41.3 F
Washington D.C.
Friday, March 29, 2024

DHS Excels as Other Agencies Drag Heels Over Small Business Awards

Since 1982, federal agencies have given $46 billion to small businesses to help them develop and market new technologies. Agencies generally aim to make awards within 180 days after the application deadline.

A Government Accountability Office (GAO) review has found that of 15,453 awards made over 3 years (fiscal years 2016-2018), 76% were made on time. However, the 28 agencies that made the awards varied widely on timeliness—some made 100% on time and some made 0%.

During the time period under review, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made 117 awards – 91 via the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and 26 through the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. DHS led other agencies with 100% of awardees notified within the required period. S&T in particular bucked the trend with a mean average of 58 days between application and award.

Agencies who failed to consistently meet the 180-day target (including the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy) cited factors that slowed the process, such as heavy workloads for reviewers and slow responses to requests for more information.

Read the full findings at GAO

DHS Excels as Other Agencies Drag Heels Over Small Business Awards Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

Related Articles

Latest Articles