Sen. John Kerry requests GAO study of federal advertising contracts to minorities

(May 16, 2006) In an effort to ensure minority firms are getting their fair share of federal advertising contracts, today Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, requested a study to determine if the federal government is aggressively pursuing a policy to expand minority advertising contracting opportunities.

“For nearly six years we’ve had a policy in place that says the federal government is supposed to be advertising in minority publications and on radio and television stations that reach minority audiences. Are they doing that? Are they aggressively contracting with minority firms?” Kerry asked. “It’s time we know how the government measures up in meeting its responsibility to reach out to all sectors of the American economy and in keeping its commitment to minority entrepreneurs.”

Here is the text of Kerry’s letter to the GAO:

May 15, 2006
The Honorable David M. Walker
Comptroller General
U.S. Government Accountability Office
441 G Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20548
 
Dear Mr. Walker:

I am writing to request that Government Accountability Office (GAO) review the extent to which federal agencies have met the requirements under Executive Order (E.O.) 13170 to ensure that minority firms participate in federal advertising contracts. 

On October 6, 2000, President Clinton signed Executive Order 13170, which directed federal agencies to create greater opportunities for small disadvantaged small business owners to participate in federal procurement.  The E.O. covers information technology contracts and GSA schedules, and also directs the agencies to increase the share of federal advertising dollars that are awarded to small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs).  Section 4 of the E.O. states,

Each department or agency that contracts with businesses to develop advertising for the department or agency or to broadcast Federal advertising shall take an aggressive role in ensuring substantial minority-owned entities’ participation, including 8(a), SDB, and MBE, in Federal advertising-related procurements.  Each department and agency shall ensure that all creation, placement, and transmission of Federal advertising is fully reflective of the Nation’s diversity.  To achieve this diversity, special attention shall be given to ensure placement in publications and television and radio stations that reach specific ethnic and racial audiences.

I am requesting that the GAO review the participation of 8(a), SDB, and MBE certified small businesses in federal advertising-related procurements.  I would like the GAO to review the following:

- Which federal agencies have developed strategies to comply with E.O. 13170?

- How many of those strategies were compliant with all the provisions included in E.O. 13170 and where were the shortfalls in each agency’s strategy?

- What is the total amount of federal dollars (civilian and military) that was spent on advertising in each year from 2001 through 2005?

- Of these annual amounts, how many contracts were awarded to, what is the total dollar amount of the contracts, and what percentage of total dollars are represented by 8(a), SDB, and MBE small businesses?

If you have any questions or need additional information, please have your staff contact Nigel Stephens on my staff on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship at (202) 224-2809.

Sincerely,

John F. Kerry


Go to Target Market News homepage

 

Click here to read more

________________________



_____________________________________________________________________________________


 12th Annual Edition Available 
Latest 'Buying Power' report shows black consumers spending more on home life

As the American economy continues to move sluggishly, African-American households are curtailing their spending in many categories, including food, clothing and basic household items, while investing more in home repair, home entertainment and consumer electronics. Although they are trimming back, black consumers are still spending more than their white counterparts on most of these products.
Story and statistics continued
_________________________

  SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 


The trade publication for
in-depth coverage of Black
Consumer Marketing
and Media news