The case for federal programs that help small and diverse suppliers

Small and diverse business owners improve federal procurement performance, says supply chain management experts.

In this story published Feb. 4, 2025, in the Harvard Business Review:

“Our study of set-aside contracts provides evidence that contradicts the new administration's contentions. Our findings suggest that set-aside procurement allocations to small and diverse suppliers — including the small disadvantaged business program, 8(a) business development program, HUBZone business program, women-owned small business programs, and veteran-owned small business programs — not only boost inclusion, they also improve the performance of federal procurement.”

– Mikaella Polyviou, associate professor of supply chain management, and Robert Wiedmer, assistant professor of supply chain mangement