A bipartisan trio of senators successfully added an amendment to the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would protect small businesses that apply for contracts with the Department of Defense from unfair bidding practices.
Sponsored by Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Tom Carper, D-Del., and Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., the amendment would provide for a Small Business Ombudsman for defense procurement. The ombudsman would assist small businesses in cases where procurement contracts have been altered, modified or otherwise changed in ways that might disadvantage or preclude small businesses from competing in the contracting process.
Enzi: “Defense Department contracts are a great opportunity for Wyoming’s small businesses, but unfortunately these businesses aren’t always treated fairly during the procurement process. Small businesses that play by the rules shouldn’t have to worry that they will lose the bid because of questionable practices, such as changing the bidding requirements at the last moment. By creating an official position to address complaints, this amendment will provide support to protect against unfair bureaucratic practices.”
Carper: “Given the hundreds of billions of dollars the Department of Defense spends on contracting every year, it is critical that the procurement process is transparent, fair, and cost-effective. This common-sense amendment would take a simple step to provide additional accountability in the Department’s procurement process by providing an opportunity to flag potential problems before the award of a contract that may disadvantage small businesses. While the federal government has made important progress in improving its procurement practices over the past several years, we can do more to make sure small businesses are not disadvantaged, and in doing that we increase competition and get better results for the taxpayer. This amendment is an important part of that effort.”
Shaheen: “The federal marketplace can provide a great opportunity for small businesses to grow,” said Senator Shaheen, the Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee. “We need to do everything we can to ensure that small businesses have the support they need to compete for federal contracts, especially at the Department of Defense. I’m pleased this bipartisan amendment was adopted.”
The Senate is on track to pass the NDAA legislation this week.
