We have a sincere call to action.
Government contractors, and especially small businesses like Federal Merchants, are struggling with executive actions impacting Federal procurement.
Recent Executive Orders and changes within the Federal agencies we support have dramatically changed the Federal procurement landscape.
Why should you care?
Small businesses like ours are essential to Government procurement. We drive competitive pricing and lead with personalized customer service. Without us, there’s nothing to keep big businesses in check, and that means higher prices for the Government and taxpayers.
What key issues are impacting businesses like ours?
- Executive Order 14222 halted Government Purchase Card spending, which accounts for most of our daily sales. In addition, we have financed and fulfilled orders that now have no available customer payment method. This has dramatically impacted our cashflow and puts our ability to continue supporting our customers at risk.
- Executive Order 14240 consolidates Federal procurement under the General Services Administration (GSA). GSA contracts have burdensome regulations, higher fees, and long wait times for contract modifications. Moving more contracts to GSA will create inefficiencies for both Government customers and contractors.
- The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program is being eliminated at the national level due to changes in the Department of Commerce’s priorities. Our local Purdue MEP recently provided Federal Merchants with a grant-funded Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) assessment—an invaluable step toward becoming CMMC certified (soon to be a requirement for all Government contractors). Without MEPs, small- and mid-sized businesses will lack the support needed to modernize, automate, and grow.
- The entire Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) was abolished, undermining the critical role the OSDBU plays in supporting small businesses across our nation. Thanks to OSDBU, 22.8% of HHS spending went to small businesses during the Government’s 2024 fiscal year. With no one there to advocate small business strengths and capabilities, that number will drop.
How can you help?
- Make your voice heard. Call or write to your elected officials. Be specific about your concerns and how you would like your representatives to respond.
- Engage with our message on social media, share to your network, or add your own stories about how the current administration is impacting you or your business.
This isn’t just about us. This is about our nation. This is about how your tax dollars are used and how those decisions impact the Federal agencies you rely on.
Please help before it’s too late.
Find your elected officials here: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
