Chapter 7 - Promoting the Commonwealth's Socio-Economic Initiatives

7.1.3 Removal of barriers

VITA will review all VITA-issued IT solicitations prior to posting in eVA to identify and remove, when possible, any potential barriers or limitations to participation by small businesses, including those small businesses owned by women, minorities and service- disabled veterans and micro-businesses. In addition, VITA’s annual SWaM plan will address VITA’s ongoing attempts to ensure that all barriers or limitations to the participation of small businesses in IT procurement opportunities have been removed. VITA’s SWaM Champion works closely with VITA’s procurement personnel and DSBSD to ensure nondiscrimination in sourcing, solicitations and awarding of contracts. Agencies operating under delegated authority should also review their solicitations to ensure removal of any possible barriers or limitations to small business participation.