This week, President Obama proclaimed it “National Small Business Week,” saying:

 Our Nation has always believed that anyone with a solid plan and a willingness to work hard can turn even an improbable idea into a successful business. For generations, that powerful notion has been at the heart of the American promise, forging a legacy of bold entrepreneurship that lives on today and lights the path to a brighter tomorrow. During National Small Business Week, let us reflect on that proud history and resolve to carry it forward in the years to come.

Small businesses help the Department of Justice accomplish its most important missions, from ensuring the national security to combating violent crime, fighting financial fraud, and protecting those most in need of our help. Last month, Deputy Attorney General James Cole spoke at the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Small Business Procurement Conference, where he noted our commitment to small businesses is reflected by the department’s record:

“Data for FY 2011 show that DOJ has obligated 1.7 billion dollars to small businesses.   This represents more than twenty-six percent of our total dollars, and it exceeds the 23 percent small business goal established by congress.   We are proud of the fact that we routinely exceed the government-wide small business goal.”

As we recognize National Small Business Week 2012, the department renews its commitment to ensure that all small businesses — small disadvantaged businesses, woman-owned small businesses, HUBZone firms, and small firms owned by disabled veterans of our military – have the information and support they need to successfully compete for federal contracts.  The department’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) provides that service and support.

The department has come to rely on small businesses as prime contractors and subcontractors, and we are actively seeking new ways to partner with them to successfully accomplish our mission.   We know that the valuable services small businesses provide the Department of Justice do more than just help accomplish our goals, small businesses also serve the nation’s economy, create jobs and help to stimulate our economic recovery. 

While the department’s complex law enforcement and national security mission is constantly changing, our commitment to increasing opportunities for small businesses remains constant. 

Visit the  Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at  or contact the OSDBU staff at 202-616-0521 for information about the department’s small business programs.