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Supporting Small Businesses: Addressing Challenges in Federal Contracting and Procurement
Senator Joni Ernst, a fierce advocate for small businesses, is calling for change in the federal contracting process to level the playing field for America’s entrepreneurs and innovators.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, making up 99.9% of all American businesses and employing nearly half of our nation’s workforce. Despite their significant contributions, small businesses often face daunting challenges when it comes to securing government contracts. Complex contract terms, opaque pricing structures, and burdensome compliance requirements put them at a serious disadvantage compared to larger corporations.
The Biden administration has touted an increase in federal contract dollars awarded to small businesses, but the reality is that the pool of small business contractors is rapidly shrinking. Between Fiscal Year 2007 and Fiscal Year 2023, the number of small businesses receiving government contracts dropped significantly. This trend is particularly concerning in the Department of Defense, which lost 43.1% of its small business vendors in just six years.
To address these challenges, Senator Ernst is championing the Accountability and Clarity in Contracts to Engage Small Suppliers and Small Businesses (ACCESS) Act. This legislation aims to make federal notices, such as contract opportunities, more accessible by requiring them to be written in plain language. The bill also seeks to increase the diversity and number of small businesses that agencies contract with, promoting fair competition in the federal procurement space.
As part of her efforts to support small businesses, Senator Ernst hosted the Entrepreneur Expo in Ames last year, bringing government agencies to the Heartland to educate Iowa’s small businesses on government procurement and federal innovation programs. The event was a success, and Senator Ernst is excited to host it again this year on August 6.
During National Small Business Week, Senator Ernst is committed to reducing red tape and creating an environment that fosters small business growth. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, she is dedicated to fighting against burdensome contract requirements and advocating for the success of our nation’s small business owners.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and Senator Joni Ernst is leading the charge to ensure they have a fair shot at government contracts and opportunities for growth.
