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Return to Article: New rule on women-owned small business contracting draws fire

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  I don't understand why SBA is involved in trying to help Small Disadvantaged/Women Owned businesses. Because you just go in another circle with no help at all. A lot of things can be told over the telephone or written. Today, no one wants to be contacted and has a voice or knows absolutely nothing about programs and the resources or even the money. The money part, if you don't have the money, then don't say you can help some else that don't have money. These programs should be better able to help those that don't have money or the good credit standings as others that do have money. If I/we had the money, then why would we need SBA for anything. You can really help yourself and SBA is just a standing agency or doing absolutely nothing. This is sad for someone to have to go through all that they impose to be and to have for you. I consider SBA as a bogas Agency. We plainly don't need to be paying for this agency, for what are they really doing. Thank you!

  Karen Posted June 23, 2009 4:25 PM
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  We are all fortunate to live in a great nation - rich in diversity. Despite our track-recofd, there really is no single group--whether by race & national origin or by gender--that is the optimal source for any product or service to our great nation. To set a goal of 5% inclusion of women, minority business owners, etc., sounds like quotas. Our nation has grown over time, but inclusion is slow. Persons who live by biases and predjudices must be tired and stressed these days because "diversity" is the 800 pound gorilla in the room. It's time to focus on our nation's needs and pay less attention to the providers; if they're competent and have a good track record, what exactly is the problem? If the SBA is having a hard time working with the Federal agencies who are allocated Federal tax dollars to meet SBA's 5% goals, change it to 15% and see what happens. I believe that we, as a country, can do better, and we shall - even if we have to rely on the younger generations to finally put these biased oppressors behind them so our country can make progress in a united way.

  Daleagain Posted January 8, 2008 2:51 PM
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  Public indignation, Congressional ire and Women Business Groups anger are the terms, which have been used to describe the bureaucrats handling of a Congressional directive involving 'women set-asides.'

  The actual handling of the case has taken more than seven years to reach this point and the outcome provides a clear indication as to why bureaucrats would be much better off by allowing the involvement of entrepreneurs - in the fashion proposed by the Fairness in Procurement Alliance (FPA) 'umbrella initiative.'

  The innovative approach used by entrepreneurs will help the Federal government effectively and timely meet the Congressional mandate involving all 'procurement set-asides.'

  The FPA 'umbrella initiative' would create a 'Small Business Set-Aside Center' to allow entrepreneurs to work side-by-side with bureaucrats - with oversight and transparency - in the handling of programs that affect their livelihood.

  The time-frame and methods bureaucrats appear to have chosen to deal with the 'women-set aside directive' next to the delay they allowed (over 10 years) before addressing the legality of the 'FAR exemptions' - which diverted $640 Billion in government contracts, during that time, away from small businesses - are indications that a more efficient and innovative system is in high demand.

  When it comes to business issues, bureaucrats' are not as well suited as entrepreneurs to handle solutions that affect the livelihood of a business. There is no urgency; no profit-motive; tons of red tape and a lot of political pressure.

  Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, would have a) addressed the issue; b) come up with options; c) tested them; d) secured the go ahead; e) implemented a solution; and e) have it working well within a year or two.

  FPA intends to formally unveil its 'umbrella initiative' soon after the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) eliminates - as it is expected - the influence of the FAR Exemptions on the Federal procurement community. Stay tuned for the fireworks!

  Raul Espinosa Posted January 4, 2008 5:13 PM
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  Peace Corps is the opposite. It's' more women and allot of loans are only for women, men aren't allowed. USAID and allot of foreign aid programs discriminate against men.

  I think it's illegal to make loans only to females and the contracting in the US can't solve the lawsuits against Peace Corps and USAID programs that discriminate against men.

  mitc Posted January 3, 2008 3:27 PM
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  Selective set asides are discrimatory. That they exist with the federal government is a violation of our constitution. Besides, we are no longer in a power position in the world that gives us the ability to demand anything other than the best regardless of the source. Set asides, let our enemies ue them.

  Bill Keller Posted January 3, 2008 2:42 PM
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  No more special socialistic, PC programs. Fair, even competition based on reasonable bids, yes, but this is not equality!

  ChristmasTree Posted January 3, 2008 11:03 AM
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  The SBA continues to be on its heels, making every attempt to justify its political exestance. As a result, the Small Business Administration has become one more obstruction to leveling the contracting field for small business. No longer is the SBA the Champion of Small Business. Its another beauracratic arm of government that continues to make every effort to preserve the the status quo and negate changes.

  Joseph R. Conway Posted January 3, 2008 10:23 AM