Small Businesses Win a Record $97.95 Billion in Federal Prime Contracts

After reviewing the Small Business Administration’s fifth annual Small Business Procurement Scorecard, United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured] and Ranking Member Olympia J. Snowe [R-Maine] today commented on the federal government’s effort to increase federal contracting opportunities among small businesses.

According to the most recent scorecard, in fiscal year 2010, small businesses won nearly $100 billion in federal prime contracts -- an increase of more than $1 billion from 2009. Small businesses were awarded 22.66 percent of all federal spending in FY2010 -- less than half a percentage point shy of the statutory 23 percent goal.

"Over the course of one year, we saw nearly $100 billion go into the hands of America’s small businesses, and I am pleased to see the ever-increasing role of small businesses in the federal government contracting process," said Sen. Landrieu. "With the passage of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 last fall, we put in place ways to significantly improve these numbers, and I hope this report will be the last steppingstone to reaching our small-business contracting goals.

"The report confirmed an overall increase in small-business contracting for the second consecutive year, but the federal government still fell short of meeting their goal in many categories -- including prime contracting awards for women-owned small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, and Historically Underutilized Business Zones [HUBZones]. We continue to see room for improvement, and I am confident they are on the right track to reaching and surpassing these goals."

"Small businesses are the primary job creators in this country, responsible for more than two-thirds of all new jobs created," noted Sen. Snowe. "At a time when a staggering and seemingly intractable unemployment rate of over nine percent has become the norm -- with 22 million Americans unemployed or underemployed, and when we are experiencing the longest period of long-term unemployment in American history since data collection started in 1948 -- I remain dismayed that, yet again, the federal government has failed to meet its statutory government-wide goal -- not just for small business, but for women, HUBZones, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.

"Reports show that small businesses lost an estimated $2 trillion in profits and asset valuation since the recession started in December 2007, while larger companies have been less affected and are recovering more quickly. Given these statistics, it is all the more paramount that small businesses have the opportunity to contract with federal agencies, and anything other than meeting these goals is simply unacceptable.

"For small firms that are struggling to stay afloat and maintain their workforce, federal contracting can be an instrumental part of a larger strategy for broadening their customer base and creating jobs and, although the numbers have improved, this Administration can, and must, do better."

About SBA's Small Business Procurement Scorecard

The FY2010 Scorecard calculated the amount of federal spending for prime contracting and subcontracting to small businesses for fiscal year 2010 [Oct. 1, 2009-Sept. 30, 2010], and evaluated agencies to ensure these firms remain an integral part of the federal contracting process.

SBA graded 24 agencies on each of the individual prime contracting goals established by Congress, and used an "A+" through "F" letter-grade system.

The federal government scored an overall average of 99.2 percent -- with 99.73 percent prime contracting achievement, and 94.50 percent subcontracting achievement.

Ten agencies’ grades increased from FY 2009, 10 agencies’ grades stayed the same, and four agencies’ grades decreased. The agency breakdown is as follows:
* 13 agencies received an "A"
* Five agencies received a "B"
* Four agencies received a "C"
* Two agencies received a "D"

Overall, SBA Administrator Karen Mills was optimistic about the Scorecard results. "When the federal government gets contracts into the hands of small businesses, it is a 'win-win' situation," she noted. "Small businesses have the opportunity to grow and create jobs, and the federal government gets access to some of the most innovative and nimble entrepreneurs.

"We are proud of the achievement the government has made [in small-business procurement], but are determined that the government will meet and exceed the goal. SBA is focused on a number of key initiatives to help increase small-business contracting opportunities, as well as combat fraud, waste or abuse. These efforts will ensure the benefits of our programs continue to go to the intended recipients."

The SBA's full Small Business Procurement Scorecard can be viewed here: http://1.usa.gov/ScorecardsSBA.

SOURCES: U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Small Business Administration
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Landrieu Votes Against Snowe Regulatory Amendment, Citing Lack of Congressional Review

Today, United States Sen. Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured], chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, voted against a regulatory reform amendment by Sen. Olympia J. Snowe [R-Maine], ranking member of the Small Business Committee.

The Freedom from Restrictive Excessive Executive Demands and Onerous Mandates Act of 2011, S. AMDT 390, reforms the regulatory process to ensure that small businesses are free to compete and to create jobs, and for other purposes. It was opposed by numerous Senate committees because of the lack of congressional input in the ongoing efforts to provide regulatory relief for small businesses.

"Every day, small-business owners come to my office asking for regulatory relief, and I am committed to removing unnecessary burdens that get in the way of the day-to-day operations of businesses," said Landrieu. "This amendment, however, has yet to have a single Congressional hearing. Because Sen. Snowe’s amendment reaches so far outside of the realm of small business, it seems irresponsible for us to move forward unless it goes through the entire process.

"There have been at least four other regulatory reform bills filed this Congress, and I know the chair of the committee of jurisdiction is doing everything he can to schedule a full hearing in the near future.

"I recognize that some federal regulations are a burden on small businesses. I agree it is important to streamline them -- but there is a time and a place to deal with that issue.

"I have tried to be helpful to my colleague. Last summer, when the Small Business Jobs Act was pending here in the Senate, I personally worked with my ranking member to include several of her provisions on regulatory relief into that bill, now law."

Snowe filed a similar amendment to S. 493, the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011. During negotiations of S. 493, Landrieu offered to hold a hearing on Sen. Snowe’s regulatory reform amendment through the Small Business Committee, but Snowe declined. After five weeks of debate and 150 filed amendments, efforts to end debate and pass the long-term reauthorization of this important small-business program failed.

SOURCES: GovTrack.us, Library of Congress, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Small Business Administration
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Sens. Landrieu, Snowe Honor Entrepreneurial Spirit in America

Late yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution introduced by Senators Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured] and Olympia Snowe [R-Maine], chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, respectively, highlighting the critical role that small businesses play in our nation’s economy.

The President signed a proclamation declaring the week of May 15, 2011, as National Small Business Week, honoring our country’s 27.2 million small businesses, and the owners and employees of these firms.

"During National Small Business Week, we honor the nation’s small businesses and entrepreneurs who take risks and start their own businesses," said Landrieu. "It has been a challenging, exciting and, in some ways, promising two years for small businesses, but our work in Congress cannot stop.

"America’s entrepreneurs deserve the recognition of our nation and need the support of Congress to boost job creation and economic growth. As we reflect on the contribution small businesses have made to our economy, I encourage all Americans to celebrate entrepreneurs across America and take a moment to visit your town’s small businesses.”

"National Small Business Week is a time to recognize the extraordinary contributions that small businesses make to the health and vitality of our economy," Snowe noted. "With nearly 30 million small businesses nationwide -- and 150,000 in Maine alone -- these firms are the engines of our economy, and our lifeline to emerge from this economic downturn.

"I hope my colleagues in Congress will join me in celebrating small businesses every week of the year, by reflecting on the countless contributions these firms make to our nation, and focusing on initiatives that enhance -- not inhibit -- their ability to prosper, innovate and create well-paying jobs for Americans."

National Small Business Week Marks 48 Years

Every year since 1963, the President has recognized entrepreneurs by proclaiming National Small Business Week. This resolution expresses the Senate’s appreciation of the efforts and achievements on the part of small-business owners and employees, whose hard work and commitment to excellence have made these firms a key part of the economic vitality of the United States.

According to the Small Business Administration, small firms constitute 99.7 percent of all U.S. employers, and account for roughly half of the nation’s private-sector jobs.

To see the complete resolution, please click here.

SOURCES: U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Small Business Administration
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To Prevent Shutdown, Sen. Landrieu Files Extension of SBIR and STTR Programs

United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured], chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today filed a one-year extension of the Small Business Innovation Research [SBIR] and Small Business Technical Transfer [STTR] programs.

After five weeks on the floor, the federal government’s two largest research-and-development programs for small businesses failed to pass a crucial vote last week. Long-term reauthorization is now stuck, and the current extension of these programs is set to expire on May 31, 2011.

"After years of negotiations, and with so much support from my colleagues and the small-business community, it is extremely unfortunate that we are right back where we started," said Landrieu. "To ensure that the SBIR and STTR programs do not end completely, I am filing a one-year, clean extension.

"There are too many businesses across the country with great ideas that are working with our government to develop technologies to improve national security; better the diagnosis, treatment and cure of diseases; and move us closer towards energy independence and efficiency. They would be left in the dark if these programs were to stop. We’d lose so much good technology and important investments.

"To avoid that, it is necessary to make sure the programs don’t shut down or slow down. I hope that we can provide, if only for one year, some sense of certainty for the businesses that partner with the government, and I urge my colleagues to support its continuation."

The SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011, S. 493, passed out of the Committee on March 9, 2011, by a nearly unanimous vote of 18-1. Last week, the Senate held a cloture vote to end debate on S. 493, but the motion failed by a vote of 52-44.

To view the text of the extension, please click here.

SOURCES: GovTrack.us, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
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Sen. Landrieu: Small-Business Innovation Now in Jeopardy

Sen. Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured], chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, made the following statement after this morning’s cloture vote on the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011:

"Today was our last chance to reauthorize these important programs and provide some continuity to the small businesses that depend on them," Sen. Landrieu said. "I have to thank the many groups that went out of their way to support this bill, and who offered concessions during our negotiations to ensure a long-term reauthorization was possible.

"This bill, which reauthorizes the federal government’s largest research-and-development programs for small businesses, passed out of our committee with nearly unanimous support, but wound up hitting a brick wall when it reached the Senate floor.

"Unfortunately, some senators chose to stonewall in a self-serving effort to get their way on unrelated issues instead of letting every U.S. Senate committee do their due diligence with regulatory reform.

"Despite having so much bipartisan support going into this debate, not one Republican voted for this job-creating small-business bill -- even those senators in states like Massachusetts, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida, where almost 23,000 small businesses have gotten billions in SBIR and STTR projects.

"The door may have shut today for reauthorization of programs that have given us companies that are the envy of the world -- like Qualcomm, Sonicare and iRobot. But rest assured, at some point, we will find a way get this done."

SOURCES: GovTrack.us, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
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Bipartisan Landrieu-Cochran-Wicker Legislation Gives Disaster Relief to Hard-Hit Gulf Coast Small Businesses

Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured] -- along with Sens. Thad Cochran [R-Miss.] and Roger Wicker [R-Miss.] -- just introduced a bill that provides financial relief to as many as 11,000 businesses in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas.

These small businesses are still rebuilding after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. With this bipartisan legislation, they have the potential to create or save up to 40,000 jobs.

"The small businesses in these hard-hit areas have not survived just one disaster, but three: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005; Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008; and, last year, the Deepwater Horizon [oil spill] disaster," said Sen. Landrieu. "These valuable, pioneer businesses took the initiative to quickly reopen after the storms, and gave communities the confidence to come home. If residents see their local gas station or their favorite restaurant open, they are more likely to come back to rebuild their homes -- spurring economic growth in these devastated areas.

"As we approach the sixth anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we must ensure that these pioneers can make it past this anniversary. This legislation will help these businesses not just survive, but grow and hire workers."

"The economic recovery, both on the Gulf Coast and nationally, has been stubbornly slow," said Cochran. "Easing the federal loan burden on small businesses that quickly rebuilt after successive hurricanes should help with job creation. I support this legislation as a worthwhile tool to continue rejuvenating the economy of Southern Mississippi and the Gulf Coast region."

"Gulf Coast small businesses and entrepreneurs continue to recover from Hurricane Katrina and the devastation caused by last year’s oil spill," said Wicker. "Economic opportunities created by this legislation would provide an important boost at a critical time for the entire region."

The Southeast Hurricanes Small Business Disaster Relief Act of 2011 would give the Small Business Administration [SBA] the authority to waive up to $15,000 of the interest payments for businesses in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas over three years. The SBA is required to give priority to applications with the following credentials:

* Businesses with 50 employees or fewer;

* Businesses affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, that reopened between September 2005 and October 2006;

* Businesses affected by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, that reopened between September 2008 and January 2009; and/or

* Businesses that suffered substantial economic injury from the Deepwater Horizon disaster

Representative Cedric Richmond [D-La.] will be introducing the House companion bill. Last Congress, a similar proposal received support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the New York Times, the Times Picayune, and other Gulf Coast groups.

Applications for the program would not be accepted after March 31, 2012.

GoodBiz113's Take
Once again, Sen. Landrieu is leading an impressive bipartisan initiative to serve the far-reaching interests of small businesses. Entrepreneurs of all political stripes are fortunate that she's doing so.

Hopefully, Congress will act swiftly to pass the Senate and House versions of this legislation, so that Gulf Coast small-business owners can focus on growing their enterprises -- and the U.S. economy.

SOURCES: U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Wikipedia
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Senators Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Fight Fraud in Government Contracting Programs

Senators Olympia J. Snowe [R-Maine, pictured], Mary Landrieu [D- La.], Scott P. Brown [R-Mass.], Jeff Merkley [D-Ore.], and Mike Enzi [R-Wyo.], have introduced bipartisan legislation to combat contracting fraud at the U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA]. Their initiative comes on the heels of several vulnerabilities and abuses in nearly all of SBA’s contracting programs, as identified in multiple reports by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office [GAO].

"Exercising thorough oversight to ensure SBA’s contracting programs are efficient, effective, and accountable is a top priority," said Sen. Snowe, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. "This legislation is a critical step towards ensuring all of our nation’s small businesses compete fairly in the federal marketplace."

Citing a March 12 Washington Post report that "Government officials were not monitoring contracts for compliance with rules," Sen. Snowe called SBA’s current oversight efforts deficient. "As I told the deputy administrator of the SBA at a recent Small Business Committee hearing," she noted, "the ultimate authority for monitoring fraud lies with the SBA when it comes to government management of hard-earned taxpayer dollars."

"When ineligible firms are awarded federal government contracts through fraudulent means," declared Senate Small Business Committee Chair Sen. Landrieu, "this reduces the number of opportunities available to honest, qualified small businesses.

"Government contracts are perhaps one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways the federal government can help immediately increase sales for America’s entrepreneurs, giving them the tools they need to keep our economy strong and create jobs. This legislation gives the SBA and the inspector general the tools necessary to combat fraud. We intend for the SBA to hold firms accountable."

"With our nation facing record debt and deficits, it is absolutely critical that taxpayer dollars are used judiciously to ensure that small-business contracting programs benefit the rightful recipients," said Sen. Brown, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee. "This bipartisan legislation is a strong step toward ensuring that our contracting programs are operating effectively and efficiently."

"Small businesses are the backbone of our community and the drivers of economic growth," said Sen. Merkley. "The programs that support and assist them should not be diverted or diluted because of waste, fraud of abuse. This bill will help refocus SBA programs like a laser on the needs of our small-business owners."

"We have a situation now where bad actors are snapping up opportunities that would greatly benefit legitimate small businesses," added Sen. Enzi. "This bill would help ensure that those who provide real jobs and quality goods and services are the ones getting the contracts."

Specifically, the Small Business Contracting Fraud Prevention Act of 2011 [S. 633] would provide a comprehensive oversight framework within SBA to execute effective certification, surveillance and monitoring, as well as robust enforcement of its entire contracting portfolio. The bill would also increase criminal penalties for businesses awarded contracts through fraudulent means.

SOURCES: GovTrack.us, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
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On MSNBC, Senator Landrieu Discusses Need for Small-Business Innovation to Help Close Deficit and Create Jobs

This morning, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured lower right] appeared on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe."

As debate over the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 continues on the Senate floor, Sen. Landrieu discussed how reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research [SBIR] and Small Business Technical Transfer [STTR] programs will aid in efforts to close the deficit and create jobs.

To view the video clip, go to: http://bit.ly/LandrieuYouTube.

SOURCES: GovTrack.us, MSNBC, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, YouTube
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Senators Reid, Landrieu Discuss Impact of Jobs Bill to Boost Innovation by Small Businesses

Nevada Senator Harry Reid [pictured] and Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, chair of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today discussed the U.S. Senate’s third jobs bill: Reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research [SBIR] and Small Business Technical Transfer [STTR] programs.

First passed under President Ronald Reagan in 1983, these initiatives have awarded more than 89,000 research and development grants worth more than $28 billion to help thousands of small businesses across the country expand and hire new workers.

The senators were joined on the call by Dr. Kenneth Eilertsen, Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Louisiana-based NuPotential Inc., and Jim Hodge, Chief Technical Officer of southern Nevada-based K2 Energy Solutions Inc. Both companies have taken advantage of the SBIR and STTR programs.

"Tens of thousands of small businesses like Nevada-based K2 Energy Solutions have taken advantage of these innovation grants to create jobs and discover the exciting, new products that will keep America competitive in a 21st century global economy," Reid said. "These grants have a highly successful track record. They have helped launch new ideas -- everything from the electric toothbrush, to satellite antennae that helped first responders in Haiti, to technologies that keep our food safe and our military’s tanks from overheating in the desert.

"The only way to turn our economy around is to continue investing in the small businesses in Nevada, and across our country, that are come up with the next brilliant technological advancement that will put people back to work."

"We have already created the formula to get the best return on our investment in small, high-technology firms," said Sen. Landrieu. "Businesses like Mezzo Technologies in Louisiana, which began with only two employees, now has an annual payroll of $1.2 million. That’s putting Americans back to work with cost-effective investments in America’s entrepreneurs through programs like SBIR and STTR.

"In addition to the good return on investment from Mezzo, we’ve got the undeniable success of Qualcomm. With roughly $1.5 billion in SBIR awards, Qualcomm now pays more than $1 billion in annual taxes -- essentially paying for half of the SBIR and STTR programs each year.

"Clearly, there is a plan of action in place. Now it’s time for to execute, and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting America’s innovators and job creators."

Since the SBIR and STTR programs began 28 years ago, Louisiana has received nearly $60 million and 239 grant awards for its small-business community. Louisiana-based NuPotential received more than $550,000 in STTR grants in collaboration with Louisiana State University to improve cattle somatic cell nuclear transfer [cloning] using NuPotential technology.

Over the last three decades, Nevada has received more than $76 million in grants -- 224 awards, with an average of $341,549 per award -- placing Nevada seventh among all states in dollars-per-award average and well above the national average of $316,341 per award per state.

The Henderson, Nev.-based company, K2 Energy Solutions -- one of the nation’s leaders of rechargeable battery technology -- has received nearly $140,000 in SBIR grants to create an updated BB-2590 battery for the U.S. Army that is three times as powerful, can be used longer, is lighter-weight, capable of a faster recharge, and costs less than the original. Such improvements will drastically reduce the number of batteries that troops must carry in the field, and save weight and logistics needed to transport the battery to the field.

After 10 short-term reauthorizations since 2008, the Senate will soon vote to give stability to the SBIR and STTR programs, so that they can continue to support America’s small businesses. Stay tuned...

SOURCES: GovTrack.us, U.S. Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
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Sen. Reid Announces Small Business Committee Assignments for 112th Congress

Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid [D-Nev., pictured] released Small Business Committee assignments for the 112th Congress.

"I am looking forward to continuing to work with the members of this committee in the new Congress," said Sen. Mary L. Landrieu [D-La.], selected to continue in her role as committee chair.

"We have taken some extraordinary steps over the last two years to improve access to capital for small businesses," Landrieu noted, "to promote trade and exporting opportunities, and to ensure that small businesses receive their fair share of federal contracts.

"But our work is not finished. We have built the foundation for small businesses to lead our economic recovery and to create jobs. Now, it is time for us to strengthen those initiatives, so that our nation’s job creators can truly succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace."

Members of the Small Business Committee for the 112th Congress include Carl Levin [D-Mich.], Tom Harkin [D-Iowa], John Kerry [D-Mass.], Joseph Lieberman [ID-Conn.], Maria Cantwell [D-Wash.], Mark Pryor [D-Ark.], Benjamin Cardin [D-Md.], Jeanne Shaheen [D-N.H.], Kay Hagan [D-N.C.], Olympia Snowe [R-Maine], David Vitter [R-La.], Jim Risch [R-Idaho], Marco Rubio [R-Fla.], Rand Paul [R-Ky.], Kelly Ayotte [R-N.H.], Mike Enzi [R-Wyo.], Scott Brown [R-Mass.] and Jerry Moran [R-Kan].

SOURCES: Harry Reid: United State Senator for Nevada [photo], U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
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Landrieu Urges Participation in New SBA Teaming Pilot Program to Help Stimulate Economic Development

Today, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured] urged organizations to participate in the Small Business Teaming Pilot Program, established with the enactment of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.

"Too often, small businesses are shut out of the federal contracting process," said Sen. Landrieu. "The Teaming Pilot Program will create another lifeline for small-business owners by giving them an avenue to seek guidance and receive answers to business development questions. Through these efforts, we hope to spark a cooperative effort among small businesses to compete for bundled contracts.

"We are reaffirming our commitment to the entrepreneurs of America. Programs, like the Teaming Pilot Program, will help stimulate economic growth and help Main Street businesses expand."

This week, the Small Business Administration [SBA] announced that it is accepting grant applications from eligible and well-established organizations interested in providing technical assistance and resources for small businesses.

According to the SBA, eligible applicants must:

* Be a private, non-profit or for-profit entity
* Have been in existence continually for the past three years
* Have experience dealing with issues relating to small business on a national level
* Demonstrate that it has the capacity to provide assistance to small businesses

With the implementation of this new program, the SBA anticipates awarding 10 to 20 grants in the range of $250,000-$500,000 -- totaling up to $5 million for fiscal year 2011. All applications must be submitted electronically via the government-wide Grants.gov financial assistance portal, http://www.grants.gov/, no later than Feb. 25, 2011.

SOURCE: U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
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IRS Outlines New Tax Incentives Available to Small Businesses in 2010

This week, the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] released the Tax Changes for Small Businesses fact sheet. Last year, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, along with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, provided key tax incentives for small businesses and self-employed individuals.

The IRS fact sheet highlights 2010 tax changes and details how taxpayers claim benefits.

"Through reforms in our nation’s troubling health-care system and by providing more than $12 billion in immediate, targeted tax incentives to small businesses, the last two years have been about supporting American’s small businesses," said Sen. Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured], chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and a lead sponsor of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. "As chair of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, it has been my priority to find avenues to improve our nation’s economy and put dollars back into the pockets of America’s entrepreneurs.

"With tax season upon us, the IRS is making sure taxpayers are aware of these important deductions available to them. As we convene the 112th Congress, I will continue to fight for these small businesses to ensure that they continue to receive the tax incentives they need to drive our economy."

The IRS fact sheet breaks down the tax portions of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that are available to eligible small businesses in 2010. The document details the self-employed health insurance deduction, which allows self-employed individuals to deduct their health-care costs for payroll tax purposes.

In addition, the 2010 fact sheet outlines ways for small businesses to take advantage of the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit and the General Business Credit for Employers, as well as higher expensing and depreciating limits for small businesses.

The complete fact sheet, with the tax incentives available for small businesses for the 2010 tax year, is available on the "Resources" page of the Small Business Committee website at http://sbc.senate.gov/.

SOURCES: Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
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SBA Announces Two New Initiatives to Boost Lending to Underserved Markets

While small-business owners and entrepreneurs in traditionally underserved communities continue to face challenges accessing capital, the U.S. Small Business Administration today announced two new initiatives aimed at increasing SBA-backed loans to small businesses in these markets.

SBA Administrator Karen Mills also today named Catherine L. Hughes [pictured], chairperson and founder of Radio One Inc. [NASDAQ: RAIO] -- and, in fact, a former SBA borrower -- to chair the agency’s new Advisory Council on Underserved Communities.

SBA and U.S. Department of Commerce studies have shown the importance of lower-dollar loans to small-business formation and growth in underserved communities.

With that in mind, the two new loan initiatives -- Small Loan Advantage, and Community Advantage -– are aimed at increasing the number of lower-dollar SBA 7[a] loans going to small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities. The agency’s most popular loan product, 7[a] government-guaranteed loans, can be used for a variety of general business purposes -- including working capital, and purchases of equipment and real estate.

In conjunction with the implementation of these two new Advantage loan initiatives by March 15, the agency will end its existing Community Express pilot loan program on April 30.

"Over the last two years, we’ve seen lending to all small businesses tighten up, and that tightening has been even greater in traditionally underserved communities -- including among minorities, women and in rural areas," said Mills. "These new Advantage initiatives are aimed directly at getting more loans into these markets, so these small-business owners can get the capital they need to start or grow their business and create good-paying jobs in local communities across the country."

Built on what the agency refers to as its "Advantage" platform, both Small Loan Advantage and Community Advantage will offer a streamlined application process for SBA-guaranteed 7[a] loans up to $250,000. These loans will come with the regular 7[a] government guarantee; i.e., 85 percent for loans up to $150,000 and 75 percent for those greater than $150,000.

Small Loan Advantage will be available to the 630 financial institutions across the country in the agency’s Preferred Lenders Program [PLP]. Under PLP, which includes most of the agency’s highest-volume lenders, SBA delegates the final credit decisions to lenders.

With Community Advantage, the agency will expand the points of access that small-business owners have for getting loans by opening SBA’s 7[a] loan program to "mission-focused" financial institutions -- including Community Development Financial Institutions, Certified Development Companies and nonprofit microlending intermediaries.

Community Advantage will leverage the experience these institutions already have in lending to minority, women-owned and start-up companies in economically challenged markets -- along with their management and technical assistance expertise -- to help make their borrowers successful.

"These two new loan initiatives tackle a couple of factors we know exist when it comes to the challenges small-business owners face,” Mills noted. "First, to add more incentive for lower-dollar loans in these communities, we are providing a streamlined process for lenders along with the regular 7[a] government guarantee.

"Second, we are taking steps that will increase the number of places small-business owners in underserved communities can go to get loans. And also, with Community Advantage, we are making sure that the additional assistance some borrowers may need through counseling and technical assistance will be available."

Mills added that the new loan initiatives are in line with the agency’s core mission of supporting small-business growth and job creation, and goals of the new Advisory Council on Underserved Communities, announced today. The Council will provide input, advice and recommendations on how SBA, through its programs, can help strengthen competitiveness and sustainability for small businesses in underserved communities.

"Many entrepreneurs and small-business owners across the country have enormous potential to drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs in their local communities, but too often they face barriers in fulfilling that potential," said Hughes, who will chair the council.

A Nebraska native, Hughes began a career in radio in 1969 at KOWH, a small black-owned radio station in Omaha. She came to Washington, D.C., as a lecturer at Howard University’s School of Communications, and worked at several local radio stations before she and then her husband purchased a small D.C. station and turned it into Radio One. Later, Hughes bought out her husband and became sole owner -- at one point, moving into the station to make ends meet.

In January of 2004, Hughes launched TV One, a cable television channel targeted at the African American community. Today, Radio One owns 52 radio stations in major markets across the country, making the company the largest black-owned radio chain in the nation.

"I’m excited to be a part of this effort to strengthen the link between these entrepreneurs and the SBA’s wide variety of resources," Hughes said. "SBA assistance played a critical role in my success, and I’m eager to do all I can to help make sure others have access to these same opportunities."

The agency’s new Advisory Council on Underserved Communities will consist of 20 members from across the country. Over the next few weeks, the SBA will accept nominations for members to serve on the CUC.

Members will provide a critical link between SBA and small businesses in traditionally underserved communities. It is anticipated that members will reflect a variety of key sectors -- including business owners, banking and finance, community development, nonprofit and academia. Member nominations can be emailed to underservedcouncil@sba.gov.

Senator Landrieu Praises New SBA Programs
Sen. Mary L. Landrieu [D-La.], chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today issued the following statement after the SBA announced its two new lending initiatives for underserved communities:

"Since the start of the financial crisis, we have seen credit lines completely shut off," said Landrieu. "As a result, small businesses in underserved areas of the country have had the hardest time obtaining adequate credit.

"The two new loan initiatives announced today have the potential to open up the credit lines to these struggling small businesses by streamlining the application process and increasing the number of lenders that entrepreneurs can choose from when obtaining a loan. By improving the access to credit in these areas, we would give these businesses in underserved communities the opportunity to boost our economy and create jobs.

"Furthering their commitment to increasing loans in underserved areas, the SBA’s Advisory Counsel on Underserved Communities provides the added support these businesses need to access SBA resources and take advantage of these lending programs.

"I look forward to working with the Council once they are assembled to energize small businesses in the most underserved areas of America."

GoodBiz113's Take
SBA's Karen Mills and her colleagues are clearly in touch with the plight of promising small-business owners whose dreams have been hamstrung for far too long by far too many cash-hoarding banks. The two programs announced today should prove to be a boon for small businesses, as well as for those banks that have have been reticent to lend money to them.

Further, the appointment of Catherine L. Hughes to chair SBA’s new Advisory Council on Underserved Communities is a welcome move to help spread the far-reaching wealth of entrepreneurship. Her solid business experience, success and leadership will likely benefit legions of current and would-be small-business owners.

SOURCES: U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Small Business Administration
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Bipartisan Landrieu-LeMieux Letter to Treasury Secretary Geithner Urges Swift Implementation of Small-Business Lending Initiatives

Yesterday, United States Senators Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured], chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and George LeMieux [R-Fla.] sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner requesting swift implementation of the Small Business Lending Fund [SBLF] and the State Small Business Credit Initiative, two provisions in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.

Sens. Landrieu and LeMieux were instrumental in including the SBLF in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 -- legislation that has created a $30 billion strategic partnership with community banks to boost lending to small firms.

"As you know, community banks participate disproportionately in small-business lending compared to large banks," Sens. Landrieu and LeMieux wrote in the letter. "With this in mind, it is imperative that we do all we can to assist these community banks in increasing small-business lending. The thoughtfully designed programs in the Act are crucial for community banks across the country. Thoughtful and prudent implementation is also necessary, and we ask that you act as quickly as possible. We urge you to retain small-business access to capital as your top priority in implementing provisions of the Act.

"For months during the crafting of the underlying bill, we heard from bank after bank that would benefit from the Small Business Lending Fund, as well as from the State Small Business Credit Initiative. Since the bill was signed into law on Sept. 27, 2010, our offices have heard from countless additional banks that are eager to access these important programs. Banks who participate will have economic incentives to increase their small-business lending. In turn, this will provide vital support to our small businesses in these difficult economic times."

The Small Business Lending Fund would inject $30 billion through community banks into the small-business economy. This provision is estimated to save taxpayers $1.1 billion over 10 years.

SBLF was endorsed by several organizations, including the Independent Community Bankers of America, American Bankers Association, National Small Business Association, National Association for the Self-Employed, Small Business Majority, National Bankers Association, and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, among others.

The State Small Business Credit Initiative provides $1.5 billion in grants to support at least $15 billion in new small-business lending through already-successful state-run programs. Many of these state-run programs are facing cutbacks due to budget shortfalls, and this initiative will allow states to build upon successful models for state small-business programs, including Capital Access Programs [CAPs], collateral support programs, and loan guarantee programs -- including those targeted at rural and agricultural small businesses.

To view the full text of the letter sent to the Treasury Department, go to: http://bit.ly/LandrieuLeMieuxLetter.

GoodBiz113's Take
Who says that Washington is devoid of bipartisanship? This is a prime example of how Democrats and Republicans can actually work together -- in this case, on behalf of small businesses.

Kudos to Sens. Landrieu and LeMieux for doing what Americans want our elected officials to do: cooperate and collaborate for the greater win-win-win good.

SOURCES: OpenCongress, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Small Business Administration, The White House
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Senator Landrieu Defends Bipartisan Small-Business Lending Fund Legislation

United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu [D-La.. pictured on right], chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, yesterday spoke with Fox Business anchor Gerri Willis of "The Willis Report" about the state of small business.

Specifically, Sen. Landrieu defended the bipartisan Small Community Business Lending Fund in the Small Business Jobs Creation Act, which the Senate is currently debating.

Sens. Landrieu and George LeMieux [R-Fla.] introduced an amendment to the Small Business Jobs Creation Act that restored the $30 billion lending facility. The amendment passed the Senate by a vote of 60-39.

Despite a Republican filibuster and repeated attempts to stall legislation aimed at supporting small businesses, Sen. Landrieu has continued her fight to give businesses greater access to capital, to hire workers and grow their business. She called on her colleagues in the Senate -- Republicans and Democrats alike -- to put aside partisan rhetoric and deliver help to America’s 27 million small businesses.

To view the video of Sen. Landrieu's appearance on "The Willis Report," go to: http://bit.ly/LandrieuWillisVid.

For information on the LeMieux-Landrieu Amendment -- S. AMDT 4500, the Small Business Lending Fund [SBLF] -- visit http://bit.ly/Senate4500.

SOURCES: GovTrack.us, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
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LeMieux, Landrieu, Senate Democrats Fight to Include Credit Relief for Small Businesses

Last night, United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu [D-La.], chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Sen. George LeMieux [R-Fla.] -- along with Sens. Barbara Boxer [D-Cal.], Maria Cantwell [D-Wash.], Amy Klobuchar [D-Minn.], Jeff Merkley [D-Ore.] and Patty Murray [D-Wash., pictured] -- introduced an amendment, S. Amdt. 4500, The Small Community Business Lending Fund, designed to increase capital to small businesses struggling to access lines of credit to hire workers, improve their infrastructure, and grow their businesses.

The LeMieux-Landrieu amendment will inject $30 billion through healthy community banks into the small-business economy. This addition to the Small Business Job Creation Act of 2010 is estimated to save taxpayers $1.1 billion over 10 years.

"Like the rest of our nation, Florida’s economy needs help," said Sen. LeMieux. "Unemployment is high and Floridians want to get back to work. Small-business owners want to grow their operations and rehire workers.

"One of the biggest hurdles is the ability of businesses to secure loans or investors. This bill primes the engine for investment. It is what we need, and it will help move our economy in a positive direction."

Sen. Landrieu agreed. "Small business in America needs a champion in Washington right now," she said. "While many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle choose to hide behind partisan rhetoric, we have been working to make life a little easier for the 27 million small businesses across the country.

"Contrary to what some are saying about this lending fund, this program is not to bail out the big banks; it is for the small businesses across this country. We are simply using the healthy community banks as a conduit to get money flowing to these businesses. I appreciate Sen. LeMieux’s commitment to help small businesses, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation because it is the right thing to do."

"Small businesses are the engines of job creation, and credit is the oil to keep the engine running," Merkley noted. "The Small Business Lending Fund will help small businesses put America back to work. This amendment will give every Senator a chance to show whether they stand for small businesses and more jobs, or prefer to play politics.”

"When are we going to stand up for small businesses in America -- who have had trouble getting access to this capital, who have been penalized?" Sen. Cantwell declared in remarks on the Senate floor. "What they want to know is, if they didn’t cause this mess, how is it that when it came to the big banks, everybody said, 'Yup, here’s the opportunity for you.' Everybody said, 'Here’s the keys to the Treasury. Here’s all the money.'

"But now, when it comes to making sure that community banks are lending to small businesses, people are saying, 'No, Main Street doesn’t have the same priority as Wall Street.

"Small business is asking for an effective lending program through the community banks; that’s all they’re asking for. And we gave Wall Street a bailout -- without any terms and conditions for repayment."

"Small businesses are the heart and soul of so many of our communities, and our economy is strongest when they have the capital they need to keep their doors open and add jobs," said Sen. Murray. "This economic downturn has hit small businesses hard, and we owe it to Main Streets across America to make sure they have access to the capital they need to not only survive, but thrive."

"In an increasingly competitive global economy, it is important to ensure that small- and medium-sized businesses have access to information and tools to capitalize on potential opportunities in foreign markets," Sen. Klobuchar said. "Small businesses are the engine of job creation in this country, and by increasing exports, they can lead the way to economic recovery."

The Small Community Business Lending Fund has been endorsed by several organizations -- including the Independent Community Bankers of America, the American Bankers Association, the National Small Business Association, the National Association for the Self-Employed, Small Business Majority, the National Bankers Association, plus the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, among others.

A complete summary of the LeMieux-Landrieu Amendment can be viewed by going to: http://bit.ly/Senate4500.

SOURCES: GovTrack.us, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
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Landrieu, Melancon Urge Commerce Secretary to Provide Additional Aid for Gulf Coast Recovery Efforts

Yesterday, United States Senate Small Business Committee Chair Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured] and Louisiana Rep. Charlie Melancon [D-Napoleonville] sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, requesting that the Department of Commerce review several proposals that would spur business recovery in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

"The Deepwater Horizon accident has had a profound impact on the economic viability of many of Louisiana’s businesses," said Sen. Landrieu and Rep. Melancon in the letter. "From shrimpers and oystermen, to restaurants, processing plants, and shipping companies, a significant portion of Louisiana’s businesses rely on the Gulf of Mexico for their livelihoods.

"With thousands of barrels of oil spewing into the Gulf every day, it is critical that we make use of every tool at our disposal to aid in the recovery efforts, and ensure that even more businesses, especially small businesses, are not adversely affected by the spill."

In their letter, Landrieu and Melancon requested that the Department of Commerce consider the following initiatives:

* Waive or Reduce Fees for Department of Commerce Export Assistance Programs: Temporarily waiving or reducing fees associated with the Department of Commerce export assistance programs could have an immediate impact on businesses. The International Trade Administration enacted a similar proposal following the 2005 hurricanes and, as a direct result of reduced fees, a significant number of Gulf Coast businesses were able to identify new export markets or attend foreign trade shows. Since 2005, Louisiana exports have increased by almost 69 percent -- the fourth highest rate of growth in the nation.

* Aid Gulf Coast Tourism-Related Business: Coordinate with local tourism partners on international press and travel trade familiarization tours. These types of tours help connect online and print reporters with local tourism boards and businesses to market U.S. destinations. Similar initiatives exposed Gulf Coast businesses and destinations to more than 1.3 million readers following the 2005 hurricanes.

* Host Department of Commerce Events in the Gulf Coast: Hosting meetings and activities in Louisiana would illustrate to prospective visitors that the Gulf Coast remains open for business. For example, the Department of Commerce is currently implementing provisions of the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, which will promote more international travel to the United States by creating a Corporation for Travel Promotion. The board of directors for this new corporation could host their first meeting in Louisiana.

* Conduct a Study on the Gulf Coast Tourism Industry: Studying the pace of recovery of Gulf Coast tourism will be key to identify successes and possible obstacles. A study from the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries at the Department of Commerce could identify the impact of Deepwater Horizon disaster on Gulf Coast tourism, how tourism is recovering, and any international marketing opportunities for Gulf Coast destinations.

The Department of Commerce today announced the U.S. trade deficit rose increased 4.8 percent to $42.3 billion -- the highest it has been since November 2008. While American businesses' exporting increased by 2.4 percent to $152.3 billion from their April 2010 level, imported goods and services rose by 2.9 percent to $194.5 billion.

Supporting the need for increased exporting opportunities, especially by small firms, the Department of Commerce noted that the overall U.S. trade deficit rose to $474.8 billion through May of this year -- up from $374.9 billion in 2009.

To view a copy of the Landrieu-Melancon letter to Locke, go to: http://bit.ly/LandrieuMelancon.

SOURCES: U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
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Senate Confirms Marie Johns as SBA Deputy Administrator

Marie C. Johns [pictured], a longtime advocate for small businesses, was confirmed by unanimous consent by the U.S. Senate today as deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA].

Johns, who was nominated for the post by President Barack Obama, will be the second-ranking official at SBA, with major responsibility for management, policy development and program supervision.

"I’m thrilled to welcome Marie Johns as deputy administrator of the SBA," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "Over the past two decades, Marie has dedicated herself to creating great opportunities for small businesses and the local community in Washington, D.C. Marie’s strong leadership will help provide small businesses with the guidance, support and tools they need to grow, create jobs and continue to drive economic recovery throughout the country."

"I am grateful to President Obama for his nomination, and it is an honor to assume the role of SBA deputy administrator," Johns said. "I am excited to join Administrator Mills and the entire SBA team to serve the interests of small businesses across this country. The SBA mission is fundamental to the economic strength of our nation; that is, give small businesses the support they need to grow and create jobs."

Johns is a managing member of L&L Consulting LLC, an organizational effectiveness and public-policy consulting practice. Previously, she served as president of Verizon Washington. Under her leadership, Verizon Washington made significant strides in maintaining the company’s financial health during tumultuous times in the telecommunications industry. Johns retired from Verizon in 2004, after 21 years of service in the telecommunications industry.

Johns has a long record of business and civic leadership. She is the former chair of the DC Chamber of Commerce; founder of the Washington, D.C., Technology Council; former chair of Leadership Greater Washington; and founding chair of the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science [MS]².

While at Verizon Washington, Johns created the Students Educated for Economic Development Success [SEEDS] program. SEEDS prepared over 200 high-school dropouts for entry-level positions in the telecommunications industry -- many of whom were hired by small, local firms.

"Marie Johns comes to the SBA with an impeccable record of leadership and public service," noted Mary Landrieu [D-La.], chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. "At a time when this agency is undergoing enormous transformations, Marie will be an invaluable asset to Administrator Mills and her team as they continue to put small businesses at the forefront of our economic recovery. I look forward to working with Deputy Administrator Johns in her new capacity, and am glad to have her working on behalf of small businesses across the country."

Johns currently chairs the board of the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science [MS]²; serves on the Council for Court Excellence; and is a member of the board of Girl Scouts USA, the advisory board of the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services, and the women’s advisory board of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital [GSNC].

She earned her BS and MPA degrees from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Trinity University in Washington, D.C. Johns has been married to Wendell Johns for 38 years.

Last month, the Small Business Committee held a confirmation hearing for the deputy administrator. To view more information from the hearing and testimony from Marie Johns, please visit: http://bit.ly/JohnsConfirmation.

GoodBiz113's Take
Once again, the Obama administration has added an extremely well-qualified candidate to its team. Our nation needs all the MVPs we can get, and Marie Johns clearly has the leadership and management acumen to keep SBA moving forward for the win-win-win good of small businesses, entrepreneurs and self-employed folks from coast to coast.

SOURCES: U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Small Business Administration
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Sens. Landrieu, Kerry Introduce Legislation to Boost Broadband Internet Access for Small Business

United States Senators Mary L. Landrieu [D-La.], chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and John F. Kerry, [D-Mass., pictured] introduced legislation to better assist small-business owners in accessing broadband Internet technology.

The "Small Business Broadband and Emerging Technology Enhancement Act of 2010" [S. 3506] addresses many of the recommendations from the Federal Communications Commission’s [FCC] March 2010 report -- entitled "Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan" -- which calls for increased broadband access for rural small businesses.

"Improving access to technology for small businesses, particularly in rural areas, is an important component to economic recovery," said Sen. Landrieu. "With access to broadband Internet, a small firm that once was confined to a single town has the ability to reach a new customer base on the opposite side of the world. Louisiana is home to some of the most rural, underserved areas in the country. By assisting rural firms in upgrading their technology, I am committed to making these small businesses play an active role in jump-starting local economies.

"The FCC has done an extensive evaluation of the effects of advanced technology on small-business growth. The adoption of many of the recommendations of this report will support small businesses interested in expanding their operations. The Small Business Committee is dedicated to providing added assistance to these small businesses, and this legislation puts us on the path to doing so."

Sen. Kerry, a member of the Small Business Committee and its former chair, noted that the legislation will serve his constituents well. "Universal broadband access will empower small businesses across Massachusetts," he said. "It means greater connectivity for employees, while giving local businesses global access, allowing a shop in Western Massachusetts to make sales in Western Europe.

"Today, broadband is essential to the success of our small businesses. I commend Sen. Landrieu for championing the effort to connect them."

The legislation introduced by Sens. Landrieu and Kerry would:

* Create a Broadband and Emerging Technology Coordinator within the SBA to better coordinate agency programs that assist small businesses in adopting, making innovations in, and using, broadband and other emerging technologies;

* Amend the mission of Small Business Development Centers [SBDCs] to include assisting small businesses in accessing broadband and other emerging technologies;

* Amend the mission of the Women’s Business Centers [WBCs] to include assisting women-owned small businesses in accessing broadband and other emerging technologies;

* Allows SBA 7[a], 504, and Microloan programs to include upgrading broadband technology under eligible uses;

* Create the "Rural Small Business Technology Pilot Program" to provide excess government-owned computers each year to qualified small businesses at little or no cost; and

* Require the SBA administrator, in consultation with the administrator of General Services, to submit a report to the committee on opportunities at SBA, through deployment of technology in its district offices, to assist with the development of broadband and wireless technology for local small businesses.

In April, the Small Business Committee held a hearing to discuss efforts to increase broadband accessibility. The hearing specifically highlight the FCC National Broadband Plan, which included several Landrieu recommendations. Yos can view information from the hearing at: http://bit.ly/BroadbandHearing.

Resources
To view the complete text of the "Small Business Broadband and Emerging Technology Enhancement Act of 2010," S. 3506, please go to: http://bit.ly/SmallBizBroadband2010.

To keep apprised of national broadband-related developments and events, please visit: http://www.broadband.gov/.

To read the complete text of the FCC's National Broadband Plan, please go to: http://www.broadband.gov/plan/.

SOURCES: Federal Communications Commission, Library of Congress, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
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Landrieu Aims to Improve Evaluation of Oil-Spill Cleanup Proposals

United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu [D-La.], chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today held a hearing to discuss the evaluation process for proposals to clean up the leaking oil in the Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, as well as ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the process.

The hearing -- entitled "Harnessing Small Business Innovation: Navigating the Evaluation Process for Gulf Coast Oil Cleanup Proposals" -- brought together federal witnesses from the U.S. Coast Guard and Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] to discuss what the current process entails, and how small businesses can play a pivotal role in the Gulf Coast cleanup.

"As I have said before, after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, our business owners were up to their chins in water," Sen. Landrieu said. "Now, because of this disaster, these same business owners are up to their knees in oil. We want to find out how small businesses with the technology and innovation to help clean up this oil can get those technologies and innovative ideas deployed to the Gulf of Mexico.

"The most recent data from the Flow Rate Technical Group estimates as much as 60,000 barrels of oil a day is escaping from the damaged well. With so much at stake along the Gulf Coast, small businesses with the knowledge of oil-spill cleanup can play an active role in cleaning up this disaster, and we want to make sure they have the opportunity to do that."

Testifying on the first panel for the U.S. Coast Guard was Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago, assistant commandant for acquisition and chief acquisition officer [CAO]; and Dr. Paul T. Anastas, assistant administrator and science advisor for the EPA's Office of Research and Development [ORD].

The second panel included witnesses from businesses and universities with experience working with oil-spill cleanup -- including Oscar-winning actor and entrepreneur Kevin Costner [pictured], from Ocean Therapy Solutions LLC; Eric Smith, from Tulane University; Dan Parker, with C.I.Agent Solutions®; Heather Baird, with MicroSorb Environmental Products Inc.; and Dr. Carys Mitchelmore, from the University of Maryland.

During the hearing, the U.S. Coast Guard testified that over 1,900 proposals have been reviewed by the federal Interagency Alternative Technology Assessment Program [IATAP], and screened about 600 proposals. To date, no proposals have yet been deployed in the Gulf of Mexico, but IATAP has forwarded one proposal to Rear Admiral James A. Watson, the federal on-scene coordinator, for possible deployment in the Gulf of Mexico.

As of today, BP has received over 35,000 proposals -- with only four in the testing phase and none deployed to the Gulf of Mexico.

Chair Landrieu pressed the Coast Guard and EPA officials to improve communications with companies submitting proposals -- particularly in getting timely responses on the status of those proposals. She also encouraged the agencies to make the process more transparent, and to communicate with local Gulf Coast officials on possible credible proposals.

On the business panel, Kevin Costner, partner of Ocean Therapy Solutions LLC, testified that he has spent 15 years and $24 million of us own funds developing his company’s technology. An additional $1 million was spent adjusting the machines to prepare them for testing.

Costner indicated that his company had screened this technology for various federal agencies over the years, but they were noncommittal and did not follow up. BP is contracting with Ocean Therapy Solutions to deploy more than 30 machines into the Gulf of Mexico.

During the hearing, Sen. Landrieu made public a two-page document for small businesses that wish to submit a product or credible idea to the Unified Area Command or BP. The document includes specific instructions for submitting information, as well as information on the overall process. To view the application, visit: http://bit.ly/OilSpillCleanupApp.

To view a video of the hearing, as well as testimony from each witness, please go to: http://bit.ly/OilSpillCleanupHearing.

SOURCES: Ocean Therapy Solutions LLC [photo], U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
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