HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) has announced a record-breaking $1.24 billion in spending on contracts with small businesses, small diverse businesses (SDBs), and veteran-owned business enterprises (VBEs) during the 2023-24 fiscal year. This figure surpasses the $1.1 billion milestone achieved in the prior fiscal year and reflects the continued commitment of the Shapiro-Davis Administration to fostering inclusive economic growth across the Commonwealth.
This success is attributed to improvements implemented by the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO). Key enhancements include reducing small business certification times by 33%, introducing a prompt pay policy to ensure timely payments to subcontractors, and launching a proactive communication strategy to notify more than 5,000 small businesses about procurement opportunities.
Additionally, BDISBO introduced a range of initiatives to bolster small business participation. These include a virtual business development training program, a mentor-protégé network linking small businesses with prime contractors, and hosting 64 outreach events attended by over 3,000 participants statewide. These measures aim to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to compete effectively for state contracts.
The Shapiro-Davis Administration has also replaced uniform targets with tailored efforts to enhance competitive opportunities for small and veteran-owned businesses. Lt. Governor Austin Davis emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. Governor Shapiro and I remain committed to ensuring they have a level playing field to compete and succeed in delivering services to Pennsylvanians.”
These innovative strategies are creating a measurable impact, with the contracting efforts helping to generate approximately 12,000 jobs across Pennsylvania. DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil lauded the progress, highlighting the broader significance of the initiative. “This investment is not just about contracts—it’s about empowering businesses, sparking job creation, and building stronger communities across the Commonwealth,” McNeil remarked.
Looking ahead, the continued focus on small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses is expected to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy while ensuring equity in public contracting. These efforts demonstrate the administration’s resolve to support local businesses as engines of community development and job creation.
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