Executive Order Aids Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

President Bush issued an executive order meant to increase opportunities in federal contracting for small businesses owned by service disabled vets.

Under the order, heads of agencies are to provide significantly more contracting and subcontracting opportunities to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses by more effectively implementing section 15(g) and section 36 of the Small Business Act.

Section 15(g) of the Small Business Act provides that the President must establish a goal of not less than 3 percent for participation by service-disabled veteran businesses in federal contracting. Section 36 gives agency contracting officers the authority to reserve certain procurements for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.

The order also requires the SBA to provide service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses information and assistance concerning participation in federal contracting; advise and assist heads of agencies in their implementation of the order; and make available to service-disabled veteran businesses training in federal contracting law, procedures and practices that would assist such businesses in participating in federal contracting.