U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce Vigorously Rejects SBA Proposed Rule for
Implementation of Long-Delayed Women's Contracting Program
The nation's leading economic advocate for women calls for immediate action by
the Court and Congress to reject the SBA's contemptible actions and move to
assure that women receive a fair portion of federal contracting dollars.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "After seven years of
delay, misinformation, and abuse of power, the SBA has now filed a second
proposed rule for the implementation of the long-delayed Women's Federal
Procurement Program," said Margot Dorfman, CEO of the U.S. Women's Chamber of
Commerce (www.uswcc.org). "This proposed rule -- which throws out the bulk of
the findings and recommendations of two prestigious national studies --
clearly continues the dark legacy of the SBA and this Administration's
shameful lack of support for women in business."
In 2000, Congress realized the gross underrepresentation of women
businesses in federal contracting had to end and passed the Equity in
Contracting for Women Act which established a targeted set-aside program for
women-owned small businesses. On October 29, 2004, the U.S. Women's Chamber
of Commerce, in support of its 500,000 members, brought suit against the SBA
for its failure to conduct the study of underrepresented industries and
publish the regulations necessary to implement the women's program. In
December 2005, the Court found in favor of the women's chamber stating that
the SBA had "sabotaged" the implementation of the program.
"The women's chamber believes the recent filing of proposed rules by the
SBA, which strips out the bulk of the findings and recommendations from the
required national studies, is a continuation of the SBA's active sabotage of
the women's contracting program," continues Dorfman. "Each year women
business owners lose over $5.6 billion dollars while unfair contracting
practices remain unchecked. Today, women own thirty percent of all firms in
the U.S. and receive barely more than three percent of federal contracts.
Even so, the SBA claims that women are only underrepresented in federal
contracting in four industries: Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, and Allied
Activities; Household and Institutional Furniture and Kitchen Cabinet
Manufacturing; National Security and International Affairs; and Other Motor
Vehicle Dealers. By dragging their feet for seven years and inappropriately
narrowing the categories for underrepresentation, the SBA has become part of
the problem -- instead of the designated national champion small business."
The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce calls for immediate action by the
Court and Congress to reject the SBA's contemptible actions and move swiftly
to assure that women receive a fair portion of federal contracts.
The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce(TM) is the leading advocate for women
on economic and leadership issues. The USWCC creates opportunities and change
for women by building a strong community voice, lobbying for members, and
providing programs and benefits to support the economic growth of women across
America and around the globe. The USWCC is a not-for-profit 501(c)6
organization founded in 2001; its headquarters offices are located in
Washington, D.C.
SOURCE U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce
Margot Dorfman, USWCC CEO, +1-202-302-3087, +1-888-418-7922 X 1211
