Army OSBP Magazine - January 2016

Front CoverBack Cover

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Upcoming EventsPlease visit www.sellingtoarmy.com and click on “Calendar of Events.”

Follow Army OSBP www.twitter.com/ArmySmallBiz www.facebook.com/ArmySmallBiz

www.flickr.com/ArmySmallBiz

• New ‘Data-Focused’ Deputy Director Emphasizes Training and Outreach • Federal Government Agencies Provide “ACCESS TO SUCCESS” • 2015 Central Arkansas Federal Contracting Opportunities Forum• Midwest Small Business Symposium• Hundreds Attend Army-Hosted Small Business Seminar at AUSA Annual

Meeting• Army Small Business: Reaching out to South Texas• ACC Small Business Office Visits Battlefield• Army Office of Small Business Programs Recognizes Outstanding

Achievements for FY2014• 2015 DoD Award Presentation to AMC• A Small Business Success Story• Army receives 2015 Champions of Veteran Enterprise Award at Veteran

Entrepreneur Event• FY 2015 Army Small Business Performance

2 3 457

89

10

1112

13

U.S. Army OSBP

106 Army PentagonRoom 3B514Washington, DC 20310Phone: 703.697.2868Fax: [email protected] www.sellingtoarmy.com

Points of Contact Mr. Tommy L. Marks Director [email protected]

Ms. Pamela D. Callicutt Deputy Director [email protected]

Mr. James Lloyd Assistant to the Director Program Manager, SDVOSB & HUBZone [email protected]

Ms. Cynthia Lee Assistant to the Director Program Manager, Women-Owned Small Business, HBCU/MI and 8(a)/SDB [email protected]

Ms. Pamela L. Monroe Assistant to the Director Program Manager, Mentor-Protégé & Subcontracting [email protected]

Ms. Sharon R. MorrowAssistant to the DirectorProgram Manager, SBIR/STTR, Major Programs and [email protected]

Ms. Veronica Atkinson Administrative Officer [email protected]

Ms. Edith St. Catherine Staff Action Control Specialist [email protected]

Ms. Deandria Cumberbatch Support Contractor to Army OSBPNew Concepts Management Solutions, LLC [email protected]

Ms. Carla McAlpine-Franklin Support Contractor to Army OSBPByteCubed, LLC [email protected]

....................................................

Magazine Produced By Halfaker and Associates, LLCSupport Contractor to Army OSBP Mr. Burt Stanko [email protected]

Mr. Ricardo Ruiz [email protected]

Mr. Michael Patykula [email protected]

In This Issue

Army Small Business Connection | January 2016

Page 2

2U.S. Army OSBP • Building the Future of the Army through Small Business Utilization | www.sellingtoarmy.com

New ‘Data-Focused’ Deputy Director Emphasizes Training and Outreach

Bringing with her over 33 years of Defense acquisition experience,

Ms. Pamela Callicutt joined Army OSBP in late June as Deputy Director. Her goals are to support the director’s four pillars: mission, compliance, outreach, and training; and to leverage her extensive acquisition experience to help the office achieve its vision of being the premier advocacy organization committed to maximizing small business utilization in support of rapidly fielding a trained, ready, responsive and capable force that can prevent conflict, shape the environment and win the Nation’s wars.

Ms. Callicutt’s initial areas of focus will be to help ensure the integrity of small business data, which she says has a significant effect on small business goal assignment and achievement.

“If [contracting] awards are not accurately recorded, that can have a huge impact on our ability to meet our goals,” she said.

On a related note, she will be paying close attention to the inclusion of small business contracts performed overseas in the small-business eligible contracting base starting in fiscal year 2016. This is likely to significantly lower the Army’s small business percentages and further add to the complexity of capturing award data. Ms. Callicutt says Army OSBP can help mitigate these factors by focusing on training and outreach.

Army OSBP is currently working on setting up an on-site training center that will host small-business related training sessions aimed at both acquisition personnel and at industry. This, along with a revamped centralized Army Acquisition Forecast, are the cornerstones of Army OSBP’s current outreach strategy.

According to Ms. Callicutt, an additional benefit of outreach efforts is that “they are a two-way street.”

“We provide information and training, but we can also get feedback from small businesses on how we are doing and get some ideas for how to better utilize small business,” she said.

Prior to joining Army OSBP, Ms. Callicutt spent a year at the National Defense University, Eisenhower School where she completed a 10-month graduate level program in National Security Resource Strategy. Before that, she served for almost two years as a Procurement Analyst in the Services Directorate, Senior Services Manager Office for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Procurement.

The part of her career she is most proud of however, is her service as Deputy Principal Assistant responsible for Contracting in Kuwait from September 2010 - September 2012.

“I got to see how some of the contracts I wrote [back home] were being used downrange,

which helped me better understand their requirements. I was then able to give guidance to contracting officers on how to write contracts that better support the Warfighter,” she said. “I’ve worked every facet of acquisition and I’ve worked with Army customers to help them understand the value of small businesses.” ■

Submitted by: Mr. Anthony BraunSupport ContractorArmy OSBP

Ms. Pamela D. CallicuttDeputy Director

www.sellingtoarmy.com

www.twitter.com/ArmySmallBiz

www.facebook.com/ArmySmallBiz


Page 1

1

Upcoming EventsPlease visit www.sellingtoarmy.com and click on “Calendar of Events.”

Follow Army OSBP www.twitter.com/ArmySmallBiz www.facebook.com/ArmySmallBiz


• New ‘Data-Focused’ Deputy Director Emphasizes Training and Outreach • Federal Government Agencies Provide “ACCESS TO SUCCESS” • 2015 Central Arkansas Federal Contracting Opportunities Forum• Midwest Small Business Symposium• Hundreds Attend Army-Hosted Small Business Seminar at AUSA Annual

Meeting• Army Small Business: Reaching out to South Texas• ACC Small Business Office Visits Battlefield• Army Office of Small Business Programs Recognizes Outstanding

Achievements for FY2014• 2015 DoD Award Presentation to AMC• A Small Business Success Story• Army receives 2015 Champions of Veteran Enterprise Award at Veteran

Entrepreneur Event• FY 2015 Army Small Business Performance

2 3 457

89

10

1112

13

U.S. Army OSBP

106 Army PentagonRoom 3B514Washington, DC 20310Phone: 703.697.2868Fax: [email protected] www.sellingtoarmy.com

Points of Contact Mr. Tommy L. Marks Director [email protected]

Ms. Pamela D. Callicutt Deputy Director [email protected]

Mr. James Lloyd Assistant to the Director Program Manager, SDVOSB & HUBZone [email protected]

Ms. Cynthia Lee Assistant to the Director Program Manager, Women-Owned Small Business, HBCU/MI and 8(a)/SDB [email protected]

Ms. Pamela L. Monroe Assistant to the Director Program Manager, Mentor-Protégé & Subcontracting [email protected]

Ms. Sharon R. MorrowAssistant to the DirectorProgram Manager, SBIR/STTR, Major Programs and [email protected]

Ms. Veronica Atkinson Administrative Officer [email protected]

Ms. Edith St. Catherine Staff Action Control Specialist [email protected]

Ms. Deandria Cumberbatch Support Contractor to Army OSBPNew Concepts Management Solutions, LLC [email protected]

Ms. Carla Franklin-McAlpine Support Contractor to Army OSBPByteCubed, LLC [email protected]

....................................................

Magazine Produced By Halfaker and Associates, LLCSupport Contractor to Army OSBP Mr. Burt Stanko [email protected]

Mr. Ricardo Ruiz [email protected]

Mr. Michael Patykula [email protected]

In This Issue

Magazine | December 2015

Page 2

2U.S. Army OSBP • Building the Future of the Army through Small Business Utilization | www.sellingtoarmy.com

New ‘Data-Focused’ Deputy Director Emphasizes Training and Outreach

Bringing with her over 33 years of Defense acquisition experience,

Ms. Pamela Callicutt joined Army OSBP in late June as Deputy Director. Her goals are to support the director’s four pillars: mission, compliance, outreach, and training; and to leverage her extensive acquisition experience to help the office achieve its vision of being the premier advocacy organization committed to maximizing small business utilization in support of rapidly fielding a trained, ready, responsive and capable force that can prevent conflict, shape the environment and win the Nation’s wars.

Ms. Callicutt’s initial areas of focus will be to help ensure the integrity of small business data, which she says has a significant effect on small business goal assignment and achievement.

“If [contracting] awards are not accurately recorded, that can have a huge impact on our ability to meet our goals,” she said.

On a related note, she will be paying close attention to the inclusion of small business contracts performed overseas in the small-business eligible contracting base starting in fiscal year 2016. This is likely to significantly lower the Army’s small business percentages and further add to the complexity of capturing award data. Ms. Callicutt says Army OSBP can help mitigate these factors by focusing on training and outreach.

Army OSBP is currently working on setting up an on-site training center that will host small-business related training sessions aimed at both acquisition personnel and at industry. This, along with a revamped centralized Army Acquisition Forecast, are the cornerstones of Army OSBP’s current outreach strategy.

According to Ms. Callicutt, an additional benefit of outreach efforts is that “they are a two-way street.”

“We provide information and training, but we can also get feedback from small businesses on how we are doing and get some ideas for how to better utilize small business,” she said.

Prior to joining Army OSBP, Ms. Callicutt spent a year at the National Defense University, Eisenhower School where she completed a 10-month graduate level program in National Security Resource Strategy. Before that, she served for almost two years as a Procurement Analyst in the Services Directorate, Senior Services Manager Office for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Procurement.

The part of her career she is most proud of however, is her service as Deputy Principal Assistant responsible for Contracting in Kuwait from September 2010 - September 2012.

“I got to see how some of the contracts I wrote [back home] were being used downrange,

which helped me better understand their requirements. I was then able to give guidance to contracting officers on how to write contracts that better support the Warfighter,” she said. “I’ve worked every facet of acquisition and I’ve worked with Army customers to help them understand the value of small businesses.” ■


Ms. Pamela D. CallicuttDeputy Director

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3 Army Small Business Connection | January 2016 4U.S. Army OSBP • Building the Future of the Army through Small Business Utilization | www.sellingtoarmy.com

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The 2015 Central Arkansas Federal Contracting Opportunities Forum was held

from June 2-3, 2015, at the Arkansas Procurement Center in Little Rock, Ark., and was a collaborative effort involving many federal agencies in the region. This inaugural joint forum included representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 19th Contracting Squadron (Little Rock Air Force Base), National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior (Midwest Region, St. Louis, Mo.), U.S. Army Reserves 63d Regional Support Command (Camp Pike, North Little Rock, Ark.), Pine Bluff Arsenal (Pine Bluff, Ark.), U.S. Small Business Administration (Arkansas District), and the Arkansas Procurement

Assistance Center. The event gave contractors the opportunity to listen and discuss federal government contracting needs in the central Arkansas area. ■

Submitted by:Ms. Soila ReandoProcurement AnalystLittle Rock District, Army Corps of Engineers

2015 Central Arkansas Federal Contracting Opportunities Forum

Little Rock District Commander Col. Courtney W. Paul along with other panel members, James Ferrell (U.S. Army Reserve 63rd Regional Support Command), Maj. Jamey Hartsel (LRAFB 19th CONS), Michael Schreiber (National Park Services) and Elaine Nelson (Pine Bluff Arsenal) address questions from small business owners during the event.

Over 300 industry and government representatives gathered for the Access

to Success Multicultural Business Conference on June 25th, 2015. The event was co-hosted by Senator Mark Warner; the Business Development Assistance Group (BDAG); Arlington Economic Development, BizLaunch; and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A panel, emceed by Tara Palacios, Director of BizLaunch, kicked off the event. Panelists Victor Hoskins, Director of Arlington Economic Development; Maurice Jones, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Senator Mark Warner provided welcoming and opening remarks.

In his presentation, Senator Mark Warner emphasized the importance of ensuring that everybody gets a fair opportunity to obtain government contracts. In 2002, his office conducted a disparity study and learned that only 1.2 percent of Virginia’s dollars were awarded to minority businesses and that public universities were the worst performing in achievement of diversity in their contracting. He immediately initiated weekly reporting to increase the dollars to minority businesses. He expressed a desire to bring accountability to Federal agencies to do business with minority businesses. Senator Warner also emphasized that innovation and new ideas come from small businesses. Virginia is home to over 800,000 veterans and the unemployment rate among veterans is higher than that of the general population. In order to increase veteran employment, his office is working on a professional certification program whereby soldiers, airmen, and sailors can transfer their military skills and receive civilian equivalent certifications during their transition to civilian life. He stated that one of the

biggest challenges to businesses is access to capital. “Crowd funding” shows promise to make access to capital easier. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 allowed for crowd funding but the Securities and Exchange Commission still needs to pass regulations for it. He also spoke about a shift in the workforce and its shift in culture. Over 80,000 workers are now Millennials who are more open to change, want to do the right thing, and want to buy from socially responsible companies. They make up more of the “micro entrepreneurs” (such as Uber cab drivers, AirBnB Bed and Breakfast managers, or those who might have 1 or 2 side jobs or several primary part time jobs) – those who service an on-demand economy. Over 50,000 micro entrepreneurs service that type of economy. The downfall is that there is no safety net – i.e. unemployment insurance, disability insurance, or Medicare – for these entrepreneurs. Senator Warner finished by saying “We can’t guarantee success, but we can guarantee a fair shot.”

The “Federal Prospectus” session included presentations from Veterans Affairs, Army, and the State Department, who spoke about opportunities available at their agencies. Sharon Morrow presented for the Army, identifying what each Army command procures, the portfolios receiving emphasis, visibility and accountability for small business achievement (knowledge-based services [KBS], Facilities-Related Services [FRS], and Electronic Communications Services [ECS]). She also spoke about the greater emphasis on the SBIR/STTR program to build our industrial base. She finished by providing the following marketing tips:

• Know what your target agency buys

• Know your target agencies

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies and mandatory sources of supplies and services (including CHESS, SourceAmerica, and BPAs)

• Use fpds.gov as a market research tool (to identify who buys what you sell; who received a contract award, the dollar amount of the award, when the contract expires, etc.)

• Respond to Sources Sought Notices and Requests for Information (RFI)

• When responding to Sources Sought Notices, include the capability of your teaming partners in order to convey capability to perform the entire requirement and include special information such as bonding capacity, available financing sources such as letters of credit or lines of credit, and any special certifications you have such as CMMI, ISO 9000, and facility security clearances

• Consider every socioeconomic certifications for which you might be eligible

• Establish past performance as a subcontractor and use key employee experience for past performance

Other sessions included “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Prime Focus,” and “State of the Union.” The “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” session included presentations from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Transportation about contracting opportunities in transportation. The “Prime Focus” session included presentations from large business prime contractors about what goods and services they need in order to fulfill their small business subcontracting obligations. The “State of the Union” featured procurement officials from Virginia Department of General Services, eVA; Virginia Department of Social Services; and Prince William County

Federal Government Agencies Provide“ACCESS TO SUCCESS”

speaking about how to participate in the state and local procurement processes.

Exhibitors at the event included: Arlington County, Department of Management and Finance, Arlington Economic Development, BizLaunch, Dominion Power, Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC), George Mason University, James Madison University, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), U.S. Department of Commerce, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, Northrop Grumman, Prince William County, Radford University, STG Inc., U.S. Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Operations Command, U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), Virginia Department of General Services, eVirginia, Virginia Department of Social Services, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Military Institute, and Virginia Tech. Over 100 visitors stopped by the Army OSBP booth.

This multicultural conference was a successful event. It was a great way to convey each agency’s commitment to the success of minority and disadvantaged businesses in the federal, state and local marketplaces. The Army Office of Small Business is unwavering in its commitment to continue the mission of providing “access to success.” ■

Submitted by:Ms. Sharon R. MorrowProgram ManagerSBIR/STTR, Major Programs, and Training

Page 3

3 Magazine | December 2015 4U.S. Army OSBP • Building the Future of the Army through Small Business Utilization | www.sellingtoarmy.com

Page 4

The 2015 Central Arkansas Federal Contracting Opportunities Forum was held

from June 2-3, 2015, at the Arkansas Procurement Center in Little Rock, Ark., and was a collaborative effort involving many federal agencies in the region. This inaugural joint forum included representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 19th Contracting Squadron (Little Rock Air Force Base), National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior (Midwest Region, St. Louis, Mo.), U.S. Army Reserves 63d Regional Support Command (Camp Pike, North Little Rock, Ark.), Pine Bluff Arsenal (Pine Bluff, Ark.), U.S. Small Business Administration (Arkansas District), and the Arkansas Procurement

Assistance Center. The event gave contractors the opportunity to listen and discuss federal government contracting needs in the central Arkansas area. ■

Submitted by:Ms. Soila ReandoProcurement AnalystLittle Rock District, Army Corps of Engineers

2015 Central Arkansas Federal Contracting Opportunities Forum

Little Rock District Commander Col. Courtney W. Paul along with other panel members, James Ferrell (U.S. Army Reserve 63rd Regional Support Command), Maj. Jamey Hartsel (LRAFB 19th CONS), Michael Schreiber (National Park Services) and Elaine Nelson (Pine Bluff Arsenal) address questions from small business owners during the event.

Over 300 industry and government representatives gathered for the Access

to Success Multicultural Business Conference on June 25th, 2015. The event was co-hosted by Senator Mark Warner; the Business Development Assistance Group (BDAG); Arlington Economic Development, BizLaunch; and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A panel, emceed by Tara Palacios, Director of BizLaunch, kicked off the event. Panelists Victor Hoskins, Director of Arlington Economic Development; Maurice Jones, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Senator Mark Warner provided welcoming and opening remarks.

In his presentation, Senator Mark Warner emphasized the importance of ensuring that everybody gets a fair opportunity to obtain government contracts. In 2002, his office conducted a disparity study and learned that only 1.2 percent of Virginia’s dollars were awarded to minority businesses and that public universities were the worst performing in achievement of diversity in their contracting. He immediately initiated weekly reporting to increase the dollars to minority businesses. He expressed a desire to bring accountability to Federal agencies to do business with minority businesses. Senator Warner also emphasized that innovation and new ideas come from small businesses. Virginia is home to over 800,000 veterans and the unemployment rate among veterans is higher than that of the general population. In order to increase veteran employment, his office is working on a professional certification program whereby soldiers, airmen, and sailors can transfer their military skills and receive civilian equivalent certifications during their transition to

civilian life. He stated that one of the biggest challenges to businesses is access to capital. “Crowd funding” shows promise to make access to capital easier. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 allowed for crowd funding but the Securities and Exchange Commission still needs to pass regulations for it. He also spoke about a shift in the workforce and its shift in culture. Over 80,000 workers are now Millennials who are more open to change, want to do the right thing, and want to buy from socially responsible companies. They make up more of the “micro entrepreneurs” (such as Uber cab drivers, AirBnB Bed and Breakfast managers, or those who might have 1 or 2 side jobs or several primary part time jobs) – those who service an on-demand economy. Over 50,000 micro entrepreneurs service that type of economy. The downfall is that there is no safety net – i.e. unemployment insurance, disability insurance, or Medicare – for these entrepreneurs. Senator Warner finished by saying “We can’t guarantee success, but we can guarantee a fair shot.”

The “Federal Prospectus” session included presentations from Veterans Affairs, Army, and the State Department, who spoke about what opportunities were available at their agencies. Sharon Morrow presented for the Army, identifying what each Army command procures, the portfolios receiving emphasis, visibility and accountability for small business achievement (knowledge-based services [KBS], Facilities-Related Services [FRS], and Electronic Communications Services [ECS]). She also spoke about the greater emphasis on the SBIR/STTR program to build our industrial base. She finished by providing the following marketing tips:

• Know what your target agency buys

• Know your target agencies Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies and mandatory sources of supplies and services (including CHESS, SourceAmerica, and BPAs)

• Use fpds.gov as a market research tool (to identify who buys what you sell; who received a contract award, the dollar amount of the award, when the contract expires, etc.)

• Respond to Sources Sought Notices and Requests for Information (RFI)

• When responding to Sources Sought Notices, include the capability of your teaming partners in order to convey capability to perform the entire requirement and include special information such as bonding capacity, available financing sources such as letters of credit or lines of credit, and any special certifications you have such as CMMI, ISO 9000, and facility security clearances

• Consider every socioeconomic certifications for which you might be eligible

• Establish past performance as a subcontractor and use key employee experience for past performance

Other sessions included “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Prime Focus,” and “State of the Union.” The “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” session included presentations from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the VA Department of Transportation about contracting opportunities in transportation. The “Prime Focus” session included presentations from large business prime contractors about what goods and services need in order to fulfill their small business subcontracting obligations. The “State of the Union” featured procurement officials from VA Department of General Services, eVA; VA Department of Social

Federal Government Agencies Provide“ACCESS TO SUCCESS”

Services; and Prince William County speaking about how to participate in the state and local procurement processes.

Exhibitors at the event included: Arlington County, Department of Management and Finance, Arlington Economic Development, BizLaunch, Dominion Power, Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC), George Mason University, James Madison University, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), U.S. Department of Commerce, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, Northrop Grumman, Prince William County, Radford University, STG Inc., U.S. Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Operations Command, U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), Virginia Department of General Services, eVirginia, Virginia Department of Social Services, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Military Institute, and Virginia Tech. Over 100 visitors stopped by the Army OSBP booth.

This multicultural conference was a successful event. It was a great way to convey each agency’s commitment to the success of minority and disadvantaged businesses in the federal, state and local marketplaces. The Army Office of Small Business is unwavering in its commitment to continue the mission of providing “access to success.” ■

Submitted by:Ms. Sharon R. MorrowProgram ManagerSBIR/STTR, Major Programs, and Training

Page 5


Page 6

Top Army leadership and industry professionals came together to discuss the industrial landscape of the Army and the nation at the 8th Annual Midwest Small

Business Government Contracting Symposium, hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association-Iowa/Illinois Chapter in Moline, Ill., June 3-4.

This year’s theme, “Making Connections – Building Bridges”, appropriately reflected the agenda of the event, which included an Advanced Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI); networking events, matchmaking and opportunities for industry professionals; and concurrent presentations by small business experts designed to inform industry how to be successful in pursuing Army contracts. The event was attended by over 600 people, with about one-third being government representatives.

The APBI included keynote presentations from commanders representing the major commands on Rock Island Arsenal, as well as Gen. Dennis Via, commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command; Harry Hallock, U.S. Army Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement; Don Tison, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, Department of the Army; Maj. Gen. Theodore C. Harrison III, Commanding General, U.S. Army Contracting Command; Brian Castro, National Ombudsman,

Small Business Administration; and Tommy Marks, Director of Small Business Programs for the Department of the Army.

Gen. Via highlighted the importance of APBIs. “I consider these events a top priority for the Army Materiel Command,” he said.

Nancy Small and Beth Scherr from AMC’s Office of Small Business Programs shared that sentiment and attended the event.

Maj. Gen. Harrison highlighted the APBI and its importance on communication between the Army and industry, noting ACC is actively creating other opportunities to enhance that communication.

Melanie Johnson, Executive Director, ACC-Rock Island, presented an overview of the center’s organizational structure, mission areas, and small business statistics prior to presenting requirements being worked by the center.

She encouraged industry to take the time to ask questions at prep sessions and industry days, and stressed the importance of quality checks while contractors are developing pricing reports.

Midwest Small Business Symposium

Tommy Marks, Director of Small Business Programs for the Department of the Army. Photo by Kevin Fleming, ASC Public Affairs.

“I know what it costs for you to put these proposals together and I would hate for you not to be a viable contender in the process because you didn’t put something together correctly or left something out,” said Johnson.

Both Via and Harrison noted that Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) is one of AMC’s Centers of Excellence, praising the Quad Cities community as a strong partner with the Army — a sentiment reinforced by the Army’s Director of Small Business, Tommy Marks.

“Based on what I know about RIA and what the team has shown me, I’d like to see this team sustain the excellence that they’ve established,” said Marks. “Small businesses are part of our National Security insurance policy. If you look back in our history, small business, starting with this arsenal, created things that we needed. And they then may grow into big businesses, but the foundation has really been small business.”

Maj. Gen. Kevin G. O’Connell, Commanding General, U.S. Army Sustainment Command took the opportunity to walk through the 62 exhibitor booths during the event.

A feature at every year’s event is recognizing the Iowa and Illinois Small Business of the Year. Ms. Vicky Miller, Director, of Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) presented the Illinois award to Brenda Gillman of Pak Source. Pak Source is a manufacturer of wood pallets, skids and crates located in Rock Island, Illinois. Beth White, Government Contracting Specialist, Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) presented the Iowa award to Kathy Buxton and Steve Jennings of Grasshorse Studios. Grasshorse is a character animation, live action and visual effects studio in Winfield, Iowa.

New to the breakout sessions this year was a Q&A panel of current and past contracting officers. Participants heard first-hand how to market to the government and where to focus when responding to solicitations.

“The Power of Partnerships” session discussed teaming and incorporated an example of a successful partnership between Graybar and Document Imaging Dimensions, Inc., that sparked after representatives from the two businesses met at last year’s event.

Other sessions included “Are you Ready for Government Contracting” presented by a panel of PTAC advisors; a Q&A session with a small business advocacy panel; and “Preparing for a Defense Contract Audit Agency” audit.

Plans are already underway for next year’s event, scheduled to be held during the week of May 23rd, 2016. ■

Submitted by:Ms. Dianne WheelerArmy Sustainment CommandContributing Writers:Justin Graff, Army Sustainment CommandLiz Adrian, Army Contracting Command-Rock Island Maj. Gen. Kevin G. O’Connell, Commanding General, U.S. Army

Sustainment Command and Ms. Nancy Small, AMC Office of Small Business Programs. Photo by Liz Adrian, ACC-RI Public Affairs.

Tommy Marks, director of Small Business Programs for the Department of the Army. Photo by Liz Adrian, ACC-RI Public Affairs.

Page 5


Page 6

Top Army leadership and industry professionals came together to discuss the industrial landscape of the Army and the nation at the 8th Annual Midwest Small

Business Government Contracting Symposium, hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association-Iowa/Illinois Chapter in Moline, Ill., June 3-4.

This year’s theme, “Making Connections – Building Bridges”, appropriately reflected the agenda of the event, which included an Advanced Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI); networking events, matchmaking and opportunities for industry professionals; and concurrent presentations by small business experts designed to inform industry how to be successful in pursuing Army contracts. The event was attended by over 600 people, with about one-third being government representatives.

The APBI included keynote presentations from commanders representing the major commands on Rock Island Arsenal, as well as Gen. Dennis Via, commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command; Harry Hallock, U.S. Army Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement; Don Tison, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, Department of the Army; Maj. Gen. Theodore C. Harrison III, Commanding General, U.S. Army Contracting Command; Brian Castro, National Ombudsman,

Small Business Administration; and Tommy Marks, Director of Small Business Programs for the Department of the Army.

Gen. Via highlighted the importance of APBIs. “I consider these events a top priority for the Army Materiel Command,” he said.

Nancy Small and Beth Scherr from AMC’s Office of Small Business Programs shared that sentiment and attended the event.

Maj. Gen. Harrison highlighted the APBI and its importance on communication between the Army and industry, noting ACC is actively creating other opportunities to enhance that communication.

Melanie Johnson, Executive Director, ACC-Rock Island, presented an overview of the center’s organizational structure, mission areas, and small business statistics prior to presenting requirements being worked by the center.

She encouraged industry to take the time to ask questions at prep sessions and industry days, and stressed the importance of quality checks while contractors are developing pricing reports.

Midwest Small Business Symposium

Tommy Marks, Director of Small Business Programs for the Department of the Army. Photo by Kevin Fleming, ASC Public Affairs.

“I know what it costs for you to put these proposals together and I would hate for you not to be a viable contender in the process because you didn’t put something together correctly or left something out,” said Johnson.

Both Via and Harrison noted that Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) is one of AMC’s Centers of Excellence, praising the Quad Cities community as a strong partner with the Army — a sentiment reinforced by the Army’s Director of Small Business, Tommy Marks.

“Based on what I know about RIA and what the team has shown me, I’d like to see this team sustain the excellence that they’ve established,” said Marks. “Small businesses are part of our National Security insurance policy. If you look back in our history, small business, starting with this arsenal, created things that we needed. And they then may grow into big businesses, but the foundation has really been small business.”

Maj. Gen. Kevin G. O’Connell, Commanding General, U.S. Army Sustainment Command took the opportunity to walk through the 62 exhibitor booths during the event.

A feature at every year’s event is recognizing the Iowa and Illinois Small Business of the Year. Ms. Vicky Miller, Director, of Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) presented the Illinois award to Brenda Gillman of Pak Source. Pak Source is a manufacturer of wood pallets, skids and crates located in Rock Island, Illinois. Beth White, Government Contracting Specialist, Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) presented the Iowa award to Kathy Buxton and Steve Jennings of Grasshorse Studios. Grasshorse is a character animation, live action and visual effects studio in Winfield, Iowa.

New to the breakout sessions this year was a Q&A panel of current and past contracting officers. Participants heard first-hand how to market to the government and where to focus when responding to solicitations.

“The Power of Partnerships” session discussed teaming and incorporated an example of a successful partnership between Graybar and Document Imaging Dimensions, Inc., that sparked after representatives from the two businesses met at last year’s event.

Other sessions included “Are you Ready for Government Contracting” presented by a panel of PTAC advisors; a Q&A session with a small business advocacy panel; and “Preparing for a Defense Contract Audit Agency” audit.

Plans are already underway for next year’s event, scheduled to be held during the week of May 23rd, 2016. ■

Submitted by:Ms. Dianne WheelerArmy Sustainment CommandContributing Writers:Justin Graff, Army Sustainment CommandLiz Adrian, Army Contracting Command-Rock Island Maj. Gen. Kevin G. O’Connell, Commanding General, U.S. Army

Sustainment Command and Ms. Nancy Small, AMC Office of Small Business Programs. Photo by Liz Adrian, ACC-RI Public Affairs.

Tommy Marks, director of Small Business Programs for the Department of the Army. Photo by Liz Adrian, ACC-RI Public Affairs.

Page 7


Page 8

For the third year in a row, the Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) hosted a Small Business Seminar at the Association for the United

States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting. The seminar took place October 13 and 14 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC and drew an estimated 300 representatives from small and large businesses as well as from government. It provided a series of educational sessions aimed at helping small businesses successfully do business with the Army as well as with large Army prime contractors.

The theme this year was “Small Business Doing Big Business: Supporting Army’s Win in a Complex World.” Notable speakers included GEN Dennis Via, Commander, Army Materiel Command; LTG Robert Ferrell, Army Chief Information Officer/G-6; Mr. Kenyata Wesley, Acting Director, Department of Dense Office of Small Business Programs; and Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Associate Administrator of Business Development, Small Business Administration.

Panel topics included:

• Information on upcoming requirements and contracting opportunities

• Competitive proposal writing

• Procurement Technical Assistance Centers• Small Business Opportunities in the Small Business

Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Program

New this year were matchmaking sessions between small businesses and Army representatives from each of the Heads of Contracting Activity and from OSBP.

In an attendee survey conducted after the seminar, 81 percent of respondents stated that they “learned new information that will help them win Army contracts.”

The 2016 AUSA Annual meeting is scheduled for October 3 – 6, 2016. Army OSBP expects to host the seminar once again.

For presentations and photos from this year’s event, please see http://sellingtoarmy.com/2015-ausa-army-small-business-seminar. ■

Submitted by:Mr. Anthony BraunSupport ContractorArmy OSBP

San Antonio, Texas (August 11, 2015) – Small business professionals from the Department of Defense and Small Business Administration met

with industry representatives Aug. 11 at the San Antonio Business Opportunity Council “Small Business is Big Business in Government Contracting” training workshop.

The objective of the workshop was to disseminate information vital to the success of small business and to provide those business representatives with the tools necessary to expand within the federal market. Workshop presenters included small business professionals from the Army Medical Command and the Mission and Installation Contracting Command.

Lamont G. Kapec, the Head of the Contracting Activity for the Army Medical Command, said, “Engagement with industry provides tremendous return on the investment. Having dialog with small businesses improves communication, promotes competition, and helps the Army avail itself of the efficiency, innovation, and positive outcomes that small businesses deliver for our customers.”

Mission and Installation Contracting Command Small Business Specialist Deanna Ochoa said, “These outreach

sessions -- a chance to speak directly to a room full of small businesses -- are invaluable. Not only do we get to learn about potential contractors and their capabilities, but we get to dispel common misconceptions about working with the government, which encourages new contractors to compete for contracts.”

Ochoa and other small business advocates sat on a panel and answered questions from an assembly hall of small business owners, managers and business development personnel.

The San Antonio Business Opportunity Council promotes the utilization of small business, small disadvantaged business, and veteran owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, historically underutilized business zone and women-owned small business concerns throughout San Antonio and South Texas. ■

Submitted by:Mr. Pete HunterAssociate DirectorArmy Medical CommandOffice of Small Business Programs

Hundreds Attend Army-Hosted Small Business Seminar at AUSA Annual Meeting

Army Small Business: Reaching out to South Texas

Mr. Tommy Marks, Director, Army Office of Small Business Programs, moderates a panel focused on DoD Small Business, OCTOBER 13, at the Army Small Business Seminar during the Association for the United States Army Annual Meeting.

Small Business Administration Procurement Center Representative Sheena Little advises workshop attendees. Photo by Nina Ramon, Small Business Administration.

Page 7


Page 8

For the third year in a row, the Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) hosted a Small Business Seminar at the Association for the United

States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting. The seminar took place October 13 and 14 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC and drew an estimated 300 representatives from small and large businesses as well as from government. It provided a series of educational sessions aimed at helping small businesses successfully do business with the Army as well as with large Army prime contractors.

The theme this year was “Small Business Doing Big Business: Supporting Army’s Win in a Complex World.” Notable speakers included GEN Dennis Via, Commander, Army Materiel Command; LTG Robert Ferrell, Army Chief Information Officer/G-6; Mr. Kenyata Wesley, Acting Director, Department of Dense Office of Small Business Programs; and Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Associate Administrator of Business Development, Small Business Administration.

Panel topics included:

• Information on upcoming requirements and contracting opportunities

• Competitive proposal writing

• Procurement Technical Assistance Centers• Small Business Opportunities in the Small Business

Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Program

New this year were matchmaking sessions between small businesses and Army representatives from each of the Heads of Contracting Activity and from OSBP.

In an attendee survey conducted after the seminar, 81 percent of respondents stated that they “learned new information that will help them win Army contracts.”

The 2016 AUSA Annual meeting is scheduled for October 3 – 6, 2016. Army OSBP expects to host the seminar once again.

For presentations and photos from this year’s event, please see http://sellingtoarmy.com/2015-ausa-army-small-business-seminar. ■

Submitted by:Mr. Anthony BraunSupport ContractorArmy OSBP

San Antonio, Texas (August 11, 2015) – Small business professionals from the Department of Defense and Small Business Administration met

with industry representatives Aug. 11 at the San Antonio Business Opportunity Council “Small Business is Big Business in Government Contracting” training workshop.

The objective of the workshop was to disseminate information vital to the success of small business and to provide those business representatives with the tools necessary to expand within the federal market. Workshop presenters included small business professionals from the Army Medical Command and the Mission and Installation Contracting Command.

Lamont G. Kapec, the Head of the Contracting Activity for the Army Medical Command, said, “Engagement with industry provides tremendous return on the investment. Having dialog with small businesses improves communication, promotes competition, and helps the Army avail itself of the efficiency, innovation, and positive outcomes that small businesses deliver for our customers.”

Mission and Installation Contracting Command Small Business Specialist Deanna Ochoa said, “These outreach

sessions -- a chance to speak directly to a room full of small businesses -- are invaluable. Not only do we get to learn about potential contractors and their capabilities, but we get to dispel common misconceptions about working with the government, which encourages new contractors to compete for contracts.”

Ochoa and other small business advocates sat on a panel and answered questions from an assembly hall of small business owners, managers and business development personnel.

The San Antonio Business Opportunity Council promotes the utilization of small business, small disadvantaged business, and veteran owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, historically underutilized business zone and women-owned small business concerns throughout San Antonio and South Texas. ■

Submitted by:Mr. Pete HunterAssociate DirectorArmy Medical CommandOffice of Small Business Programs

Hundreds Attend Army-Hosted Small Business Seminar at AUSA Annual Meeting

Army Small Business: Reaching out to South Texas

Mr. Tommy Marks, Director, Army Office of Small Business Programs, moderates a panel focused on DoD Small Business, OCTOBER 13, at the Army Small Business Seminar during the Association for the United States Annual Meeting.

Small Business Administration Procurement Center Representative Sheena Little advises workshop attendees. Photo by Nina Ramon, Small Business Administration.

Page 9 Page 10


The Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) held its annual awards

program during the Small Business Training Conference sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs. On July 14, 2015, Army OSBP Director, Mr. Tommy Marks, presented awards to the Army Small Business Specialist of the Year (full and part-time), the Contracting Professional of the Year, the Program Manager of the Year, and to the individual commands for their outstanding achievements during FY 2014.

The Small Business Specialist of the Year Award recognized the small business specialist who maintained an overall superior small business program, the Contracting Professional of the Year Award recognized the contracting professional who supported the various aspects of the small business program in a superior manner and the small business specialist, the Program Manager of the Year Award recognized the program manager who supported the various aspects of the small business program, the contracting professional and the small business specialist in a superior manner. The individual command awards recognized Major Commands (MACOM) for their superior performance in individual small business program goal categories.

Award recipients are as follows:

1. Small Business Specialist of the Year (Full-Time), Ms. Ivonne Drake, Alaska District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

2. Small Business Specialist of the Year (Part-Time), Ms. Kelly Rhodes, Army Aviation and Missile Command, U.S. Army Materiel Command

3. Contracting Professional of the Year, Mr. Brian Martin, Director of Contracting, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRA), Mr. Pete Hunter, U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM), Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs and Mr. Jerome Maultsby, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs, USAMRA accepted the award

4. Program Manager of the Year, Ms. Prasanthi Tipparaju, Acquisition Liaison Officer, Walter Reed Institute of Research, USAMRA, Mr. Pete Hunter, MEDCOM, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs and Mr. Jerome Maultsby, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs, USAMRA accepted the award

5. MACOM Small Business Program of the Year, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ms. Grace Fontana, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs accepted the award

6. MACOM Small Disadvantaged Business Program Award, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ms. Grace Fontana, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs accepted the award

7. MACOM Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program Awards (3 Awards)

• U.S. Army Materiel Command, Ms. Nancy Small, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs accepted the award

• U.S. Army National Guard Bureau, Dr. Donna Pebbles, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs accepted the award

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ms. Grace Fontana, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs accepted the award

8. MACOM Women-Owned Small Business Program Awards (2 Awards)



9. MACOM HubZone Small Business Program Award, U.S. Army National Guard Bureau, Dr. Donna Pebbles, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs accepted the award

■

Submitted by:Ms. Cynthia LeeProgram ManagerArmy Women-Owned SmallBusiness, 8(a)/Small DisadvantagedBusiness & Historically BlackColleges and Universities/MinorityInstitutions Programs

Army Office of Small Business ProgramsRecognizes Outstanding Achievements for FY2014

On June 2, 2015, personnel in the Headquarters Army Contracting Command (HQ ACC) Office of Small Business Programs journeyed to the

Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military National Park for a teambuilding activity. Led by Mr. Mikhael Weitzel, HQ ACC command historian, the one day staff ride centered on the U.S. Army’s relationship with American small businesses during the Civil War.

Located in northern Georgia and eastern Tennessee, the park preserves the sites of two major battles of the American Civil War: the Battle of Chickamauga and the Chattanooga Campaign. In north Georgia and south Tennessee, Union and Confederate armies clashed during the fall of 1863 in some of the hardest fighting of the Civil War. The prize was Chattanooga, a key rail center and the gateway to the heart of the Confederacy.

At each of the six different stops the team not only explored the campaign and battle, but the historian also highlighted the significant importance that small businesses played in the Army’s Campaign.

The route for the day followed the U.S. Army’s fabled “Lightning Brigade” lead by COL John T. Wilder. Also of particular interest to the group was the Army’s adoption of the 7-shot Spencer repeating rifle which was first introduce by Christopher Spencer after gaining an audience with President Abraham Lincoln. Like many other companies, the Spencer Repeating Rifle Company of Massachusetts began as a small business.

This was the second in a series of staff rides offered by the command historian’s office, the first having taken place

at the Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. ■

Submitted by:Ms. Darlene BrakefieldProcurement AnalystWomen-Owned Small Business, Program ManagerOffice of Small Business Programs HQ, US ACC

ACC Small Business Office Visits Battlefield

The Chickamauga Battlefield visitor center offered a wealth of artifacts, many from small businesses.

Picutred left to right: Mr. Christopher Evans, Ms. Constance Jones, Mr. Mikael Weitzel (command historian), and Ms. Darlene Brakefield take a group picture atop the bridge over the Tennessee River at Bridgeport, AL. The US Army contracted for the bridge’s reconstruction with a small business specializing in bridge construction.

Page 9 Page 10


The Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) held its annual awards

program during the Small Business Training Conference sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs. On July 14, 2015, Army OSBP Director, Mr. Tommy Marks, presented awards to the Army Small Business Specialist of the Year (full and part-time), the Contracting Professional of the Year, the Program Manager of the Year, and to the individual commands for their outstanding achievements during FY 2014.

The Small Business Specialist of the Year Award recognized the small business specialist who maintained an overall superior small business program, the Contracting Professional of the Year Award recognized the contracting professional who supported the various aspects of the small business program in a superior manner and the small business specialist, the Program Manager of the Year Award recognized the program manager who supported the various aspects of the small business program, the contracting professional and the small business specialist in a superior manner. The individual command awards recognized Major Commands (MACOM) for their superior performance in individual small business program goal categories.

Award recipients are as follows:

1. Small Business Specialist of the Year (Full-Time), Ms. Ivonne Drake, Alaska District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

2. Small Business Specialist of the Year (Part-Time), Ms. Kelly Rhodes, Army Aviation and Missile Command, U.S. Army Materiel Command

3. Contracting Professional of the Year, Mr. Brian Martin, Director of Contracting, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRA), Mr. Pete Hunter, U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM), Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs and Mr. Jerome Maultsby, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs, USAMRA accepted the award

4. Program Manager of the Year, Ms. Prasanthi Tipparaju, Acquisition Liaison Officer, Walter Reed Institute of Research, USAMRA, Mr. Pete Hunter, MEDCOM, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs and Mr. Jerome Maultsby, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs, USAMRA accepted the award

5. MACOM Small Business Program of the Year, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ms. Grace Fontana, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs accepted the award

6. MACOM Small Disadvantaged Business Program Award, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ms. Grace Fontana, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs accepted the award

7. MACOM Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program Awards (3 Awards)



• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ms. Grace Fontana, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs accepted the award

8. MACOM Women-Owned Small Business Program Awards (2 Awards)



9. MACOM HubZone Small Business Program Award, U.S. Army National Guard Bureau, Dr. Donna Pebbles, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs accepted the award

■

Submitted by:Ms. Cynthia LeeProgram ManagerArmy Women-Owned SmallBusiness, 8(a)/Small DisadvantagedBusiness & Historically BlackColleges and Universities/MinorityInstitutions Programs

Army Office of Small Business ProgramsRecognizes Outstanding Achievements for FY2014

On June 2, 2015, personnel in the Headquarters Army Contracting Command (HQ ACC) Office of Small Business Programs journeyed to the

Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military National Park for a teambuilding activity. Led by Mr. Mikhael Weitzel, HQ ACC command historian, the one day staff ride centered on the U.S. Army’s relationship with American small businesses during the Civil War.

Located in northern Georgia and eastern Tennessee, the park preserves the sites of two major battles of the American Civil War: the Battle of Chickamauga and the Chattanooga Campaign. In north Georgia and south Tennessee, Union and Confederate armies clashed during the fall of 1863 in some of the hardest fighting of the Civil War. The prize was Chattanooga, a key rail center and the gateway to the heart of the Confederacy.

At each of the six different stops the team not only explored the campaign and battle, but the historian also highlighted the significant importance that small businesses played in the Army’s Campaign.

The route for the day followed the U.S. Army’s fabled “Lightning Brigade” lead by COL John T. Wilder. Also of particular interest to the group was the Army’s adoption of the 7-shot Spencer repeating rifle which was first introduce by Christopher Spencer after gaining an audience with President Abraham Lincoln. Like many other companies, the Spencer Repeating Rifle Company of Massachusetts began as a small business.

This was the second in a series of staff rides offered by the command historian’s office, the first having taken place

at the Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. ■

Submitted by:Ms. Darlene BrakefieldProcurement AnalystWomen-Owned Small Business, Program ManagerOffice of Small Business Programs HQ, US ACC

ACC Small Business Office Visits Battlefield

The Chickamauga Battlefield visitor center offered a wealth of artifacts, many from small businesses.

Picutred left to right: Mr. Christopher Evans, Ms. Constance Jones, Mr. Mikael Weitzel (command historian), and Ms. Darlene Brakefield take a group picture atop the bridge over the Tennessee River at Bridgeport, AL. The US Army contracted for the bridge’s reconstruction with a small business specializing in bridge construction.

Page 11 Page 12


2015 DoD Award Presentation to AMC

The Army Materiel Command (AMC), Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) has met and exceeded its assigned goals and the demands of

an already hectic schedule. The OSBP team appears to assess these challenges as great opportunities to excel. AMC’s Small Business Office members have been active participants performing outreach events in their respective communities. The AMC team is championed by Nancy Small, Associate Director, AMC OSBP. The team’s hard work provided the small business community with opportunities to appreciate the collaborative fruits of their labor by being honored with a succession of awards. Small recently attended the July 2015 Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Innovation Training in Phoenix, Ariz., where she actively served on the panel titled “How to be a Valuable Small Business Professional”. Small’s experience and professionalism was well received as she engaged the members of the audience.

The AMC small business community awardees were honored at the 2015 DoD Small Business Innovation Training to have the Secretary of the Army Office of Small Business Programs Director, Tommy Marks, present their small business awards. Marks presented Nancy Small, AMC Associate Director, OSBP, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, with the award for exceptional Woman-Owned and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Programs for 2014. Marks also presented the award for the Department of the Army’s Best Part-Time Small Business Specialist award for FY 14 to Kelly Rhodes of Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal.

Kenyata Wesley, DoD, Acting Director for the Office of Small Business Programs also honored AMC’s small business community by presenting the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs’ Recognition for Outstanding Performance award to Jennie Dihn-Nguyen, Communications-Electronics Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland and to the Mission and Installation Contracting Command Small Business Program Team for their accomplishments in FY14. These awards were a direct reflection of the hard-work, commitment, and dedication of the HQ AMC Principal and Special Staff, Small Business Leaders, Principal Assistants Responsible for Contracting and the Commanders across the enterprise. ■

Submitted by: Army Material CommandOffice of Small Business Programs

Mr. Marks poses with Ms. Nancy Small, Associate Director, AMC Office of Small Business Programs and the AMC Small Business Team after receiving the FY 2014 Woman Owned Small Business and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Awards for Exceptional Program Support.

Mr. Kenyata Wesley, Department of Defense, Acting Director for the Office of Small Business Programs, presents Mr. Mark Massie, Assistant Director, Mission Installation and Contracting Command (MICC) and the MICC Small Business Team with the Office of Small Business Programs’ Recognition for Outstanding Performance.

Mr. Tommy Marks, Director, Department of the Army Small Business Programs presents Ms. Nancy Small, Associate Director, AMC Office of Small Business Programs, with the FY 2014 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Award for Exceptional Program Support.

Army receives 2015 Champions of Veteran Enterprise Award at Veteran Entrepreneur Event

A Small Business Success Story

Recognizing the Army’s efforts at utilizing service-disabled veteran-owned businesses

(SDVOSBs) in contracting during fiscal year (FY) 2014, the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) presented the Army, as well as several Army buying commands, with Champions of Veteran Enterprise awards on June 9, during the annual Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium (VETS) in Norfolk, VA.

In order to receive the award, agencies had to exceed the three percent federal statutory goal for prime awards to SDVOSBs in FY 2014. The Army awarded 4.12 percent of a total $60.6 billion in contracts to SDVOSBs, amounting to $2.5 billion.

The Army buying commands in the chart provided also received the Champions of Veteran award.

At VETS, Army representatives took the opportunity to network with and mentor SDVOSB entrepreneurs by exhibiting and participating in matchmaking.

“Engaging with small business owners at events like [VETS] is a key part the Army’s Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program and has been instrumental in getting the

Army over the three percent goal,” Mr. James Lloyd, Program Manager, Army Service-Disabled / Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Programs, said. ■


Attending an Idaho Business Opportunities Outreach Event a small business owner, with a

sense of humor, approached the Walla Walla District’s booth and proceeded to introduce himself, using the name of the previous Small Business Program Deputy for the Walla Walla District Army Corps of Engineers. (NWW). Once laughter subsided, RJS, a WOSB, SDB, 8(a) business announced they wanted to be NWW’s Best 8(a) Contractor and they asked how they can achieve that goal. It was suggested RJS propose on and be awarded a smaller project, allowing an opportunity to build a relationship with NWW.

RJS competed and was awarded the Swallow Park Tile Replacement project in the fall of 2014. The project had challenges with the existing grade and warranty issues. It appeared the only solution would be to add $40,000

to build a retaining wall, remove playground toys, and reset at different elevations, creating Americans with Disabilities Act issues to address. RJS overcame the challenges with innovation and teamwork with NWW. Without additional cost, a safe playground with cushioned fall protection was completed for the local community and visitors to enjoy. At the project completion, relationships were established and RJS had developed a good reputation at NWW.

When an acquisition timeline had been negatively affected, leaving NWW at risk on another project, RJS was contacted. An opportunity as an 8(a) sole source was awarded to RJS for the Little Goose Adult Fishway Controls Upgrade. RJS moved quickly from an award at Thanksgiving 2014 to mobilization in early January and completion by the end of February. Even at this pace, they took the time

to offer suggestions for time and cost savings. When issues with the specified control algorithm arose after commissioning, RJS quickly re-engaged to support NWW.

RJS completed the project within budget and on time, confirming their reputation.

Recently, RJS competed in a full and open competition, being awarded the Lower Granite Telecommunications System Upgrade.

RJS, a successful WOSB, SDB, 8(a) is working towards being one of NWW’s Best 8(a) Contractors. ■

Submitted by: Ms. Kay BaltzOffice of Small Business Programs, US Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division Walla Walla District

Command FY 2014 SDVOSB Achievement

Army Materiel Command 3.01 percent

Army Corps of Engineers 5.38 percent

Army National Guard Bureau 13.29 percent

Army Medical Command 8.59 percent

Army Medical Research and Materiel Command 3.14 percent

Army Intelligence and Security Command 7.97 percent

Page 11 Page 12


2015 DoD Award Presentation to AMC

The Army Materiel Command (AMC), Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) has met and exceeded its assigned goals and the demands of

an already hectic schedule. The OSBP team appears to assess these challenges as great opportunities to excel. AMC’s Small Business Office members have been active participants performing outreach events in their respective communities. The AMC team is championed by Nancy Small, Associate Director, AMC OSBP. The team’s hard work provided the small business community with opportunities to appreciate the collaborative fruits of their labor by being honored with a succession of awards. Small recently attended the July 2015 Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Innovation Training in Phoenix, Ariz., where she actively served on the panel titled “How to be a Valuable Small Business Professional”. Small’s experience and professionalism was well received as she engaged the members of the audience.

The AMC small business community awardees were honored at the 2015 DoD Small Business Innovation Training to have the Secretary of the Army Office of Small Business Programs Director, Tommy Marks, present their small business awards. Marks presented Nancy Small, AMC Associate Director, OSBP, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, with the award for exceptional Woman-Owned and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Programs for 2014. Marks also presented the award for the Department of the Army’s Best Part-Time Small Business Specialist award for FY 14 to Kelly Rhodes of Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal.

Kenyata Wesley, DoD, Acting Director for the Office of Small Business Programs also honored AMC’s small business community by presenting the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs’ Recognition for Outstanding Performance award to Jennie Dihn-Nguyen, Communications-Electronics Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland and to the Mission and Installation Contracting Command Small Business Program Team for their accomplishments in FY14. These awards were a direct reflection of the hard-work, commitment, and dedication of the HQ AMC Principal and Special Staff, Small Business Leaders, Principal Assistants Responsible for Contracting and the Commanders across the enterprise. ■

Submitted by: Army Material CommandOffice of Small Business Programs

Mr. Marks poses with Ms. Nancy Small, Associate Director, AMC Office of Small Business Programs and the AMC Small Business Team after receiving the FY 2014 Woman Owned Small Business and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Awards for Exceptional Program Support.

Mr. Kenyata Wesley, Department of Defense, Acting Director for the Office of Small Business Programs, presents Mr. Mark Massie, Assistant Director, Mission Installation and Contracting Command (MICC) and the MICC Small Business Team with the Office of Small Business Programs’ Recognition for Outstanding Performance.

Mr. Tommy Marks, Director, Department of the Army Small Business Programs presents Ms. Nancy Small, Associate Director, AMC Office of Small Business Programs, with the FY 2014 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Award for Exceptional Program Support.

Army receives 2015 Champions of Veteran Enterprise Award at Veteran Entrepreneur Event

A Small Business Success Story

Recognizing the Army’s efforts at utilizing service-disabled veteran-owned businesses

(SDVOSBs) in contracting during fiscal year (FY) 2014, the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) presented the Army, as well as several Army buying commands, with Champions of Veteran Enterprise awards on June 9, during the annual Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium (VETS) in Norfolk, VA.

In order to receive the award, agencies had to exceed the three percent federal statutory goal for prime awards to SDVOSBs in FY 2014. The Army awarded 4.12 percent of a total $60.6 billion in contracts to SDVOSBs, amounting to $2.5 billion.

The Army buying commands in the chart provided also received the Champions of Veteran award.

At VETS, Army representatives took the opportunity to network with and mentor SDVOSB entrepreneurs by exhibiting and participating in matchmaking.

“Engaging with small business owners at events like [VETS] is a key part the Army’s Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program and has been instrumental in getting the

Army over the three percent goal,” Mr. James Lloyd, Program Manager, Army Service-Disabled / Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Programs, said. ■


Attending an Idaho Business Opportunities Outreach Event a small business owner, with a

sense of humor, approached the Walla Walla District’s booth and proceeded to introduce himself, using the name of the previous Small Business Program Deputy for the Walla Walla District Army Corps of Engineers. (NWW). Once laughter subsided, RJS, a WOSB, SDB, 8(a) business announced they wanted to be NWW’s Best 8(a) Contractor and they asked how they can achieve that goal. It was suggested RJS propose on and be awarded a smaller project, allowing an opportunity to build a relationship with NWW.

RJS competed and was awarded the Swallow Park Tile Replacement project in the fall of 2014. The project had challenges with the existing grade and warranty issues. It appeared the only solution would be to add $40,000

to build a retaining wall, remove playground toys, and reset at different elevations, creating Americans with Disabilities Act issues to address. RJS overcame the challenges with innovation and teamwork with NWW. Without additional cost, a safe playground with cushioned fall protection was completed for the local community and visitors to enjoy. At the project completion, relationships were established and RJS had developed a good reputation at NWW.

When an acquisition timeline had been negatively affected, leaving NWW at risk on another project, RJS was contacted. An opportunity as an 8(a) sole source was awarded to RJS for the Little Goose Adult Fishway Controls Upgrade. RJS moved quickly from an award at Thanksgiving 2014 to mobilization in early January and completion by the end of February. Even at this pace, they took the time

to offer suggestions for time and cost savings. When issues with the specified control algorithm arose after commissioning, RJS quickly re-engaged to support NWW.

RJS completed the project within budget and on time, confirming their reputation.

Recently, RJS competed in a full and open competition, being awarded the Lower Granite Telecommunications System Upgrade.

RJS, a successful WOSB, SDB, 8(a) is working towards being one of NWW’s Best 8(a) Contractors. ■

Submitted by: Ms. Kay BaltzOffice of Small Business Programs, US Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division Walla Walla District

Command FY 2014 SDVOSB Achievement

Army Materiel Command 3.01 percent

Army Corps of Engineers 5.38 percent

Army National Guard Bureau 13.29 percent

Army Medical Command 8.59 percent

Army Medical Research and Materiel Command 3.14 percent

Army Intelligence and Security Command 7.97 percent

Page 13 Page 14

13 Army Small Business Connection | January 2016

U.S. Army OSBPOur Mission• Advise the Secretary of the Army and the

Army leadership on small business related matters

• Spearhead innovative initiatives that contribute to expanding the small business industrial base relevant to the Army mission priorities

• Leverage the use of minority serving educational institutions in support of Army science and technology programs

Our VisionTo be the premier advocacy organization committed to maximizing small business utilization in support of rapidly fielding a trained, ready, responsive and capable force that can prevent conflict, shape the environment and win the Nation’s wars.

Statement by President Barack Obama“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our communities. They create two of every three new jobs in America, spur economic growth, and spark new industries across the country. We will continue to create new incentives to help small business owners hire new workers, promote growth and do what America does best - invest in the creativity and imagination of our people.”

-President Barack Obama

Production of the next issue is already underway!Please submit articles to: [email protected]

Article submission deadline: February 12, 2016

Feedback Let us know what you think about the magazine by filling out our contact form at: http://www.sellingtoarmy.com/contact

FY 2015 Army Small Business Performance

While FY2015 Army Data has not yet been finalized by the SBA, it appears the Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business,

Women-Owned Small Business and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business goals of 26.50 percent, 11.00 percent, 4.80 percent, and 4.10 percent have all been surpassed.

There was a slight decrease in Small Business and HUBZone achievement from FY14 to FY15, but a slight increase in Small Disadvantaged Business and Women-Owned Small Business. There was a fairly

large increase of 0.61% in Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business performance.

FY2013 was the first fiscal year Army achieved all statutory goals and has continued to do so in FY2014 and FY2015. ■

Submitted by: Burt StankoSupport ContractorArmy OSBP

Page 13 Page 14

13 Army Small Business Connection | January 2016

U.S. Army OSBPOur Mission• Advise the Secretary of the Army and the

Army leadership on small business related matters

• Spearhead innovative initiatives that contribute to expanding the small business industrial base relevant to the Army mission priorities

• Leverage the use of minority serving educational institutions in support of Army science and technology programs

Our VisionTo be the premier advocacy organization committed to maximizing small business utilization in support of rapidly fielding a trained, ready, responsive and capable force that can prevent conflict, shape the environment and win the Nation’s wars.

Statement by President Barack Obama“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our communities. They create two of every three new jobs in America, spur economic growth, and spark new industries across the country. We will continue to create new incentives to help small business owners hire new workers, promote growth and do what America does best - invest in the creativity and imagination of our people.”

-President Barack Obama

Production of the next issue is already underway!Please submit articles to: [email protected]

Article submission deadline: February 12, 2016

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FY 2015 Army Small Business Performance

While FY2015 Army Data has not yet been finalized by the SBA, it appears the Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business,

Women-Owned Small Business and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business goals of 26.50 percent, 11.00 percent, 4.80 percent, and 4.10 percent have all been surpassed.

There was a slight decrease in Small Business and HUBZone achievement from FY14 to FY15, but a slight increase in Small Disadvantaged Business and Women-Owned Small Business. There was a fairly

large increase of 0.61% in Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business performance.

FY2013 was the first fiscal year Army achieved all statutory goals and has continued to do so in FY2014 and FY2015. ■

Submitted by: Burt StankoSupport ContractorArmy OSBP

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Army OSBP Magazine - January 2016