President Clinton signed an executive order on May 23 directing federal agencies to take steps to award at least 5 percent of prime contracts and subcontracts to women-owned small businesses (WOSBs).  The order requires agencies to develop strategies to expand opportunities for WOSBs such as: (1) designate a senior official to identify and promote WOSB opportunities (2) require contracting officers to the maximum extent practicable to include WOSBs in their competitive acquisitions (3) implement mentor-protégé programs for WOSBs (4) require a corrective action plan by agencies failing to meet the 5 percent goal (5) develop a single Web site providing procurement information to WOSBs and (6) work with state agencies to share information concerning procurement opportunities.

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