Bonamici & Udall Introduce Bill to Expand Small Business Contracting

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced a bill today that could redirect up to $10 billion in federal contracts to small businesses.

The Assuring Contracting Equity (ACE) Act will provide more opportunities for small businesses to secure new contracts by raising the Small Business Administration’s government-wide contracting goals, including doubling the goals for businesses owned by veterans, women, and economically disadvantaged minorities.

“As I tour small businesses in my district, I am constantly reminded of the critical contribution they make to our communities,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “But too often our small businesses can’t access or are unable to take advantage of federal contracting opportunities. By raising the contracting goal, the government will need to be more proactive in its outreach to small businesses. More contracts will help small businesses grow and hire more workers, empowering them to continue to give back to our communities.”

“Small businesses in New Mexico are a critical part of our state’s economy, and they provide a vital service as contractors for our national labs, military bases and other federal installations. But complex federal rules and competition from larger companies still discourage too many small businesses in New Mexico and across the country from reaching for new contracting opportunities," Senator Udall said. “This is particularly true for very small or new businesses and those owned by veterans, women and minorities. Our bill will provide more contracting opportunities to these small businesses, helping grow our economy and diversify the federal workforce.”