Military

Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge authorized the release of the Department of Defense (DoD) annual report on procurement from small and other business firms for fiscal 2002, May 13, 2003.

Contract awards to U.S. small business concerns totaled $33.3 billion during fiscal 2002, compared with $28.3 billion for fiscal 2001. Of the $157.1 billion awarded by DoD to all U.S. business concerns during fiscal 2002, 21.2% of the awards were made to small business concerns, versus 20.8% in fiscal 2001. The increase is attributed to greater small business participation in acquisitions related to aircraft, ships and commercial items.

Small businesses significantly contribute to the U.S. defense industrial base through their offerings of innovative technology, quality supplies and services at reasonable prices. Additional information regarding small business procurement opportunities with DoD can be found at the DoD Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization website: www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/.

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/May2003/b05152003_bt332-03.html