Army OSBP Magazine Apr - Jun 2011 by Ricardo Ruiz

Back Cover

Front Cover

Page 1

Page 2 Senior Leader Corner

In this Issue 2

9 11

Director’s Message

Even in Tough Times, Small Business Thrives

Senior Leader Corner

• Director’s Message - Small Business Participation • Army OSBP Wishes Farewell to Dr. Malcolm O’Neill • Senior Leader Interview • OSBP Director Accompanies Undersecretary on Visit to Oklahoma, Meets with Small Business Representatives • OSDBU Conference 2011 Draws Hundreds • DoD OSBP Senior Leadership Host Small Business Training Conference

Success Stories

• GSA Hosts Small Business Symposium in San Diego • State of Maryland Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2011 Awards • SBA Small Business Champion Award

Command Focus

• Army OSBP Welcomes New Program Manager for Major Programs and Training • AMC Shines as a Top Three Supporter of HBCUs • Army Earns High Marks at Small Business Symposium • USAMRMC Conference Draws Small Businesses Looking for Big Contracts • MICC Supports National Government Procurement Conference • MICC Supports Southeast Procurement Fair • MICC OSBP Establishes New Employee Mentoring Program • Contracting Command Unveils Colors to Cement Move • ACC Small Business Training Workshop ‘A Huge Success’ • USACE Issues the First Economically Disadvantaged WomanOwned Small Business Contract Award

Small Business by the Numbers Calendar of Events

DoD does not accomplish 23%, the federal government does accomplish 23%. The same holds true for the accomplishment of the goals in all the Small Business Subcategories. We are glad to see the implementation of the woman owned business set aside program and are proud that the Army Corps of Engineers was the first agency to make an award under this program. We have been very fortunate over the years to have maximized opportunities for women owned small businesses. With the new authority in place we can only hope to do even better.

U.S. Army OSBP 106 Army Pentagon Room 3B514 Washington, DC 20310 Phone: 703.697.2868 Fax: 703.693.3898 www.sellingtoarmy.com

Points of Contact Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director tracey.pinson@us.army.mil Ms. Suellen Jeffress Deputy Director suellen.jeffress@conus.army.mil Mr. James Lloyd Assistant to the Director, Program Manager, SDVOSB & HUBZone james.lloyd@us.army.mil Ms. Peggy Butler Assistant to the Director Program Manager, Mentor-Protégé & Subcontracting peggy.w.butler@conus.army.mil Ms. Cynthia Lee Assistant to the Director Program Manager, HBCU/MI and 8(a)/SDB cynthia.r.lee@conus.army.mil Ms. Portia Deans Assistant to the Director Procurement Analyst portia.l.deans@us.army.mil Ms. Stacy Watson Assistant to the Director Major Programs and Training Program Manager stacy.r.watson@conus.army.mil

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, OSBP Office of the Secretary of the Army

s we embark upon the end of Fiscal year 2011, I want to encourage all Army small business advisors to push even harder to get more awards to small businesses and the sub categories. The Small Business Program is getting a lot of attention from the White House as well as the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In reality with regard to the accomplishment of the government wide goal of 23%, if

Our community of support is crucial to our success as a team and to our ability to meet our goals. This edition spotlights LTC William Phillips, who serves a very important role as the military deputy to the Army Acquisition Executive. He also has cognizance over all the Army Acquisition workforce issues. Since our small business personnel are part of this workforce and function in direct support of the acquisition community, we are pleased to hear his perspectives. Dr. Ashton Carter, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics encourages all of us to

do more without more. We recognize the strains on the acquisition workforce particularly as it pertains to the small business function. Be assured, I take every opportunity to advocate for optimal resourcing of these offices. We can only hope that with the recognition of the pressures on the acquisition workforce and the efforts to grow this workforce, that we in the small business community will benefit. Notwithstanding, we will continue to promote that a fair proportion of Army awards go to the small business community. Our small business advocates continue to set a stellar example of support to the Defense Department’s Small Business Program. I presented 25 awards at the Army Breakout session at the Defense Small Business Training Conference in New Orleans. It is imperative that we continue to recognize the outstanding performance of our personnel in this program. ■ Tracey L. Pinson Director, OSBP Office of the Secretary of the Army

Ms. Edith St. Catherine Staff Action Control Specialist edith.stcatherine@conus.army.mil Ms. Veronica Atkinson Administrative Officer veronica.atkinson@us.army.mil .................................................... Ms. Marina Sullivan Program Manager New Concepts & Associates Marina.sullivan@conus.army.mil

UPCOMING EVENTS

Army OSBP Wishes Farewell to Dr. Malcolm O’Neill

For information on upcoming events visit www.sellingtoarmy.com and click on “Calendar of Events”.

Halfaker & Associates, LLC Support Contractor to the Army OSBP

Follow Army OSBP on:

Mr. Cameron Miles cameron.edward.miles@us.army.mil

SBP Director Ms. Tracey Pinson met with former Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Dr. Malcolm O’Neill on 1 June to discuss issues facing small business involvement in Army acquisition. Dr. O’Neill retired on 3 June after a career with the Army that began in 1962. Ms. Pinson attended the retirement ceremony 16 June at the Pentagon Auditorium. Army OSBP wishes him the best for his future endeavors. ■

www.twitter.com/armysmallbiz

Mr. Anthony Braun anthony.braun1@us.army.mil

Submitted by: Anthony Braun, Support Contractor, Army OSBP.

www.flickr.com/photos/armysmallbiz

Mr. Ricardo Ruiz ricardo.ruiz@halfaker.com

Newsletter Produced By

Newsletter | April - June 2011

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

Page 1

Page 2 Back to Table of Contents

In this Issue 2

9 11

Director’s Message

Even in Tough Times, Small Business Thrives

Senior Leader Corner

Success Stories

• GSA Hosts Small Business Symposium in San Diego • State of Maryland Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2011 Awards • SBA Small Business Champion Award

Command Focus

Small Business by the Numbers Calendar of Events

106 Army Pentagon Room 3B514 Washington, DC 20310 Phone: 703.697.2868 Fax: 703.693.3898 www.sellingtoarmy.com

Ms. Veronica Atkinson Administrative Officer veronica.atkinson@us.army.mil .................................................... Ms. Marina Sullivan Program Manager New Concepts & Associates Marina.sullivan@conus.army.mil

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, OSBP Office of the Secretary of the Army

www.twitter.com/armysmallbiz

Mr. Anthony Braun anthony.braun1@us.army.mil

Submitted by: Anthony Braun, Support Contractor, Army OSBP.

www.flickr.com/photos/armysmallbiz

Mr. Ricardo Ruiz ricardo.ruiz@halfaker.com

Newsletter | April - June 2011

Halfaker & Associates, LLC Support Contractor to the Army OSBP

Our small business advocates continue to set a stellar example of support to the Defense Department’s Small Business Program. I presented 25 awards at the Army Breakout session at the Defense Small Business Training Conference in New Orleans. It is imperative that we continue to recognize the outstanding performance of our personnel in this program. ■ Tracey L. Pinson Director, OSBP Office of the Secretary of the Army

Mr. Cameron Miles cameron.edward.miles@us.army.mil

Follow Army OSBP on:

Newsletter Produced By

Army OSBP Wishes Farewell to Dr. Malcolm O’Neill

For information on upcoming events visit www.sellingtoarmy.com and click on “Calendar of Events”.

U.S. Army OSBP

Ms. Edith St. Catherine Staff Action Control Specialist edith.stcatherine@conus.army.mil

UPCOMING EVENTS

Senior Leader Corner

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

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Senior Leader Corner

Senior Leader Interview

TG William N. (Bill) Phillips became the Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition Logistics and Technology) and Director, Acquisition Career Management on 1 February 2010. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1976, LTG Phillips later completed Airborne, Air Assault, and Aviator training. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University, Master of Science degree in Procurement and Materials Management from Webster University, Masters degree in Personnel Management from Troy State University, and Masters of Science in National Resource Strategy from National Defense University. He is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, Defense Systems Management College, and Industrial College of the Armed Forces. • Ms. Pinson: Can you describe your responsibilities as the Military Deputy to the Army Acquisition Executive? • LTG Phillips: As the Principal Military Deputy to the Army Acquisition Executive (AAE), I provide the AAE with staff support to manage the research development, and the acquisition of materiel for all U.S. Army major weapon and support systems. The AAE has also delegated her authority and responsibilities as the Army’s Director, Acquisition Career Management (DACM) to the PMILDEP. The DACM responsibilities include managing the Army Acquisition Corps (AAC) and implementing the acquisition career management requirements set forth in legislation. As the DACM, I oversee the career development, training management, and support of more than 43,000 acquisition professionals. All of us are geared toward ASA(ALT)’s core mission of

effectively and efficiently leading the execution of the Army’s acquisitions, acquisition management, lifecycle management, from research and development through test and evaluation, and fielding to disposition. • Ms. Pinson: What are your thoughts on the involvement of small business contractors in the Army mission to provide the best equipment and services to the warfighter? • LTG Phillips: Our goal is to encourage small business. I personally view our small businesses as being the centerpiece of innovation within our country. As we celebrate our nations independence and fight for freedom, I am reminded of the key role that small businesses have played through our nation, including Betsy Ross, the Wright Brothers, and thousands of small businesses today who are a source of innovation. Further, I strongly support the MentorProtégé Program that engages industries to shape and expand the industrial base to support the Army’s mission and assist protégés in enhancing their capabilities to provide value-added support to the Army as it transforms itself into a force capable of dominating for full spectrum operations. The MentorProtégé Program was established in 1991 to provide incentives to prime contractors to develop the technical and business capabilities of eligible protégés to increase their participation in both prime contracts and sub-contracts. • Ms. Pinson: Can you tell us about any success stories regarding small business participation in Army contracting? • LTG Phillips: An outstanding success story of our Small Business Programs is that our dollars awarded to various socio-economic programs continue to grow. A significant

Newsletter | April - June 2011

highlight comes each year during the Annual Veteran’s Conference. In July 2009, the Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) received 23 Champion for Veterans Awards. The MICC is in line to receive 30 additional awards for FY 2009. These awards go to installations that meet the three percent statutory goal for awards to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. At Fort Jackson, Director of Contracting (DOC) held its first Industry Day on 17 June 2009. Over 200 small businesses attended the morning Procurement Seminar and were eager to hear and learn about “How to Do Business with Fort Jackson”, “Doing Business with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)”, “Impact of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act”, and “How to get a General Service Administration Contract”. This collaborative effort by the Fort Jackson DOC, the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration, US Army Corp of Engineers, and the General Services Administration provided the vendors with an opportunity to hear from a panel of experts and ask questions about how to do business with the Federal Government. The seminar also provided insight into future requirements and the impact the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act will have on industry. As you can see, we have done some good work and the Army has done well in promoting Small Businesses, but we can do better! • Ms. Pinson: Dr. Carter’s Better Buying Power Initiatives, among other things, provide for increased small business participation in competitive acquisitions through weighting factors in past performance and in fee construct. What are your thoughts on the potential effectiveness of this initiative? • LTG Phillips: A number of the Better Buying Power initiatives

Senior Leader Corner promote increased competition and utilization of small businesses. The Army is actively engaged in drafting policy that meets the requirements of the Better Buying Power initiatives including encouraging the contracting community to institute all competitive and non-competitive procurement actions emphasis on Small Business utilization through the use of such techniques as weighting factors in past performance and in fee construct. • Ms. Pinson: Can you speak to the value and role of the acquisition workforce in the era of change and transformation? What role should the small business community play to assist? • LTG Phillips: The acquisition workforce is the dedicated group of professionals that are critical to leading our community to success. Our acquisition teammates are absolutely critical to executing change, transformation, as well as identifying and engaging appropriately (contracting) with our small businesses. Our workforce’s unique functional, business and leadership skills are essential during a complex environment of persistent change and transformation that we have experienced during the recent past, and which we’ll likely face in the foreseeable future. They provide the most technologically advanced, durable and competitive products in the world to our warfighters. Our skilled and dedicated professionals execute diverse responsibilities on a daily basis to enable the disciplined management of an extensive acquisition portfolio. The small business community provides an integral piece to accomplishing our diverse responsibilities. Our vision is a highly innovative organization of dedicated professionals transforming the Army with integrated AL&T capabilities to provide Soldiers a decisive advantage to win our Nation’s wars. The small business community has a history of innovative ideas and commitment that have continually

Lieutenant General William N. Phillips, Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) and Director, Acquisition Career Management.

assisted our mission success. We as the acquisition community would not want to face a challenging future without any of our key partners on the diverse team. Therefore, it is absolutely critical that small business and our acquisition workforce continue to work effectively together. ■ Tracey L. Pinson Director, OSBP Office of the Secretary of the Army

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

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Senior Leader Corner

Senior Leader Interview

Newsletter | April - June 2011

Senior Leader Corner

promote increased competition and utilization of small businesses. The Army is actively engaged in drafting policy that meets the requirements of the Better Buying Power initiatives including encouraging the contracting community to institute all competitive and non-competitive procurement actions emphasis on Small Business utilization through the use of such techniques as weighting factors in past performance and in fee construct. • Ms. Pinson: Can you speak to the value and role of the acquisition workforce in the era of change and transformation? What role should the small business community play to assist? • LTG Phillips: The acquisition workforce is the dedicated group of professionals that are critical to leading our community to success. Our acquisition teammates are absolutely critical to executing change, transformation, as well as identifying and engaging appropriately (contracting) with our small businesses. Our workforce’s unique functional, business and leadership skills are essential during a complex environment of persistent change and transformation that we have experienced during the recent past, and which we’ll likely face in the foreseeable future. They provide the most technologically advanced, durable and competitive products in the world to our warfighters. Our skilled and dedicated professionals execute diverse responsibilities on a daily basis to enable the disciplined management of an extensive acquisition portfolio. The small business community provides an integral piece to accomplishing our diverse responsibilities. Our vision is a highly innovative organization of dedicated professionals transforming the Army with integrated AL&T capabilities to provide Soldiers a decisive advantage to win our Nation’s wars. The small business community has a history of innovative ideas and commitment that have continually

Lieutenant General William N. Phillips, Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) and Director, Acquisition Career Management.

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

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Senior Leader Corner

OSBP Director Accompanies Undersecretary on Visit to Oklahoma, Meets with Small Business Representatives

Senior Leader Corner

OSDBU Conference 2011 Draws Thousands

SBP Director Ms. Tracey Pinson accompanied Dr. Joseph W. Westphal, Undersecretary of the Army, on a visit to Ft. Sill, OK, 5-7 May. Ms. Pinson attended an Oklahoma Business Roundtable at Governor Mary Fallin’s residence where she met with local small business representatives. Other highlights of the trip included an overview briefing of Ft. Sill with Commanding General MG David D. Halverson, and a tour of the Fort, which featured a gallery of Native and African-American military history in Oklahoma. ■

n Thursday April 21, 2011, the OSDBU Procurement Conference took place in Chantilly, Virginia at the Dulles Expo Center. More than 50 agencies of the federal government and contractors came together to attend the conference, workshops, and a procurement matchmaking forum. The forum provided information on business opportunities for small, minority-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, veteran-owned, HUBzone, and women-owned businesses and attracted some 3,500 attendees and exhibitors. Firms in attendance had the benefit of marketing their products to procurement representatives who were there representing their agencies. The conference portion of the day’s events consisted of various educational forums conducted by government agencies to provide information to firms about important new programs and policies within the federal government which will affect their present and future business.

Submitted by: Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP Photos:

During the one day conference, representatives from the Army Office of Small Business Programs, Army Materiel Command, Army Corps of Engineers, Army Intelligence & Security Command, Army Program Executive Office Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation, Army Contracting Command, Army Research Laboratory, and the National Capital Regional Contracting Center were all in attendance to share information with many companies to provide them with information on how to do business with the Army.

1. Dr. Joeseph W. Westphal, Undersecretary of the Army, with MG David D. Halverson, Ft. Sill Commanding General. 2. MG David. D. Halverson, Commanding General, Ft. Sill, OK, with Ms. Tracey Pinson, OSBP Director.

Ms. Pam Monroe, Associate Director, OSBP, ACC-NCR said, “[the conference] is a great opportunity to meet new and innovative small businesses that can provide products and services that our organization procures. A few of the small companies who had exhibits were companies that were awarded contracts from ACC-NCR, so it’s a nice feeling and a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that the work you do as a small business specialist was instrumental in a small part of their success.”

Mr. Cameron Miles, a Halfaker & Associates support contractor to Army OSBP, goes over the OSBP brochure with an attendee.

Mr. Tariq Miakhel and Ms. Kelly Norton, interns, OSBP, ACC-NCR, and Ms. Watson observe Ms. Pam Monroe, Asocciate Director, OSBP, ACC-NCR, answer an attendee’s questions.

There was a great deal of excitement the entire day with people asking questions, requesting contact information, and just excited about the possibility of doing business with the Army. ■

Submitted by: 1

Newsletter | April - June 2011

Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

Kenyata Wesley, Associate Director, OSBP, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Life Cycle Management Command, meets with a small business owner.

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

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Senior Leader Corner

OSBP Director Accompanies Undersecretary on Visit to Oklahoma, Meets with Small Business Representatives

Senior Leader Corner

OSDBU Conference 2011 Draws Thousands

Submitted by: Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP Photos:

Mr. Cameron Miles, a Halfaker & Associates support contractor to Army OSBP, goes over the OSBP brochure with an attendee.

Mr. Tariq Miakhel and Ms. Kelly Norton, interns, OSBP, ACC-NCR, and Ms. Watson observe Ms. Pam Monroe, Asocciate Director, OSBP, ACC-NCR, answer an attendee’s questions.

There was a great deal of excitement the entire day with people asking questions, requesting contact information, and just excited about the possibility of doing business with the Army. ■

Submitted by: 1

Newsletter | April - June 2011

Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

Kenyata Wesley, Associate Director, OSBP, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Life Cycle Management Command, meets with a small business owner.

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

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Senior Leader Corner

DoD OSBP Senior Leadership Host Small Business Training Conference

Collaborate with OSBP! Newsletter Production for the July-September 2011 Newsletter is already underway. Please submit articles to: cameron.edward.miles@us.army.mil or anthony.braun1@us.army.mil Article submission deadline: 30 September, 2011.

Feedback Let us know what you think about the newsletter by filling out our ICE comment card at: www.sellingtoarmy.com/feedback/ newsletter.asp

he Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Training Conference was held in New Orleans, LA from May 16-20, 2011. The conference served to capture the current commitment of the White House to America’s small businesses, and the acquisition professionals that support them. It was open to all DoD acquisition personnel including program managers, contracting professionals, and small business specialists.

provided updates and the way forward for the program. She also included a segment that recognized Army small business specialists for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Army and DoD mission. ■

The DoD Office of Small Business Programs (DoD OSBP) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) worked jointly to organize this event. Mr. Andre Gudger, Director, DoD OSBP and Mr. Joe Jordan, Associate Administrator, Government Contracting and Business Development, SBA provided opening remarks and launched the conference. Recognizing the vital role that small business specialists play in the DoD mission, the conference kicked off with Defense Acquisition University providing a two-day small business training course that was filled to capacity. General and breakout sessions followed and covered a wide array of subjects and subject matter experts. Topics included the Small Business Jobs Act; Small Business Size Standards; NAICS Codes; Fraud, Waste & Abuse; Maximum Practicable Opportunity Analysis Model; Joint Ventures & Affiliation; Workforce Competency Study, and the various small business program categories.

Photos:

In addition to the training provided at the conference, Mr. Gudger hosted a small business awards ceremony that recognized DoD small business offices for their excellence in executing or improving their programs. As one of the award recipients, Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP was recognized for her outstanding small business program execution and achievements, and identified as an example for all to mimic. Opportunities were also afforded to each of the DoD component directors to meet with their small business specialists. Ms. Tracey Pinson held a breakout session for Army small business specialists that

Submitted by: Cynthia Lee Program Manager HBCU/MI and SDB/8(a) Army OSBP 2

1. Tracey L. Pinson, Director Army OSBP, receives Small Business Team Award from DoD. She is pictured here with Mr. Andre Gudger, Director, DoD OSBP. 2. DOD Small Business Training Conference, Joe Jordan, Associate Administrator of Government Contracting and Business Development, SBA, speaking, panelist representatives from SBA and Dan Gordon, OFPP Administrator. 3. Team Army OSBP at the DoD Small Business Training conference. 4. Army commands SDVOSB significant achievement award recipients.

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Senior Leader Corner

DoD OSBP Senior Leadership Host Small Business Training Conference

Feedback Let us know what you think about the newsletter by filling out our ICE comment card at: www.sellingtoarmy.com/feedback/ newsletter.asp

Photos:

Submitted by: Cynthia Lee Program Manager HBCU/MI and SDB/8(a) Army OSBP 2

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Success Stories

GSA Hosts Small Business Symposium in San Diego

he GSA Small Business Utilization Office hosted their inaugural Small Business Symposium on May 11 and 12 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in conjunction with GSA’s Training Conference and Expo. Over 400 small business owners participated in the event and got to hear firsthand about GSA’s commitment to small businesses and the many new and exciting opportunities GSA has to offer, directly from Administrator Martha Johnson, Associate Administrator for Office of Small Business Utilization Jiyoung Park and Region 9’s own FAS Commissioner Michael Gelber. Martha Johnson told the group, “GSA is working hard to ensure small businesses are part of the fabric at GSA.” Attendees were given an opportunity to attend two Town Hall Forums consisting of government and prime contractor panels. The government panel focused on “How to Do Business with Specific Government Agencies” and included the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and NASA. The panel of prime contractors included large companies such as Hensel Phelps, Swinerton, Clark Construction, BAE Systems, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Northrop Grumman Corp, Lockheed Martin and California Department of General Services. Each representative discussed how to do business with their company and provided specific subcontracting opportunities that were available.

Success Stories

State of Maryland Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2011 Awards

Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Army OSBP Deputy Director, and Mr. Glenn Delgado, NASA OSBP Associate Administrator, participate in a government panel.

he Maryland Chamber of Commerce announced the finalists for the 2011 Small Business of the Year Awards. Among the finalists, was the U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Detrick, under the category of Large Company Partner in Business. The Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon was held June 2nd, 2011 at the BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport Marriott. Although U.S. Army Fort Detrick - Garrison was not announced as the winner, the nomination represents a high honor for the U.S. Army. The nomination is a follow-on nomination of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick from the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Summit Awards “Live Here – Work Here Awards – Large Business Finalists, which took place in Frederick on March 16th. The following is the nomination summary from the Frederick Chamber of Commerce:

Government Panel members from left to right: Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Army OSBP Deputy Director; Mr. Glenn Delgado, NASA OSBP Associate Administrator; Ms. Debbie Ridgeley, HHS OSDBU Director; and Mr. Dan Sturdivant, DHS OSDBU Assistant to the Director for Outreach.

“For nearly 70 years, Fort Detrick has actively partnered with Frederick County in business and education. Its strong bond with the community is sustained through programs such as Young Engineers and Scientists program (YES), Adopt-a-School program, Project Lead the Way, Achievement Counts Speakers’ Bureau, and Connections Beyond the Classroom. Currently, 400 students are enrolled in YES, which offers students in 7th and 8th grades the opportunity to spend one week during the summer in a laboratory setting, learning basic scientific principles. The program recruits accomplished local students at the high school and college levels to serve as near-peer mentors in sessions held at Hood College. US Army scientists share their knowledge and expertise with students and teachers in the schools, employees support education through tutoring/classroom

ack Beecher, US Army Corps of Engineers, Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program Manager, received the SBA Small Business Champion Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Virginia District Office, at the annual Small Business Awards Luncheon in Richmond on Friday, June 17, 2011.

Submitted by: Pamela Smith-Cressel Director, Office of Small Business Utilization, U. S. General Services Administration

The SBA received nominations for all of the awards last fall, and a panel of independent judges selected the winners.

Ms. Jiyoung Park, GSA, OSDBU Associate Administrator, meets with small businesses.

Newsletter | April - June 2011

programs, and volunteer speakers from varying professional backgrounds talk with students about the importance of achievement.” The Associate Director USAMRMC and Fort Detrick OSBP is proud to continue its synergistic and strategic partnership with the U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Detrick, as we identify increased federal procurement opportunities for businesses, in particular small businesses. ■ Submitted by: Jerome Maultsby Associate Director MRMC Ft. Detrick Garrison

USACE SDVOSB Program Manager Receives SBA Small Business Champion Award

Following the Town Hall Forum, small businesses attended a Procurement Marketplace which allowed them to network with 35 exhibitors consisting of both government agencies and large prime contractors who were available to meet one-on-one with each attendee. ■

US Army Garrison - Fort Detrick

Mr. Jack Beecher, Chief of the Small Business Program Office, Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District.

The US Army Corps of Engineers exceeded the 3% statutory SDVOSB goal for fiscal year 2010 for the first time in its history. For additional information on the 2011 Virginia Small Business Awards Luncheon, go to the SBA website at www.sba.gov/va. ■ Submitted by: Jackie Robinson-Burnette Associate Director Army Corps of Engineers

Jack Beecher was honored as the 2011 Virginia Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year.

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

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Success Stories

GSA Hosts Small Business Symposium in San Diego

Page 10

State of Maryland Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2011 Awards

Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Army OSBP Deputy Director, and Mr. Glenn Delgado, NASA OSBP Associate Administrator, participate in a government panel.

US Army Garrison - Fort Detrick “For nearly 70 years, Fort Detrick has actively partnered with Frederick County in business and education. Its strong bond with the community is sustained through programs such as Young Engineers and Scientists program (YES), Adopt-a-School program, Project Lead the Way, Achievement Counts Speakers’ Bureau, and Connections Beyond the Classroom. Currently, 400 students are enrolled in YES, which offers students in 7th and 8th grades the opportunity to spend one week during the summer in a laboratory setting, learning basic scientific principles. The program recruits accomplished local students at the high school and college levels to serve as near-peer mentors in sessions held at Hood College. US Army scientists share their knowledge and expertise with students and teachers in the schools, employees support education through tutoring/classroom

Submitted by: Pamela Smith-Cressel Director, Office of Small Business Utilization, U. S. General Services Administration

The SBA received nominations for all of the awards last fall, and a panel of independent judges selected the winners.

Ms. Jiyoung Park, GSA, OSDBU Associate Administrator, meets with small businesses.

Newsletter | April - June 2011

USACE SDVOSB Program Manager Receives SBA Small Business Champion Award

Success Stories

Mr. Jack Beecher, Chief of the Small Business Program Office, Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District.

Jack Beecher was honored as the 2011 Virginia Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year.

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

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Command Focus

Army OSBP Welcomes New Program Manager for Major Programs and Training She devoted time and effort instructing small businesses on what was required in order to obtain a federal contract. She personally walked them through registering in Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Dunn and Bradstreet (D&B). Ms. Watson expanded her career by joining the Communication Electronics Command (CECOM) team, serving as Contract Specialist for the DoD Full Service Moving Project (FSMP) sponsored by the ADUSD for Transportation Policy, a joint service household goods reengineering initiative valued at $1.2 billion. FSMP Transportation Provider Agreements introduced FAR based contracting to Household Good Movement services.

Ms. Stacy Watson, Program Manager for Major Programs and Training.

he Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) has added a new name on the roster. We would like to welcome Ms. Stacy Watson who is the Program Manager for Major Programs and Training. Ms. Watson joined the office in April 2011 and hit the ground running. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, Ms. Watson started her federal career 23 years ago in contracting as a Junior Fellowship Student for the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center. Upon completing the Junior Fellowship program, she was selected as a Contract Specialist. While working for the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Ms. Watson realized the need for small businesses in procuring Information Technology services and equipment in support of the Commercial Unit Price Book (CUPB), DD1394 Processor, and MicroComputer Aided Cost Engineering Systems. After moving to Virginia in 2000, Ms. Watson worked for the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC), procuring transportation and transportation related services for Railcar Maintenance, Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Storage, Global POV Shipment, and Stevedoring and Related Terminal Service. In the transportation area, small businesses played a large role and FAR-based contracting was new to them.

As Contracting Officer, while working for Army Contracting Command – National Capital Region (ACC-NCR), Ms. Watson was responsible for the successful award of the Army Computer Hardware, Enterprise Services and Solutions Program (CHESS) multiple-award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, valued at $20 billion. This acquisition offers a single focal point for providing Information Technology Enterprise Solutions – 2 Service (ITES-2S) to the United States Army. She was also the Contracting Officer for the Information Technology Services – Small Business (ITS-SB) acquisition, valued at $400 million. This acquisition was CHESS’ first, small business set-aside, multiple-award IDIQ. In 2006, Ms. Watson was inducted into the Army Acquisition Corps, she has achieved Level III certification in Contracting and Level I certification in both Acquisition Logistics and Program Management. Throughout her career, she earned numerous performance and special act awards. In 2006, the Army Contracting Agency selected her as the Outstanding Contract Specialist of the Year. Ms. Watson received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Procurement and Logistics, from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University. Ms. Watson is married to Brad Watson and they have two boys Jordan (13) and Justin (9). If you have not already done so, take a moment and welcome her to the Small Business Community. ■

Newsletter | April - June 2011

AMC Shines as a Top Supporter of HBCUs

EDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Materiel Command was named the 3rd highest supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) according to a 2011 survey conducted by U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine. The U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine will recognize AMC in a ceremony at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Fla. and spotlighted in an upcoming issue. Partnerships exist with Morgan State University and Tuskegee University, and AMC is in the initial stages of establishing agreements with Tennessee State University and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. “AMC takes great pride in being recognized as a 2011 Top Supporter of HBCUs. We could not obtain this level of recognition without the teamwork and efforts of the entire AMC family to include our major subordinate commands,” Jean James, AMC’s Equal Employment Opportunity Director said. Several of AMC’s assets support HBCUs. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center, which is a major subordinate command of U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, placed seventh in the survey. “The RDECOM has an active Minority College Relations Program that targets HBCU institutions sharing information with the institution’s faculty, staff and students on internships, exchange programs and employment opportunities,” said Neslie Etheridge, Affirmative Employment Program Manager for RDECOM.

In fiscal year 2010 RDECOM awarded more than 37 contracts and grants to HBCUs totaling nearly 8 million dollars, Etheridge continued. ASC and JMC’s Minority College Relations Program provided 52 students with internship opportunities at the ASC, JMC and ACC-RIA Headquarters and depots, plants, and Army Field Support Brigades in fiscal year 2010, said Jerry De La Cruz, MCRP Champion. “Building formal relationships with HBCUs and other minority serving institutions ensure the continued cultivation of talent for future applicant pools,” Gayla Pacheco, Chief of EEO of ASC, said. ■ Submitted by: Cherish Washington Staff writer, Public Affairs Office, AMC

Command Focus

Army Earns High Marks at Small Business Symposium

OCK ISLAND, Ill. “More than 400 people attended the 2011 Midwest Small Business Government Contracting Symposium held May 17-18 at the iWireless Center in Moline, Ill. The symposium, coordinated by the Iowa-Illinois National Defense Industrial Association, brought together contractors with officials from the Army Sustainment Command and Rock Island Arsenal for two days of educational and networking opportunities. Conference attendee Barney Smith, ASC Account Manager with CGI Federal based in Rock Island, Ill., said he has been to other small business conferences of similar size and scope, but noted that this event was well orchestrated. “The networking and tradeshow breaks provided enough time to meet with other companies and still view the different tradeshow booths,” said Smith. “Every speaker was articulate and very informative.” Maj. Gen. Yves Fontaine, ASC commanding general and senior commander of the Rock Island Arsenal, officially opened the event with a ribbon cutting, followed by a speech. During his address, Fontaine emphasized the critical connection between industry supplying the Arsenal and the subsequent support provided to Soldiers worldwide. “This Arsenal, this community, this region has become a center of gravity for the defense industry,” said Fontaine. “A center of gravity for the country as far as providing support to Soldiers.”

Maj. Gen. Yves Fontaine, Commanding General, Army Sustainment Command, cuts the ribbon to officially open the 2011 Midwest Small Business Government Contracting Symposium (Photo: Liz Adrian, ASC Public Affairs).

contractors to employ creative thinking in their dealings with the government. “There is opportunity to do something different and partner with business even more effectively in the future,” Fontaine noted. “We need your ideas as a partner. We do need you to get involved.”

“My message to you is, thank you for supporting the Rock Island Arsenal, number one. Number two, thank you for supporting the Army. All of you are involved, in some way, shape or form, in supporting our nation,” said Fontaine.

Other highlights of the event included a senior leadership panel on which ASC’s Deputy to the Commander, D. Scott Welker, discussed the command’s mission; a presentation on the challenges in Afghanistan by Col. Richard Dix, ASC’s chief of staff; and a question-and-answer session with Army contracting experts, including Robert Matthys, Associate Director of Small Business Programs for ASC and Joint Munitions Command.

Fontaine urged contractors looking for success with government contracts in the future to take into account constrained resources, the drawdown in Iraq, plans for Afghanistan, and continued preparedness for the nation’s next battle. These challenges, he noted, will require

U.S. Reps. Dave Loebsack of Iowa and Bobby Schilling of Illinois provided congressional updates on small business topics and answered questions from the audience on subjects ranging from small business assistance to BRAC and the national debt limit.

In evaluating the symposium’s many offerings, Smith, the CGI account manager, found the senior leadership panel “ including an ASC update provided by Army Sustainment Command Deputy to the Commander, D. Scott Welker “ particularly beneficial. “It provided a forum to hear the latest command information and to ask pertinent contract related questions,” Smith said. Measuring the event’s success, Matthys said, “All in all, the [participant’s] comments are very positive.” Asked to rate the statement: “My overall experience at the event was good, and I would recommend other similar programs,” 31 participants strongly agreed, 38 agreed, one person answered neutrally and not one disagreed or strongly disagreed. ■ Submitted by: Liz Adrian Staff writer, Public Affairs ASC

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Command Focus

Ms. Stacy Watson, Program Manager for Major Programs and Training.

Newsletter | April - June 2011

AMC Shines as a Top Supporter of HBCUs

Command Focus

Army Earns High Marks at Small Business Symposium

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

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Command Focus

USAMRMC Conference Draws Small Businesses Looking for Big Contracts

usiness isn’t for the faint of heart. No one knows this better than the small business owner, who must shepherd a company through the early entrepreneurial days of sweat equity to build a brand and experience sustainable growth. The challenges are myriad, and the turbulent economy, with its seismic shifts and mercurial markets, has required an extra measure of adaptability and resilience. Networking has become an increasingly critical tool for small business owners seeking an edge. It’s no surprise, then, that some 220 attendees and 40 exhibitors participated in the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Advanced Planning Briefing for Industry and Small Business Conference, eager to hear leaders detail their subcommands and highlight contracting opportunities. Their hope was to turn a stack of business cards into profitable contracts. Jerome Maultsby, organizer of the inaugural April 26 conference and Associate Director of the Office of Small Business Programs, USAMRMC, said, “Our goal was to help those business firms interested in competing for federal procurements to become better acquainted with our mission requirements from the various offices, while gaining a better sense of what’s on the horizon in terms of current and future procurements.”

of its budget on small firms. USAMRMC is committed to increasing both the percentage and overall procurement dollars awarded to small businesses. Fort Detrick is already the economic engine for area companies, in 2009 alone providing $2 billion in contracts -- $600 million to Maryland companies, $55 million locally. Small businesses are the beneficiaries of much of this spending. Winning a coveted contract can be a complex, sometimes bewildering process. The competition for government procurements can be daunting. The goal of the conference was to help demystify the process. The conference drew local and regional prime and subcontractors, as well as seasoned and novice business firms. The day’s itinerary centered on 20-minute project overviews from USAMRMC program managers and commanders, who went over the multifaceted program requirements with attendees. Maj. Gen. James Gilman, USAMRMC Commanding General, urged attendees to put their best foot forward. “This conference is all about fostering competition,” he explained. “When you compete for our business, we win. And you win, too, because you develop a better business.”

The OSBP forges business-government alliances and better equips small businesses to compete for procurements. The office supports firms that provide relevant products, services and solutions for research, acquisition, logistics and technology that benefit the nation’s warfighter. Army small business spending has increased 55% from $18 billion in 2005 to $28 billion in 2010. According to the Small Business Administration, in 2009 small businesses were awarded a record 21.9% of federal contract dollars, approximately $97 billion -- a figure federal agencies plan to increase in coming years.

Christine Demas, Director of the Fort Detrick Business Development Office (FDBDO), encouraged prospective contractors to work closely with FDBDO as they develop their proposals. “We want you to be able to come to the table with everyone else and compete,” she said. FDBDO has advised hundreds of companies, small and large, on all facets of doing business with Fort Detrick. “We offer training, from programs on federal contracting for beginners to teaming,” explained Demas. “We moved this year to webinars. You don’t even have to come to our office; you can attend our class from your desk over lunch.”

USAMRMC, the Army’s medical materiel developer, is responsible for medical research, development, and acquisition and medical logistics management. As such it is a major contributor to the overall Army Small Business Program, with 24% of its $2 billion budget going to its affiliated contractors. The U.S. Army Medical Command alone spends about half

Col. Russell Coleman, commander of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity, emphasized the importance of niche businesses: “The government does not build a single thing. We do it by relying on the commercial world, the business world, what all of you do. The challenge is making the right connection. You’ve got to try to make that best match, and you have

Newsletter | April - June 2011

to do a good job selling what you have to offer.” The conference provided exhibitors Sheila and Dave Lucas, co-owners of Convergent Solution, such an opportunity. The 11-yearold Lakewood, Colo., company sells an array of simulation software for interactive training on various topics, from medical to mining safety. “I’ve been trying to network into USUHS [Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences] since last June,” said Sheila Lucas. “Col. Robinson came over early in the morning, looked at our Cyber-Anatomy system and said, ‘Here’s the name of a key decision maker at the SimCenter [National Capital Area Medical Simulation Center].’” A hopeful smile spread across Lucas’ face. “All we need are a few good contacts. All we need is to connect with a few key decision makers.” Richard Smerbeck, Business Acceleration Manager for Dawnbreaker, a 20-yearold Rochester, N.Y., company that provides commercialization assistance to small, high-technology businesses, was pleased with the high rank and level of the presenters. “It isn’t often you have the opportunity to meet so many decision makers in one place,” says Smerbeck. “I was even more impressed by the approachability of the presenters. I wish more meetings were structured like this one.”

Photos: 1. Col. Russell Coleman, Commander of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Agency, greets Emily Shaw of All-Shred, a Frederick, Md., mobile document destruction company (Photo: Jill Lauterborn). 2. Foyer entrance signage for the USAMRMC APBI and Small Business Conference. 3. Congressman Roscoe Bartlett provides remarks as one of 4 keynote speakers during the APBI and Small Business Conference. Other keynote speakers are seated from left to right: Dr. John Glenn, Ms. Tracey Pinson and Major General James Gilman. 4. Business leaders and government personnel prepare to receive briefings. 3

Smerbeck, an old hand at the procurement process, counseled newcomers to contracting to stay the course. “Persistence and patience are very important, especially when you are starting out,” said Smerbeck. “You need to get your name and your services in front of purchasers and decision makers. Take the time to learn from others who are successful in gaining contracts. There is a lot of assistance available. Submit white papers, respond to RFIs and RFPs. Always request a debrief on any proposal -successful or unsuccessful. Your diligence will pay off.” ■ Submitted by: Jill Lauterborn Writer, MRMC

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Command Focus

USAMRMC Conference Draws Small Businesses Looking for Big Contracts

Newsletter | April - June 2011

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

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Command Focus

MICC Supports National Government Procurement Conference

MICC OSBP Establishes New Employee Mentoring Program

he Fort Sill Mission and Installation Contracting Command’s Office of Small Business Programs supported the National Government Procurement Conference at the Rose State College Training Center in Midwest City, Okla., April 6-7, 2011. The conference was attended by 79 participants, which included federal and state government representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), U. S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network (OBAN), the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) Southwest Tulsa District, and the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP).

ou have just been selected for a new job, and the euphoria over being selected is slowly being replaced by the feeling of “What did I just get myself into?”

Annette Arkeketa-Rendon, Fort Sill’s small business specialist, provided an exhibit booth with information about contracting opportunities at Fort Sill and participated on the “Defense Contracting” panel with representatives from the SBA and the USACE. The two-day event offered general sessions and breakout sessions covering information on GSA schedules, leasing, marketing, and business resources on how to do business with government. The USACE breakout session provided information on military construction. A lunch program titled “What I Learned about Government Contracting” on the first day featured a panel of three business owners who graduated from the SBA 8(a) program whose

If the job you accepted is working for the Mission and Installation Contracting Command in the Office of Small Business Programs, you can rest easier. The OSBP staff has instituted a mentor program to assist all their newly selected personnel.

L to R : Terry Shook, SBA Procurement Center representative, Oklahoma District Office; Joanne Davis, Director, Small Business Office Tinker AFB; Linda Morris, Deputy Director, Office of Small Business Programs, USACE, Tulsa District; and Annette Arkeketa-Rendon, Assistant Director, Office of Small Business Programs MICC, Ft. Sill, Okla., attended the National Government Procurement Conference April 6-7 in Midwest City, Olka. experience offered practical business advice to the audience. The second day’s luncheon speaker, Aaron Smith, an Environmental Specialist for The Ross Group, provided valuable information about how his company manages and helps other construction companies manage the complex environmental Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification process.

The two-day event concluded with one-on-one discussions with representatives from GSA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. ■

Submitted by: Annette Arkeketa-Rendon Assistant Director Department of the Army, MICC-OSBP

MICC Supports Southeast Procurement Fair

he U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Office of Small Business Programs supported the recent procurement fair in College Park (Atlanta), Ga. The Alliance South 2011 Small Business Procurement Fair, held April 6, 2011, was attended by more than 280 individuals, including Small Business Specialist Michael Faire of Fort Rucker, Ala., Debbie Swindell of Fort Stewart, Ga., and Stephen Magner of Fort Benning, Ga. Acquisition workshops were held in the morning, followed by a matchmaking event and exhibition booths. The MICC-OSBP team took full advantage of the opportunity to interact with small business representatives by operating a matchmaking table for the duration of the show. The exhibition booth offered participants ample information about the MICC, Army installations in the region, and the Office for Small Business Programs. ■

Submitted by: Stephen Magner Assistant Director Department of the Army, MICC-OSBP

Upon hiring a new small business specialist, the OSBP will assign a mentor to get them quickly up-to-speed on the specifics of their new job as well as the nuances of working for the MICC OSBP, even if they are coming from another position within the MICC. New hires will have the name and contact information for their mentor before they report to the new job and, in most cases, will have already been contacted by their mentor. In addition to providing them with policies, reporting requirements, access to training materials and sample documents, mentors will also be available to answer any other questions concerning the technical aspects of their job. Mentors will go TDY to the new employee’s location for one to two days as soon as possible after the new employee settles in to walk them through some of the processes, discuss work requirements and show them how to set up ledgers, logs and reports. The mentor program was developed to ensure new employees would immediately feel welcome into the OSBP community and would know what was expected of them from the start. While normally the job of an employee’s supervisor, the mentor brings current real life experience to the position and is usually more available on a daily basis through an e-mail or quick phone calls to answer questions than assistant directors for OSBP who are involved in all manner of meetings, headquarters briefings and management reviews throughout MICC. Employees are usually also more willing to ask some questions of their peers rather than of a supervisor.

MICC Army Small Business Specialists Debbie Swindell, Stephen Magner, and Michael Faire, greet the public at the Alliance South 2011 Small Business Procurement Fair April 6 in Atlanta.

Newsletter | April - June 2011

MICC has full-time SBS positions colocated with 25 installation contracting

offices throughout the U.S. – from Alaska to New Jersey – while assistant directors, who are supervisors, are located at MICC Headquarters at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. There are three assistant directors who are each responsible for supervision of a team of seven to 11 full-time small business specialists as well as overseeing three to five individuals who perform small business duties at the other MICC installations and offices that don’t have full-time specialists. Mentors are chosen based on their knowledge of small business programs, their experience within the MICC OSBP program, their communications skills, and their locations within the U.S. compared to the location of the new hire. During the two-day, on-site visit, the mentor will go over all the standardized training presentations with the small business specialist as well as address all aspects of the Toolkit #6 used for contract management reviews by higher headquarters. The following week the mentor will again contact the new SBS to clear up any new questions once the information from the previous week has been reviewed and absorbed. The mentor will also be available to assist new hires as they proceed throughout the year and encounter new topics of concern or are faced with the first time of responding to a Congressional inquiry, completing and filing a report, accessing data files, etc. Mentors, while assigned to assist specific new employees, are still available and more than willing to assist any specialist in the command on any small business issue. They may not know all the answers, but they probably know where to go to get the answers. Sometimes just knowing that you are not alone (even if you are an office of one) and that help is a phone call or e-mail away is what can help get you through the day. ■ Submitted by: Ron Taft Assistant Director Department of the Army MICC-OSBP

Contracting Command Unveils Colors to Cement Move

Uncasing the colors of the Army Contracting Command are, from left, Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Baker, Sgt. Eduardo Cervantes and executive director Jeffrey Parsons.

EDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--The Army Contracting Command is now an official resident of sweet home Alabama. ACC and the Expeditionary Contracting Command uncased their colors Thursday in a ceremony symbolizing their move from Fort Belvoir, Va. The Army Contracting Command was activated in March 2008; and the ECC is one of its two subordinate commands. “It’s just amazing what we have been able to accomplish over the last three years,” Army Contracting Command executive director Jeffrey Parsons said. About 250 of the headquarters workers are here with another 100 to be added for a total of 350. Many of them moved from outside the area, which Parsons said is a “huge testament” to this community. They work in relocate-able structures at Wells and Mauler roads but a construction project is expected to be funded in 2013. “Hopefully by this time four years from now we will be moving into a new facility,” Parsons said. The Army Contracting Command’s two subordinates are the Mission and Installation Contracting Command, which supports continental U.S. installations, and the Expeditionary Contracting Command, which supports forward deployed forces and OCONUS installations. Its six major contracting centers include Redstone Arsenal; Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.; Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.; the National Capital Region; Rock Island Arsenal, Ill.; and Warren, Mich. ACC has more than 5,500 military and civilian people at 117 locations worldwide. ■ Submitted by: Skip Vaughn, Editor, Redstone Rocket, USAG

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Command Focus

MICC Supports National Government Procurement Conference

MICC OSBP Establishes New Employee Mentoring Program

ou have just been selected for a new job, and the euphoria over being selected is slowly being replaced by the feeling of “What did I just get myself into?”

The two-day event concluded with one-on-one discussions with representatives from GSA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. ■

Submitted by: Annette Arkeketa-Rendon Assistant Director Department of the Army, MICC-OSBP

MICC Supports Southeast Procurement Fair

Submitted by: Stephen Magner Assistant Director Department of the Army, MICC-OSBP

MICC Army Small Business Specialists Debbie Swindell, Stephen Magner, and Michael Faire, greet the public at the Alliance South 2011 Small Business Procurement Fair April 6 in Atlanta.

Newsletter | April - June 2011

MICC has full-time SBS positions colocated with 25 installation contracting

Contracting Command Unveils Colors to Cement Move

Uncasing the colors of the Army Contracting Command are, from left, Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Baker, Sgt. Eduardo Cervantes and executive director Jeffrey Parsons.

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

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Command Focus

ACC Small Business Training Workshop ‘A Huge Success’

EDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Contracting Command’s Office of Small Business Programs held a two-hour training workshop March 23 at the Hogan Family YMCA in Madison. The training was intended for local small businesses interested in learning how to do business with ACC and the Army. Approximately 80 people attended and ACC tweeted highlights of the seminar for those who were unable to attend. “With a standing-room only crowd, the event was a huge success. We had a lot of positive feedback from attendees and will continue to plan such educational opportunities for the small business community,” said Alice Williams, associate director of the Office of Small Business Programs. During the seminar, ACC small business specialists discussed the mission and role of ACC, where to find Army small business opportunities, sources sought responses, bid matching services, subcontracting opportunities, company capability statements, federal acquisition

Small Business by the Numbers | Calendar of Events

FY10 Army Small Business Subcontracting Achievements

ACC Office of Small Business Programs Associate Director Alice Williams discusses the importance of the Sources Sought Response during the March 23 workshop.

regulations and marketing strategies. This was ACC’s second small business workshop and ACC intends to make it a monthly event. ACC is working to establish an online registration system via its Facebook page for the next workshop.

the small business community through a variety of methods. For more information about the ACC Office of Small Business Programs, email acc-smallbusiness@ conus.army.mil or call (703) 806-4017 or (256) 955-7651. ■

The ACC Office of Small Business Programs provides outreach support to

Submitted by: Beth Clemons, Public Affairs, ACC

USACE Issues the First Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business Contract Award

he US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued the first Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) solicitation and contract award. The USACE Baltimore District, Ft. Detrick Integrated Program Office located at Frederick, Maryland worked hard to issue the VERY first federal EDWOSB set-aside.

Contracting Officer; Tamika Gray, Small Business Specialist; and David Kam. This is an historical event for the entire US Army! The efforts of the Baltimore District are indicative of the Corps’ longstanding support of woman-owned businesses. The Corps has exceeded all WOSB goals over the last 4 years, prior to the ability to set aside contracts specifically for women. ■

The award was made to Burrows Associates Inc. The contractor will furnish all labor, material and equipment necessary to provide acquisition support services. The award was issued and announced on the Federal Business Opportunities webpage on 11 May 2011. Congratulations goes out to COL Anderson, Commander; Robert Wood,

Submitted by: Jackie Robinson-Burnette Associate Director, Army Corps of Engineers

Newsletter | April - June 2011

Contracting Officer Mr. Robert Wood and EDWOSB Owner Ms. Nora Burrows.

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

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Command Focus

ACC Small Business Training Workshop ‘A Huge Success’

Small Business by the Numbers | Calendar of Events

FY10 Army Small Business Subcontracting Achievements

ACC Office of Small Business Programs Associate Director Alice Williams discusses the importance of the Sources Sought Response during the March 23 workshop.

The ACC Office of Small Business Programs provides outreach support to

Submitted by: Beth Clemons, Public Affairs, ACC

USACE Issues the First Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business Contract Award

Submitted by: Jackie Robinson-Burnette Associate Director, Army Corps of Engineers

Newsletter | April - June 2011

Contracting Officer Mr. Robert Wood and EDWOSB Owner Ms. Nora Burrows.

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

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