Even amidst pressures to reduce deficits, the U.S. government remains the world’s largest single purchaser of goods and services with federal contract spending amounting to just over $535 billion in fiscal year 2011. With all of this federal government money on the table, small businesses are working harder to land the government as a customer – in fact, according to American Express OPEN’s government contracting survey, small business contractors invested $103,827 seeking federal contracts in 2010, an increase of 21% over 2010.
American Express OPEN will spotlight small business achievements in government contracting with the third annual Victory in Procurement (VIP) Awards. The VIP Awards are part of American Express OPEN’s Victory in Procurement (VIP) for Small Business– a national program that helps small business owners capitalize on the enormous growth opportunity provided through government contracts. Now through May 1, nominations are being accepted for the following three categories:
- Government Contractor of the Year
- Woman Contractor of the Year
- Teaming Contractor of the Year
Three business owners will be selected and honored at an upcoming VIP event on June 15th in Washington, D.C. They will also be considered for panel discussions at future events as well as marketing and PR opportunities courtesy of OPEN. More information on the awards, including a link to the application, can be found at http://www.openforum.com/
