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2023 Contracting Summit: Equity in Government Contracting, Henry Bridgers, Grinnell College, Intern.


On Thursday, September 14th, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) hosted the 2023 Contracting Summit: Equity in Government Contracting. At this event, public sector representatives and government contractors gathered in the White House Eisenhower Executive Office building to discuss current initiatives and contracting opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

The Summit began with a welcome by Donald R. Cravins, Under Secretary of Commerce for the MBDA. Mr. Cravins gave a brief overview of the issues minority businesses face, drawing attention to the lack of minority representation in contracting.  

After Mr. Cravins' address, Gene B. Sperling, Senior Advisor to the President, shared brief remarks before returning to the White House to address issues concerning the United Auto Workers’ Strike in Michigan.

Public Sector Panel: Overview and Updates on Federal Investments


The next session was the Public Sector Panel: Overview and Updates on Federal Investments with representatives from the Department of Commerce (USDOC), the Department of Transportation (USDOT), the Department of Energy (USDOE), and the Department of Defense (USDOD). 

The panelists provided an overview of the Biden-Harris Administration's investments in infrastructure, semiconductors, and clean energy. The panelists urged MBEs to explore federal programs and opportunities specifically pertaining to technology and energy.

Government Contractors Panel: Perspectives on Contracting Barriers


The final session Government Contractors Panel: Perspectives on Contracting Barriers featured representatives from trade associations, chambers, and MBEs. The panel was introduced by Larry Stubblefield, Acting Associate Administrator for Government Contracting and Business Development with the SBA. Mr. Stubblefield expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court ruling on June 29th in the SFFA case against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. He discussed the impact of the ruling on the SBA, notably the suspension of the 8(a) program.

MBE owners shared stories of their struggles as minorities in business. The discussion provided resources and information relating to federal contracts and loans. All panelists expressed concern with the current legal climate. Enyinna Anthony — founder, President, and CEO of Anthony Management group — called business owners to action, urging all business owners “to testify and fight for the 8(a) program.”

Editor: William Michael Cunningham


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