While women own and operate nearly 40 percent of all small companies, women-owned firms receive roughly 2 percent of federal procurement contracts. The Clinton-Gore Administration has set a goal of more than doubling women's share of federal contracts to 5 percent. It's a two-way benefit, because with this new procedure, the agency can complete the contract in a matter of days. Agencies are currently required to publish their contracting opportunities in the Commerce Business Daily , wait 30 days to receive bids, and then evaluate all bids. Basic contract awards typically take a minimum 45 days.
More detailed contracts can take much longer.
These solicitations will be done quickly, cutting the time it takes to identify and award the contract to just a few days. The new process should save time and money in the contracting process. The SBA is also encouraging contracting officers to use the agency's Pro- Net database. This is an Internet-based list of more than 177,000 firms willing to do business with the federal government. This initiative should go a long way toward achieving the five percent goal and closing the opportunity.