Energy Costs and Their Impact on Small Business Operations
EMD-78-33: Published: Feb 6, 1978. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 1978.
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A review of impacts of energy costs on small businesses in the States of New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania dealt with questions of: whether State utility regulating commissions allow non-competitive procurement of fuels, whether competitive fuel procurements would result in lower rates, whether utility companies rate structures favor industries over small businesses, and what factors are resulting in relocations of small businesses. None of the three State commissions require advertised solicitations with sealed bids for procurement of fuel by utility companies, and only the Pennsylvania Commission has criteria to evaluate fuel purchases. Procurements made through the competitive process generally result in lower costs than are achieved through negotiated contracts. Although the effects of negotiated procurements on utility rates could not be accurately assessed, the negotiated prices may not be significantly higher under certain conditions. Current rate structures favor industry over small businesses because utility companies attempt to assess rates on the cost of providing service to various customer classes. Energy costs have not usually been a primary factor in relocation of businesses.
Jan 19, 2021
Elder Justice:
HHS Could Do More to Encourage State Reporting on the Costs of Financial ExploitationGAO-21-90: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Jan 19, 2021.
Nov 23, 2020
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Consumer Privacy:
Better Disclosures Needed on Information Sharing by Banks and Credit UnionsGAO-21-36: Published: Oct 22, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 23, 2020.
Nov 19, 2020
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Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Actions Needed to Improve Processes for Addressing Product Defect CasesGAO-21-56: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020.
Oct 30, 2020
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Small Business Loans:
SBA Generally Incorporated Key Elements for Estimating Subsidy Cost of 7(a) ProgramGAO-20-618: Published: Sep 30, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 30, 2020.
Oct 13, 2020
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Aviation Consumer Protection:
Increased Transparency Could Help Build Confidence in DOT's Enforcement ApproachGAO-21-109: Published: Oct 13, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 13, 2020.
Oct 1, 2020
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Small Business Administration:
COVID-19 Loans Lack Controls and Are Susceptible to FraudGAO-21-117T: Published: Oct 1, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 1, 2020.
Sep 30, 2020
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Small Business Research Programs:
Many Agencies' Award Issuances Are Not Timely; Some Practices May Improve TimelinessGAO-20-693: Published: Sep 30, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 2020.
Sep 28, 2020
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Intellectual Property:
Additional Agency Actions Can Improve Assistance to Small Businesses and InventorsGAO-20-556: Published: Aug 27, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 28, 2020.
Jul 30, 2020
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Small Business Contracting:
Better Documentation and Reporting Needed on Procurement Center RepresentativesGAO-20-462: Published: Jun 30, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 30, 2020.
Jun 29, 2020
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Small Business Subcontracting:
Oversight of Contractor Compliance with Subcontracting Plans Needs ImprovementGAO-20-464: Published: May 28, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 29, 2020.
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