Dwight L Franke

Dwight L. Franke serves as Director of the Small Business Programs Office, where he leads strategic initiatives to enhance small business participation in federal acquisitions. In this role, he ensures compliance with statutory mandates for socioeconomic contracting, advises on procurement planning, and promotes equitable access to government opportunities for small and disadvantaged firms. His work directly supports the agency’s mission to foster innovation and economic resilience through inclusive contracting practices, with a focus on technical services and specialized manufacturing solutions. While no specific contractor relationships are identified in available data, Franke’s office engages broadly with certified small businesses across multiple socioeconomic categories, facilitating mentor-protégé programs and outreach to underrepresented vendors. His team works closely with contracting officers to structure solicitations that encourage small business responsiveness, emphasizing transparency, fair competition, and compliance with the Small Business Act. Franke’s procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of acquisitions classified as “No Set-Aside.” Despite this, his office actively promotes small business eligibility and readiness, ensuring that even non-set-aside contracts include robust subcontracting opportunities and small business outreach. His approach prioritizes capability over socioeconomic status, while maintaining rigorous adherence to small business goals and reporting requirements. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712 (research and development in physical and engineering sciences), 541380 (testing laboratories), and 334511/334515 (aeronautical and electrical instrument manufacturing), reflecting deep expertise in technical, scientific, and precision instrumentation sectors. He routinely oversees acquisitions for advanced testing systems, R&D services, and specialized measurement equipment, supporting mission-critical capabilities in engineering and defense-related domains. His leadership ensures that procurement strategies align with evolving technological needs while upholding the integrity of small business programs.