Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Dr. Radha Plumb signed a memorandum on 21 August to the department leadership highlighting how important small businesses are to the Nations’ economy and national defense as they advance innovation. She stressed that "Small businesses in all socio-economic categories play an important role in developing, delivering, and sustaining the critical capabilities upon which our military depends." Reducing barriers and creating more opportunities for small businesses is integral to building the enduring advantages needed by our Warfighters and “developing, delivering, and sustaining the critical capabilities upon which our military depends.” She highlighted the role that Acquisition Workforce members play in maximizing small business opportunities by stating “You, our Acquisition Workforce, have an important role in ensuring that small businesses are given the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in Defense contracts and in improving meaningful engagements with small businesses, particularly with businesses that help maintain our technological advantage and develop advanced capabilities.” She closed by calling for engaging with small businesses to help DoD meet its’ annual small business goals and for DoD leadership to work directly with small business industry partners and the command small business director.