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AFMC, small business event sparks enthusiasm, renewed committment

  • Published
  • By Estella Holmes, Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
The essentials a small business needs in order to do “big business” with the federal government were emphasized during a small businesses construction outreach event Jan. 23 at Hope Hotel & Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center, here.

Almost 200 contractors and vendors met with 20 government personnel whose goal was to show contractors how they might support warfighter requirements and Air Force missions at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and other military installations across the globe.

“We are here to partner with you and help you understand how to do business with the federal government,” said Farris Welsh, Air Force Materiel Command Small Business Executive Director.

With an awareness of the process disconnect that can exist between civilian contractor businesses and the distinctive acronym-laden speak of military organizations, Welsh orchestrated events throughout the half-day session to demystify federal business for attendees.

The early morning featured representatives from organizations including the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Installation Contracting and the Army Corps of Engineers. Each spoke to the group and answered questions.

The government representatives focused on a common theme of ‘this is how you do it,’ giving vendors specific directions to propel their small business to support Air Force requirements.

“We need contractors to bring their ‘A Team’ and deliver the high quality capabilities the Air Force needs,” said Randall Parker, chief engineer, Air Force Installation Mission Support Center.

To echo Parker’s message, the Installation Contracting Office proceeded to explain who they are, how to locate them on the web, and current and future project opportunities at Wright-Patterson.

After describing what the contracting office does to support small businesses, Richard Fries, branch chief, Civil Engineer Support Contracting, Air Force Logistics Center, emphasized the importance of going to www.sam.gov. to register. This site is where all government projects for bid are listed.

“You can bid, but you can’t be awarded a contract, unless you are registered in sam.gov,” said Fries.

For 2019, approximately $1 billion in contracting opportunities will be available for small and large businesses to bid. All are listed at www.fbo.gov.

“While looking for opportunities, it is important to look at all federal business announcements, both contracting and subcontracting. Jobs which are too large for you as a small business might be perfect for you to partner with as a subcontractor,” said Michael Hutchens, acting contracting officer, Army Corps of Engineers.

The second half of the morning was set aside for direct vendor interaction with the government audience.

Weeks prior to the SBO construction outreach event, sample quad-folds were provided on the FBO website with examples of useful information businesses should include to introduce themselves to government teams. The single-page, quad-fold information sheet, is for businesses to describe their capabilities. During the event vendors were given five minutes to stand before the group and explain the capabilities of their small business.

Each business could effectively showcase what services they could provide to the Air Force government representatives and to other larger small businesses. Smaller businesses became aware of partnering or subcontracting opportunities with larger businesses.

Throughout the day, Welsh and other Air Force small business leaders were available to answer questions and clarify information provided during the SBO presentations.

Government representatives, vendors and contractors shared information and ideas to benefit small business and bring innovative, agile and effective small business solutions to the Air Force.

“We need you in the game,” said Parker.