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Charlotte NC

Adams Announces Passage of NDAA Amendments to Assist Small Businesses and HBCUs

May 24, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) announced the passage of two amendments she offered to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): an amendment to reauthorize the SCORE program and an amendment to promote increased participation in federal procurement by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

"Today the House passed the NDAA and I'm proud to announce that two of my amendments were included in the legislation. These amendments will increase access to opportunity by fostering growth for small businesses and promoting investment in HBCUs," said Congresswoman Adams. "The reauthorization of the SCORE program will ensure continued guidance for new small business owners as they start and grow their businesses. Increased HBCU participation in the federal procurement process will lay the groundwork for future research opportunities and investment in our schools. As the Senate considers this year's NDAA, I urge them to invest in our nation's future by advancing access to opportunity."

The first amendment Rep. Adams offered reauthorizes the SCORE program at $10.5 million annually through 2020. SCORE is a non-profit organization and the largest federal business mentoring program to help Americans start and grow their small businesses. Volunteers donate more than one million hours of their time to assist entrepreneurs. There are more than 300 SCORE chapters in more than 800 locations across the nation. SCORE volunteers provide assistance and training in person and online. There are six SCORE chapters in North Carolina, with one chapter located in Charlotte.

The second amendment promotes federal procurement with HBCUs by directing heads of executive agencies to: assist HBCUs in developing self-sustaining businesses, establish participation goals of not less than 10 percent for HBCUs, and requiring prime contractors and other recipients of federal funds attain similar participation goals in their procurement. An investment in this area by the federal government could serve as the foundation for future research, investment opportunities, and growth for HBCUs.