Program Aids Small Firms in Southland

Southern California businesses with 15 or fewer employees will be given first shot at federal contracts below $50,000 under a pilot program announced Wednesday by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Last year, about 2% of all federal contracts, or roughly 247,000, fell below the $50,000 mark. The value of those contracts topped $5.2 billion. SBA spokesman Mike Stamler said officials expect the amount will be about the same this year.

The L.A. and Orange County SBA offices, which combined cover most of the Southland, are among 10 regional districts nationwide that were chosen for the program.

Contract listings are online at https://cbdnet.gpo.gov. SBA’s local office can also direct callers to other resources: (818) 552-3217.