News From the
Committee on Small Business
Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology
Glenn Nye, Chairman

For Immediate Release                                          CONTACT: Clark Pettig (Nye) 202-225-4215
                                                                                                     Alex Haurek; Duncan Neasham
March 12, 2009                                                                                                   (202) 226-3636

Congress to Agencies: Don’t Shortchange Vets on Contracting

WASHINGTON, D.C. —As government agencies begin administering billions of dollars in infrastructure work from the recently passed economic recovery package, key lawmakers today pressed Administration officials to ensure veteran-owned small businesses and service disabled veteran small business owners are able to compete for their fair share of federal contracts. During a hearing before the House Committee on Small Business’ Contracting and Technology Subcommittee, Members of Congress called on the Departments of Transportation, Defense, Energy and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Small Business Administration, to take steps to help veteran entrepreneurs compete in the federal marketplace.

“When veterans perform federal contracting work it is a ‘win-win,’” said Rep. Glenn Nye (D-VA), Chairman of the Contracting and Technology Subcommittee. “We create opportunities for those who have served our nation and, ultimately, the government receives high quality products and services at more competitive prices.”

Lawmakers said veteran entrepreneurs often have skills that make them well suited for the federal marketplace. Given their knowledge of the federal government, they frequently have a unique understanding of what procurement offices’ needs. In addition, a large percentage of the $111 billion in public works contracts generated under the Economic Recovery Act is expected to go to industries where veteran entrepreneurs have traditionally had a strong presence such as engineering, telecommunications, project management, and construction.

“From their time in the service, veterans often have specialized skills sets that make them a natural fit for federal contracting work,” said Nye. “However, even with this unique experience and background, they are often shut out of the contracting process. That’s not good for veterans and it is not good for the taxpayer.”

Members of the Committee said that if veteran owned small businesses are going to compete for contracts, then the agencies administering programs under the economic recovery act will need to proactively reach out to the veterans community. Specifically, lawmakers quizzed agency representatives on what plans the agencies had in place for outreach to the veterans’ community; how they would inform veterans of available contracts; and what resources the agencies intend to make available to help veterans navigate the procurement process.

“If veteran entrepreneurs are going to get a fair shake, then the agencies before us need to be engaged,” said Nye. “This Committee is putting government agencies on notice that we will not accept the tired excuse that the need to move hastily and the sheer volume of contracts resulted in an ‘inadvertent oversight’ of veteran-owned businesses.”

Nye represents Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes the Hampton Roads area. The district is home to the second highest concentration of veterans in the nation. During Thursday’s hearing, three veteran entrepreneurs from Virginia’s 2nd District testified: Mr. Mark Klett of Klett Consulting Group in Virginia Beach; Jim Hart of ARRIBA Corporation in Norfolk; and Ms. Janice Cavolt of JBC Corporation in Virginia Beach.

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To view the hearing, click here.