The Architect of the Capitol awarded two-thirds of all contracts it gave out last year to small businesses, the agency announced Friday.

More than $24 million worth of AOC contracts were granted to companies that meet the Small Business Administration criteria for small businesses.

Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers announced the statistic Friday at the Small Business Industry Day, a half-day seminar for potential contractors hosted by the AOC.

“Our organization is very committed to working with and encouraging small businesses to effectively compete for Architect of the Capitol contracts,” Ayers told the crowd Friday. “This ensures that we receive the best value for taxpayers’ dollars while supporting job opportunities and businesses right here in the community.”

About 100 people showed up to learn about doing business with the AOC, spokeswoman Eva Malecki said.

“It was just an opportunity for folks to come in and learn about doing business with the government and meet other small-business owners,” she said.

The AOC was particularly interested in finding building maintenance vendors to work on elevators, escalators, air-handling units and electrical systems as well as products and services needed to maintain the landscaping around the Capitol complex and to conserve and repair historical objects and artwork, according to publicity for the event.

The Capitol Visitor Center, meanwhile, was looking for products made in the U.S. and manufactured with American-made materials that could stock the Congressional gift shop, such as educational toys, jewelry and souvenir apparel.