seizing federal contract opportunities

Startling Truths

Women-Owned Firms = almost 30%; federal contract

awards to Women-Owned Firms = just over 3%

Legislation for set-asides for Women-Owned Firms took

more than a decade to be finalized

Considerable room for improvement in implementation

Several areas of concern over equitable treatment

The Federal government has NEVER met the 5%

contracting award goal for Women-Owned Businesses

Copyright 2012 Pivotal Practices Consulting LLC

Areas for Improvement

Reduce administrative burden on Contracting Officers

Improve available training

Provide clear, accurate guidance in the CO Handbook

Decrease reliance on preferred vendors

Enhance accountability of agency procurement officials for strengthening role of agency small business liaison offices/representatives


Equity Concerns

Limited NAICS Codes

Contract award caps are disproportionately low

Lack of sole source award authority

Lack of SBA feedback on self-certification

documentation sufficiency


Keys to

Success

PreparationResearch & Advocacy

NetworkingFollow-

Through


In Summary

Federal contract awards to women owned firms is disproportionately low and fails to meet program goals.

Key improvements to program implementation are critical.

Additional legislative changes would bring parity among all set-aside programs.

Women can take immediate steps to improve our competitiveness for federal contract dollars.


A Mutually

Rewarding

Relationship

What the

USWCC Can Do for You

What You

Can Do for the

USWCC

• Advocacy

• Outreach

• Certification

• Networking

• Education

• Business

Services

• Membership

• Involvement

• Participation

• Representa-

tion


Get involved!

www.uswcc.org

www.womenledeconomy.com

“The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce is the independent force behind an economic revolution in America.”


http://www.uswcc.org

http://www.womenledeconomy.com