SmallBusinessNewz

Small businesses received a record 96.8 billion in federal prime contracts in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 (Oct. 1, 2008-Sept. 30, 2009), an increase of more than $3 billion from FY from FY 2008, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration's fourth annual small business procurement scorecard released today.

This dollar amount represents 21.89 percent of all federal spending -- an improvement over FY2008. Additionally, performance in each of the government's socioeconomic subcategories increased for FY2009.

“Small businesses received a record $96.8 billion in federal contracts in 2009. There was an increase in both dollars and contracting share for every small business category. This represents real progress, but not enough, we must reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the 23 percent goal is met and exceeded," SBA Administrator Karen Mills said.

"Federal contracts awarded to small businesses are a 'win-win' -- providing small businesses with the opportunity to grow and create jobs, and offering innovative services and essential goods to the government at great value to the taxpayers."

SBA is required to report to the President and Congress on achievements by federal agencies and departments against their annual goal to ensure greater accountability. The small business Procurement Scorecard fulfills that requirement by providing an assessment of federal achievement in prime contracting and subcontracting to small businesses by the 24 Chief Financial Officers Act agencies.

It also measures progress that departments are making to ensure small remain an integral part of their acquisition of goods and services to meet mission objectives.