SBA rule a 'slap in the face' to women, lawmaker says

The Small Business Administration’s attempt to give women who own small businesses better odds of getting a government contract may not help after all, lawmakers say.

On Dec. 27, SBA issued a proposed rule for setting aside contracts for women-owned small businesses. The rule would limit the contract set-asides to four industry areas: national security and international affairs; coating, engraving, heat treating and allied activities; household and institutional furniture and kitchen cabinet manufacturing; and motor vehicle dealers.

Congressional leaders want the rule thrown out.

It “is a slap in the face to women business owners,” said John Kerry (D-Mass.), chairman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.

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