Overlooked opportunitiesDavid M. Gersh
Although roofing contractors often perform work on local
government buildings, schools, libraries and other public
buildings, many contractors are unaware of the opportunities and
benefits the federal government offers to companies with less than
$13 million in annual receipts.
For example, in fiscal year 2004, the federal government awarded
nearly $70 billion in contracts to promote the growth of small
businesses. More than $10 billion went to small disadvantaged
businesses (SDBs), which are small businesses owned by
minorities.
This year, more than 1,000 SDB roofing companies are poised to
take advantage of this resource, and there is room for many more to
do so. Even roofing companies that do not qualify as small
businesses may benefit from these awards—numerous contract
opportunities are available for large firms that enter into joint
ventures with small firms or volunteer to act as mentors to such
companies.
The federal government, under the Small Business Act, is
determined to promote the growth of small and/or disadvantaged
businesses by setting goals for awarding federal contracts.
Presently, the government seeks to meet the following goals in
awarding federal contracts: 23 percent of prime contracts to small
businesses; 5 percent of prime contracts and subcontracts to
women-owned small businesses; 5 percent of prime contracts and
subcontracts to SDBs; 3 percent of prime contracts and subcontracts
to service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; and 3 percent
of prime contracts to HUBZone businesses (those in
historically...
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