Congresswoman Scholten Statement on 8(A) Program Court Decision

Today, House Small Business Committee’s Contracting and Infrastructure Subcommittee Ranking Member Hillary Scholten (MI-03) released the following statement on the challenges facing the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program in light of recent judicial intervention. Over the summer, a federal district court enjoined the SBA from continuing to operate with the current practice of allowing race to constitute a rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage. The SBA has since rolled out a new process for the program in response.

“I've been watching these legal developments closely over the summer and have been keeping the Contracting and Infrastructure Subcommittee informed as SBA navigates the new legal requirements,” Scholten said. “The SBA plays an important role in ensuring that small businesses are able to compete in the federal procurement space. Entrepreneurship has long been a way for communities of color to achieve economic mobility, with government contracts serving as a reliable, consistent, and valuable opportunity for small businesses,” Scholten continued “The 8(a) program serves as an important tool to ensure that minority small business owners are able to win key federal contracts. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, the Small Business Committee will continue to ensure that there is a process for current and future 8(a) program participants that is thorough and fair. As Ranking Member of the Contracting Subcommittee, I will continue my work to ensure the federal government meets their small business contracting goals for HUBZone, women, and service-disabled veteran small businesses.”

If you are a current or prospective 8(a) program participant and would like more information about the status of your submission or narrative, SBA has provided a resource guide and recommends contacting your business opportunity specialists in your local SBA District Office.