1.  What are the reasons for, and objectives of, this interim rule?

DoD, GSA, and NASA are establishing procedures pursuant to the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-554), enacted December 21, 2000. The purpose of the interim rule is to provide a tool for Federal agencies to ensure equal opportunity, and thereby increased Federal procurement opportunities to women-owned small business (WOSB) concerns. DoD, GSA, and NASA are implementing this interim rule pursuant to section 8(m) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 637(m). These procedures will assist Federal agencies in eliminating barriers to the participation by WOSB concerns in Federal contracting, thereby achieving the Federal Government's goal of awarding five percent of Federal contract dollars to WOSB concerns, as provided in the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994.