Puerto Rico: Information on Trends and Challenges to Small Business Federal Contracting
Abstract
SBA administers several programs nationwide and in Puerto Rico that provide federal contracting preferences to small businesses. The Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act includes a provision for GAO to review the application and utilization of SBA programs in Puerto Rico. GAO examined, among other things, (1) trends in small business contracting and the use of SBA programs in Puerto Rico that provide contracting preferences to small businesses and (2) stakeholder views on any challenges that small businesses in Puerto Rico face in obtaining federal contracting opportunities. To analyze trends in the use of SBA programs, GAO obtained data on prime contracts for Puerto Rico for fiscal years 2006 through 2016 and used nationwide data as a reference point. GAO interviewed stakeholders such as federal agency contracting officials, industry associations in Puerto Rico, and economic development entities about any challenges small businesses in Puerto Rico face in obtaining federal contracts and steps SBA has taken to promote participation in its programs. Additionally, GAO conducted a literature review to identify challenges cited for the 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and SDVOSB programs and challenges faced by small businesses in federal contracting in Puerto Rico. GAO makes no recommendations in this report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1151997
Entities
People
- Abiud A. Diaz
- Harry Medina
- Jena Sinkfield
- Jennifer Schwartz
- John Mcgrail
- John Mingus
- Julia Kennon
- Pamela Davidson
- Weifei Zheng
- William B. Shear
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office