News Releases
Doan Committed to Removing Barriers for Small BusinessesGSA #10341 April 18, 2007 Washington, DC – Removing bureaucratic barriers for small businesses is among her top priorities, the head of the U.S. General Services Administration recently told the House Small Business Committee. “As a native of New Orleans and a former minority small business owner, I am committed to removing bureaucratic barriers to small, women, service-disabled veteran, Hubzone and minority businesses, “ said Administrator Doan, speaking at the House Small Business Committee hearing, “Participation of Small Business in Hurricane Katrina Recovery Contracts” on April 12 at the Louisiana Supreme Court in New Orleans. “Retooling GSA’s ability to respond in national emergencies and disasters is one of my top priorities, and infusing small businesses into this process is essential,” said Administrator Doan. “We can do more. We need to do more. And as long as I am Administrator, we will do more.” Administrator Doan’s testimony not only discussed the work GSA undertook in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina but also the personal efforts she spearheaded to open doors to small businesses in New Orleans. These initiatives included restoring one of GSA’s most historic properties, the U.S. Customs House, which currently includes small, minority and local-based companies performing sub-contracting work there. Headed by Chairwoman Rep. Nydia M. Velàzquez (NY), the committee also heard testimony from Small Business Administration Administrator Steven Preston; U.S. Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Management Paul Schneider; U.S. Department of Defense Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology Dr. James I. Finley; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commander and Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. Carl A. Strock; and, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning and Preparedness Adm. Patrick Dunne. #### Founded in 1949, GSA serves as a centralized procurement and property management agency for the federal government. GSA manages more than one-fourth of the government’s total procurement dollars and influences the management of $500 billion in federal assets, including 8,300 government-owned or leased buildings and 205,000 vehicles. GSA helps preserve our past and define our future, as a steward of more than 420 historic properties, and as manager of USA.gov, the official portal to federal government information and services. GSA’s mission to provide superior workplaces, expert technology solutions, acquisition services, purchasing and eGov travel solutions and management policies, at best value, allows federal agencies to focus on their core missions. Did You Know? After Hurricane Katrina, 71 percent of contracting dollars ($486,359,779) went to small businesses. In total, 68 percent of contract actions were awarded to small businesses.
Last Reviewed 4/18/2007
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