Section 58.301. Policy

(a) This subchapter establishes the criteria and processes for self-certification of small business status and verification of small diverse business status. The Commonwealth is committed to promoting the economic growth and success of small businesses. The underlying purpose of this subchapter is to increase small business participation in Commonwealth contracts by streamlining the certification process into a more accessible and efficient experience for vendors seeking opportunities as prime contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and professional service providers.

(b) In addition to Executive Order No. 2004-06 (4 Pa. Code Chapter 1, Subchapter LL (relating to minority and women business enterprise)), Executive Order No. 2011-09 (4 Pa. Code Chapter 1, Subchapter VV (relating to Small Business Procurement Initiative)) and Executive Order No. 2011-10 (4 Pa. Code Chapter 1, Subchapter XX (relating to Veteran-Owned Small Business Procurement Initiative)), 62 Pa.C.S. Part I (relating to Commonwealth Procurement Code) authorizes the Department to oversee the management and development of small business participation together with the formulation of general procurement policy under 62 Pa.C.S. § 301 (relating to procurement responsibility).