Federal Contracting and Oversight

Sen. Joni Ernst, chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, sent letters to 24 federal agencies urging a halt to funding and contracting through the SBA’s 8(a) program pending a government‑wide review of alleged fraud and oversight failures. Citing a recent DOJ bribery case tied to 8(a) awards, an undercover video, and SBA’s own June audit order, Ernst argues Biden‑era expansion of 8(a) goals to 15% has amplified risks; the program awarded more than $40 billion in FY2024.