A small business advocacy group is questioning the move of Pentagon spokesman Terrence Sutherland to head public affairs for the U.S. Small Business Administration, alleging a conspiracy to cover up "fraud" in awarding Defense contracts.

Chapman,
Chapman, Sutherland
The American Small Business League, led by longtime advocate Lloyd Chapman, alleges in a new campaign that "someone with Commander Sutherland's background and experience" has joined the SBA as part of a Pentagon push to close the SBA to cover up "rampant fraud in Pentagon small business programs." 

Sutherland, a retired Navy commander, is former chief of external communications for the Defense Intelligence Agency and director of corporate communications for the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the Pentagon's police force. He took the SBA PA reins in April.

The Petaluma, Calif.-based group, which has criticized administrations of both major parties over the SBA, questions why large defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and General Dynamics often get federal small business contracts because of mistakes and "anomalies" at the SBA.

Sutherland told O'Dwyer's he has never been contacted by Chapman. "While some of his comments about me were certainly flattering, the overall premise of why I came to SBA and my role here as the press director were completely his thoughts and conjecture," he said. "I applied for this position because of my love and desire to see small businesses succeed. I was very pleased to be offered this position and work with a great agency team whose mission I support 100%."  
The ASBL as part of its campaign placed an op-ed by Chapman on the Huffington Post Aug. 27.

Chapman, who says the Obama administration wants to shutter the SBA, said his group is contacting Chambers of Commerce around the country and is preparing to launch a legal battle with the Pentagon and SBA.