Increasing Small Business Role in the Defense Marketplace

Yesterday, we reported on SBA's small business contracting goals and fiscal year 2010 report cards. DoD, by far the largest buyer of goods and services of any agency, scored a 'B', meaning they achieved 90 to 99 percent of their overall targets. On Monday, DoD issued instructions to its acquisition community to strive harder to meet its 2011 targets.

Specifically, DoD instructed contracting officers to use market research to identify the capabilities of small businesses and new entrants into the marketplace. Additionally, contracting officers were reminded to follow specific FAR procedures to ensure that agency small business specialists and SBA procurement center representatives are fully engaged in the acquisition planning process. Reviewing future acquisition requirements at least annually with the small business specialists should assist in identifying procurement opportunities for small businesses.

Finally, contracting officers were reminded to review the small business subcontracting plans of prime contractors and incorporate those plans (i.e. goals) into prime contracts. Fee arrangements are sometimes predicated on meeting small business subcontracting targets.

All in all, with so much emphasis these days on increasing small business participation in the acquisition of goods and services, it is a good time to be a small business.