Press Releases

(Washington, DC) – Today, the House passed an amendment written by U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to assess small business access to contracts in its annual acquisition review.

Congresswoman Moore said, “Small business growth is essential to our country’s economic growth, and many have trouble securing defense contracts even though they have what it takes to do the job sometimes even at savings to taxpayers.  My amendment helps give small businesses a better shot at these contracts.”

Moore’s amendment is part of the IMPROVE Acquisition Act of 2010, legislation to streamline and improve DOD’s acquisitions process.  Reforms in the legislation are expected to save taxpayers an estimated $27 billion a year.

The overall bill sets up an annual assessment of the department’s acquisition process, including its contractors.  Specifically, Moore’s amendment requires that DOD measure contractors’ use of small businesses, including those owned and operated by veterans, women and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Moore continued, “Requiring the Defense Department to review small business participation in its contracts every year will show us what is working and help us fix what isn’t.”

The bill overwhelmingly passed the House and now goes to the Senate for consideration.