Congressman Troy Carter Calls for Inclusion of Diverse Businessowners in Hurricane Response Contracts

NEW ORLEANS, LA. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and Lieutenant General Scott A. Spellmon of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requesting that business contracting efforts made in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida include full participation by minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned small businesses.

“Efforts to support and recognize historically underutilized businesses should always be implemented, and the need to do so is greater in the aftermath of a disaster,” said Congressman Carter. “Far too often in the past, we have seen local, minority-owned businesses do the actual work of a contract but get paid pennies. This pitiful history can’t continue.”

President Joe Biden has recognized the importance of small, local business involvement in federal contracting. This June, he directed federal agencies to increase contracting with businesses that fall in the category of disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE). The Congressman says that this move is step in the right direction.

“Giving out small and local businesses an opportunity to participate in the rebuilding of their own community is key to a strong recovery and stronger communities,” wrote Congressman Carter. “It’s one of the surest ways we can build back better.”

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