SBA issues contracts for small-business studies

The Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy has awarded contracts to 19 researchers and research organizations to study the effects of small business on the country’s economic growth and development.

Financial terms were not reported.

The office, often called the small-business watchdog of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents its views to federal agencies, Congress and the president.

Last month, SBA announced plans to issue a regulation to revise the rules regarding contractor reporting and certification of small-business size status.

“The United States is a leader in the world’s economy,” said Chad Moutray, chief economist in the office, in a statement. “The results of these studies will help policy-makers understand how small business led the way in achieving that status, and how public policy can affect this dynamic sector of the economy.”

Among the areas to be examined are: the relations between globalization, venture capital and international experience of management in start-up firms; the effect of specific regulations on small business; and the influence that antitrust activities have on small businesses in selected industries.

The researchers are:

• Scott Shane and Erin Kepler; Shaker Heights, Ohio.
• Economic Consulting Services; Washington, D.C.
• Innovation and Information Consultants; Concord, Mass.
• E.H. Pechan & Associates; Springfield, Va.
• Business Development Advisors; Arlington, Va.
• Microeconomic Applications Inc.; Washington, D.C.
• Krahenbuhl Global Consulting; Chicago.
• Corporate Research Board; Washington, D.C.
• Rafi Efrat; Porter Ranch, Calif.
• Eric Seibert; Clemson, S.C.
• Lawrence Plummer; Westminster, Colo.
• Joseph LiPuma; Wayne, Pa.
• Bruce Kirchoff; Newark, N.J.
• Andrew Wolk; Boston.
• George Haynes; Bozeman, Mont.
• Josh Lerner; South Hamilton, Mass.
• Rick Boden; Toledo, Ohio.
• William Gartner and Jon Liao; Greenville, S.C., and Chicago.
• TPJ Associates; Hanson, Mass.