The House Small Business Committee approved an overhaul of SBA’s disaster recovery programs.

The bill, H.R. 1361, would require SBA to plan for future large-scale disasters that includes hiring staff and coordinating with other agencies, such as FEMA.  It would allow private lenders to help process loans when there is heightened need for disaster assistance, and create an SBA grant program for small businesses affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.

“Katrina revealed deep flaws in SBA’s planning and preparedness for major disasters,” Chairwoman Nydia Velázquez of New York said.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee postponed a scheduled March 20 hearing on allegations of improprieties against GSA Administrator Lurita Doan.

Doan had accepted Committee Chairman Henry Waxman’s invitation to testify about her attempt to award a sole source contract to a longtime associate and allegations that she intervened in suspension and disbarment proceedings against several companies.

The committee gave no reason for the postponement.

ReDe Inc., an 8(a) company, has won a $14 million contract for information technology and telecommunications support at the Energy Department’s Oak Ridge, TN, division.

The 8(a) set-aside contract is for one year with four one-year options.

DOE said ReDe will provide integrated project management, information engineering, systems development, end-user support, and network and cybersecurity operations. The company will support all offices under the control of the Oak Ridge division,

ReDe, headquartered in Metairie, LA, also does work for NASA and the Agriculture Department.

A Florida entrepreneur, Paul Hsu, has been named SBA’s associate administrator for government contracting and business development.

Hsu’s portfolio includes the 8(a) program and all other procurement initiatives. He replaces Anthony Martoccia, who is leaving the agency. SBA said Hsu founded Manufacturing Technology Inc. in Fort Walton Beach, an 8(a) firm, as well as two other technology businesses. He has served on the agency’s Business Advisory Board and the President’s Export Council.