Dear Chairman Williams, Ranking Member Velázquez, and Members of the House Committee on Small Business:
On behalf of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, I write to express our strong support for H.R. 2804, the Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2026, and to commend Representative Velázquez for her leadership in advancing policies that strengthen opportunities for America’s small businesses.
Small businesses are a cornerstone of the American economy, driving innovation, competition, and economic growth in communities across the country. Veteran-owned small businesses are uniquely positioned to contribute to this success. Through federal contracting, veteran entrepreneurs continue their service to the nation by applying the leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and mission focus developed during military service to help federal agencies accomplish critical missions.
The Protecting Small Business Competitions Act would codify the longstanding Rule of Two by requiring contracting officers to reserve eligible procurements for small businesses when there is a reasonable expectation that at least two responsible small businesses can compete and perform the work at a fair market price. Establishing this requirement in statute provides greater certainty, consistency, and accountability in the federal procurement process while preserving robust competition and ensuring agencies continue to benefit from the capabilities of qualified small businesses.
The IVMF supports this legislation because it reinforces Congress’s longstanding commitment to a competitive and resilient federal marketplace. Veteran-owned small businesses deliver critical products and services that support government operations, strengthen the nation’s industrial base, and enhance mission performance across the federal enterprise. In fiscal year 2024, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses received approximately $32.8 billion in federal prime contract awards, demonstrating the significant role these firms already play in serving the American people. Codifying the Rule of Two will help ensure that qualified veteran-owned small businesses continue to compete on a level playing field, preserving access to the talent, innovation, and operational excellence that these firms bring to federal procurement while strengthening outcomes for taxpayers and the nation.
With 15 years of research and program experience serving more than 236,000 veterans, service members, and their families, the IVMF recognizes that veteran entrepreneurship represents a continued commitment to public service. Veterans who build businesses and compete for federal contracts continue to answer the call to serve by helping government agencies meet complex challenges and deliver results for the American people. Preserving fair and competitive access to federal procurement ensures that agencies can continue to draw upon this exceptional pool of talent and experience.
Thank you for your leadership and continued commitment to strengthening America’s small business ecosystem and the federal procurement system. The IVMF stands ready to serve as a resource to Congress on policies that promote competition, strengthen the nation’s industrial base, expand economic opportunity, and ensure veteran-owned businesses continue contributing to our nation’s competitiveness.
Raymond M. Toenniessen
Deputy Executive Director
D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families
