CULPEPER STAR-EXPONENT, ALLISON BROPHY CHAMPION

proposed federal measure would improve federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses.

The Veterans Affairs Opportunity for Women-Owned Small Businesses Act would promote federal contracting for female businesswomen particularly through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, according to a release from Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th.

In 1994, Congress set a government-wide statutory goal for women-owned small businesses in the procurement of federal contracts — a goal that has only been met twice in 30 years, according to the release. Currently, the VA has a goal of awarding 5% of its prime and subcontract awards to women-owned small businesses.

In FY23, the VA gave the lowest amount of prime contracting dollars of any federal department to these businesses, awarding only 2.58% of its prime contracts to women-owned small businesses and 1.73% of its subcontracts — much lower than the 5% goal, according to Spanberger.

The legislation backed by Spanberger would add the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program to the list of SBA to be prioritized by the VA when considering small businesses for federal contracting opportunities.

“Women entrepreneurs are an integral part of Virginia’s economic growth and success,” she said. “Nearly 45% of small businesses in Virginia are women-owned, and these business owners have historically faced barriers to accessing federal contracts … This bipartisan legislation is a crucial step toward leveling the playing field.”