Army OSBP Magazine April 2013 by Ricardo Ruiz

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In This Issue

Director’s Message - Proud to Serve

2 • Director’s Message - Proud to Serve

opportunity to participate in government contracting as prime contractors and is totally envisioned by the Small Business Act. I recognize that the administrative resources do not exist to administer a myriad of contracts, but the effort to achieve efficiencies does not have to exclude small businesses from participating as prime contractors.

3 • Senior Leader Interview: Ms. Heidi Shyu, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology 5 • Ms. Pinson Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony 6 • New USAMRMC Commanding General and Head of Contracting Activity Signs Memo in Support of Small Business 7 • Farewell to a Phenomenal Small Business Advocate - Ms. Beth Westerburg 8 • District Promotes Safety for Small Business Contractors 9 • Army OSBP Personnel Attend Secretary of Defense Farewell Address 10 • Remembering Dr. Barbara Terry-Koroma, HBCU/MI Advocate • The American Legion 53RD Annual Washington Conference and Small Business Workshop 11 • Why We Say Thanks: The Army Office of Small Business Programs Awards Program 12 • Aberdeen Proving Ground Small Business and Contracting Personnel Reach Out to Industry 13 • Acquisition Center Supports HBCU Program at Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation • Constance Jones Named ACC HUBZone Program Manager 14 • Army Space and Missile Defense Command Awards its Largest Small Business Set-aside Ever 15 • USACE Louisville District Holds Industry Open House 16 • Army Contracting January Workshop 17 • USACE Builds Small Business Liaison Office Relationships with Industry Partners 18 • Army Mentor-Protégé Program Update 19 • OSBP Attends Award Ceremony in Honor of Hillary Rodham Clinton • Small Business CEO Recognized as One of the Top 100 Most Influential People in US Defense 20 • Women Veterans Working to Make a Difference 21 • Farewell Ceremony in Honor of GEN Lloyd J. Austin III 22 • Update on Army Progress toward Meeting the Strategic Services Portfolios and Simplified Acquisition Threshold Goals 23 • Calendar of Events

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.l.pinson.civ@mail.mil Ms. Peggy Butler Deputy Director Program Manager, Mentor-Protégé & Subcontracting peggy.w.butler.civ@mail.mil Mr. James Lloyd Assistant to the Director, Program Manager, SDVOSB & HUBZone james.c.lloyd20.civ@mail.mil Ms. Cynthia Lee Assistant to the Director Program Manager, HBCU/MI and 8(a)/SDB cynthia.r.lee.civ@mail.mil Ms. Stacy Watson Assistant to the Director Program Manager, Women Owned Small Business, Major Programs and Training stacy.r.watson.civ@mail.mil Ms. Portia Deans Assistant to the Director Procurement Analyst portia.l.deans.civ@mail.mil Ms. Edith St. Catherine Staff Action Control Specialist catherine.e.stcatherine.civ@mail.mil Ms. Veronica Atkinson Administrative Officer veronica.d.atkinson.civ@mail.mil .................................................... Ms. Marina Sullivan Program Manager New Concepts & Associates marina.g.sullivan.ctr@mail.mil

Newsletter Produced By Halfaker and Associates, LLC Support Contractor to the Army OSBP

Upcoming Events

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

Follow Army OSBP www.twitter.com/ArmySmallBiz

Mr. Anthony Braun anthony.m.braun2.ctr@mail.mil Mr. Cameron Miles cameron.e.miles.ctr@mail.mil Mr. Ricardo Ruiz ricardo.ruiz@halfaker.com

www.facebook.com/ArmySmallBiz www.flickr.com/ArmySmallBiz

I have participated in the formulation of numerous very large acquisition strategies and help craft solutions that engage small businesses as prime contractors. These include approaches such as the creation of two suites, one unrestricted or full and open and one restricted only to small businesses, where task orders under a certain dollar amount are automatically set aside. The key to the success of the restricted suite is to conduct substantive market research as part of the acquisition strategy, to establish the appropriate dollar threshold for task orders to set aside. The small business task orders must be of a significant size that is worth the time and effort to prepare a response and most importantly, afford the small business a substantive opportunity to add value to the objectives of the procurement. Small businesses can also participate in the unrestricted suite, where they can gain a valuable opportunity to create teams and partnerships to access larger opportunities without subcontracting restrictions.

Newsletter | April 2013

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director

have had the privilege of serving the small business community since 1983. My career started as a legal counsel to the Committee on Small Business, U.S. House of Representatives. I was counsel under the tutelage of the esteemed godfather of small businesses, the Honorable Representative Parren J. Mitchell (D-MD), affectionately called “PJ”. While “PJ” is no longer with us, his spirit lives on. He is responsible for the many small business programs and procedures that are currently in place. It is important to understand the origin and the history of the federal government small business program and how it has evolved over the years to where we are today. Many times I speak to companies as well as small business advocates and inquire if they know who Parren Mitchell was. I may be lucky to get a sprinkling of hands raised in response. That is when I embark upon a history lesson. It is very difficult for small companies to chart a path for the future if they do not have a solid understanding of the past and how they have arrived to their current state, particularly if they are government contractors. It is a known fact that all things are cyclical. This is particularly true as it pertains to the acquisition process. My stint on the hill involved tackling issues such as omnibus contracting what we now call consolidation, bundling, strategic sourcing or enterprise. Back then, there was a solid approach to address this issue as it pertained to small business participation, and it’s still applicable today, it is called: “break out” or “break up.” This is the only way that small businesses are ensured a fair

Another approach that appears to be reincarnated is the use of partial small business set asides. I can remember that this procedure was used primarily for the purchase of “widgets” where the lots would be divided and severed into quantities that could be satisfied through unrestricted competition as well as through a small business set aside, thus the name “partial”. We are now seeing the creative utilization of this procedure in the acquisition of services. The key to maximum small business participation as primes utilizing this procedure, is that the set aside portion is substantively valued in terms of dollars allocated, and that small businesses are afforded some sort of evaluation preference. Typically this would involve a separate evaluation of only the small business offers. The application of the partial set aside procedure as it pertains to services is evolving and its use was encouraged in the last iteration of amendments to the Small Business Act. Also included was the formal ratification of the “reserve” procedure complemented by the authority to set aside task orders for small businesses. Before the set aside authority, reservations were nothing more than empty bags. We now have the authority to fill them. I believe that “PJ” would be pleased to see the progression of the programs and the enhancement of the procedures that he worked so hard to put in place. However, he would continually push the executive branch and the prime contractors to do more for small businesses in fulfillment of the statutory directive to aid, counsel, protect and assist this community. Small business advocacy in the Army will continue to operate consistent with the spirit of “PJ”, and we will push the acquisition system to do more with small businesses. We will be creative in our approach, develop new allies and think out the box to provide solutions that will meet both the mission of the customer as well as the mission of the Small Business Act. ■ Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director

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

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In This Issue

Director’s Message - Proud to Serve

2 • Director’s Message - Proud to Serve

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

Newsletter Produced By Halfaker and Associates, LLC Support Contractor to the Army OSBP

Upcoming Events

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

Follow Army OSBP www.twitter.com/ArmySmallBiz

Mr. Anthony Braun anthony.m.braun2.ctr@mail.mil Mr. Cameron Miles cameron.e.miles.ctr@mail.mil Mr. Ricardo Ruiz ricardo.ruiz@halfaker.com

www.facebook.com/ArmySmallBiz www.flickr.com/ArmySmallBiz

Newsletter | April 2013

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director

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Senior Leader Interview: Ms. Heidi Shyu, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology

Every Army acquisition program is affected by sequestration and the uncertain fiscal conditions in the future. The reductions will directly or indirectly affect program schedules, cost and performance. In addition, sequestration will significantly impact the acquisition workforce. We anticipate numerous contract changes relating to program quantities and schedule. The added workload, particularly as we face the prospect of civilian employee furloughs, presents significant challenges.

apprenticeship programs. The Army has also placed increasing emphasis in STEM educational outreach programs to increase participation by students from under-represented backgrounds.

s. Heidi Shyu, a political appointee, was confirmed as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology [ASA(ALT)] on 21 September 2012. Prior to this, she was asked to serve as the Principal Deputy, appointed 8 November 2010, and later as the Acting ASA(ALT), starting 4 June 2011.

Since assuming your position as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology and Acquisition Executive, what are some notable achievements that have directly impacted the growth of the Army’s Small Business Program?

In these times of fiscal constraint, continued communication between the Army and the small business community is critical. The Army will keep the industry abreast of significant developments and we continue to rely on small business feedback and communication of industry concerns. Given our fiscal challenges, we acknowledge that such exchanges have added importance. While conference opportunities have been limited, pre-proposal meetings and industry forums will be prioritized in order to support our important mission.

The Army leads the Department of Defense in Small Business spending, accounting for over 40% of DoD small business spend in FY12. Although dollars and actions placed on contract in FY12 decreased from FY11 by 14%, the Army’s commitment to small business never wavered. In fact, the Army exceeded small business goals in three key areas: Small Disadvantaged Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business, and Woman-Owned Small Business. Awards to prime small business and Historically Under-Utilized Small Business (HUBZone) were also significant, totaling over $21B to prime small business, and over $3B to HUBZone small businesses.

As the ASA (ALT), Ms. Shyu serves as the Army Acquisition Executive, the Senior Procurement Executive, the Science Advisor to the Secretary of the Army, and the Army’s Senior Research and Development official. She also has principal responsibility for all Department of the Army matters related to logistics. Ms. Shyu leads the execution of the Army’s acquisition function and the acquisition management system. Her responsibilities include providing oversight for the life cycle management and sustainment of Army weapons systems and equipment from research and development through test and evaluation, acquisition, logistics, fielding, and disposition. Ms. Shyu also oversees the Elimination of Chemical Weapons Program. In addition, she is responsible for appointing, managing, and evaluating program executive officers and managing the Army Acquisition Corps and the Army Acquisition Workforce. Prior to this position, Ms. Shyu was the Vice President of Technology Strategy for Raytheon Company’s Space and Airborne Systems. She also held several senior leadership positions there, including Corporate Vice President of Technology and Research, Vice President and Technical Director of Space and Airborne Systems, Vice President of Unmanned and Reconnaissance Systems, Senior Director of Unmanned Combat Vehicles, Senior Director of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), and Director of JSF Integrated Radar/Electronic Warfare Sensors. As Director of JSF Antenna Technologies at Raytheon, Ms. Shyu was responsible for the development of lightweight, low-cost, Tile Active Electronically Scanned Antenna technologies. She also served as the Laboratory Manager for Electromagnetic Systems. In addition to her extensive experience at Raytheon, Ms. Shyu served as a Project Manager at Litton Industries and was the Principal Engineer for the Joint STARS Self Defense Study at Grumman. She began her career at the Hughes Aircraft Company. Ms. Shyu holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from the University of New Brunswick in Canada, a Master of Science Degree in Mathematics from the University of Toronto, Master of Science Degree in System Science (Electrical Engineering) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the Engineer Degree from UCLA. She is also a graduate of the UCLA Executive Management Course and the University of Chicago Business Leadership Program.

Ms. Heidi Shyu, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology.

A member of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board from 2000 to 2010, Ms. Shyu served as the Vice Chairman from 2003 to 2005 and as Chairman from 2005 to 2008. In this interview, Ms. Shyu discusses her role, and the impact of sequestration on small business. What are your primary responsibilities as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology? My primary responsibility is to Soldiers: to ensure they have a decisive advantage in any mission by developing, acquiring, fielding, and sustaining the world’s best equipment and services while leveraging enabling technologies to meet current and future Army capability needs. I also have a responsibility to the taxpayer, to ensure that we accomplish our mission using sound business practices. In order to provide our Soldiers with world-class capabilities while overseeing the effective use of taxpayer dollars, Army acquisition’s most important asset is our people. Hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled and dedicated workforce will ensure we continue our responsibility to Soldiers in the years to come. Due to current budget constraints, how will the acquisition community be affected? What challenges do you see regarding the ability of small businesses to remain competitive in this fiscally uncertain environment?

Newsletter | April 2013

Small business participation is critical to the Army’s mission; these businesses drive innovation in our industrial base and supply critical skills and equipment to our Soldiers. In FY12, small businesses contributed to significant products and services across the Army, ranging from prosthetics in support of our Wounded Warrior program to support for our Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Given the depth and breadth of support that small businesses provide, leadership emphasis and accountability for small business achievements will continue to be a high priority in FY13. There is a continuous need to focus on areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and diversifying this population. Do you foresee any increased opportunity to work with educational institutions to include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Asian Pacific Colleges, and other minority institutions? The Army strongly supports STEM outreach efforts and fosters efforts to diversify the STEM talent pool. Our science and technology community continually reaches out to HBCUs and other Minority Institutions (MI). We leverage Summer Faculty Research Programs designed for visiting technical faculty members able to participate in research through Army laboratories and facilities where there is mutual interest, as well as offer opportunities for students of these universities to apply for internships at Army laboratories in mission-focused research areas. Army Educational Partnership Agreements (EPAs), established with educational institutions, are another mechanism we utilize to encourage the participation of HBCU/ MIs in Army science and technology programs. EPAs transfer and/or enhance technology applications and provide technology assistance (including equipment loans and surplus donations) and curriculum development for all levels of education. In addition, the Army Research Laboratory conducts direct outreach to HBCU/MIs, specifically identifying opportunities for them to participate in high school and undergraduate university

With the current budget constraints and outreach restrictions in place, how can we facilitate further interaction with the acquisition community and the small business community?

What has been most challenging in performing the responsibilities of your position? We are challenged by the lack of predictability surrounding our budgets. The uncertainty of future budgets makes it difficult to plan longer-term investments and maintain the stability needed to promote sound management of our equipment investments. Another challenge will be to ensure that the Army continues to prioritize small business participation, while at the same time ensuring we meet our mission requirements amid fiscal constraints. A focused and professional acquisition community is essential to the successful execution of Army acquisition programs. What are your ideas about how we can build a strong bench of acquisition professionals? One thing we have learned over the last decade is just how critically important it is to have a professional, committed and skilled Acquisition Workforce. Our certification requirements are rigorous and are commensurate with, or exceed, industry standards. They include a combination of Defense Acquisition University training, education, and experience. Currently, more than 92 percent of our workforce is certified or within the grace period, our highest rate to date, but we still have more work to do. By focusing on education, training, and experience, we’ve developed programs, tools, and stringent education requirements to ensure our civilian and military workforce maintains a competitive edge in the acquisition community. In addition to these programs, we have in place a Human Capital Strategic Plan to help ensure that not only do we hire the best, but we retain them. There is nothing more important to me than ensuring our acquisition workforce remains relevant and proficient with the right skills and capabilities in their area of expertise. A skilled and dedicated workforce will ensure that we can effectively and efficiently support the Warfighter, while being good stewards of taxpayer funds. ■ Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director

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

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Senior Leader Interview: Ms. Heidi Shyu, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology

apprenticeship programs. The Army has also placed increasing emphasis in STEM educational outreach programs to increase participation by students from under-represented backgrounds.

Ms. Heidi Shyu, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology.

Newsletter | April 2013

With the current budget constraints and outreach restrictions in place, how can we facilitate further interaction with the acquisition community and the small business community?

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

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Ms. Pinson Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony

New USAMRMC Commanding General and Head of Contracting Activity Signs Memo in Support of Small Business

n 11 January, Brigadier General (Promotable) Joseph Caravalho Jr. became the new Commanding General of the Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) during a change of command ceremony at Fort Detrick.

n 11 February, Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, attended the presentation of the Medal of Honor to Army SSG Clinton Romesha at the White House. According to the ceremony program, SSG Romesha was recognized for “acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving…during combat operations against an armed enemy” in Afghanistan in 2009. In photos (1) and (2), the President presents the Medal of Honor to SSG Romesha. In Photo (3), MG William Rapp, Army Chief Legislative Liaison, speaks with Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a service-disabled veteran of the Iraq war. In photo (4), Ms. Pinson stands with Hon. Mary Sally Matiella, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and Comptroller, and Mr. Gabe Camarillo, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics & Technology). ■

Submitted by: Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

Newsletter | April 2013

The USAMRMC Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) had an opportunity to provide an OSBP Orientation Briefing to BG (P) Caravalho the week following his arrival. The briefing was favorably received and resulted in the Commanding General and Head of Contracting Activity signing a memorandum entitled “Renewed Commitment in Support of the Army’s Small Business Program.” Distribution of the memorandum was transmitted to all USAMRMC subordinate Commanders, Directors and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick. Under the leadership of BG (P) Caravalho, the command will continue to strive to meet their small business targets assigned by the Department of Army. BG (P) Caravalho has had a variety of operational experiences; including deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His most recent assignment was serving as the commanding general of the Northern Regional Medical Command. He earned his medical doctorate from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and a Master’s Degree in strategic studies from the Army War College. His medical specialty includes internal medicine, nuclear medicine and cardiology. His military training includes Army Airborne and Flight Surgeon schools, as well as the Navy Dive Medical Officer and SCUBA

Brigadier General Joseph Caravalho Jr, Commanding General, Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick and Deputy for Medical Systems to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology.

courses. He has also earned Special Forces and Ranger tabs, and the Expert Field Medical Badge. During BG (P) Caravalho’s change of command ceremony, he remarked “I will give you my solemn word that I will do absolutely everything within my power to adeptly and honorably serve the fine men and women of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and to accomplish the missions assigned to me. I make this commitment not only to you but also to the warriors and to their families.

I will ensure our personnel are well prepared to deliver top quality work at home and abroad, and I will make it my personal goal to develop leaders at all levels to take Army Medicine forward well into the future.” ■ Submitted by: Ms. J Ellen Crown, Deputy PAO, USAMRMC; Ms. Chelsea Bauckman, Public Affairs Specialist, USAMRMC; and Mr. Jerome K. Maultsby, Associate Director, USAMRMC Office of Small Business Programs

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

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Ms. Pinson Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony

New USAMRMC Commanding General and Head of Contracting Activity Signs Memo in Support of Small Business

Submitted by: Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

Newsletter | April 2013

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

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Farewell to a Phenomenal Small Business Advocate - Ms. Beth Westerburg

District Promotes Safety for Small Business Contractors

n 1 February, Ms. Elizabeth Westerburg retired as the Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs, National Guard Bureau (NGB). In her capacity as the Associate Director, Ms. Westerburg was responsible for formulating policies and procedures for NGB that were consistent with Department of Defense and Department of the Army policies and procurement objectives. Under her tenure, the NGB small business goals were met and often exceeded, averaging over 60 percent per year.

Ms. Tracy Lawson, (standing) president of Lawson & Associates, Inc. and a certified Safety and Health Professional (CSHP), presented a free, four-hour training session geared primarily for small business contractors in Hawaii to teach them how to write and execute effective Accident Prevention Plans (APP) for Corps construction contracts. Her Woman-owned, Veteran-Owned, state of Hawaii Disadvantaged Business is based in Mililani, HI.

Ms. Westerburg has served in various positions throughout her 38 years of DoD contracting. She started her career as a Contract Specialist, Deputy of Base Contracting Division, Base Contracting Officer, Chief of NGB Office of Grants and Cooperative Agreements and finally appointed as the Associate Director, NGB Office of Small Business Programs. Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, joined Ms. Westerburg along with friends and family to wish her farewell. Ms. Pinson thanked her for her dedication and commitment to the Army Small Business Program.

eventy-two people eagerly crammed into a USACE Honolulu District, Ft. Shafter, HI, conference room in early February to attend the Corps’ latest Safety and Health Training for Small Business Contractors. The free, four-hour training is geared primarily for small business contractors in Hawaii and teaches them how to write and execute effective Accident Prevention Plans (APP) for Corps construction contracts. Many District engineers, other Corps staff, and large business contractors also attended.

Ms. Beth Westerburg.

Ms. Tracy Lawson, president of Lawson & Associates, Inc. and a certified Safety and Health Professional (CSHP), presented the training. Her company is a WomanOwned, Veteran-Owned, state of Hawaii Disadvantaged Business based in Mililani. It has six full time, local safety consultants who specialize in assisting small, medium and large businesses achieve efficiency in operations through well-managed safety and risk programs.

The Army small business community wishes Ms. Westerburg all the best in her future endeavors. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Portia L. Deans Procurement Analyst Army OSBP

Ms. Beth Westerburg and Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP.

Newsletter | April 2013

“We greatly appreciate Tracy’s leadership in the training sessions and showcasing her expertise to promote safety and health in all aspects of construction,” said Mr. Jeff Cochran, Honolulu District Safety Manager. “Tracy’s exemplary knowledge has contributed to Small Business contractors’ safety awareness. Our small business contractors have not experienced a lost time accident since the training began in 2002. Our District’s safety goal is to ensure that contractor’s go home safely to their families every day, and we’re thankful for those contractors who participated in the training.”

Ms. Lawson said she conducts the training because, “I want to contribute to the betterment of my community.” “If I can help more business leaders understand why safety is really a part of the overall management system of their organization versus just a program or set of rules, then it gives me a sense of accomplishment because now they are motivated to become more efficient,” Ms. Lawson said. “Safety is about leadership and putting processes in place to ensure people’s lives are a priority. It’s not always about money and getting more business. With this, it really is about getting people to see safety from a different perspective.” The Honolulu District has sponsored this type of training three times a year since 2002. The training is coordinated by Mr. Cochran and Ms. Cathy Yoza, Deputy for Small Business Programs, USACE Honolulu District. The training is always provided free to attendees. This training also fulfills annual safety training requirements for contractors and District staff. The Corps’ number one priority is safety. The next training session is scheduled for June 2013. For more information, contact Jeff Cochran at 808-835-4009 / Jeff.Cochran@usace.army.mil or Cathy Yoza at 808-8354020 / Catherine.L.Yoza@usace.army.mil. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Cathy Yoza Deputy for Small Business USACE Honolulu District

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

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Farewell to a Phenomenal Small Business Advocate - Ms. Beth Westerburg

District Promotes Safety for Small Business Contractors

Ms. Beth Westerburg.

The Army small business community wishes Ms. Westerburg all the best in her future endeavors. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Portia L. Deans Procurement Analyst Army OSBP

Ms. Beth Westerburg and Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP.

Newsletter | April 2013

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

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Army OSBP Personnel Attend Secretary of Defense Farewell Address

Remembering Dr. Barbara Terry-Koroma, HBCU/MI Advocate

r. Barbara Terry-Koroma, Program Manager at the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), passed away 23 January.

n 12 February, Army OSBP personnel attended a farewell address given by Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta to the Pentagon community in the Pentagon Courtyard. Mr. Panetta said that in his last 19 months in office, his great honor was meeting the many troops on the battlefront and thanked them for putting their lives on the line to protect this country. He thanked the men and women in uniform for their tireless service, dedication and commitment to keeping this country safe. Mr. Panetta indicated that our fundamental mission is to protect and defend--with pride we have kept this country safe. Mr. Panetta also acknowledged and paid tribute to the support of military and civilian families, recognizing the great sacrifice that is often required.

Dr. Barbara Terry-Koroma. August 20, 1956 – January 23, 2013.

Originally from Townsville, NC, Dr. Terry-Koroma received her Ph.D. from North Carolina State University in cell biology. She trained in molecular biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular endocrinology at the National Cancer Institute. Prior to joining the CDMRP, Dr. Terry-Koroma conducted breast and prostate cancer research at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in the Molecular Pathology Department. Army OSBP salutes Dr. Terry-Koroma for her strong advocacy and support for the Army HBCU/MI program. ■ Submitted by: Her co-workers

Mr. Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense and Ms. Veronica Atkinson, Administrative Officer, Army OSBP.

Finally, he saluted the civilian workforce as the unsung heroes that support the mission without fail. After the ceremony, Mr. Panetta took individual photos with Pentagon personnel and gave out his coin. While in office, Mr. Panetta’s commitment to small business was exemplified in a 24 August 2012 memo to the Secretaries of the Military Departments, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Directors of Defense Agencies, and Directors of DoD Field Activities. He stated, “Dynamic small businesses play a central role in strengthening the Department of Defense industrial base and improving our acquisition outcomes. Small businesses not only lead the Nation in innovation, they are also proven drivers of competition and incubators for business growth. Increasing small business contracting opportunities is a priority of mine and also of President Obama, who has said, ‘If we want to keep America moving forward, we need to keep investing in our small businesses.’”

She was an integral team player and assisted the Office of Small Business Programs, Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, with tailored outreach events for academia, in particular, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) with a medical research capability/curriculum. Her diligence as a program manager also encouraged entrepreneurship and growth of small business firms to supply the innovative research and new products resulting from research outcomes. Dr. Terry-Koroma’s efforts underscored the continued need for HBCU/MIs to compete and win grant

or contract awards in various areas dealing with military medical research.

The American Legion 53rd Annual Washington Conference and Small Business Workshop

he American Legion held its 53rd Annual Washington Conference at the Washington Hilton, Washington, DC from 19 – 27 February. The Conference provided an opportunity for Legion leadership to meet with elected officials to discuss legislative initiatives and priorities important to Legion members and their families. It also provided a forum that allows Legionnaires to hear from senators, representatives, and officials from the White House and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as they address the membership at the conference. Some of the major issues of concern for the American Legion included the effects of sequestration on national defense, the growing backlog of VA claims, recent increases in TRICARE fees and copayments, and veteran unemployment.

Ms. Veronica Atkinson, Administrative Officer, Army OSBP, attended the ceremony and stated, “I was amazed at how warm he was and I am truly appreciative of all that he did to lead the Department of Defense.” ■

Submitted by: Ms. Veronica Atkinson Administrative Officer Army OSBP

Newsletter | April 2013

Included within the Washington Conference was the Eighth Annual American Legion Small Business Workshop. This twoday workshop designed specifically for veteran entrepreneurs and business owners provided an opportunity for them to hear presentations and attend training sessions on federal procurement opportunities, contracting strategies, and the intricacies of starting and maintaining a veteran-owned business. The highlights of the workshop were the following: the keynote address from Ms. Marie Johns, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration; a presentation by Rep. Michael

Fitzpatrick (R-PA) concerning the Fairness to Veterans Act (H.R. 1392), which he is in the process of reintroducing; and the Small Business Contracting Roundtable, which involved small business directors and contracting officials from several federal agencies. Other workshop sessions included the following: an “Access to Capital” panel; a VA Verification town hall meeting; Teaming and Mentor Protégé Program; Legislative Roundtable; and USACE Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Success Stories and Upcoming SDVOSB Set-Aside Opportunities. Mr. James Lloyd, Program Manager, Service-Disabled / Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Programs, Army OSBP, provided counseling on contracting with the Army and responded to questions from workshop participants. Events such as these are critical to assist the Army in identifying capabilities of veteran-owned businesses to participate in Army contracting programs. ■ Submitted by: Mr. James Lloyd Program Manager Service-Disabled / Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Programs Army OSBP

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Army OSBP Personnel Attend Secretary of Defense Farewell Address

Remembering Dr. Barbara Terry-Koroma, HBCU/MI Advocate

r. Barbara Terry-Koroma, Program Manager at the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), passed away 23 January.

Dr. Barbara Terry-Koroma. August 20, 1956 – January 23, 2013.

Mr. Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense and Ms. Veronica Atkinson, Administrative Officer, Army OSBP.

or contract awards in various areas dealing with military medical research.

The American Legion 53rd Annual Washington Conference and Small Business Workshop

Submitted by: Ms. Veronica Atkinson Administrative Officer Army OSBP

Newsletter | April 2013

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Why We Say Thanks: The Army Office of Small Business Programs Awards Program

ave you said thanks today? Sometimes the words “Thank-You” and “I Appreciate What You’ve Done” go underutilized. Here in the Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) we give thanks and show appreciation throughout the year. Additionally, we have an annual formal awards program that publicly acknowledges those individuals and groups that assist us in carrying out our mission.

Army OSBP Our 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 Vision To be the premier advocacy organization committed to maximizing small business opportunities in support of the Warfighter and the institutional transformation of the Army.

Our mission supports the overall Army mission by facilitating maximum practical contracting opportunities to small business firms across the Nation. It embraces a legislative mandate that flows from the Office of the President to all federal agencies. That mandate includes small business goals, which cannot be achieved without the support of our partners. Those partners can be found amongst the numerous small business personnel, acquisition personnel, and program managers at all levels within the Department of the Army. Over the years, we have made great strides and accomplishments in achieving small business goals and assisting small business firms in understanding how to do business with the Army and the Federal Government. We have consistently been the forerunner in contract dollars awarded to small business firms within the federal government. Notably, Army was the first DoD agency to achieve the assigned three percent servicedisabled veteran-owned small business goal. This year will be no different in saying “thank-you” to the outstanding performers that support the Army Small Business Program. A call for nominations will go out for the below categories.

• Army Commands (ACOM), Army Service Component Commands (ASCC), and Direct Reporting Units (DRU) Awards Program - recognizes superior performance for individual Small Business Program areas (Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned Small Business, HUBZone Small Business, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) through a formal recognition program that encourages innovation and initiative. One award will be presented for each small business program. • Small Business Specialist of the Year Award - recognizes the full-time and part-time Small Business Specialists who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in carrying out their program. • Army Contract Professional (CP) of the Year Award - recognizes the Army’s CP who strongly supported the small business program, made significant contributions to his/her respective Command, and the Army’s Small Business Program. • Army Program Manager (PM) of the Year Award - recognizes the Army’s PM who strongly supported the small business program through initiatives that facilitated significant contract/grant awards and that signified long-term growth and interest in the Army’s Small Business Program at his/her respective Command.

No one person is responsible for the success the Army Small Business Program has enjoyed over the years. It is a team effort: That is why we say thanks! ■ Submitted by: Ms. Cynthia Lee Program Manager SDB/8(a) and HBCU/MI Programs, Army OSBP

Newsletter | April 2013

Aberdeen Proving Ground Small Business and Contracting Personnel Reach Out to Industry

BERDEEN PROVING GROUND (APG), MD – More than 1,100 business and economic development representatives from across the country gathered at APG from 4-6 December 2012 for the first installation-wide Advanced Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI). The APBI is an event that brings industry representatives from large and small businesses to a forum where representatives from APG organizations provide information about potential, future contracting opportunities with the Army. The APBI is an important event as APG commands plan to present more than 180 potential contracts worth an estimated $19.5 billion over the next five years. “The entire Aberdeen Proving Ground Team relies on healthy relationships with industry and small business to accomplish our mission and the APBI is absolutely essential to building and maintaining those relationships,” said Maj. Gen. Robert S. Ferrell, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. “The APBI provides transparency of potential business opportunities provided by the Army at APG,” explained Mr. Kenyata Wesley, Associate Director of Small Business Programs for CECOM. “The APBI provides an environment where companies providing service, products, and technologies are informed of anticipated contracting opportunities. This event gives every business, large or small, access to the same information at the same time,” he explained. The Army is statutorily required to provide projections of all anticipated contract actions above $100,000. An event such as the Advance Planning Briefing for Industry meets this statutory requirement for sharing information. While individual commands have held their own APBI events in prior years, this is the first time the installation has hosted it as a multi-functional event with a dozen commands representing the post’s main mission areas: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR); Research Development, and Engineering; Testing and Evaluation; and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Explosive (CBRNE) as well as Army Contracting. “It’s clear that we can’t execute this mission without you,” said Dave Jimenez, director of the Army Evaluation Center, US Army Test and Evaluation Command. “You are integral to our being effective.” Jimenez added that it was the commands’ jobs to make sure the requirements leading up to these procurements are clear and that contractors know what the Army is looking for. “Take advantage of the opportunity of being here and ask questions -- join the team.”

Mr. Bryon J. Young, director of the Army Contracting Command-APG, discussed changing business processes within the defense acquisition community by highlighting the Better Buying Power initiative from the Department of Defense. This continuing effort works to deliver better value to the taxpayer and Warfighter by improving the way the DoD does business. Young described it as a “sea change to the way we have done business.” He said, “For the last 10 years, we have focused on getting capability to the Warfighter at any cost. That cost is now unsustainable.” The three-day event also was aimed at raising awareness of the value and need for small business participation in meeting the needs of the Warfighter. In fiscal year 2012, the Army spent over $22 billion in contracts with small businesses. Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP; Ms. Nancy Small, Associate Director, Army Materiel Command OSBP; and Mr. Andre Gudger, Director, Department of Defense OSBP all participated in the APBI to emphasize the Army’s focus on contracting with small businesses as did Lt. Gen. Bill Phillips, the Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition Logistics and Technology). Phillips said, “The innovation that comes from small businesses is simply tremendous.” The theme of the APBI was “Teaming for Tomorrow.” Phillips summarized the overall need for the APBI to the hundreds of small and large business attendees from across the industry in a simple way, “We are here to help our Soldiers and we can only do that by working with you.” Ferrell also built on the teaming theme during his remarks. He said that commands on APG have a great relationship with the communities and industries outside the installation’s gate. “In fact, I tell them that it’s just a gate. It’s never going to become a barrier to our great relationship.” A number of local small businesses helped to make this inaugural event a huge success, according to Linda Edwards, who led the support from the post’s Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Program. She said the buses which transported the attendees from parking lots to the post theater, the fest tent in which food was served, the food caterer, the signs, the decorations, and the portable toilets all came from local small business vendors. All of the presentations and briefings of potential contracting opportunities and other APBI content are available on the web at: http://cecom.army.mil/smallbusiness/teamapgapbi.html ■ Submitted by: Mr. Robert Dimichele CECOM Public Affairs

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

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Why We Say Thanks: The Army Office of Small Business Programs Awards Program

Our Vision To be the premier advocacy organization committed to maximizing small business opportunities in support of the Warfighter and the institutional transformation of the Army.

Newsletter | April 2013

Aberdeen Proving Ground Small Business and Contracting Personnel Reach Out to Industry

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Acquisition Center Supports HBCU Program at Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation

n 6 September 2012, the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) awarded a contract to Morgan State University (MSU). Significantly, this is the first award to any Historically Black College & University (HBCU) since PEO STRI received its Head of Contract Agency authority in February 2007. The contract supports the Spectrum Efficient Test (SET) Science and Technology (S&T) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that is part of the PEO STRI, Project Manager for Instrumentation, Targets and Threat Simulators (PM ITTS) – Instrumentation Management Office (IMO), Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Research, Development Test and Evaluation/ Science and Technology (RDT&E/S&T) Program. This award to MSU resulted in PEO STRI exceeding its FY 2012 HBCU goal by 5.95 percent. Supporting the Office of Small Business Programs’ outreach efforts to achieve this goal were Ms. Glenda Torres, Procuring Contracting Officer, and Ms. Marnita Harris, Contract Specialist. Both worked very closely with the SET S&T team, the TRMC Program Management Office, and MSU Contracts Office on the execution of this contract award. Ms. Torres and Ms. Harris recognized that while HBCUs were responding to previous BAA notices, they were unsuccessful in receiving awards. As a result, they took the initiative to ensure the schools received a debriefing to discuss their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, they were available and responsive to questions on the BAA source selection process.

The TRMC RDT&E/S&T Program invests in advancing/ maturing critical test technologies with Budget Activity 3 funding that can eventually be transitioned to DoD test facilities for potential follow-on engineering development. This effort seeks to advance the current state-of-the-art technology for telemetry radio segments working the S&T challenge by designing and developing a radio segment to support multi-band transceiver for bi-directional communications and implementing Software Defined Ratio (SDR) technology for multi-mode operations while optimizing the hardware platform for size, weight, and power improving spectrum efficiency. MSU will develop a SDR platform that will help address the growing crisis between data performance and radio frequency within spectrum efficient technology. This project will address an existent technology shortfall for Test & Evaluation of weapon systems using network telemetry for all Department of Defense Military Departments. Thank you to Glenda Torres and Marnita Harris for their efforts and support of the HBCU program. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Randy Edney Associate Director PEO STRI Office of Small Business Programs

Army Space and Missile Defense Command Awards its Largest Small Business Set-aside Ever

n 21 December 2012, the Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT) awarded the Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance contract (SETAC10) with a ceiling value of $997 million. The procurement was solicited as a 100 percent small business set-aside, multiple award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type contract with a period of performance for 5 years.

The nine small business awardees are: 1. Radiance Technologies, Incorporated 2. Colsa Corporation 3. Analytical Services, Incorporated (ASI) 4. Intrepid (formerly known as DMD) 5. Sigmatech, Incorporated 6. System Studies and Simulation, Incorporated (S3) 7. Quantum Research International 8. ERC Incorporated 9. Warfighter Solutions LLC (Joint Venture)

Of those nine awardees, one is a woman-owned small business and two are service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. There were 241 subcontractors proposed among the selected

prime offerors. Of those, 169 are small business concerns, 66 are large business concerns, and 6 are universities (including 1 historically black college/university). The SETAC10 award is the largest 100 percent small business set-aside ever for USASMDC/ARSTRAT. It is the key contract that sustains operations for systems engineering and provides technical assistance to support the core capabilities of USASMDC/ARSTRAT and the Warfighter. The government anticipated that five awards would be made as a result of the SETAC10 solicitation competition. However, the solicitation reserved the government’s right to increase or decrease the number of awards at its discretion. Award selections were based on the application of the advertised evaluation and award criteria. Each of the nine awardees, along with their respective team members, were evaluated on whether or not they were technically capable of performing the depth and breadth of the SETAC10 requirements. Having nine awardees provides the command with the opportunity for maximum competition and best value over the life of SETAC10 and supports the DoD better buying power initiatives. It also provides for maximum small business participation in support of the Army Small Business Program goals. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Christine Ryan Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT)

Constance Jones Named ACC HUBZone Program Manager

s. Constance A. Jones was recently named the HUBZone Program Manager for the Army Contracting Command, Office of Small Business Programs. Ms. Jones can be reached at 256-955-5402 or e-mail: constance.jones@us.army.mil ■ Representatives from the Contracting Acquisition Management Office/Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, AL, talk before the Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance Contract (SETAC10) kickoff at the Army Space and Missile Defense Command/ Army Forces Strategic Command headquarters on 13 March. From left to right are: Contracting Officers Ms. Arlene Dussault, Ms. Nancy Bledsoe and Ms. Netausha Stoudmire, and Division Chief, Directorate B, Division A, Ms. Melissa Mitchell. The SETAC10 award is the largest 100 percent small business set-aside ever for SMDC.

Newsletter | April 2013

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

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Acquisition Center Supports HBCU Program at Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation

Army Space and Missile Defense Command Awards its Largest Small Business Set-aside Ever

Of those nine awardees, one is a woman-owned small business and two are service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. There were 241 subcontractors proposed among the selected

Constance Jones Named ACC HUBZone Program Manager

Newsletter | April 2013

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Army Contracting January Workshop

he Army Contracting Command (ACC) Office of Small Business Programs regularly conducts training workshops for local small businesses interested in learning how to do business with ACC and the Army. During the workshop, Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks stopped by to meet the attendees. Congressman Brooks discussed his support of local small business owners and took questions from the audience. The January workshop focused on two topics: recent changes to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program and social media for small business.

COL Luke Leonard, Commander, Louisville District, providing opening remarks at the District’s annual Open House.

USACE Louisville District Holds Industry Open House

n 6 February, the Louisville District Corps of Engineers held their annual Open House in Louisville, KY. COL Luke Leonard, Commander, Louisville District, welcomed over 450 participants from across the nation to the event. The morning session provided private industry partners with information on the district’s projects, programs and contracting opportunities. During the afternoon session, contractors were afforded the opportunity to meet with representatives from contracting, engineering, construction, program/project management, and the Office of Small Business Programs.

This event allowed the district to build relationships with industry partners, resulting in more efficient project execution. In FY2012, the Louisville District awarded $518 million to small businesses, which equates to 44.25 percent of their total small business eligible contracting awards that fiscal year. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Jacque Gee Deputy for Small Business USACE Louisville District

The first presenter, Ms. Darlene Brakefield, ACC WOSB program manager, discussed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013. This act removed contract award restrictions for women-owned and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs) and allowed them greater access to federal contracting opportunities. Prior to the new law, the anticipated award price of the contract for WOSBs and EDWOSBs could not exceed $6.5 million for manufacturing contracts and $4 million for all other contracts. The law also requires the SBA to conduct another study to identify and report industries underrepresented by WOSBs. As a result, more eligible WOSBs may be able to participate in SBA’s Women’s Federal Contract Program and compete for and win federal contracts. See www.sba.gov/wosb for more up to date information regarding the SBA WOSB Federal Contracts Program.

The second presenter, Ms. Beth Clemons, ACC Social Media Manager, provided an overview of popular social media sites and their possible uses by small business owners. Ms. Clemons discussed best practices and provided training on using the sites effectively. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Darlene Brakefield Program Manager Women-Owned Small Business Program Manager ACC

Photos:

Ms. Jacque Gee, Deputy Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Louisville District, speaking with Open House attendees.

Newsletter | April 2013

1. Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL) talks with Ms. Alice Williams, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Army Contracting Command. 2. Ms. Beth Clemons, Social Media Manager, Army Contracting Command. 3. A woman-owned small business owner speaks with Ms. Darlene Brakefield, Women-Owned Small Business Program Manager, Army Contracting Command.

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Army Contracting January Workshop

COL Luke Leonard, Commander, Louisville District, providing opening remarks at the District’s annual Open House.

USACE Louisville District Holds Industry Open House

Photos:

Ms. Jacque Gee, Deputy Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Louisville District, speaking with Open House attendees.

Newsletter | April 2013

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USACE Builds Small Business Liaison Office Relationships with Industry Partners

Pictured L to R: Ms. Chemise Smith, Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO), L-3 STRATIS; Ms. Jackie R. Burnette, Small Business Associate Director, Army Corps of Engineers; and Mr. Wayne Pizer, Vice President, L-3 STRATIS Small Business Program.

n 28 February, Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Ms. Sharon Morrow, Deputy for Small Business Execution, USACE, participated in an L-3 STRATIS small business event in Reston, VA. The event was hosted by Mr. Wayne Pizer, Vice President, L-3 STRATIS Small Business Program and Ms. Chemise Smith, Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO), L-3 STRATIS. The L-3 STRATIS Small Business Office (SBO) was established to ensure that small, small disadvantaged, woman-owned, service-disabled, veteran-owned, and HUBZone small businesses all have the maximum practical opportunity to compete for L-3 STRATIS’ business. The SBO acts as the liaison between diverse small business suppliers and all of L-3 STRATIS’ business units that have procurement responsibilities. Two years ago, USACE embarked on an SBLO initiative to build alliances and relationships with large business industry partners. The intent is to engage large firms for small business subcontracting opportunities, mentoring needs, and to facilitate focused communication on the challenges faced with transparency and compliance in USACE Subcontracting. USACE obligates approximately 40 percent of all contract dollars with small businesses. The remaining 60 percent (approximately $18 billion) is obligated with large firms. USACE has every expectation that large business partners will maximize small business subcontracting opportunities, because our small business subcontracting goal is 50 percent of all subcontracted dollars. Army small business leaders regularly expand their sphere of influence to include large business industry partners. Large

business industry partners are often willing to assist, guide, and hold the hand of small firms that have strong technical capability (but need the backing of a large firm to minimize the risk to the customer in terms of capacity, experience, or in other areas). Large businesses benefit by developing relationships with agile and innovative small firms that can be utilized to meet subcontracting goals on different projects. As part of the USACE SBLO initiative, the USACE Small Business Office has met with firms like L-3 STRATIS, BalfourBeatty, Clark Construction, Lockheed Martin, and others. We are also including growing/medium sized businesses that are willing to mentor and guide small and sometimes start up businesses. We are finding capable firms that are fast growing, graduated SBA 8(a) firms willing to assist other firms to include mentoring in the Mentor Protégé programs. There is nothing more valuable than a president of a successful small business exchanging lessons learned with a president of a new/startup business. Our small business program has strengthened! We are not limited to looking for program managers and contracting officers to give small firms direct contract opportunities, we are gaining the help of industry partners and enforcing our subcontracting program and securing mentors. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette Associate Director Office of Small Business Programs Army Corps of Engineers

Army Mentor-Protégé Program Update

or the first time ever, the Department of Defense will join the annual SBIR Beyond Phase II Conference and Technology Showcase and the Mentor-Protégé Program Conference. These conferences are already exciting and provide an array of avenues for program participants to network, strategize, and gain insightful knowledge into various topics. To add to the agenda, this year’s event will focus on transitioning small businesses and Phase II technologies into qualified organizations and products that meet the needs of our national defense. Come out and join us for a synergistic event as an exhibitor, sponsor or conference partner on September 9-12, 2013 at the Long Beach Convention Center in downtown Long Beach, CA. The Mentor-Protégé Conference means it is Nunn Perry Nomination time as well! Nomination packets are being reviewed. We wish all of the MP teams across the services luck, as we know you all strive for success and accomplishment in your daily endeavors as well as in your mentorprotégé agreements. Good luck and see you in Long Beach! As we mentioned in our January edition, we have adopted a “Going Green and Paperless” mantra and added a new innovative feature to our website sellingtoarmy.com that allows for full electronic proposal submission. No more hard copies and stacks of paper deliveries to the Pentagon! We are proud to say we received three proposal submissions during our FY13 Round I cycle on 15 February 13. While sequestration has funding temporarily on hold for new agreements, we are still excited at the future prospects of doing business with our new offerors. Stay tuned for program updates, however, we are continuing to do business as normal until further notice.

We would like to take a moment and wish continued success to some of our participants who recently graduated from our program. We term our protégés as graduates once they have completed their agreements with us, however, once we conduct a final program review we generally file the agreements away. As a new process, we would like to take a moment and acknowledge those teams that have successfully completed all proposed milestones and wish them continued success in all their endeavors. Many of those protégé firms come back as mentors or begin a new internal effort to informally mentor other SBs and pass along many of the benefits they just received. We look forward to featuring some positive updates and success stories about all of these companies in the near future.

Again, please visit our website sellingtoarmy.com for more information on the Mentor-Protégé conference. Also, exciting for this year’s conference – the opportunity to be a sponsor and exhibit your company capabilities to all the attendees of both programs, as well as the government personnel that will be in the audience. For more information on sponsorship, becoming a conference partner or exhibitor, please contact Jeff Renner, Project Coordinator, at the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs, at (571) 372-6312 or via e-mail to Jeffrey.renner.ctr@osd. mil. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Marina Sullivan Support Contractor Mentor-Protégé Program Army OSBP

Congratulations and a big HOOAH to the following teams: Graduation Date

Mentor

Protégé

* Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC)

Occam Solutions

Feb 2012

** ASM Research, Inc.

Networking Engineering Technology, Inc.

Jun 2012

Science Applications International, Inc.

White Horse, LLC

Jul 2012

EM-Assist, Inc.

PLANTECO Corp.

Sep 2012

Battelle Corp.

Native Hawaiian Veterans, LLC

Dec 2012

Science Applications International, Inc.

CLogic Defense

Jan 2013

*FY2010 Nunn Perry Winners - **FY 2011 Nunn Perry Winners

Newsletter | April 2013

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USACE Builds Small Business Liaison Office Relationships with Industry Partners

Army Mentor-Protégé Program Update

Congratulations and a big HOOAH to the following teams: Graduation Date

Mentor

Protégé

* Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC)

Occam Solutions

Feb 2012

** ASM Research, Inc.

Networking Engineering Technology, Inc.

Jun 2012

Science Applications International, Inc.

White Horse, LLC

Jul 2012

EM-Assist, Inc.

PLANTECO Corp.

Sep 2012

Battelle Corp.

Native Hawaiian Veterans, LLC

Dec 2012

Science Applications International, Inc.

CLogic Defense

Jan 2013

*FY2010 Nunn Perry Winners - **FY 2011 Nunn Perry Winners

Newsletter | April 2013

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

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OSBP Attends Award Ceremony in Honor of Hillary Rodham Clinton

n 14 February, the Army applauded Secretary Hillary Clinton for her continuous and dedicated service as the 67th Secretary of State. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff GEN Martin Dempsey honored Secretary Clinton with two public service awards, including the Department of Defense’s highest award for public service and the Distinguished Civilian Service Award.

Ms. Teresa Lewis, Director, Department of Health and Human Services OSBP; Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP; Ms. Bridget Bean, Deputy Chief Operating Office and Acting Chief Human Capital Officer, SBA; Ms. Shaunta Johnson, Deputy Director, Department of Health and Human Services OSBP; and Mr Anthony Bell, Deputy Program Manager, Department of Homeland Security OSBP.

Secretary Clinton joined the State Department after nearly four decades in public services as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, and Senator. She was sworn in on 21 January 2009. She officially stepped down from her post at the State Department on 1 February. During her term as secretary of state, Clinton used her position to make women’s rights and human rights a central talking point of U.S. initiatives.

Women Veterans Working to Make a Difference

irector of Health and Human Services OSDBU, Veteran Teresa Lewis’ welcome speech kicked off the morning at the Women as Veteran Entrepreneurs (WAVE) 3rd Annual Veteran Women-Owned Small Business Seminar. The seminar was held on 21 March at the Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. The seminar provided Women Veteran Entrepreneurs with valuable information detailing success strategies for doing business with the Federal government and networking opportunities with prime contractors to discuss teaming, sub-contracting and mentoring opportunities.

Army OSBP wishes Secretary Clinton the best in her future endeavors. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Stacy Watson Program Manager Women-Owned Program Army OSBP

Mr. Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense, and Ms. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State.

GEN Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Small Business CEO Recognized as One of the Top 100 Most Influential People in US Defense

s. Dawn Halfaker, President and CEO of Halfaker and Associates, a service-disabled veteran-owned, woman-owned, 8(a) small business, was recently recognized by Defense News as one of the most influential leaders in the defense industry. During the last seven years, Halfaker, with the help of other seasoned leaders, has grown the company to 150 people.

Ms. Dawn Halfaker, President and CEO, Halfaker and Associates, LLC.

After losing her arm while serving as a soldier in Iraq, she has worked tirelessly to build a company that focuses on security consulting and empowering veterans, especially disabled veterans known as wounded warriors. In the past four years, she has successfully employed nine wounded warriors in addition to the many former military employees who have joined her company.

The defense industry is not an easy industry to be successful in. Many companies do not survive for various reasons. Ms. Halfaker is a go getter and does not like to take no for an answer. She treats everyone with respect and integrity. Halfaker and Associates is the support contractor for the Army Office of Small Business Programs providing website, data analysis, administrative, outreach and strategic communications support. Congratulations to Ms. Halfaker for her most recent accomplishment. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

Newsletter | April 2013

Attendees also received presentations from subject matter experts on such topics as “Is Government Contracting Really for ME?; The Role of the Procurement Center Representative; What’s the Women Veteran Entrepreneur Corps?; and Simplified Acquisitions A $15B Missed Opportunity for Small Federal Contractors”. In addition, representatives from several Federal agencies including Army’s Office of Small Business Programs, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Education, United States Small Business Administration, and USAF were on hand to provide information on doing business with their respective agencies. The WAVE seminar wrapped up the day with a panel discussion focusing on small business resources. The panel was comprised of women veterans working to make a difference--what a way to celebrate Women History Month. The federal government panelists were: Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director of Army OSBP; Ms. Bridget Bean, Deputy Chief Operating Office and Acting Chief Human Capital Officer of SBA; Ms. Shaunta Johnson, Deputy Director of Health and Human Services OSDBU; and Mr. Anthony Bell, Deputy Program Manager of OSDBU Department of Homeland Security. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Stacy Watson Program Manager Women-Owned Program Army OSBP

Mr. Kyle Beagle, Deputy for Small Business, Humphreys Engineer Center Support Activity and Ms. Sharon Morrow, Deputy for Small Business Execution, USACE.

Mr. Anthony Bell, Deputy Program Manager, Department of Homeland Security OSBP; Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP; and Mr. James Lloyd, Program Manager, ServiceDisabled / Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Programs, Army OSBP.

Ms. Staci Redmon, President and CEO, SAMS and Mr. James Lloyd, Program Manager, Service-Disabled / Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Programs, Army OSBP.

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OSBP Attends Award Ceremony in Honor of Hillary Rodham Clinton

Women Veterans Working to Make a Difference

Army OSBP wishes Secretary Clinton the best in her future endeavors. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Stacy Watson Program Manager Women-Owned Program Army OSBP

Mr. Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense, and Ms. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State.

GEN Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Small Business CEO Recognized as One of the Top 100 Most Influential People in US Defense

Ms. Dawn Halfaker, President and CEO, Halfaker and Associates, LLC.

Newsletter | April 2013

Mr. Kyle Beagle, Deputy for Small Business, Humphreys Engineer Center Support Activity and Ms. Sharon Morrow, Deputy for Small Business Execution, USACE.

Ms. Staci Redmon, President and CEO, SAMS and Mr. James Lloyd, Program Manager, Service-Disabled / Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Programs, Army OSBP.

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Update on Army Progress toward Meeting the Strategic Services Portfolios and Simplified Acquisition Threshold Goals

he Army has been assigned a strategic services portfolios (SSP) goal and simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) goal of 43.52 percent and 81.86 percent respectively for FY2013.

FY2013 (through 4-21-2013) Army Small Business performance in the Strategic Services Portfolios

Both goals are new this year. The SSP goal was assigned in accordance with guidance from Mr. Frank Kendall, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. According to Mr. Kendall, three strategic portfolios – knowledge based services, electronics and communications services, and facilities related services – “offer greater opportunities for increasing both small business participation and overall effective competition rates.” The SAT goal was assigned based on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (13.003(b)(1)) requirement that contracts between $3,000 and $150,000 be set-aside for small business and the idea that these contracts are crucial for the smallest businesses to get off the ground. Hon. John McHugh, Secretary of the Army; GEN Lloyd Austin III, Vice Chief of Staff and Ms. Charlene Austin.

Farewell Ceremony in Honor of GEN Lloyd J. Austin III

n 8 March, the Army saluted General Lloyd Austin III as he ended his tour as the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army, to assume command of the U.S. Central Command. During the Ceremony, Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, presented the Distinguished Service Medal to Gen. Austin and the Superior Civilian Service Award to Mrs. Charlene Austin, Spouse of General Austin. General Austin is the first African American to lead the U.S. Central Command. He is responsible for troops and transitions in 20 countries in the Middle East and southwest Asia. In his 37-year tenure, General Austin served in a variety of command positions during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom to include U.S. Forces-Iraq commander; Multi-National Corps-Iraq

commander; and USCENTCOM. He also commanded the 82nd Airborne and 10th Mountain Divisions, as well as the 18th Airborne Command. Farewell and Congratulations General Lloyd Austin!! ■ Submitted by: Ms. Stacy Watson Program Manager Women-Owned Program, Army OSBP

Army OSBP took these DoD-assigned goals and used them to assign goals to each Army buying command. The accompanying charts show the progress that each command, and Army as a whole, is making toward meeting these goals. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

* AMC includes SMDC KBS: Knowledge Based Services ECS: Electronics and Communication Services FRS: Facility Related Services

Source: FPDS on 4-22-2013

FY2013 (through 4-21-2013) Army Small Business Achievement Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Source: FPDS on 4-22-2013

Newsletter | April 2013

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

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Update on Army Progress toward Meeting the Strategic Services Portfolios and Simplified Acquisition Threshold Goals

he Army has been assigned a strategic services portfolios (SSP) goal and simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) goal of 43.52 percent and 81.86 percent respectively for FY2013.

FY2013 (through 4-21-2013) Army Small Business performance in the Strategic Services Portfolios

Farewell Ceremony in Honor of GEN Lloyd J. Austin III

* AMC includes SMDC KBS: Knowledge Based Services ECS: Electronics and Communication Services FRS: Facility Related Services

Source: FPDS on 4-22-2013

FY2013 (through 4-21-2013) Army Small Business Achievement Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Source: FPDS on 4-22-2013

Newsletter | April 2013

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

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Newsletter | April 2013

U.S. Army OSBP â&#x20AC;˘ Building the Future of the Army through Small Business Utilization | www.sellingtoarmy.com

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Newsletter | April 2013

U.S. Army OSBP â&#x20AC;˘ Building the Future of the Army through Small Business Utilization | www.sellingtoarmy.com

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Production of the next issue is already underway! Please submit articles to: cameron.e.miles.ctr@mail.mil or anthony.m.braun2.ctr@mail.mil

Article submission deadline: 14 June 2013

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

U.S. Army OSBP Our 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 Vision

To be the premier advocacy organization committed to maximizing small business opportunities in support of the Warfighter and the institutional transformation of the Army.

Statement by President Barack Obama

Please visit www.sellingtoarmy.com and click on “Calendar of Events”, for the most updated list, as new events are added on an ongoing basis.

Newsletter | April 2013

“We should start where most new jobs do — in small businesses, companies that begin when an entrepreneur takes a chance on a dream, or a worker decides it’s time she became her own boss. Through sheer grit and determination, these companies have weathered the recession and they’re ready to grow.” -President Barack Obama, 2010 State of the Union Address

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Production of the next issue is already underway! Please submit articles to: cameron.e.miles.ctr@mail.mil or anthony.m.braun2.ctr@mail.mil

Article submission deadline: 14 June 2013

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

U.S. Army OSBP Our Mission

Our Vision

To be the premier advocacy organization committed to maximizing small business opportunities in support of the Warfighter and the institutional transformation of the Army.

Statement by President Barack Obama

Please visit www.sellingtoarmy.com and click on “Calendar of Events”, for the most updated list, as new events are added on an ongoing basis.

Newsletter | April 2013

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