Advancing National Security Through Fundamental Research
President Biden issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14017, “America's Supply Chains”; E.O. 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government”; and E.O. 14036, “Promoting Competition in the American Economy.” E.O. 14017 focuses on the need for resilient, diverse, and secure supply chains to ensure U.S. economic prosperity and national security. E.O. 13985 focuses on identifying potential barriers that underserved communities and individuals may face in taking advantage of agency procurement and contracting opportunities. E.O. 14036 focuses on reviewing the state of competition within the defense industrial base, including areas where a lack of competition may be of concern. In support of E.O.s and through DoD's Small Business Strategy, DoD is focusing on reducing barriers to entry that can reduce critical manufacturing capacity, competition and the availability and integrity of vital goods, products, and services.
Small businesses play a major role in the DoD's supply chains, and they allow the U.S. to maintain its technological superiority, military readiness, and warfighting advantages. These companies also play a crucial role in ensuring supply chain resilience. Last year, the Department awarded a record $80 billion dollars to small businesses through prime contracts, of which over $30 billion dollars was awarded to small disadvantaged businesses.
Still, over the last decade small businesses in the defense industrial base Start Printed Page 50334have decreased by more than 40%. Further, a recent survey of small businesses conducted by the National Defense Industrial Association found that nearly four out of five (77.3%) businesses reported that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted them, with 85% of those saying the pandemic had negatively affected them. The Department seeks additional insight from the public in understanding the impact of the pandemic, as well as other negative influences, on small businesses in the defense industrial base.
