Modernization

Lawmaker looks to improve SBA’s IT modernization after critical GAO review

A proposal from Rep. Nydia Velázquez would require that the Small Business Administration “establish and implement policies and procedures to govern information technology modernization projects.”

Acquisition

Agencies awarded record-breaking $179B to small businesses in FY23

The Small Business Administration’s annual procurement scorecard found that 22 federal agencies received an “A” rating or higher when it came to meeting their contracting goals.

Acquisition

House panel advances bill to make federal contracting easier to understand

The Plain Language in Contracting Act would require agencies to use easy-to-understand language for certain procurement notices pertaining to small businesses.

Emerging Tech

Emerging tech is an SBA priority for both internal systems and external assistance

The Small Business Administration is leading the charge to democratize access to emerging technologies — particularly AI — across U.S. companies.

People

SBA names new chief technology officer

The agency promoted Douglas Robertson to CTO following his work on the Paycheck Protection Program loan effort.

Acquisition

Federal agencies set small business contracting record even as opportunities decrease

The total number of federal contracting dollars geared for small businesses hit an all-time high in fiscal 2022, but the actual number of contracts set aside for those companies continued a nearly decade-long decline.  

Policy

Agencies launch initiative to better identify minority-owned contractors

The joint effort between the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration aims to make it easier for federal procurement officials to connect with small, disadvantaged businesses across sectors.

Ideas

SBIR: Venture Capitalism for Social Entrepreneurship

The case for the Small Business Innovation Research program to operate more like a startup.

Cybersecurity

New Bill Would Unlock Cybersecurity Funding for Small Businesses

Sen. Maggie Hassan’s proposed law would help set up funds to protect smaller organizations from malware.

Digital Government

Small Business Contract Awards Hit Record $154B

But fewer of those companies are entering the federal market or competing for the work, the Small Business Administration says.

Modernization

Legislation to Expand Federal Contracting Opportunities Reaches President’s Desk

The legislation aims to improve government contracting opportunities for small businesses but could have a major impact on governmentwide procurement. 

Modernization

What Lies Ahead for Federal IT Modernization

Industry is already making the tools many agencies need to modernize.

Cybersecurity

IG: SBA’s Cybersecurity ‘Not Effective,’ In Part Due to COVID

The pandemic created new cybersecurity problems for the Small Business Administration, according to the agency’s annual FISMA report.

Emerging Tech

Millennium Challenge, SBA Agree to Apply U.S. Tech to Global Issues

Small businesses will be able to pilot and scale their technologies to various countries' needs in energy, agriculture and other sectors.

Emerging Tech

NIST Awards Millions in Innovation Funds for Projects on AI, Wildfire Forecasting—and Much More

Here are a few projects that received a financial boost through the Small Business Innovation Research program.

Modernization

SBA Spent $30M on Digital Service-Built App That Doesn't Work

The Small Business Administration’s Certify website—built by a team from the U.S. Digital Service—was doomed by poor oversight and failure to abide by federal IT policies, says inspector general.