Small Business Participation in the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Programs

GAO was asked to review a number of matters regarding small business participation in the Department of Energy's (DOE) solar energy programs. The areas reviewed included: (1) the extent to which small businesses participate in the DOE solar energy programs; (2) the DOE efforts to encourage innovativeness by small businesses in the solar area; and (3) the background and experience key DOE officials have in dealing with small businesses. Although DOE has taken some actions to encourage small business participation in carrying out its various energy programs, some Members of Congress and small businesses have criticized DOE for not doing enough to encourage the use of small businesses.