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Policy and Legislation

See below for links to the major laws, regulations and policies that impact small businesses:

Executive Orders

Orders issued by the President directly affecting the small business community as it relates to the Federal Government, including the Department of Defense. 

  • Executive Order 13170 [PDF] - Increasing Opportunities and Access for Disadvantaged Businesses 
  • Executive Order 13360 [PDF] - Providing Opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran Businesses to Increase Their Federal Contracting and Subcontracting 
  • Executive Order 12138 - Creating a National Women's Business Enterprise Policy and prescribing arrangements for developing, coordinating, and implementing a national program for women's business enterprise

Public Law

Search the U.S. Code (public law)

Statutory Authority: Public law 95-507 221.(k) October 4, 1978 Amending the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.

Public Law specific to Small Businesses

Policy Directives

January 24, 1980:

April 29, 1980:

May 29, 1981:

April 29, 1980:

October 8, 1999:

Memorandums of Understanding and Partnership Agreements

The 8(a) Business Development Program is a business assistance program for small disadvantaged businesses. The 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The program is an essential instrument for helping socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs to gain a foothold in government contracting. Participation in the program is divided into two phases over nine years: a four-year developmental stage and a five-year transition stage.

For more information: 8(a) Business Development Program

The Department of Defense (DoD) and Small Business Administration (SBA) Partnership Agreement provides DoD contract activities with a greater amount of involvement and responsibility in awarding 8(a) contracts. The agreement streamlines and adds flexibility to the 8(a) program creating greater opportunity for DoD activities to select and award 8(a) contracts. 

DoD - SBA Partnership Agreement - 8(a) Program [PDF]

Socioeconomic Programs

DHA Address: 7700 Arlington Boulevard | Suite 5101 | Falls Church, VA | 22042-5101

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