Secretary of Defense advocates small business contracts

9/2/2011

The U.S. Department of Defense is committed to helping America's small businesses strengthen the economy, and is making strides to foster growth through awarding contracts to such companies.

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, who is President Barack Obama's primary defense policy adviser and the head of department policy making, recently issued a memorandum explaining the agency's intention to meet small business contract goals for the 2011 fiscal year.

"With only six weeks left in theis fiscal year," Panetta explained, "we are falling short of meeting our department-wide small business contracting goal of 22.3 percent."

He has tasked Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Ashton Carter with offering guidance to those involved in acquisitions on ways to meet that goal.

"I therefore urge you and everyone in your organization who is involved in the acquisition process," Panetta addressed agency leaders, "to review all planned acquisitions for the remainder of the year to identify opportunities for increase contracting with small businesses."

Companies interested in military contracts can look into the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Government Contracting. SBA lending and programs have helped countless small businesses realize growth and stability.