WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, The House of Representatives passed H.R 3867, the Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act of 2007.

The final vote was 334-80.

The Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act will update the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) contracting programs and make critical changes that will open up new opportunities for small businesses.   The bill ensures government contract opportunities for small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, expands opportunities for women entrepreneurs, strengthens community development and modernizes the 8(a) program.

The act places veteran small business owners at the top of the list for receiving federal contracts, in order to eliminate the barriers that veterans face in receiving non-competitive contracts. It also will require the SBA to fulfill its obligations under Executive Order 13360, which will give veterans access to procurement assistance.  

“Small businesses rely on access to affordable capital to develop their ventures and create jobs,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva. “Many of our returning veterans hope to start a small business and this legislation will help these veterans become successful entrepreneurs.”

H.R. 3867 also fights fraud in the federal marketplace.  For the first time, there will be a business code of conduct on all participants, requiring the federal government to verify that individuals are who they claim, and empower small firms to police their own programs.

This legislation is supported by the National Federation of Independent Business, Associated General Contractors, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans to U.S Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Black Chamber of Commerce, Women Chamber of Commerce, International Franchise Association, the National Defense Industrial Association and the Aerospace Industry Association.