Under the current rules, federal agencies can invoke this program only when the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that there will be offers from two or more women-owned small businesses. In the technology arena, where women-owned small businesses are underrepresented, the provision serves as a roadblock to increasing women-owned small business access to federal contracts.
This "two or more" business requirement does not apply to other related programs, such as section 8(a) Business Development Participants, HUBZone small businesses and Service Disabled Veteran Owned small businesses. "We believe this unequal treatment of the WOSB program is an unnecessary roadblock to those women-owned small businesses that provide goods and services in an underrepresented industry, such as IT," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA.
"Policy makers should work to increase the ability of disadvantaged businesses to compete for federal government contracts, not restrict them." Many small business owners have announced their personal opposition to this inconsistent treatment of the WOSB program. "As a female founder of an IT security company, I am aware of the great underrepresentation of women in the technology industry," said Wendy Frank, founder of Accell Technology, Inc., Birsdsboro, Pa.
"To move in a positive direction, Congress should encourage more opportunities for women-owned small businesses, not shut the door on them. Removing these limitations will open doors for women hoping to improve their businesses, especially in industries where they are presently outnumbered."
Earlier this month, CompTIA asked the House Small Business Committee to support increased small business access to federal contracting dollars, in a letter sent to the Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Ranking Member Velazquez (D-N.Y.).
About CompTIA CompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy.
