Congressmen Seek Action on Security Clearances
Two congressmen said they will support legislation designed to speed the processing of security clearances for contractors, as an industry survey found many IT companies are paying premiums of 25% or more to hire employees who already have clearances.

Disabled Vets' Set-Aside Is Open For Business
Companies owned by service-disabled veterans may self-certify their eligibility for the new set-aside procurement program.

GSA Schedule Applications Online Soon
The General Services Administration plans to begin accepting online applications for Federal Supply Schedule contracts this month.

SBA, Senate At Odds Over Women's Business Centers
The Senate has passed legislation that would provide full funding for existing women’s business centers during the current fiscal year, but small business advocates and SBA are still at odds over future funding for the centers.

After 12 Years, Jury Is Still Out on DOD Subcontracting Program
Twelve years ago, the Defense Department created the Test Program for Negotiation of Comprehensive Small Business Subcontracting Plans to provide more small business opportunities and reduce the administrative burden for prime contractors.

How Small Office Supply Firms Broke Up a Bundle
Small office supply dealers, with help from members of Congress, persuaded the Army to break up a $100 million nationwide contract that was to be awarded to the industry’s giants.

Procurement Nominee Says He's Small Business Supporter
President Bush’s nominee to head the Office of Federal Procurement Policy says small business runs in his family: Attorney David Safavian’s grandfather owned a small auto parts manufacturing company where he worked as a teenager.