On June 28, 2010 at 1pm EST, the Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Business will hold a public hearing at the auditorium at the Department of Commerce located at 1401 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20230.
To pre-register for the meeting, please email your name, organization or small business that you represent, along with the contact information to SB_TaskForce_Comment@sba.gov. You should also include the topics you are interested in discussing (see below). Those interested in attending should register by June 21, 2010 due to security and limited seating. Please put “registration” in the subject line of the email.
Topics that will be discussed during the hearing include:
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Teaming, Mentor-protege programs and subcontracting – What steps can be taken to increase interest in and participation through use of: a) teaming arrangements and b) mentor-protege programs. How can subcontracting practices, such as tracking and evaluation of subcontracting plans be improved? How can prime contractors be more effectively held responsible for their subcontracting plans?
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Set-asides and Bundling – What aspects, if any, of the rules governing set-asides should be changed? What further guidance might be helpful? What strategies best mitigate the effects of contract bundling? Are there specific examples that might be shared as success stories or models for agencies to follow in mitigating contract bundling?
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Training, outreach and technology – What types of training would improve small businesses’ ability to participate in the Federal marketplace and what are the best ways to deliver this training to the small business community? What Federal organizations do the best job in their small business outreach strategies? What specific practices do they employ that are most helpful? What technology systems and applications are most helpful to small businesses in finding contracting opportunities? What improvements can be made to existing technologies and what new applications might be considered to make doing business with the Federal government easier and more attractive?
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Workforce Training – What is the best way to train individuals in the procurement process? How can we ensure they have the skills needed to serve small businesses?
Minority-owned firms are encouraged to register and discuss specific successes or challenges they have faced in federal government contracting. In addition to participating in the public meeting, interested parties may submit written comments to SB_TaskForce_Comment@sba.gov by June 30. Please put “comment” in the subject line of the email.
The Administration is committed to tapping the talents and skills of small businesses, the engine of our Nation’s economy, and ensuring that they have a fair chance to participate in Federal contracting opportunities.
Posted at 8:00 PM
MBDA Agency
