Conduct Small Disadvantaged Business Set-Asides

Authorize civilian agencies to conduct small disadvantaged business
setasides.

The Small Business Act should be amended to give civilian agencies the
same authority that DOD currently has for establishing its own setaside
competitions. The legislative amendments should be structured to ensure
the continued support of the 8(a) program by precluding agencies from
reducing the number and dollar value of 8(a) contracts. Giving civilian
agencies the same authority as DOD to seek small disadvantaged business
participation has three benefits: (1) the federal manager has a wider
range of choice on capability and cost, (2) agencies are in a better
position to meet their 8(a) goals, and (3) small disadvantaged
businesses potentially gain greater access to federal business.