Feds top small-biz goals

Federal agencies spent 23.6 percent of their contracting dollars with small business in fiscal 2003, exceeding the target of 23 percent, according to revised figures from the Small Business Administration.

Agencies spent $65.5 billion with small businesses, according to the figures. The numbers represent only prime contracts, said SBA spokesman Kevin Washington.

Because of a computer error, SBA had earlier reported a total of $62.5 billion, Washington said. Fiscal 2003 ended Sept. 30, 2003.