Administration Announces Additional Efforts to Promote Small Business Manufacturing

2/26/2004

From: Sue Hensley of the Small Business Administration, 202-205-6444; http://www.sba.gov/news/

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Recognizing his commitment to the manufacturing sector and the vital role the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs play in fostering economic growth, President George W. Bush has issued Executive Order number 13329.

The Executive Order reaffirms the Administration's commitment to the manufacturing sector by prioritizing manufacturing related Research and Development within the SBIR and STTR programs. The order requires agency heads to report annually on their department or agency's efforts in implementing the executive order and requires the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with Office of Science and Technology Policy, to formulate guidance to the agencies on implementing this executive order and submit it to the President for approval.

"I am pleased that President Bush has issued this Executive Order making manufacturing a priority for federal agencies," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "The manufacturing sector is extremely important to job growth and continuing the economic recovery. The SBA will do all it can to assist small businesses become more competitive and efficient to retain and attract more manufacturing jobs."

Section Three of the Executive Order states that the Administrator of the SBA:

(a) shall establish, after consultation with the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, formats and schedules for submission of reports by the heads of departments and agencies under subsection 2(b) of this order; and (b) is authorized to issue to departments and agencies guidelines and directives (in addition to the formats and schedules under subsection 3(a) as the Administrator determines from time to time are necessary to implement subsection 2(a) of this order, after such guidelines and directives are submitted to the President, through the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, for approval and are approved by the President.