Missouri Congressman Mark Alford says small businesses play a key role in national security and the country’s manufacturing future.
Speaking during a U.S. House committee hearing, he highlighted the importance of small businesses in keeping America competitive.
“However, despite their importance, the number of small businesses participating in federal contracting has declined significantly," Alford says. "And as we face increasing competition from adversaries such as China, it's critical that we expand opportunities for innovative American companies to enter and succeed in the defense marketplace.”
A witness at the hearing, Anthony Closson of Colossal Contracting, told lawmakers small business participation is already declining. He says DOGE-related contract cuts under the Trump administration have made conditions worse, with results so far uneven.
Alford who is a member of the committee, says Fort Leonard Wood could play a bigger role in attracting small defense contractors to strengthen the country’s industrial base.
“We have a technology parked 10 square miles on the base in Fort Leonard Wood in the southeastern part of our district where we're trying to attract more small defense capabilities there," Alford explains.
Alford says while small businesses are critical, fewer are competing for federal contracts—and expanding those opportunities is key to staying competitive with countries like China.
Missourinet