WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The VA’s mission is to service the more than 27 million veterans who have selflessly served their country. To accomplish this mission, the VA acquires a high-quantity and broad spectrum of products and services through its nationwide system of hospitals, clinics, data processing centers, and National Cemeteries. The VA purchases these goods and services on a national, regional, and local level – from large and small businesses alike. However, the VA is currently not required by statute to prioritize federal contracting opportunities for the Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business Program – which helps provide a level playing field for women business owners in industries where they are underrepresented.

Peters’ Veterans Affairs Opportunity for Women-Owned Small Businesses Act – which he introduced with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) – would add the Women-Owned Small Business Program to the list of Small Business Administration programs that must be considered for federal contracting opportunities with the VA.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and women are a critical component of that success,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of the Armed Services Committee. “I’m leading this bipartisan bill to ensure small businesses owned and led by women have access to the valuable contracting opportunities offered by the VA to support their success and local economies throughout our state.”

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our state’s economy, and risk-taking men and women demonstrate every day what it means to ‘Make it in Michigan’ by fundamentally transforming their communities and creating places where people want to live, work, play, and stay,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr. CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We appreciate Senator Peters continued bipartisan commitment to growing opportunities for our small businesses here in Michigan and across the nation.”

“This legislation will open doors for small businesses owned and run by women in Detroit and across Michigan to compete for VA contracts,” said Detroit Means Business President Dr. Marlo Rencher. “Access to government contracts can be game-changing for small businesses. We appreciate the Senator’s continued leadership in elevating small businesses.”

“Since the creation of IAVA’s #SheWhoBorneTheBattle campaign in 2017, IAVA has urged Congress to ensure equity for the women veteran community,” stated Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America CEO Allison Jaslow. “The VA Opportunity for Women-Owned Small Businesses Act makes it possible for more women veteran-owned businesses to qualify for small business program preferences at VA. IAVA applauds Senators Peters & Blackburn for their continued efforts to support the women veteran community.”

The Small Business Administration (SBA) uses special programs like the Women-Owned Small Business Program to help small businesses win at least at 23 percent of all federal contracting dollars each year. To qualify for this program, a business must be a small business according to SBA size standards, and be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens. One or more women must also be responsible for the management and long-term planning of the business.

Peters’ Veterans Affairs Opportunity for Women Owned Small Businesses Act is supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

Peters continues to be a strong advocate for Michigan’s servicemembers and veterans. In 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation’s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act, which was signed into law. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted.

Peters also helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act – which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans – and their survivors – for the first time in our nation’s history. Peters additionally passed into law bipartisan legislation to strengthen transparency and communication for veterans and caregivers participating in the VA’s caregiver program. His bipartisan legislation to expand apprenticeship opportunities for veterans and allow them to use their GI bill benefits to secure a registered apprenticeship was signed into law in 2020. Peters also fought for and helped secure a measure in the national defense bill to expand the Department of Veterans’ Affairs list of medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure including bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism.

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