Mikulski, Senate Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Bolster Women's Contracting

March 8, 2012

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) along with Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Ala.), in conjunction with National Women's History Month, today announced the Fairness in Women-Owned Small Business Contracting Act of 2012, bipartisan legislation to address deficiencies in the Small Business Administration's (SBA) women-owned small business contracting program which Congress directed it to establish over 10 years ago.

"Women make this country run as business owners, entrepreneurs, politicians, mothers and more, but women-owned small businesses have yet to receive their fair share of federal contracting dollars," Senator Mikulski said. "Economic recovery and job creation go hand in hand with small businesses success. To get our economy back on track, we have to ensure a steady supply of jobs right here in our communities. I'm committed to making sure women-owned small businesses have to have the tools they need to succeed."

The Fairness in Women-Owned Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 will provide women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to compete fairly in the federal contracting arena by allowing for receipt of non-competitive contracts when circumstances permit.  Moreover, the legislation would eliminate a restriction on the dollar amount of a contract that women-owned small businesses can compete for, putting them on a level playing field with the other federal small business socio-economic contracting programs.  The federal government has consistently failed to meet its annual women's contracting goal of five percent, and this legislation will assist in satisfying, if not exceeding that goal.  This legislation has already received letters of support (attached) from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) and the U.S. Black Chamber, Inc.

The Senators are introducing this bill to coincide with National Women's History Month, during which time the country recognizes the contributions, feats, and leadership of America's women.  In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women's History Month in perpetuity.  Additionally, a special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women.