. (e). , added subsec. (e).
Pub. L. 94–3051976—Subsecs. (b) to (d). added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsecs. (b) and (c) as (c) and (d), respectively.
Pub. L. 93–3861974—Subsecs. (b), (c). added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).
Pub. L. 87–3051961—Subsec. (a). inserted “or subcontracts” after “contracts” in two places.
Pub. L. 87–70Subsec. (b). included small-business concerns which are displaced as a result of federally aided construction programs.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Pub. L. 105–135, § 3111 Stat. 2593
Effective Date of 1989 Amendment
Pub. L. 101–37, § 32103 Stat. 77
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Pub. L. 100–656, title VIII, § 803102 Stat. 3899Pub. L. 101–37, § 31103 Stat. 76
In General .—
Special Rules .—
Pub. L. 100–590, title I, § 137102 Stat. 3007
Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, § 8014102 Stat. 1563
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX, § 191895 Stat. 781
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Pub. L. 96–302, title V, § 50794 Stat. 854
Short Title of 2022 Amendment
Pub. L. 117–319, § 1136 Stat. 4424
Pub. L. 117–259, § 1136 Stat. 2387
Pub. L. 117–249, § 1136 Stat. 2350
Pub. L. 117–188, § 1136 Stat. 2203
Pub. L. 117–183, § 1136 Stat. 2180
Pub. L. 117–166, § 1136 Stat. 1365
Short Title of 2021 Amendment
Pub. L. 117–6, § 1135 Stat. 250
Short Title of 2020 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–142, § 1134 Stat. 641
Short Title of 2019 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–70, § 1133 Stat. 1145
Pub. L. 115–416, § 1132 Stat. 5436
Short Title of 2018 Amendment
Pub. L. 115–370, § 1132 Stat. 5105
Pub. L. 115–324, § 1132 Stat. 4444
Pub. L. 115–259, § 1132 Stat. 3664
Pub. L. 115–189, § 1132 Stat. 1492
Short Title of 2016 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–125, title V, § 501130 Stat. 172
Short Title of 2015 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–88, § 1(a)129 Stat. 686
Pub. L. 114–88, div. A, § 1001129 Stat. 687
Pub. L. 114–88, div. B, § 2001129 Stat. 689
Pub. L. 114–38, § 1129 Stat. 437
Short Title of 2011 Amendment
Pub. L. 112–81, div. E, title L, § 5001125 Stat. 1822
Pub. L. 112–17, § 1125 Stat. 221
Short Title of 2010 Amendment
Pub. L. 111–240, § 1124 Stat. 2504
Pub. L. 111–240, title I, § 1101124 Stat. 2507
Pub. L. 111–240, title I, § 1201124 Stat. 2520
Short Title of 2008 Amendment
Pub. L. 110–234, title XII, § 12051122 Stat. 1406Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a)122 Stat. 1664
Pub. L. 110–234Pub. L. 110–246Pub. L. 110–234section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246section 8701 of Title 7[ and enacted identical provisions. was repealed by , set out as a note under , Agriculture.]
Pub. L. 110–186, § 1122 Stat. 623
Short Title of 2007 Amendment
Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, § 8301121 Stat. 204
Short Title of 2004 Amendment
Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, § 1(a)118 Stat. 3441
Short Title of 2001 Amendment
Pub. L. 107–50, § 1115 Stat. 263
Short Title of 2000 Amendment
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [§ 1(a)]114 Stat. 2763
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title I, § 101]114 Stat. 2763
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title II, § 201]114 Stat. 2763
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title V, § 501]114 Stat. 2763
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VI, subtitle A, § 601]114 Stat. 2763
Short Title of 1999 Amendment
Pub. L. 106–165, § 1113 Stat. 1795
Pub. L. 106–50, § 1113 Stat. 233
Pub. L. 106–22, § 1113 Stat. 36
Pub. L. 106–17, § 1113 Stat. 27
Pub. L. 106–8, § 1113 Stat. 13
Short Title of 1998 Amendment
Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title IX, § 901112 Stat. 2681–707
Short Title of 1997 Amendment
Pub. L. 105–135, § 1(a)111 Stat. 2592
Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, § 601111 Stat. 2627
Short Title of 1996 Amendment
Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, § 1(a)110 Stat. 3009–724
Short Title of 1995 Amendment
Pub. L. 104–36, § 1109 Stat. 295
Short Title of 1994 Amendment
Pub. L. 103–403, § 1(a)108 Stat. 4175
Short Title of 1993 Amendment
Pub. L. 103–81, § 1(a)107 Stat. 780
Short Title of 1992 Amendment
Pub. L. 102–564, § 1(a)106 Stat. 4249
Pub. L. 102–564, title I, § 101106 Stat. 4249
Pub. L. 102–564, title II, § 201106 Stat. 4256
Pub. L. 102–366, § 1(a)106 Stat. 986
Pub. L. 102–366, title I, § 101106 Stat. 987
Pub. L. 102–366, title I, § 111106 Stat. 989
Short Title of 1991 Amendment
Pub. L. 102–191, § 1105 Stat. 1589
Short Title of 1990 Amendment
Pub. L. 101–574, § 1104 Stat. 2814
Pub. L. 101–574, title III, § 301104 Stat. 2827
Short Title of 1989 Amendment
Pub. L. 101–37, § 1103 Stat. 70
Short Title of 1988 Amendment
Pub. L. 100–656, § 1(a)102 Stat. 3853
Pub. L. 100–590, § 1(a)102 Stat. 2989
Pub. L. 100–533, § 1102 Stat. 2689Pub. L. 100–533section 417a of Title 41section 131 of Title 13, , , provided in part that “[enacting chapter 97 of this title and , Public Contracts, amending this section and sections 631b, 636, 637, and 1691b of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 636 and 637 of this title, and , Census] may be cited as the ‘Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988’.”
Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, § 8001102 Stat. 1553
Short Title of 1984 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–395, § 198 Stat. 1366
Pub. L. 98–362, § 198 Stat. 431
Pub. L. 98–352, § 198 Stat. 329
Short Title of 1982 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–219, § 196 Stat. 217
Short Title of 1981 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX, § 190195 Stat. 767
Short Title of 1980 Amendment
Pub. L. 96–481, title I, § 11094 Stat. 2323
Pub. L. 96–302, title II, § 20194 Stat. 843
Pub. L. 96–302, title III, § 30194 Stat. 848
Pub. L. 96–302, title V, § 50194 Stat. 850
Short Title of 1978 Amendment
Pub. L. 95–315, § 192 Stat. 377
Short Title of 1974 Amendment
Pub. L. 93–386, § 188 Stat. 742
Short Title of 1967 Amendment
Pub. L. 90–104, title I, § 10181 Stat. 268
Short Title of 1961 Amendment
Pub. L. 87–305, § 175 Stat. 666
Short Title
Pub. L. 85–536, § 2[1]72 Stat. 384, , , provided that this chapter should be known as the “Small Business Act”.
Repeal of Inconsistent Laws
Pub. L. 85–536, § 2[49]72 Stat. 396Pub. L. 96–302, title II, § 20294 Stat. 843Pub. L. 104–121, title II, § 222(1)110 Stat. 860Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, § 602(b)(1)(A)111 Stat. 2629Pub. L. 106–50, title II, § 201(b)(1)113 Stat. 235Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title I, § 111(b)(1)]114 Stat. 2763Pub. L. 108–183, title III, § 308117 Stat. 2662Pub. L. 110–234, title XII, § 12062(1)122 Stat. 1407Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a)122 Stat. 1664Pub. L. 111–240, title I, § 1313(a)(1)124 Stat. 2538Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, § 1641(1)126 Stat. 2076Pub. L. 115–189, § 3(a)(1)132 Stat. 1492
Regulations
Pub. L. 105–135, title IV, § 417111 Stat. 2620
Proposed Regulations .—
Final Regulations .—
Pub. L. 100–590, title I, § 136102 Stat. 3007
Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, § 8013102 Stat. 1563
Separability
Pub. L. 85–536, § 2[19]72 Stat. 396
Authorization of Appropriations
Pub. L. 85–536, § 2[20]72 Stat. 396Pub. L. 87–341, § 11(h)(2)75 Stat. 757Pub. L. 95–89, title I, § 10291 Stat. 553Pub. L. 95–31592 Stat. 379Pub. L. 96–302, title I94 Stat. 833Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX95 Stat. 772–777Pub. L. 98–270, title III98 Stat. 160Pub. L. 98–395, § 398 Stat. 1367Pub. L. 99–272, title XVIII100 Stat. 361Pub. L. 100–72, § 1101 Stat. 477Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII102 Stat. 1556Pub. L. 100–590, title I102 Stat. 2990Pub. L. 101–574, title I104 Stat. 2815Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(2)105 Stat. 406Pub. L. 102–366, title I106 Stat. 987Pub. L. 103–81, § 2107 Stat. 780Pub. L. 103–282, § 1108 Stat. 1422Pub. L. 103–403, title I, § 101108 Stat. 4176Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title II, § 208(i)(2)110 Stat. 3009–747Pub. L. 105–135, title I, § 101111 Stat. 2594Pub. L. 106–9, § 2(b)113 Stat. 17Pub. L. 106–24, § 1(b)113 Stat. 39Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(8) [§ 1(c)]114 Stat. 2763Pub. L. 107–20, title II, § 2203(a)115 Stat. 170Pub. L. 108–217, § 3118 Stat. 591Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, § 121118 Stat. 3446Pub. L. 115–189, § 5132 Stat. 1497Pub. L. 116–260, div. N, title III, § 329(d)134 Stat. 2042
Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program .—
Fiscal Year 2005.—
Program levels .—
Additional authorizations.—
Fiscal Year 2006.—
Program levels .—
Additional authorizations.—
Fiscal YearPurchase and Guarantee Authority Under Title III of Small Business Investment Act of 2004 1958.—
Authority To Increase Amount of General Business Loans.—
In general .—
Notice required before exercising authority .—
Limitation .—
Microloan Program .—
Category Management Training
Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VIII, § 871134 Stat. 3788
In General .—
Use of Curriculum .—
Submission to Congress .—
Category Management Defined .—
Small Business Act Contracting Requirements Training
Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, § 1622(a)126 Stat. 2069
Establishment .—
Course Required .—
Agency Achievement of Small Business Goals
Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, § 1633(b)126 Stat. 2076Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, § 871129 Stat. 939
Responsibility for Achieving Small Business Goals .—
Definitions .—
Loan Application Processing
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VIII, § 801]114 Stat. 2763, , , 2763A–702, required the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to conduct a loan application processing study and to transmit the results to Congress not later than 1 year after .
Service Disabled Veterans
Pub. L. 105–135, title VII111 Stat. 2636–2638
PURPOSES.
DEFINITIONS.
Eligible veteran .—
Small business concern owned and controlled by eligible veterans .—
REPORT BY SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
Study and Report.—
In general .—
Contents .—
Conduct of Study .—
INFORMATION COLLECTION.
“After the date of issuance of the report required by section 703(a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training and the Administrator, engage in efforts each fiscal year to identify small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans in the United States. The Secretary shall inform each small business concern identified under this section that information on Federal procurement is available from the Administrator.
ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING, COUNSELING, AND MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE.
15 U.S.C. 631“The Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans have access to programs established under the Small Business Act [ et seq.] that provide entrepreneurial training, business development assistance, counseling, and management assistance to small business concerns, including, among others, the Small Business Development Center program and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) program.
OUTREACH FOR ELIGIBLE VETERANS.
“The Administrator, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training, shall develop and implement a program of comprehensive outreach to assist eligible veterans, which program shall include business training and management assistance, employment and relocation counseling, and dissemination of information on veterans’ benefits and veterans’ entitlements.”
Transition Reimbursement
Pub. L. 103–403, title IV, § 414108 Stat. 4197, , , authorized payment, for a 90-day period of time, of reasonable amounts of funds to pay salaries and expenses of members and staff of the National Women’s Business Council appointed on or before .
Buy American Preference in Provision of Financial Assistance
Pub. L. 102–366, title I, § 103106 Stat. 988
Feasibility Study of Business Cooperation Network
Pub. L. 101–574, title II, § 233104 Stat. 2825, , , directed Administrator of the Small Business Administration to conduct a study of feasibility of establishing a business cooperation system similar to Business Cooperation Network developed by the European Economic Community, specified the purpose of the study, and directed Administrator, not later than one year after , to transmit to Congress a report containing the results of the study together with recommendations for such legislative and administrative actions as the Administrator considered appropriate.
Development of Women’s Business Enterprise
Pub. L. 100–533, title IV102 Stat. 2694, §§ 401–407, , , as amended, formerly set out as a note under this section, was transferred to chapter 97 (§ 7101 et seq.) of this title.
Disadvantaged Small Businesses
Pub. L. 100–533, title V, § 504102 Stat. 2698
Globalization of Production; Report to Congress
Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, § 8009102 Stat. 1561, , , directed Administrator of Small Business Administration, within one year after , to submit a written report to Committees on Small Business of House of Representatives and Senate, prepared by Administration in conjunction with Bureau of Census and in cooperation with other relevant agencies, that would analyze to extent possible the effect of increased outsourcing and other shifts in production arrangements on small firms, particularly manufacturing firms, within United States subcontractor tier and to extent that such data is not available determine methods by which such data might be collected; assess the impact of specific economic policies, including, but not limited to, procurement, tax and trade policies, in facilitating outsourcing and other international production arrangements; and make recommendations as to changes in Government policy that would improve competitive position of smaller United States subcontractors, including recommendations as to incentives which could be provided to larger corporations to maximize their use of United States subcontractors and assist these subcontractors in changing production and marketing strategies and in obtaining new business in domestic and foreign markets.
National Seminars on Small Business Exports
Pub. L. 102–366, title II, § 224106 Stat. 1000, , , directed Small Business Administration to conduct a National Seminar on Small Business Exports in Buffalo, New York, in connection with the World University Games Buffalo ’93 during July, 1993, in order to develop recommendations designed to stimulate exports from small companies, with such Seminar to build upon the information collected by Administration through previously conducted regional small business trade conferences and prior conference in State of Washington and to specifically consider utility of, and make recommendations regarding, subsequent International Conference on Small Business and Trade.
Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, § 8011102 Stat. 1562, , , directed Small Business Administration to conduct a National Seminar on Small Business Exports within one year after , in order to develop recommendations designed to stimulate exports from small companies.
Appointment of Administrator of Small Business Administration to Trade Policy Committee; Special Trade Assistant for Small Business in Office of United States Trade Representative
Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, § 8012102 Stat. 1563
“It is the sense of the Congress that the interests of the small business community have not been adequately represented in trade policy formulation and in trade negotiations. Therefore, it is the sense of the Congress that the Administrator of the Small Business Administration should be appointed as a member of the Trade Policy Committee and that the United States Trade Representative should consult with the Small Business Administration and its Office of Advocacy in trade policy formulation and in trade negotiations.
“Further, it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Trade Representative would better serve the needs of the small business community with full-time staff assistance with responsibilities for small business trade issues.
“Further, it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Trade Representative should appoint a special trade assistant for small business.”
White House Conference on Small Business
Pub. L. 101–409104 Stat. 885Pub. L. 103–81, § 10107 Stat. 783, , , as amended by , , , directed President to conduct National White House Conference on Small Business not earlier than , and not later than , to increase public awareness of essential contribution of small business, to identify obstacles to small business, to examine status of women and minorities as small business owners, and to develop specific recommendations for action to maintain and encourage economic viability of small business, further provided for creation of White House Conference on Small Business Commission to oversee preparation for Conference, further provided for selection of Conference participants as well as planning and administration of Conference, further provided for final report to be submitted not later than four months after convening of Conference as well as annual follow-up reports by Small Business Administration for three years after submission of final report, and further provided for authorization of appropriations.
Pub. L. 98–27698 Stat. 169, , , directed President to call and conduct a National White House Conference on Small Business not later than , with Conference to submit a final report to President and Congress not more than six months from date on which Conference convened, and with that final report to include finding and recommendations of Conference as well as proposals for any legislative action necessary to implement Conference’s recommendations; and required Small Business Administration to report to Congress annually during the 3-year period following submission of final report on status and implementation of findings and recommendations of Conference.
Asian Pacific Americans as Disadvantaged Minority in 1978
Pub. L. 96–302, title I, § 118(c)(1)94 Stat. 840Pub. L. 96–302, § 118(a)Pub. L. 95–507, § 201, , , provided that 1980 Amendment of subsec. (e)(1)(C) by , which included Asian Pacific Americans among the disadvantaged minorities, shall apply as if included in the 1978 Amendment made by , enacting subsec. (e) of this section.
Assistance to Automobile Dealers; Congressional Findings; Investigation by Administrator; Report to Congress
Pub. L. 96–185, § 1793 Stat. 1335, , , directed Administrator of Small Business Administration to investigate financial problems faced by small automobile dealers and determine what assistance through loans and loan guarantees may be needed to alleviate such problems and to report results of such investigation to Senate and House of Representatives not later than sixty days after .
Definitions
Pub. L. 105–135, § 2111 Stat. 2593
Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, § 2110 Stat. 3009–725
Executive Documents
Executive Order No. 11458
Ex. Ord. No. 11458, , 34 F.R. 4937, which related to a national program for minority business enterprise, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11625, , 36 F.R. 19967, set out below.
Ex. Ord. No. 11625. National Program for Minority Business Enterprise
Ex. Ord. No. 11625, , 36 F.R. 19967, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12007, , 42 F.R. 42839, provided:
The opportunity for full participation in our free enterprise system by socially and economically disadvantaged persons is essential if we are to obtain social and economic justice for such persons and improve the functioning of our national economy.
The Office of Minority Business Enterprise, established in 1969, greatly facilitated the strengthening and expansion of our minority enterprise program. In order to take full advantage of resources and opportunities in the minority enterprise field, we now must build on this foundation. One important way of improving our efforts is by clarifying the authority of the Secretary of Commerce (a) to implement Federal policy in support of the minority business enterprise program; (b) provide additional technical and management assistance to disadvantaged business; (c) to assist in demonstration projects; and (d) to coordinate the participation of all Federal departments and agencies in an increased minority enterprise effort.
NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, it is ordered as follows:
SectionFunctions of the Secretary of Commerce 1. . (a) The Secretary of Commerce (hereinafter referred to as “the Secretary”) shall—
(1) Coordinate as consistent with law the plans, programs, and operations of the Federal Government which affect or may contribute to the establishment, preservation, and strengthening of minority business enterprise.
(2) Promote the mobilization of activities and resources of State and local governments, businesses and trade associations, universities, foundations, professional organizations, and volunteer and other groups towards the growth of minority business enterprises, and facilitate the coordination of the efforts of these groups with those of Federal departments and agencies.
(3) Establish a center for the development, collection, summarization, and dissemination of information that will be helpful to persons and organizations throughout the Nation in undertaking or promoting the establishment and successful operation of minority business enterprise.
(4) Within constraints of law and appropriations therefor, and according to his discretion, provide financial assistance to public and private organizations so that they may render technical and management assistance to minority business enterprises, and defray all or part of the costs of pilot or demonstration projects conducted by public or private agencies or organizations which are designed to overcome the special problems of minority business enterprises or otherwise to further the purposes of this order.
(b) The Secretary, as he deems necessary or appropriate to enable him to better fulfill the responsibilities vested in him by subsection (a), may—
(1) With the participation of other Federal departments and agencies as appropriate, develop comprehensive plans and specific program goals for the minority enterprise program; establish regular performance monitoring and reporting systems to assure that goals are being achieved; and evaluate the impact of Federal support in achieving the objectives established by this order.
(2) Require a coordinated review of all proposed Federal training and technical assistance activities in direct support of the minority enterprise program to assure consistency with program goals and to avoid duplication.
(3) Convene, for purposes of coordination, meetings of the heads of such departments and agencies, or their designees, whose programs and activities may affect or contribute to the purposes of this order.
(4) Convene business leaders, educators, and other representatives of the private sector who are engaged in assisting the development of minority business enterprise or who could contribute to its development, for the purpose of proposing, evaluating and coordinating governmental and private activities in furtherance of the objectives of this order.
(5) Confer with and advise officials of State and local governments.
(6) Provide the managerial and organizational framework through which joint or collaborative undertakings with Federal departments or agencies or private organizations can be planned and implemented.
(7) Recommend appropriate legislative or executive actions.
Sec. 2. [Revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12007, , 42 F.R. 42839.]
SecResponsibilities of Other Federal Departments and Agencies. 3. . (a) The head of each Federal department and agency, or a representative designated by him, when and in the manner so requested by the Secretary, shall furnish information, assistance, and reports to, and shall otherwise cooperate with, the Secretary in the performance of his functions hereunder.
(b) The head of each Federal department or agency shall, when so requested by the Secretary, designate his Under Secretary or such other similar official to have primary and continuing responsibility for the participation and cooperation of that department or agency in matters concerning minority business enterprise.
(c) The officials designated under the preceding paragraph, when so requested, shall review and report to the Secretary upon the policies and programs of the minority business enterprise program, and shall keep the Secretary informed of all proposed budgets, plans and programs of his department or agency affecting minority business enterprise.
(d) The head of each Federal department or agency, or a representative designated by him, shall, to the extent provided under regulations issued by the Secretary after consultation with the official designated in paragraph (b) above, report to the Secretary on any activity that falls within the scope of the minority business enterprise program as defined herein and in those regulations.
(e) Each Federal department or agency shall, within constraints of law and appropriations therefor, continue all current efforts to foster and promote minority business enterprises and to support the program herein set forth, and shall cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce in increasing the total Federal effort.
SecReports. 4. . The Secretary shall, not later than 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, submit to the President a full report of his activities hereunder during the previous fiscal year. Further, the Secretary shall, from time to time, submit to the President his recommendations for legislation or other action as he deems desirable to promote the purposes of this order. Each Federal department or agency shall report to the Secretary as hereinabove provided on a timely basis so that the Secretary may consider such reports for his report and recommendations to the President. Each Federal department or agency shall develop and implement systematic data collection processes which will provide to the Office of Minority Business Enterprise Information Center current data helpful in evaluating and promoting the efforts herein described.
SecPolicies and Standards. 5. . The Secretary may establish such policies, standards, definitions, criteria, and procedures to govern the implementation, interpretation, and application of this order, and generally perform such functions and take such steps as he may deem to be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes and carry out the provisions hereof.
SecDefinitions. 6. . For purposes of this order, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Minority business enterprise” means a business enterprise that is owned or controlled by one or more socially or economically disadvantaged persons. Such disadvantage may arise from cultural, racial, chronic economic circumstances or background or other similar cause. Such persons include, but are not limited to, Negroes, Puerto Ricans, Spanish-speaking Americans, American Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts.
(b) “State” means the States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories and possessions of the United States, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
SecConstruction. 7. . Nothing in this order shall be construed as subjecting any function vested in, or assigned pursuant to law to, any Federal department or agency or head thereof to the authority of any other agent or office exclusively, or as abrogating or restricting any such function in any manner.
SecPrior Executive Order. 8. . Executive Order No. 11458 of , is hereby superseded.
Advisory Council for Minority Enterprise
section 1013 of Title 5For provisions relating to termination of, see Ex. Ord. No. 12007, , 42 F.R. 42839, formerly set out as a note under , Government Organization and Employees.
section 1013 of Title 5Term of the Advisory Council for Minority Enterprise extended until , see Ex. Ord. No. 11948, , 41 F.R. 55705, formerly set out as a note under , Government Organization and Employees.
Executive Order No. 12061
section 1013 of Title 5Ex. Ord. No. 12061, , 43 F.R. 21865, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12091, , 43 F.R. 51373, which related to the Small Business Conference Commission, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12258, , 46 F.R. 1251, formerly set out as a note under , Government Organization and Employees.
Executive Order No. 12269
Ex. Ord. No. 12269, , 46 F.R. 4673, which established a seven member President’s Committee on Small Business Policy to advise the President on appropriate responses to the recommendations of the White House Conference on Small Business, designated the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to perform the functions of the President under Federal advisory committee provisions, and terminated the Committee on , was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12553, , 51 F.R. 7237.
Ex. Ord. No. 12432. Minority Business Enterprise Development
Ex. Ord. No. 12432, , 48 F.R. 32551, provided:
40 U.S.C. 486(a)40 U.S.C. 121(a)By virtue of the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including Section 205(a) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 () [now ], in order to provide guidance and oversight for programs for the development of minority business enterprise pursuant to my statement of concerning Minority Business Development; and to implement the commitment of the Federal government to the goal of encouraging greater economic opportunity for minority entrepreneurs, it is hereby ordered as follows:
SectionMinority Business Development Plans 1. . (a) Minority business enterprise development plans shall be developed by each Federal agency having substantial procurement or grantmaking authority. Such agencies shall submit these plans to the Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade on an annual basis.
Public Law 95–507(b) These annual plans shall establish minority enterprise development objectives for the participating agencies and methods for encouraging both prime contractors and grantees to utilize minority business enterprises. The plans shall, to the extent possible, build upon the programs administered by the Minority Business Development Agency and the Small Business Administration, including the goals established pursuant to [see Tables for classification].
(c) The Secretary of Commerce and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade, shall establish uniform guidelines for all Federal agencies to be utilized in establishing the minority business programs set forth in Section 2 of this Order.
(d) The participating agencies shall furnish an annual report regarding the implementation of their programs in such form as the Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade may request, and at such time as the Secretary of Commerce shall designate.
(e) The Secretary of Commerce shall provide an annual report to the President, through the Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade, on activities under this Order and agency implementation of minority business development programs.
SecMinority Business Development Responsibilities of Federal Agencies. 2. . (a) To the extent permitted by law and consistent with its primary mission, each Federal agency which is required to develop a minority business development plan under Section 1 of this Order shall, to accomplish the objectives set forth in its plan, establish programs concerning provision of direct assistance, procurement assistance, and management and technical assistance to minority business enterprises.
Section 211 of Public Law 95–50715 U.S.C. 637(d)(b) Each Federal agency shall, to the extent permitted by law and consistent with its primary mission, establish minority business development programs, consistent with [amending ] to develop and implement incentive techniques to encourage greater minority business subcontracting by Federal prime contractors.
(c) Each Federal agency shall encourage recipients of Federal grants and cooperative agreements to achieve a reasonable minority business participation in contracts let as a result of its grants and agreements. In cases where State and local governments are the recipients, such encouragement shall be consistent with principles of federalism.
(d) Each Federal agency shall provide the Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade such information as it shall request from time to time concerning the agency’s progress in implementing these programs.
Ex. Ord. No. 12523. National White House Conference on Small Business
Ex. Ord. No. 12523, , 50 F.R. 26963, provided:
Public Law 98–276By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, and in order to implement the White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act () [set out above] it is hereby ordered as follows:
5 U.S.C. 1001Notwithstanding the provisions of any other Executive order, the functions of the President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act [see et seq.] applicable to the White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act, except that of reporting annually to the Congress, shall be performed by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration in accordance with the guidelines and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.
Ex. Ord. No. 12928. Promoting Procurement With Small Businesses Owned and Controlled by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Minority Institutions
Ex. Ord. No. 12928, , 59 F.R. 48377, provided:
15 U.S.C. 63720 U.S.C. 1135dBy the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to enforce rigorously the letter and spirit of public laws that promote increased participation in Federal procurement by Small Businesses Owned and Controlled by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SDBs) as described in section 8 of the Small Business Act (), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as described in 34 C.F.R. 608.2, and Minority Institutions (MIs) as referred to in sections 1046(3) and 316(b)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (-5(3) and 1059c(b)(1), respectively), it is hereby ordered as follows:
SectionPolicy Statement 1. . It is the policy of the United States Government that all department and agency heads and all Federal employees involved in the procurement of any and all goods and services shall assist SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs, as applicable, to develop viable, self-sustaining businesses capable of competing on an equal basis in the mainstream of the American economy. To that end, all Federal personnel shall commit to the letter and spirit of all laws promoting the participation of SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs in Federal procurement. The laws promote:
15 U.S.C. 637(a)(a) the award of contracts to SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs through the Small Business Administration Section 8(a) [] Program, the Department of Defense Small and Disadvantaged Business Program, other agency programs, and through other specific statutory authority or appropriate means;
(b) the establishment of particular goals for SDBs, HBCUs, or MIs on an agency-by-agency basis and the requirement that prime contractors and other recipients of Federal funds attain similar goals in their procurement; and
(c) the establishment of other mechanisms that ensure that SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs have a fair opportunity to participate in Federal procurement.
SecAttainment of Goals15 U.S.C. 644(g). 2. . All departments and agencies are required by law to establish participation goals of not less than 5 percent () or a greater percentage where otherwise required by law, as further provided in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Letter No. 91–1 of . Although the Federal Government has made substantial strides toward meeting established SDB, HBCU, and MI participation goals, certain departments and agencies have from time to time failed to aggressively pursue such goals. Department and agency heads are henceforth directed to execute, implement, and otherwise aggressively strive to fulfill the statutorily-mandated procurement participation goals. In addition, all departments and agencies are encouraged to set reasonable participation goals that exceed statutory requirements, to the extent permitted by law.
SecSubcontracting Plans15 U.S.C. 637(d). 3. . The Small Business Act, () and other related laws require certain prime contractors to maximize the use of SDBs in subcontracting plans and strive to achieve stated goals through prime contractors’ subcontracting practices. Department and agency heads are directed to aggressively enforce these prime contractors’ obligations to maximize awards of subcontracts to eligible SDBs.
SecOffice of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (“OSDBU”).. 4.
15 U.S.C. 644(k)15 U.S.C. 644(k)(3)(a) Section 15(k) of the Small Business Act () establishes in each Federal department and agency an OSDBU and requires that the Director of the OSDBU “be responsible only to, and report directly to, the head of such agency or to the deputy of such head” (). To the extent not prohibited by law, each department and agency shall ensure that the aforementioned direct reporting requirements are henceforth vigorously enforced.
(b) Because of the importance of the OSDBU function, each department and agency shall also, to the extent not prohibited by law, comply with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Letter No. 79–1 of , which provides implementation guidance on section 15k [15(k)] and the organizational placement and functions of the OSDBU.
SecAnti-fraud Enforcement. 5. . All department and agency heads shall ensure that in enforcing the laws and requirements mentioned in this order, Federal benefits or contracts intended for SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs are not awarded to entities that are not legitimate SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs. Department and agency anti-fraud enforcement, however, shall not diminish agency vigor in achieving the aforementioned participation goals, which exist to promote the development of legitimate SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs. Nothing herein is intended to change self-certification requirements.
SecPeriodic Reports to the President. 6. . The Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy shall report to the President periodically on the progress of all departments and agencies in complying with the laws and requirements mentioned in this order.
SecIndependent Agencies. 7. . Independent agencies are requested to comply with the provisions of this order.
Sec. 8. This order shall be effective immediately.
Ex. Ord. No. 13169. Assistance to Small Business Exporters and Dislocated Workers
Ex. Ord. No. 13169, , 65 F.R. 60581, provided:
15 U.S.C. 631et seq29 U.S.C. 2801et seq19 U.S.C. 2271et seq19 U.S.C. 2101By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Small Business Act, ., the Workforce Investment Act, [former] ., and the Trade Act of 1974, . [ et seq.], and in order to assist small businesses, including businesses headed by underserved populations, in participating in the export of products, and to expedite the delivery of adjustment assistance to dislocated workers, it is hereby ordered as follows:
SectionPolicy 1. . By its accession to the World Trade Organization, the People’s Republic of China will be required to open its markets to a wide range of products and services provided by Americans. In addition, the United States has recently enacted a new law to facilitate trade with the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean Basin. Federal agencies should take steps to assist small businesses, including businesses headed by underserved populations, in capitalizing on these new opportunities. The agencies should also take steps to assist workers who lose their jobs as a result of competition from imports in their efforts to secure adjustment assistance benefits for which they are eligible.
SecInteragency Task Force on Small Business Exportset seq. 2. . (a) The Secretaries of Commerce and Labor, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the United States Trade Representative, and the Chairman of the Export-Import Bank shall, within 60 days from the date of this order, establish an interagency task force through the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC). The task force shall facilitate exports by United States small businesses, including businesses headed by underserved populations, particularly with respect to the People’s Republic of China and the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean Basin. The TPCC shall submit an annual report to the President on the functions carried out by this task force during the preceding year. As part of its work, the task force shall assess the extent to which the establishment of permanent normal trade relations with the People’s Republic of China, and the United States enactment of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, 19 U.S.C.A. 3701 ., and the United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, 19 U.S.C.A. 2701 note, may contribute to the creation of export opportunities for small businesses including businesses headed by underserved populations.
(b) For the purposes of this order, “businesses headed by underserved populations” means businesses headed by women or minorities, and/or located in rural communities.
SecExpedited Response to Worker Dislocation. 3. . (a) The Secretary of Labor shall expedite the Federal response to worker dislocation through the Workforce Investment Act and the Trade Adjustment Assistance program by proactively seeking information, from a variety of sources, on actual or prospective layoffs, including the media and community and labor union members, and by sharing such information with appropriate state workforce officials. In addition, the Department of Labor (Labor) shall undertake a number of proactive steps to support public outreach activities aimed at workers, employers, the media, local officials, the community, and labor organizations and their members to improve awareness of the adjustment assistance available through Labor programs, including, but not limited to:
29 U.S.C. 2101et seq(1) developing a set of methods to inform employers of the services available through Labor workforce programs, which will explain the requirements of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, ., and provide information on worker adjustment programs, including the Trade Adjustment Assistance and the basic dislocated worker programs, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to minimize the affects of work layoffs;
(2) improving websites and other modes of communication to provide basic information on dislocated worker and Trade Adjustment Assistance program contacts at the State and local level;
(3) developing a National Toll-Free Help Line to provide universal, accurate, and easy access to information about public workforce services to workers and employers;
(4) providing on-site technical assistance, in partnership with other Federal agencies, when there are layoffs or closures with multi-State impact, or when there are dislocations with significant community impact (such as areas that have been affected by numerous layoffs of apparel and textile workers);
(5) informing States directly when a secondary worker impact has been affirmed by Labor; and
(6) to the extent permitted by law, and subject to the availability of appropriations, providing funding or an outreach campaign for secondary workers (i.e., individuals indirectly affected by increased imports from other countries).
(b) The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, shall report annually on the employment effects of the establishment of permanent normal trade relations with the People’s Republic of China.
SecJudicial Review. 4. . This order does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the United States, its officers, its employees, or any other person.
Ex. Ord. No. 13360. Providing Opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran Businesses To Increase Their Federal Contracting and Subcontracting
Ex. Ord. No. 13360, , 69 F.R. 62549, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to strengthen opportunities in Federal contracting for service-disabled veteran businesses, it is hereby ordered as follows:
SectionPolicy15 U.S.C. 644(g)15 U.S.C. 657f 1. . America honors the extraordinary service rendered to the United States by veterans with disabilities incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during active service with the armed forces. Heads of agencies shall provide the opportunity for service-disabled veteran businesses to significantly increase the Federal contracting and subcontracting of such businesses. To achieve that objective, agencies shall more effectively implement section 15(g) of the Small Business Act (), which provides that the President must establish a goal of not less than 3 percent for participation by service-disabled veteran businesses in Federal contracting, and section 36 of that Act (), which gives agency contracting officers the authority to reserve certain procurements for service-disabled veteran businesses.
SecDuties of Agency Heads. 2. . To implement the policy set forth in section 1, heads of agencies shall:
(a) develop a strategy to implement the policy set forth in section 1;
(b) make the agency’s strategy publicly available and report annually to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration on implementation of the agency’s strategy;
(c) designate a senior-level official who shall be responsible for developing and implementing the agency’s strategy;
(d) include development and implementation of the agency’s strategy and achievements in furtherance of the strategy as significant elements in any performance plans of the agency’s designated agency senior-level official, chief acquisition officer, and director of small and disadvantaged business utilization; and
(e) include in the agency’s strategy plans for:
(i) reserving agency contracts exclusively for service-disabled veteran businesses;
(ii) encouraging and facilitating participation by service-disabled veteran businesses in competitions for award of agency contracts;
(iii) encouraging agency contractors to subcontract with service-disabled veteran businesses and actively monitoring and evaluating agency contractors’ efforts to do so;
(iv) training agency personnel on applicable law and policies relating to participation of service-disabled veteran businesses in Federal contracting; and
(v) disseminating information to service-disabled veteran businesses that would assist these businesses in participating in awards of agency contracts.
SecAdditional Duties of Administrator of the Small Business Administration. 3. . The Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall:
(a) designate an appropriate entity within the Small Business Administration that shall, in coordination with the Veterans Affairs’ Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE), provide to service-disabled veteran businesses information and assistance concerning participation in Federal contracting;
(b) advise and assist heads of agencies in their implementation of section 2 of this order; and
(c) make available to service-disabled veteran businesses training in Federal contracting law, procedures, and practices that would assist such businesses in participating in Federal contracting.
SecAdditional Duties of Administrator of General Services. 4. . The Administrator of General Services shall:
(a) establish a Government-wide Acquisition Contract reserved for participation by service-disabled veteran businesses; and
(b) assist service-disabled veteran businesses to be included in Federal Supply Schedules.
SecAdditional Duties of the Secretary of Defense. 5. . The Secretary of Defense shall direct the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) to develop training on contracting with service-disabled veteran businesses and make this training available on line through the DAU continuous learning program.
SecAdditional Duties of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 6. . The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assist agencies by making available services of the CVE and assist in verifying the accuracy of contractor registration databases with regard to service-disabled veteran businesses.
SecAdditional Duties of the Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 7. . The Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, respectively, direct the Transition Assistance Program and the Disability Transition Assistance Program to educate separating service members as to the benefits available to service-disabled veteran businesses and as to potential entrepreneurial opportunities.
SecDefinitions. 8. . As used in this order:
section 105 of title 5(a) the term “agency” means an “executive agency” as that term is defined in , United States Code, excluding an executive agency that has fewer than 500 employees, the Government Accountability Office, or a Government corporation;
(b) the term “service-disabled” means, with respect to disability, that the disability was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active service in the United States Armed Forces;
38 U.S.C. 101(2)38 U.S.C. 101(16)(c) the term “service-disabled veteran” means a veteran, as defined in , with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in ;
15 U.S.C. 632(q)(d) the term “service-disabled veteran business” means a small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, as defined in section 3(q) of the Small Business Act (); and
15 U.S.C. 632(a)(e) the term “small business concern” has the meaning specified in section 3(a) of the Small Business Act () and the definitions and standards issued under that section.
SecGeneral Provisions. 9. . (a) Heads of agencies shall carry out duties assigned by sections 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this order to the extent consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(b) To the extent permitted by law, an agency shall disclose personally identifying information on service-disabled veterans to other agencies who require such information in order to discharge their responsibilities under this order.
(c) An agency that consists of a multi-member commission shall implement this order to the extent it determines appropriate to the accomplishment of the agency’s mission.
(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities or entities, its officers, employees or agents, or any other person.
Establishing an Interagency Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses
Memorandum of President of the United States, , 75 F.R. 22499, provided:
Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies
The Federal Government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services, with purchases totaling over $500 billion per year. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) and other national investments are providing new opportunities for small businesses to compete for Federal contracts, and it is critical that these investments tap into the talents and skills of a broad cross-section of American business and industry. Small businesses must be able to participate in the Nation’s economic recovery, including businesses owned by women, minorities, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and service-disabled veterans of our Armed Forces. These businesses should be able to compete and participate effectively in Federal contracts.
The Congress has established a number of statutory goals designed to help small businesses compete for Federal contracts. In addition to the goal of awarding at least 23 percent of all Federal prime contracting dollars to small businesses, the Congress also established Government-wide contracting goals for participation by small businesses that are located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (at least 3 percent) or that are owned by women (at least 5 percent), socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (at least 5 percent), and service-disabled veterans (at least 3 percent). These aspirational goals help ensure that all Americans share in the jobs and opportunities created by Federal procurement.
In recent years, the Federal Government has not consistently reached its small business contracting goals. Although we have made some progress—particularly with respect to Recovery Act contracts—more work can and should be done. I am committed to ensuring that small businesses, including firms owned by women, minorities, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and service-disabled veterans, have fair access to Federal Government contracting. Indeed, where small businesses have the capacity to do more, we should strive to exceed the statutory goals. While Chief Acquisition Officers and Senior Procurement Executives have many priorities, small business contracting should always be a high priority in the procurement process.
Obtaining tangible results will require an honest and accurate accounting of our progress so that we can have transparency and accountability through Federal small business procurement data. Additionally, we must expand outreach strategies to alert small firms to Federal contracting opportunities.
In order to coordinate executive departments’ and agencies’ efforts towards ensuring that all small businesses have a fair chance to participate in Federal contracting opportunities, it is hereby ordered as follows:
SectionEstablishment 1. . There is established an Interagency Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses (Task Force). The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (Director), and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (Administrator) shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Task Force and shall direct its work.
SecMembership. 2. . In addition to the Secretary, the Director, and the Administrator, the Task Force shall consist of the following members:
(i) the Secretary of the Treasury;
(ii) the Secretary of Defense;
(iii) the Attorney General;
(iv) the Secretary of Labor;
(v) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;
(vi) the Secretary of Transportation;
(vii) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;
(viii) the Secretary of Homeland Security;
(ix) the Administrator of General Services;
(x) the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(xi) the Director of the Minority Business Development Agency;
(xii) the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
(xiii) the Director of the Domestic Policy Council;
(xiv) the Director of the National Economic Council;
(xv) the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers; and
(xvi) the heads of such other executive departments, agencies, and offices as the President may, from time to time, designate.
A member of the Task Force may designate, to perform the Task Force functions of the member, one or more senior officials who are part of the member’s department, agency, or office, and who are full-time officers or employees of the Federal Government.
SecFunctions. 3. . The Task Force shall provide to the President, not later than 120 days after the date of this memorandum, proposals and recommendations for:
(i) using innovative strategies, such as teaming, to increase opportunities for small business contractors and utilizing and expanding mentorship programs, such as the mentor-protégé program;
(ii) removing barriers to participation by small businesses in the Federal marketplace by unbundling large projects, improving training of Federal acquisition officials with respect to strategies for increasing small business contracting opportunities, and utilizing new technologies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Federal program managers, acquisition officials, and the Directors of Offices of Small Business Programs and Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, their managers, and procurement center representatives in identifying and providing access to these opportunities;
(iii) expanding outreach strategies to match small businesses, including firms located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones and firms owned and controlled by women, minorities, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and service-disabled veterans of our Armed Forces, with contracting and subcontracting opportunities; and
(iv) establishing policies, including revision or clarification of existing legislation, regulations, or policies, that are necessary or appropriate to effectuate the objectives of this memorandum.
SecUsing Technology to Improve Transparency and Accountability. 4. . Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, the Assistant to the President and Chief Technology Officer and the Federal Chief Information Officer, in coordination with the Task Force, shall develop a website that illustrates the participation of small businesses, including those owned by women, minorities, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and service-disabled veterans of our Armed Forces, in Federal contracting. To foster greater accountability and transparency in, and allow oversight of, the Federal Government’s progress, this website shall be designed to encourage improved collection, verification, and availability of Federal procurement data and provide accurate data on the Federal Government’s progress in ensuring that all small businesses have a fair chance to participate in Federal contracting opportunities.
SecOutreach. 5. . In developing its recommendations, the Task Force shall conduct outreach with representatives of small businesses and small business associations.
SecGeneral Provisions. 6. . (a) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of any necessary appropriations.
(b) This memorandum does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(c) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall assist and provide information to the Task Force, consistent with applicable law, as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Task Force. Each executive department and agency shall bear its own expenses of participating in the Task Force.
(d) The Director is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.