News Analysis:

SBA sets goals for FY2016, FY2017

Objectives for 8(a) participation, overseas contracts, HUBZones

While seeking a discretionary funding increase of less than 1% next year, the Small Business Administration nonetheless has outlined some fairly ambitious performance objectives for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017.

The SBA’s budget justification report to Congress includes a series of performance goals for small business federal contracting and entrepreneurship.

Those goals include:

--8(a) Business Development

The SBA has set a priority goal of increasing the number of approved 8(a) firms by 5% in fiscal 2016 and 5% in fiscal 2017. To retain more 8(a)s, annual reviews will be streamlined.

--Overseas contracting

SBA says it will include overseas contracting in the tabulations for the government’s small business goal achievement starting in fiscal 2016.

--HUBZones

SBA plans to revise HUBZone regulations to make teaming easier for HUBZone companies. The agency also plans to enhance functionality of the digital HUBZone maps and expand Destination: HUB outreach to new locations.

The SBA also intends to focus on training federal contracting officers, program managers and others on the HUBZone program in fiscal 2016.

--Mentor-Protege

By Oct. 1, 2016, the SBA anticipates that its Mentor-Protege program will be available to service-disabled veterans, HUBZone companies and women-owned small businesses.

--Data accuracy

The SBA said it will work with the GSA’s Integrated Award Environment to modify the electronic Subcontracting Reporting System to improve subcontracting data.

--Small Business Dev’t Centers

The SBA said it will enhance online resources and databases available to Small Business Development Center counselors.

--Women’s Business Centers

Women’s Business Centers are projected to serve 147,000 clients in fiscal 2017, up from 142,000 in fiscal 2016. The SBA said it plans to open six additional Women’s Business Centers.

--SCORE mentors

The SBA is requesting $10 million to support SCORE volunteers in mentoring and training 396,000 clients in fiscal 2017. That is down from 456,000 clients anticipated in fiscal 2016.

The agency said clients are doing more repeat visits this year, which is beneficial for them, and that is why the total client base is expected to become smaller.

Obama seeks $719 million for SBA

WOSB 5% goal said to be met for the first time

SBA sets goals for FY2016, FY2017

Obama offers $4.1T budget

Column: Can you survive a financial capability audit?

Washington Insider: