Announcing the Small Business Coalition for Fair Contracting
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 – 11:00 am, Conference Call
In-sourcing is currently a major acquisition reform initiative. Specifically, the 2011 budget is designed to "rebalance" the relationship between the government and contractors through more oversight and in-sourcing of jobs.
While this initiative may be well intentioned, it has the potential to unfairly impact the small businesses that provide services to the government and serve as the backbone of the U.S. economy. Throughout the country, small businesses have had their contracts cancelled and their employees hired into government positions.
It is difficult for any one business to effectively protect its interests because of the substantial time and resources required. To provide a united voice in response to the in-sourcing initiative, Venable LLP is establishing the "Small Business Coalition for Fair Contracting." Headed by Robert A. Burton, formerly the Deputy Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) and the nation's top career federal procurement
official, the coalition's mission will be to ensure that the government's acquisition policy initiatives do not unintentionally impact small businesses, and that small businesses continue to receive a fair share of federal procurement dollars.
Timing is critical. On March 31, 2010, OFPP issued a proposed policy letter that provides guidance to agencies on what work should be reserved for government employees. With comments on the letter due by May 31, 2010, the window to provide a strong, meaningful response is quickly closing.
The attached overview outlines the details and objectives of the Coalition. We are also hosting a conference call next Tuesday, May 11 at 11 A.M. EST to further discuss the Coalition and answer any questions interested companies may have. To participate in the call, please send an email to faircontracting@Venable.com. We will send you a call-in number.
Please join us for the call and consider joining our Coalition. Small businesses need to collectively respond to government initiatives, such as in-sourcing, in a timely manner in order to have their voices heard. A dedicated group of small businesses, with the right strategy and support, can ensure that well-intentioned acquisition policies do not unfairly impact small businesses.
Thank you for your interest and support.
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