New Report Uncovers Stark Impact of DOGE Contract Terminations on Non-Male-Owned Federal Suppliers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) has released an updated investigative report revealing a troubling trend: non-male-owned businesses—especially those certified as Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB)—have been disproportionately affected by contract terminations initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in early 2025.
The revised analysis shows non-male-owned firms made up 68% of all small business contracts terminated by DOGE in Q1 2025, despite representing less than 25% of the total federal small business vendor base. Of these terminations, nearly 80% were in industries where women-owned firms are historically underrepresented and face systemic barriers to contract access and renewal.
"These findings confirm what we’ve been hearing from our members across the country," said Margot Dorfman, CEO of the USWCC. "The numbers are not just disproportionate—they reflect deliberate decisions that reverse two decades of progress toward equity in federal contracting."
Dorfman continued, "This report isn’t just data. It’s about the real-life shutdown of opportunity for thousands of women and non-male business owners. We need swift and visible congressional oversight."
The report also highlights specific agency-level termination patterns and provides testimonies from impacted business owners detailing contract loss, missed payrolls, and the collapse of long-standing partnerships with federal agencies.
Download the full report: DOGE Non-Male-Owned Terminations Report
Take Action: The USWCC strongly encourages all impacted business owners to share their personal stories along with the report with their elected officials. Help bring visibility to the damage these terminations are doing to real businesses and communities.
You can find your representatives here: govtrack.us/congress/members
About the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce is the leading association for women and small businesses seeking access to government contracts. The USWCC gives voice to the collective strength of women in the U.S. economy. Using a platform of influence, innovation, and opportunity, the organization works with and for its members to grow successful businesses and careers. The Women's Chamber helps women start and build successful businesses and careers, gain access to government contracts, grow as leaders, and prepare for a secure retirement.
Committed to transforming the economics of the business and labor markets, USWCC works to dismantle barriers that stifle sustainable business and economic growth. The organization remains staunchly "non-captive," sponsored by the interests, aspirations, and needs of its members—not by large corporate sponsors—ensuring an independent voice that always acts in the best interest of its members.
Learn more at uswcc.org.