WASHINGTON, July 31 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R45576) on July 21, 2026, entitled "An Overview of Small Business Contracting" by R. Corinne Blackford, small business and economic development policy analyst. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Congress has broad authority to impact the federal procurement process and how agencies purchase goods and services from private sector firms. One way in which Congress has exercised this authority is by adopting measures to promote contracts and subco more PR

WASHINGTON, July 31 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R45576) on July 21, 2026, entitled "An Overview of Small Business Contracting:" (Continued from Part 1 of 2) * * * Small Business Mentor-Protege Programs and Joint Ventures/81 Small business mentor-protege programs typically seek to pair new businesses with more experienced businesses in mutually beneficial relationships. Proteges may receive financial, technical, or management assistance from mentors in obtaining and performing federal cont more PR