Learn About Your DoW Acquisition Rights and Report Potential Infringements

DoW Strengthens Defense Industrial Base with Small Business Bill of Rights
 

Are you a small business participating in a Department of War (DoW) acquisition?

This page explains your rights during acquisitions and related transactions. It also provides a clear, formal way to report concerns if you believe those rights have not been upheld.

The DoW Small Business Bill of Rights promotes meaningful small business participation across the defense acquisition ecosystem. It brings together existing federal protections in one place, making them easier to understand and use. It also connects you directly to the right offices for assistance, issue resolution, and support.

Under the DoW Small Business Bill of Rights, small businesses can expect:

• Clear entry points for learning how to do business with the DoW
• Transparent postings of opportunities and forecasts to promote competition
• Access to mentoring, technical assistance, and cybersecurity support
• Raise concerns about restrictive or burdensome requirements

This effort reflects the Department’s commitment to expanding and strengthening the defense industrial base through greater competition, transparency, and accountability.

Review the information below to understand your rights and the resources available to you.

The Small Business Bill of Rights is a practical step toward improving how the Department works with small businesses and advancing acquisition reform.

View the DoW Small Business Bill of Rights 1-pager

The DoW Small Business Bill of Rights outlines the specific protections, authorities, and remedies available to small businesses participating in Department acquisitions and agreements. It provides detailed explanations of your rights across advocacy, contracting, priority programs, and complaint resolution, along with the statutory authorities that support them.

If you would like a deeper understanding of these protections and the formal mechanisms available to you, we encourage you to review the full document below.

View the DoW Small Business Bill of Rights

The Small Business Bill of Rights brings together policies, programs, and protections that can involve specialized terms and acronyms. This glossary is designed to help visitors quickly understand key concepts used throughout the Small Business Bill of Rights web page. It provides plain-language definitions to support small businesses, partners, and stakeholders as they explore available resources and navigate federal processes with greater confidence.

View the DoW Small Business Bill of Rights Glossary

1. Why was the Small Business Bill of Rights developed?
   The Small Business Bill of Rights was developed to ensure a healthy partnership between the Department of War (DoW) and the defense industrial base, encourage small businesses to contract with the DoW by resolving customer service issues and conflicts expeditiously, and inform small businesses of their rights to assistance under Federal law.
    
2. Who is the Small Business Bill of Rights developed for?
   It is developed for small businesses, particularly those engaged in or seeking to participate in DoW acquisitions, contracting, and subcontracting opportunities, to protect their interests and facilitate fair interactions with the DoW.
    
3. Are there annual reporting requirements related to the Bill of Rights?
   Yes, the Director of DoW Small Business Programs must provide annual briefings to the Secretary of War and congressional committees on metrics related to complaint submissions under the Bill of Rights.
    
4. What is the role of APEX Accelerators?
   APEX Accelerators provide procurement technical assistance, including for SBIR/STTR and defense export controls, to help small businesses navigate DoW contracting (10 U.S.C. Chapter 388).
    
5. Where can I get more information or assistance?
   Contact your local DoW or DoW Component Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) or visit sba.gov for guidance on your rights and available resources. We also have a DoW Small Business Bill of Rights 1-pager available for download.