American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Of 2009 - Conference Report

Floor Speech

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Ms. MURKOWSKI. It is my understanding that the language in section 1610 that reads ``is otherwise authorized by statute to be entered into without regard to the above referenced statutes'' is intended to ensure that existing Federal procurement laws applicable to programs that allow for set-asides and direct-award procurements for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, tribal enterprises, women-owned businesses, HUB Zone qualified businesses and other entities covered through SBA programs, as well as, for example, the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act Program, remain fully applicable to contracts initiated under this Act, is that correct?

Mr. INOUYE. The Senator is correct. Nothing in this act overturns or changes the existing procurement laws for the SBA or similar programs or the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. Since approximately 80 percent of the jobs in the United States are created by small businesses and since one of the main purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is to get people back to work as soon as possible, the intent of this stimulus package is that small businesses, including those participating in SBA programs, will be able to participate in spending programs contained in the bill so long as the contracts are awarded following existing Federal law for competitive and direct award procurements.

Ms. MURKOWSKI. I thank the Senator for this clarification.

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