This is just one of the ways the Council and its members were able to G.I.V.E. (Gift, Impact, Value, and Elements) in 2021.
GIFT. The Gift that keeps giving is the 4 Federal Government Regulatory Comments. The Council’s input in the following critical areas: 

  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  • Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities – Procurement and Contracting
  • HUBZone Price Evaluation Preference to Task Orders
  • Advancing Worker Equity in U.S. Department of Labor's Policies – SBA Scorecard
IMPACT. The Council helped to shape policies and practices that benefit HUBZone Businesses and communities across the nation.

  • March 2021: HUBZone member Jon Williams (Partner, PilieroMazza) wrote a stirring White Paper on behalf of our constituents. The document detailedhow the Price Evaluation Preference helps to level the playing field for HUBZone firms in full-and-open competitions while offering federal agencies greater opportunity to devote tax dollars to the communities that can benefit most from these contracts.
  • April 2021: The Council advocated for IRS Guidance which would allow businesses with forgiven PPP loans to retroactively deduct regular business expenses. 
  • July 2021: In response to Executive Order 13985 (Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government) the Council provided rigorous comments to the Office of Management and Budget’sRequest for Information on Methods and Leading Practices for Advancing Equity by focusing on Area 3’s Procurement and Contracting elements. 
  • October 2021: Advancing Worker Equity in U.S. Department of Labor's Policies, Programs and Procurement – Federal Contracting (Procurement – SBA Scorecard). The Council weighed in on various issues including how counting multiple certifications skews small business contracting reporting along with the lack of transparency within subcontracting and Best-in-Class (BIC) vehicles scoring.

VALUE. Decision makers took notice and HUBZone issues were recognized in the following ways:

  • The Council managed to secure language under House’s NDAA to raise the Sole-Sourcing threshold with the ultimate goal of increasing equity and leveling the playing field for HUBZone companies within the socio-economic categories. 
  • IRS provided guidance which allowed businesses with forgiven PPP loans to retroactively deduct regular business expenses.
  • Biden-Harris Administration Announces Reforms to Increase Equity and Level the Playing Field for Underserved Small Business Owners.
ELEMENT. It takes a village to impact guidelines, regulations, and laws. The Council has been successful because our members and stakeholders have been on the forefront of this national transformation. If you have ideas or just want to assist the Council, please contact the HUBZone Council info@hubzonecouncil.org.
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HUBZones Care – Kentucky & Arkansas Tornado Disaster Relief
As HUBZone advocates, we know how important grassroots efforts are in rebuilding communities, whether the devastation was immediate or over time. Let’s support these communities that were impacted by this disaster by providing resources making a difference to the people that need them the most. As always let’s show the nation that HUBZones Care about all communities, not just ours.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
DON'T WAIT FOR CHANGE,
MAKE IT HAPPEN!
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