DHS Secretary Mayorkas Issues Memo on Small Business Inclusion

On June 3, 2022, Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a memorandum entitled Small Business Inclusion, stating that DHS must do more to support small businesses participation in government contracting.

From the Secretary:

• Across DHS, I ask every senior executive whose office or program is involved in the development of requirements, funding, and/or acquisition of products and services to help advance small business inclusion. This includes small businesses owned by women, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and groups, service-disabled veterans, and firms located in historically underutilized business zones. Promoting these businesses also promotes equity, consistent with the aims of Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Supportfor Underserved Communities through the Federal Government.

Takeaway

This memo is welcome news for small businesses because it signals that DHS will be making strides to increase small business participation across all socio-economic programs. As the Secretary concluded, "[t]hrough your leadership, we will surpass the DHS Fiscal Year 2022 Small and Disadvantaged Business prime contract goal of 17 percent-a significant increase from prior years."

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