GSA Blog

GSA Talks Supplier Diversity at US Black Chambers National Conference

The Associate Administrator for GSA’s Office of Government-wide Policy, Krystal J. Brumfield, participated in a panel discussion titled “Federal Contracting Made Easy” at the 2022 U.S. Black Chambers National Conference and School of Chamber Management. Brumfield fielded questions about contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses, new service procurement streamlining strategies, and inclusive contracting goals.

Reflecting the Biden-Harris Administration's goal to ensure equity in federal procurement, GSA has been working hard to increase the share of federal contracts with small and disadvantaged businesses. In the past year, GSA procured $2.7 billion in services from small businesses, an increase to 46% of total eligible contract dollars for the year. The numbers are projected to increase as GSA outlines its approach for growing minority-owned business contracting through the Supplier Diversity and Equity Action Plan.

The plan aims to improve access to Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) and Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts for small and disadvantaged businesses, while also developing tools to streamline the contracting process. GSA’s goal is to launch a support program for new contractors, which will help to acclimate less experienced businesses to federal contracts. Additionally, GSA hopes to create new markets for these businesses by seeking out services related to its goal of achieving 100% renewable electrification of GSA real-estate, a fleet of zero-emission federal vehicles, and overall sustainability.

Brumfield emphasized the efforts GSA has taken to help ensure leadership accountability in its supplier diversity plan. The administration is poised to regularly review, measure, and track progress in incorporating small businesses into its contracting work by analyzing changes in established performance metrics, such as total eligible dollars awarded to small businesses or the total numbers of new entrants.

Brumfield was joined on the panel by Mark Madrid, Associate Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Investment, Small Business Administration, who emphasized interagency commitment to enhancing access to federal contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses.

The conference was a great opportunity for GSA to communicate its commitment to ensuring equity in federal procurement to Black business owners and leaders.

For more information, visit: gsa.gov/equity