More Than One Kind of Government Stimulus

The news media has been reporting, analyzing and rehashing the discussion about how the U.S. stimulus package will apply to small businesses. But a new report that appeared in Air Force Material Command suggests that the Air Force may be expanding its contracts with small businesses. David Van Buren, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition says small businesses are "under attack," noting the increased difficulty in finding funding these days. "If large companies of the country are having difficulties, and lending is a big issue for them, can you imagine what a small business is going through?" he asked.

The article goes on to say that the portion of government contracts in the past has run about 15%, but the Air Force wants to move beyond that percentage-based measurement.

Although the report didn't indicate how small businesses should approach the Air Force Acquisitions arm, I suggest that if you have a product or service the Air Force might be able to use, get in touch with your local Small Business Administration (SBA) office and ask for  guidance on contracting with the Air Force.

Hat tip to Simona Covel at WSJ Blogs.