Army OSBP Magazine December 2013 by Ricardo Ruiz

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Production of the next issue is already underway!

U.S. Army OSBP Our Mission

Article submission deadline: February 14, 2013

• 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

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Our Vision

Please submit articles to: cameron.e.miles.ctr@mail.mil or anthony.m.braun2.ctr@mail.mil

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

Statement by President Barack Obama

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

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In This Issue 2 • Director’s Message: Unprecedented Success for the Army Small Business Program 3 • Senior Leader Interview: BG Harrison, Commander, Army Contracting Command, on Army Small Business Contracting 5 • Army Supports NDIA Small Business Conference 6 • National Veterans Conference Continues its Success 7 • Small Businesses Hear from Army Senior Leaders at Army OSBP-Hosted AUSA Forum 9 • Westphal: Small Businesses Critical to Readiness of Army 10 • AMC Commander Outlines Small Business Strategy 11 • MICC Reaches Out at Eighth Annual Veterans Business Conference • Small Businesses Exhibit Cutting Edge Technology Services at ArmyHosted Expo 12 • Army OSBP Director Attends Ceremony Recognizing Congresswoman Giffords’ Service to Army 13 • Small Businesses Exhibit Sustainable Technology Solutions at Pentagon Event 15 • Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference 16 • Educate America: Historically Black Colleges and Universities 17 • USACE Albuquerque District Small Business Industry Day Draws Large Crowd 18 • Former Army Chief of Engineers Receives Veteran Business of the Year Award • Small Businesses Awarded Part of $4.1 Billion Communications and Transmission Systems Contract 19 • District Contractor Receives Top Award from Small Business Administration 20 • Nashville District Reaches Women-Owned Small Business Milestone 21 • Small Businesses Win Awards on Army Contract for Solar, Wind, Geothermal and Biomass Renewable Energy Technologies 22 • Small Business IT Contract Saves Millions • The Office of Small Business Program Knowledge Repository 23 • Army Mentor-Protégé Program Update 24 • FY13 Army Small Business Achievement Exceeds Goal • Legislation Important to Small Businesses 25 • Ms. Mary Moore, Deputy Director, Army Materiel Command OSBP, Retires • New MEDCOM Small Business Deputy Director Brings Over 20 Years’ Contracting Experience 26 • Army Materiel Command Small Business Personnel Attend Rocket City GovCon Symposium • Around the Pentagon 27 • TACOM LCMC has a new Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems • USACE Small Business Programs Welcomes New Deputy Associate Director 28 • Calendar of Events

Upcoming Events

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

Points of Contact Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director tracey.l.pinson.civ@mail.mil Ms. Peggy Butler-Mason Deputy Director peggy.w.butler-mason.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. Pamela L. Monroe Assistant to the Director Program Manager, Mentor-Protégé & Subcontracting pamela.l.monroe8.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 Mr. Anthony Braun anthony.m.braun2.ctr@mail.mil

www.twitter.com/ArmySmallBiz

Mr. Cameron Miles cameron.e.miles.ctr@mail.mil

www.facebook.com/ArmySmallBiz

Mr. Burt Stanko burt.j.stanko.ctr@mail.mil

www.flickr.com/ArmySmallBiz

Director’s Message: Unprecedented Success for the Army Small Business Program s we approach the end of the first quarter of FY2014, we are beginning to get a better picture of how the Army Small Business Program Performed in FY2013. Although the data has not yet been verified by the SBA, it appears certain that Army will exceed both its small business achievement in FY 2012 and its DoD-assigned goal for FY 2013. Similar success is expected in the socioeconomic programs. This achievement is despite sequestration, furloughs and fiscal uncertainty overall as it pertains to Army contracting, particularly in the area of operations and maintenance.

Preliminary data indicate that over 27 percent of small-business eligible contracting dollars went to small businesses, surpassing both the 26.38 percent achieved in FY 2012 and the 26.50 percent goal for FY 2013. Perhaps the most notable achievement however, is the 5.1 percent of small-business eligible contracting dollars that went to women-owned small businesses, marking the first time that Army has exceeded the 5 percent statutory goal for Woman-Owned Small Businesses. Further details on the FY13 performance of the Army Small Business Program can be found on page 24. This unprecedented success is due in no small part to the dedication of acquisition community to include the 230-plus Army small business advocates who work tirelessly to ensure that small businesses receive full consideration for Army contracts. An example of this dedication occurred recently at PEO Enterprise Information Services, Army Contracting Command – Rock Island, where our small business team helped secure the participation of two small businesses on a

$4.1 billion communications and transmissions systems indefinitedelivery / indefinite-quantity contract (further details on page 18). Another example occurred at the San Antonio Military Medical Center, where the market research conducted by our small business specialists at the Mission and Installation Contracting Command – Ft. Sam Houston resulted in the awarding of a $15.9 million information technology contract to a small business, which was well below the $27 million government cost estimate (further details can be found on page 22). These examples illustrate the desire and ability of Army personnel to convert a fiscal challenge into an opportunity to support the small business program. Another important factor behind our continued success is the outreach efforts conducted by the Army Small Business team. In August of last year, my office organized the Army Small Business Conference in Washington, DC, which attracted over 450 small business, prime contractor, and federal attendees. The conference’s educational and networking sessions paid dividends throughout the year as small businesses leveraged what they had learned to more effectively pursue contracts, and contracting officers leveraged the small business contacts they had made in order to find suitable small business vendors for requirements. Looking to repeat the success of this event, my office organized the Army Small Business Forum at the AUSA Annual Meeting two months ago, where the highest levels of Army leadership spoke to, and met face-to-face with, small business representatives (further details on page 7). As we continue through FY 2014, remember the important role

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director

that small businesses play both in supporting the Army and in revitalizing the Nation’s economy. The $17 billion-plus in products and services that small businesses provided the Army in FY2013 is not only a very large portion of total Army purchases; it also represents almost four percent of total federal contracting dollars. This contributes significantly to keeping our Nation employed. Keep this in mind as we continue to work with contracting personnel to ensure maximum small business participation and as we continue to reach out to the small business community to support the war fighter and their families. On behalf of the Army Office of Small Business Programs, happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year! ■ Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director Army OSBP

Mr. Ricardo Ruiz ricardo.ruiz@halfaker.com

Newsletter | December 2013

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Upcoming Events

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

Follow Army OSBP

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

Newsletter Produced By Halfaker and Associates, LLC Support Contractor to the Army OSBP Mr. Anthony Braun anthony.m.braun2.ctr@mail.mil

www.twitter.com/ArmySmallBiz

Mr. Cameron Miles cameron.e.miles.ctr@mail.mil

www.facebook.com/ArmySmallBiz

Mr. Burt Stanko burt.j.stanko.ctr@mail.mil

www.flickr.com/ArmySmallBiz

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director

Mr. Ricardo Ruiz ricardo.ruiz@halfaker.com

Newsletter | December 2013

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Senior Leader Interview: BG Harrison, Commander, Army Contracting Command, on Army Small Business Contracting G Theodore “Ted” Harrison became the Commanding General of the Army Contracting Command (ACC) on October 2, during a ceremony conducted at Redstone Arsenal, AL.

Headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, ACC is a major subordinate command of the Army Materiel Command (AMC). ACC includes two subordinate commands, the Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) and the Expeditionary Contracting Command (ECC), and five major contracting centers that support major acquisition programs. Prior to becoming the ACC commanding general, he served as the ECC commanding general. BG Harrison entered the Army in 1980 as a Distinguished Military Graduate through the ROTC program at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. He is a graduate of the Air Defense Artillery Basic Course, Aviation Officer Advance Course (with honors), Defense Program Managers Course, and Command and General Staff College. BG Harrison is a graduate of the Senior Service College Fellowship Program at the University of Texas, Austin. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Frostburg State University, and a Bachelors of Science in Marketing Management from Virginia Tech. BG Harrison has 23 years of acquisition experience and has served in a variety of acquisition and staff assignments to include: Director of Contracting, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea;

Weapons System Manager for Aviation Ground Support Equipment, U.S. Army Aviation and Troop Command; and as Army Section Chief, Office of Defense Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Rome, Italy. His acquisition command assignments include Commander of Lima Army Tank Plant and Defense Contract Management Agency; General Dynamics Land Systems and Commander, 410th Contracting Support Brigade, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Other key assignments include Chief of Staff, Joint Contracting Command (Iraq/Afghanistan) and Director, Procurement Operations for Iraq and Afghanistan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Procurement). In 2010, BG Harrison was awarded the Army’s Acquisition Director of the Year by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. BG Harrison’s military decorations include: the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with two oak life clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Aviator Wings, the Ranger Tab, and the Parachute Badge. Can you describe your responsibilities as the Commander of the Headquarters, Army Contracting Command and

BG Harrison, Commanding General of the Army Contracting Command.

your vision in supporting the Army’s small business program? As the ACC Commander, I lead some of the best-trained people in the Army that are ready to support the war fighter while ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayers’ funds. Our highly professional workforce ensures that there is excellent contracting support to the war fighter as mission requirements emerge and as the Army transforms and operates within the continental United States and throughout the globe. ACC is a global organization with a strong commitment to our nation’s small businesses. We are committed to the Army Small Business Program and will maximize small business opportunities in support of the warfighter and continue to pursue ways to increase small business participation while striving to not only meet, but to exceed our small business goals.

Newsletter | December 2013

What are your thoughts for maximizing opportunities for small businesses within the Army? Our small business offices work hard to develop and integrate innovative methods for enhancing business opportunities for small businesses of all types. They do this not just for the sake of meeting their assigned small business goals, but also to ensure that a fair portion of contract awards is placed in the hands of small businesses. It is critical for small businesses to take full advantage of our professionals who are dedicated to increasing small business opportunities across the Army. Further, it is incumbent upon the small businesses not to overlook the small things that may give them an advantage. Things such as properly registering their company, making sure they know who their target market is, providing feedback for sources sought notices, and requesting feedback in the form of a debriefing if their proposal is not selected. These small things can help strengthen their company and open the door for future opportunities. Explain the importance of growing and maintaining a capable military contracting capability. Our military contracting force structure, composed primarily of Contingency Contracting Teams (CCTs) of 51C series Soldiers, is essential in providing the Army a deployable cadre of contracting officers who can not only bring contracting support to the battlefield but assist operational commanders to incorporate Contract Support Planning (OCS) into their military operations. Whether it is supporting Humanitarian Assistance/ Disaster Response (HA/DR) missions, Theater Security Cooperation or Combat Operations, 51C soldiers are an essential component of the Army’s team of civilian and military contracting professionals that

provide goods and services for the Army’s war fighters. With so much uncertainty stemming from sequestration, what is your advice to small businesses for continued contracting opportunities? The automatic budget cuts, known as sequestration, will have an impact on the way we do business in the government. It will have an impact on any businesses, small or large, looking to do business with the government. My advice to our small business partners is to do your homework by identifying your target market. In other words, don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole. ACC has 103 installations across the globe. Your product or service may be better suited at an installation in the next state instead of the one in your own back yard. Know who your target audience is and concentrate on marketing to them. Secondly, I would encourage any small business to explore sub-contracting opportunities. For companies new to government contracting, I would recommend becoming a subcontractor to a prime in order to get a foot in the door and learn more about the acquisition process. It is less risk for you while gaining the benefit of working on a federal contract. Finally, I would advise small businesses to continue seeking out opportunities by working closely with our Army small business offices. Our small business offices are their first step in doing business with the government. They can assist small businesses in a variety of ways that could help a small business concern prosper. What areas do you feel small businesses can provide value to the Army Contracting Command? Small businesses are an imperative resource to the ACC. They are a rich and reliable source of quality and innovative products, components and services for our installations.

Our higher headquarters, Army Materiel Command (AMC), has a motto that states, “If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, communicates with it, or eats it – AMC provides it.” Therefore, I encourage any small business that can provide the services or products our war fighters need to do their homework and see if they can become one of our valued ACC vendors. What are the most significant challenges you have regarding your small business program? One of the most significant challenges I have as it relates to the small business program is the reduction in our budget and our spending. As previously mentioned, these cuts have had and continue to have a big impact on how we do our business. Like everyone else, we have to find alternate means to do more with less. Therefore, we have to come up with innovative ways to keep our small businesses engaged. For example, because of the many regulation and policy changes in government personnel attending conferences, we do more face-to-face office calls, attend more local events, and maximize use of our social media (Facebook, Twitter, ACC website, etc.) in order to keep our small business customers informed. Our small business offices throughout the Army have done a great job of making adjustments throughout the various challenges we face. They are our first line for identifying suitable small businesses for the various available contracting opportunities that are out there. I look forward to our continued success with our small business partners. ■ Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director

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BG Harrison, Commanding General of the Army Contracting Command.

Newsletter | December 2013

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Army Supports NDIA Small Business Conference

National Veterans Conference Continues its Success

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n September 25, Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, Mr. Gabe Camarillo, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, and Mr. Harry Hallock, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Procurement, participated in the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) tenth National Small Business Conference.

he National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo was held August 6-8 in St. Louis at the America’s Center Convention Complex. Now in its ninth year, the Department of Veterans Affairs-hosted conference offered educational sessions and networking opportunities to large and small business owners from all socioeconomic categories and from all over the country.

The conference was held at the Waterford in Springfield, VA. According to NDIA, sequestration and declining budgets make this a challenging time for anyone that sells to the federal government. Yet despite the challenges there is a bright spotlight being focused on small businesses. The focus was on small business: who is looking for small businesses, for what opportunities, and when will the requirements be shaped and publicly released?

There were many interesting breakout sessions, networking roundtables, and an exciting expo hall where people had an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. During the conference, small business owners had the opportunity to show their products, learn commercial and government requirements, and connect with potential customers.

Mr. Camarillo was the morning keynote speaker. He affirmed that the Army remains a strong partner with small businesses and he was proud of Army past accomplishments in this area. He went on to state that the Army is responsible for a leading share of the DoD and Federal Government small business opportunities—a record he intended to maintain. Ms. Pinson discussed the specifics of the Army small business program on a panel with the small business Directors from the Navy, Air Force and Missile Defense Agency. Mr. Hallock participated in a panel discussion regarding multiple award indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contracts and their impact on small businesses. ■ Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director Army OSBP

Mr. Gabe Camarillo, Principal Deputy, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Acquisition, Logistics & Technology, speaks during the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) tenth National Small Business Conference.

Army OSBP hosted a booth where attendees could stop by and ask questions, get materials, and get contact information so that they could begin to do business with the Army. The booth was supported by the Army Corps of Engineers, Army Contracting Command, and Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP spoke at the conference and gave an overview of what Army OSBP does, talked about what the Army buys, Army Small Business spending statistics, and subcontracting achievements. She also spoke with attendees about their specific concerns.

Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, speaks with small business representatives at the Army OSBP booth during the National Veterans Conference.

Mr. James Lloyd, Program Manager, Army Service-Disabled / Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Programs, provides guidance to two small business representatives at the Army OSBP booth during the National Veterans Conference in St. Louis, MO, August 6-8.

Over 3,700 attendees participated in the conference. ■

Mr. Brad Westergren, Senior Acquisition Manager, CACI; Ms. Brenda Bearden, President and CEO, BearDen Solutions, LLC; and Mr. Harry Hallock, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Procurement speak on a panel about multiple award IDIQ contracts and small businesses at the NDIA conference.

Newsletter | December 2013

Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

Ms. Carolyn Russell, Program Manager for Tinker AFB, USACE Tulsa District; Mr. Karl Ahlen, Project Manager, USACE Los Angeles District; and Mr. Jim Horne, Program Manager, USACE Little Rock District, speak with small business representatives during the National Veterans Conference.

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National Veterans Conference Continues its Success

Army Supports NDIA Small Business Conference n September 25, Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, Mr. Gabe Camarillo, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, and Mr. Harry Hallock, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Procurement, participated in the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) tenth National Small Business Conference.

Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, speaks with small business representatives at the Army OSBP booth during the National Veterans Conference.

Over 3,700 attendees participated in the conference. ■

Newsletter | December 2013

Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

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Army Small Business Forum at the AUSA Annual Meeting

Small Businesses Hear from Army Senior Leaders at Army OSBP-Hosted AUSA Forum ver 200 small business representatives were fortunate enough to hear from, and meet with, the highest levels of Army leadership during the first Army Small Business Forum at the Association for the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting, 2123 October, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

The Forum, hosted by Army OSBP, was aimed at teaching small businesses how to do business with the Army as well as with large prime contractors. Speakers, which included HON Joseph Westphal, Under Secretary of the Army, and GEN Dennis Via, Commander, Army Materiel Command, generally focused on discussing Army’s strategy to improve contracting accessibility for small businesses. All speakers affirmed the importance of small business to both the Army mission

and the Nation, with HON Westphal telling the standing-room only audience that small businesses are “the heart of our nation’s economic strength.” GEN Via emphasized the importance of small business to his command, saying that “Army Material Command cannot accomplish its mission without small business.” Some speakers, such as Mr. Harry Hallock, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Procurement), offered specifics on what the Army is doing to improve its utilization of small businesses, informing the audience for example that Army is working on new procurement instruments to make it easier for small businesses to get Army contracts. Others, such as MG Todd Semonite, Deputy Commanding General and Deputy Chief of Engineers, Army Corps

of Engineers (USACE), offered specific guidance on planned FY14 acquisitions at his command, some of which was previously unannounced. USACE was recognized during the forum with the National Veteran Small Business Coalition’s Champion of Veteran Enterprise Award for “exceptional support of ServiceDisabled Veteran Small Business in FY2012.” One of the most interactive sessions was the Army Command OSBP Associate Directors’ Panel. Tasked with overseeing small business programs at the buying command level, these leaders were able to offer specific advice on navigating the Army contracting process. Ms. Alice Williams, Associate Director, Army Contracting Command OSBP, told the audience to “have a well-prepared capability briefing when you meet with a small business specialist.”

Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Associate Director, Army Corps of Engineers OSBP, let small business attendees know to contact her “any time you see a requirement that you are capable of performing.” In addition to getting contracts directly from the Army, the Forum also provided information on partnering with large prime contractors. Ms. Gloria Pualani, Corporate Director, Socioeconomic Business Programs / Government Relations, Northrup Grumman, and Ms. Victoria Vo, Director, Small Business Development Program Office, LEIDOS, offered valuable insights on their respective companies’ small business subcontracting programs. Ms. Pualani said “Northrup Grumman has had over 100 Mentor-Protégé Agreements with small businesses.” Most talks ended with lengthy question and answer sessions, where small businesses got the rare opportunity to give feedback on the challenges they face to the most senior decision-makers in the Army. Several of these leaders remained in the room for half an hour or more, talking oneon-one with attendees.

For presentations and photos from the Forum, please visit the Army OSBP website at www.sellingtoarmy.com. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

Photos: 1. Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director Army OSBP and MG Todd Semonite, Deputy Commanding General and Deputy Chief of Engineers, USACE. 2. Ms. Nancy Small, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs, AMC; GEN Dennis Via, Commander, AMC; and HON Joseph Westphal, Under Secretary of the Army at the AUSA Annual Meeting industry expo. 3. MG Lynn A. Collyar, Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command; Ms. Nancy Small; GEN (Ret) Benjamin Griffin, former Commander, AMC; and Ms. Alice Williams, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs, ACC at the AUSA Annual Meeting industry expo.

4. An Army Small Business Forum Attendee speaks with LTG Bill Phillips, Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics & Technology). 5. Mr. Cameron Miles, Support Contractor (Halfaker and Associates, LLC), Army OSBP, speaks with an Army Small Business Forum attendee. 6. The Army Buying Command Small Business Associate Directors Panel at the Army Small Business Forum. 7. MG Todd Semonite, Deputy Commanding General and Deputy Chief of Engineers, USACE, answers a question from a small business representative during the Army Small business Forum. 8. Ms. Gloria Pualani, Corporate Director, Socio-Economic Business programs / Government Relations, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Ms. Victoria Vo, Director, Small Business Development Program Office, LEIDOS, speak during the DoD Prime Contractor Panel.

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Army Small Business Forum at the AUSA Annual Meeting

For presentations and photos from the Forum, please visit the Army OSBP website at www.sellingtoarmy.com. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

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Army Small Business Forum at the AUSA Annual Meeting

Westphal: Small Businesses Critical to Readiness of Army

he Army must “widen that aperture” to allow easier access for small businesses to find opportunity with the largest of America’s military services.

During the Army Small Business Forum October 21, at the 2013 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition, in Washington, D.C., Under Secretary of the Army Dr. Joseph W. Westphal met with dozens of small business owners and representatives to hear their success stories on working with the Army as well as the challenges they face. “How do I as the under secretary of the Army and the chief management officer of this department do something, at least in the Army, to help small businesses compete better?” Westphal asked them.

Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal talks with dozens of small business owners and representatives to hear their success stories on working with the Army as well as the challenges they face, during the Army Small Business Forum at the 2013 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., October 21 (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Bernardo Fuller).

The AUSA annual meeting and exposition typically consists of three days of briefings and presentations by Army and command senior leaders. But before a room of small business representatives and owners, Westphal opted instead to let the audience speak, saying he wanted instead to have a “dialogue” with business representatives. The under secretary said he wants to “find better and more significant ways to open that aperture for small businesses in the Army.” That would include, he said, more than just Army websites that point out how well the Army is doing with small businesses. It would include finding ways to help small businesses engage better with the Army. One small business owner said he thought that the Army might hold more “regular and useful advance briefings to industry.” He told the secretary that some of the Army commands “do a really good job” in presenting advanced planning briefings for industry, known as APBIs, to small business owners. Those APBIs spell out upcoming business opportunities that small businesses may opt to attempt to take advantage of. Other commands, he said, offer little more than “org charts.” Westphal acknowledged that the Army must do a better job of providing more meaningful and substantial APBIs to industry.

Under Secretary of the Army Joseph Westphal talks with retired LTC David Viens, a representative of a small business that makes defense and security robots, at the 2013 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting, in Washington, D.C., October 22 (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Bernardo Fuller).

“No org charts. We’ll put a memo out on that,” he said, drawing a laugh from the audience. During the short engagement, one Army civilian who works in a small business office said that the Army’s small business workforce is too small. That workforce helps the

Newsletter | December 2013

AMC Commander Outlines Small Business Strategy

Army interface with small businesses. In some places, she said, small business offices are “one deep.” “We do need your help with a couple of things,” Westphal answered, addressing the audience. “Did you ever meet a politician who didn’t’ say ‘I’m for jobs?” “We need you all to remind them to help push us to be more aggressive with small businesses,” he said. “And what that means is that if they ask us those questions at hearings and they demand more information from us, then I think that will help us. It will help us to be able to put the dollars in the right place as well.” At the AUSA conference, hundreds of defense contractors had displays showcasing their business offerings. Many of those defense contractors, though, are small businesses. Their displays are eclipsed by the displays of the larger defense contractors who manufacture Army helicopters and combat vehicles. During an interview with Army Broadcasting, Westphal said he likes to walk the display floor alone -- separate from the entourage of handlers and military officers that usually accompany him -- and talk to small businesses to see what they offer and how the Army can help them. He said these businesses are critical to both the nation and to the Army. “What can we do to increase the opportunity for small businesses?” Westphal asked. “They are the heart of our nation’s economic strength. Most jobs are in small business. Small businesses are the core and essence of our communities. The more we can persuade the big contractors to do more work with small businesses, and keep them viable, the better our country is.” ■ By: C. Todd Lopez Army News Service Reprinted from www.army.mil

mall business is big business at the Army Materiel Command (AMC).

That is the message AMC Commander, GEN Dennis L. Via delivered to attendees of the Army Small Business Forum at the annual Association of the United States Army meeting October 22. “I know first-hand that our Army cannot accomplish its mission without the great partnerships we enjoy with the small business opportunity,” GEN Via said during opening remarks at the forum. “During the past 12 years of war, small businesses have been there for us, and often with us, from filling the void at stateside bases when our Soldiers deployed, to resetting and sustaining their equipment at our depots, arsenals and ammunition plants, to providing on-site support in some of the most austere and hostile locations in the world,” he added.

pieces of equipment that will need to be repaired, refurbished and reset,” GEN Via said. “Many of these systems will be with our Army and the Joint Force for many years into the future. “The next decade will see many changes in the U.S. Army and undoubtedly within the small business community, but what will not change is our collective mission of supporting our Soldiers.” More information on business opportunities with AMC can be found at http://www.amc. army.mil/amc/opportunities.html. ■ Submitted by: Army Materiel Command Public Affairs

“Small business has been committed to supporting the Soldier,” he said. “And in turn, AMC remains committed to small business.” AMC has a robust small business program. Over the last five years, the AMC small business program obligated $53 billion dollars to small businesses. In FY13, of the $42 billion in small business eligible contracting dollars obligated by AMC, $8.3 billion went to small businesses. This is nearly a fifth of all FY13 DoD small business contracting dollars and about half of all FY13 Army small business contracting dollars.

GEN Dennis Via, Commander, Army Material Command (AMC), kicks off day two of the Army Small Business Forum at the AUSA Annual Meeting with an overview of the AMC small business strategy.

“AMC is ready to partner with you,” he said. GEN Via informed attendees about EAGLE, the Enhanced Army Global Logistics Program, which is a consolidated contract vehicles designed to increase the Army’s buying power. He also emphasized other potential areas for small business to include Foreign Military Sales and training, science and technology, research and development, and publicprivate partnerships – all areas GEN Via believes will continue to grow in the coming years. “Our retrograde from Afghanistan will likely create additional opportunities for small business, as we bring home thousands of

GEN Via and Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP.

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Army Small Business Forum at the AUSA Annual Meeting

Westphal: Small Businesses Critical to Readiness of Army

he Army must “widen that aperture” to allow easier access for small businesses to find opportunity with the largest of America’s military services.

Newsletter | December 2013

AMC Commander Outlines Small Business Strategy

mall business is big business at the Army Materiel Command (AMC).

GEN Dennis Via, Commander, Army Material Command (AMC), kicks off day two of the Army Small Business Forum at the AUSA Annual Meeting with an overview of the AMC small business strategy.

GEN Via and Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP.

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MICC Reaches Out at Eighth Annual Veterans Business Conference

ission and Installation Contracting Command small business personnel attended the Eighth Annual Veterans Business Conference on August 27 in El Paso, TX. In conjunction with the office of Congressman Beto O’Rourke, the Contract Opportunities Center joined with the El Paso Small Business Consortium to host the conference. The conference provided education, networking and a venue at which veteran business owners and servicedisabled veteran business owners could meet with representatives of government agencies, prime contractors and other potential business partners.

Reaching out to West Texas businesses and veteran owned businesses is important to the MICC’s ongoing efforts to expand its vendor base, encourage business start-up, and facilitate vendor access to investment capital. The conference also afforded veterans interested in business formation an opportunity to consult with MICC Small Business Specialist, Ms. Su Jones. “During the veterans conference, the breakout sessions, lunch and matchmaking session, I personally interacted with about 125 small businesses,” Ms. Jones remarked. Also in attendance at the event were members of the financial community providing financing alternatives to veteran entrepreneurs. Expanding

small business access to capital is an important governmental priority. The MICC is responsible for providing contracting support for the warfighter at Army commands, installations and activities located throughout the continental United States and Puerto Rico. In fiscal year 2012, the command executed more than 58,000 contract actions worth almost $6.3 billion across the Army, including $2.6 billion to small businesses. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Pete Hunter Assistant Director, Small Business Programs Mission and Installation Contracting Command

Small Businesses Exhibit Cutting Edge Technology Services at Army-Hosted Expo igital forensics services, cyber security training, business process management software – these were just some of the offerings provided by small businesses at the Pentagon Technology Expo hosted by the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2 and CIO/G-6 on September 4.

Thirty businesses, both large and small, displayed their products and services at the Expo, covering a broad range of technologies including big data analysis, data center hardware, online learning, and memory enhancement products. Army OSBP personnel attended the expo and met with several interesting small businesses. Three companies in particular exemplified the kind of innovation that small businesses are known for: Digital DNA Have you had a security incident on one of your systems lately? Need

to conduct surveillance or malware analysis? Based in New York City, Digital DNA is an e-discovery and forensic lab that has developed a diverse array of custom computer forensics solutions for a wide range of customers both within the US and abroad. They have a GSA supply schedule to provide these services to the government through June 2017. They can be reached at govsales@ digitaldnagroup.com or on their website www.digitaldnagroup.com. Phoenix TS Located in in the Washington, DC area, Phoenix TS is a woman-owned 8(m) small business providing computer and management training both onsite and online. Their clients include major commercial and government organizations, including the Army, Navy and Air Force. They have a GSA schedule to provide training on topics such as the DoD Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process and vendor certification. They can be

Army OSBP Director Attends Ceremony Recognizing Congresswoman Giffords’ Service to Army n October 10, Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, attended a ceremony where HON Joseph Westphal, Under Secretary of the Army, presented former U.S. Representative Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords (AZ) with the Department of the Army Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service.

Among her many contributions listed in the award citation, two are closely aligned with the Army Small Business Mission: Her efforts to secure critical funding to modernize and sustain the Army, and her efforts to improve service to Soldiers with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Army OSBP seeks to modernize and sustain the Army

through small business utilization, and to support wounded veteran entrepreneurship through the Army Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Program. After receiving the award, Congresswoman Giffords spoke. “You too can make this world a better place. Be passionate. Be courageous. Be your best,” Giffords said, resulting in a standing ovation lasting several minutes from the standing-room-only audience. Submitted by: Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

reached at (301) 258-8200 or on their website www.phoenixts.com. MicroPact Founded in 1997, MicroPact is an SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business providing case and business process management software to primarily federal, but also commercial and educational clients. They have implemented enterprise solutions in 18 DoD agencies including a case management solution for the Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, which used entellitrak, their signature, web-based data tracking application. They can be reached at (703) 709-6110 or on their website www.entellitrak.com. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

Newsletter | December 2013

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

HON Joseph Westphal, Under Secretary of the Army (far right), presents the Army Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service to former Rep. Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords (AZ) for “outstanding public service and support of the Army’s missions,” Oct. 10, 2013, at the Pentagon. She is joined by her husband retired Navy Capt. Mark Kelly (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Bernardo Fuller)

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

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MICC Reaches Out at Eighth Annual Veterans Business Conference

Newsletter | December 2013

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.

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Small Businesses Exhibit Sustainable Technology Solutions at Pentagon Event ctober 7 – 9, Transformation Innovation for Development & Emergency Support (TIDES), an office within the Center for Technology and National Security Policy at the National Defense University, hosted their annual sustainable technology expo in the Pentagon courtyard. Nine small businesses displayed their products for Pentagon personnel to observe, test, and ask questions.

One of the most notable small businesses was Hybrid Pedals LLC. This company produced an electric powered bike that you can pedal or shift gears and it moves like a car. There was a line of people waiting to test ride the powered ebike. The bikes are also able to pull gurneys with injured soldiers and are powered by batteries. For additional information, please visit their website at www.hybridpedals.com. Sirona Cares is a small business that delivers clean energy solutions to areas that have a great deal of poverty. This company produces home lighting kits that are ideal for locations with inadequate sunlight for solar power generation. Sirona can help the military in other countries where generators are currently used. For additional information, please visit their website at www.sironacares.org. Energy Technologies also had a tent where they focused on solar panels for warfighter-use as well as communications, power distribution units, and wind turbines among other things. For additional information, please visit their website at www. ruggedsystems.com. Knowledgebridge International Inc. according to the company website “is a certified service-disabled veteranowned small business that creates shareable applications for android tablets or hand held devices.” The device this small business was

showing allows users to create shareable applications using the sensors and devices they already have. They can be reached at info@ knowledgebridgeintl.com. GATR Technologies showed off what looked like a large inner tube-ball like structure that had a satellite antenna on the inside. According to the company, it is the most portable 2.4 meter satellite antenna in the world. It operates in extreme heat, extreme cold, and other extreme conditions. It is currently used by United States and foreign military, homeland security, intelligence, commercial, and non-government agencies. For additional information, please visit their website at www.gatr.com. Another small business at the event was Third Block Group which created an observer kit that enables a reporter to gather and share information such as video, audio, and geospatial data. It also has a global satellite uplink. They can be reached at info@thirdblockgroup.com. LRAD Corporation also attended the technology demonstration and is a small business which focuses on long range communication. This system can deliver multi language warnings, instructions, and critical information that can be clearly heard and understood by civilians in affected areas up to two miles away. For additional information, please visit their website at www.LRADX.com. Immediate Response Technologies (IRT) was another small business in attendance at this year’s event. Their focus was on decontamination shelters, how to help casualties in a chemical or biological accident, and providing support to the military or civilians during tragedies where people should be quarantined or placed in an area where germs cannot be spread. IRT also provides equipment to civilian law enforcement

personnel, emergency medical/ response teams, and hospitals in over 1,500 United States cities, as well as in 30 countries. For additional information, please visit their website at www.imresponse.com. The final small business at the TIDES event was Biolite which demonstrated a stove that uses wood pellets as fuel while generating electricity to charge phones, lights and other electronics. For additional information, please visit their website at www.Biolitestove. com.

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The sustainable solutions presented by small businesses at the expo can support the Army mission by creating efficiencies for alternative energy solutions. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

Photos: 1. Mr. Adam Levine, owner, Hybrid Pedals, LLC, demonstrating his product. 2. Mr. Adrian Caponera, Director of Sales, Biolite, demonstrates how their stove works. 3. A hood used for a decontamination site produced by Immediate Response Technologies. 4. A suit worn in a chemical or airborn attack produced by Immediate Response Technologies. 5. A Tactical shelter tent built by Energy Technologies, Inc. 6. A chamber for decontamination produced by Immediate Response Technologies. 7. A portable satellite antenna produced by GATR Technologies.

Newsletter | December 2013

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Newsletter | December 2013

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Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference

Educate America: Historically Black Colleges and Universities

he Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference (CBC-ALC) was held from Sept 18-21 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. The theme of the conference was “It Starts With You.”

Reps. Donna Edwards of Maryland and Cedric L. Richmond of Louisiana served as honorary co-chairs of the four-day conference. The overall goal of ALC is to find workable solutions to help stimulate the economy, end health disparities and improve education. The conference sessions consisted of: issue forums addressing topics such as the impact of poverty, juvenile justice and gun violence; a town hall meeting; and the exhibit hall featured a newly-introduced procurement fair for small businesses.

Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) addressing the audience.

Congresswomen Shelia Jackson Lee, (D-TX) presented a Meet and Match Suppliers Doing Business with the Public and Private Sector for minority business owners. The panel consisted of the following speakers: • Tracey Pinson, Director of the Army Office of Small Business Programs; • Gloria Pualani, Corporate Director, Socio-Economic Business Programs/Government Relations, Northrop Grumman; • Francine Morris, Business Opportunity Specialist, SBA; • Dan Sturdivant, Assistant to the Director for Outreach & Services Disabled Veteran Owned Business Coordinator, Department of Homeland Security’s OSDBU; • Mario Diaz, Director, Houston Airport Systems; • James Smith, Senior VP of Business Development, North Star; • Carla Lane, President of Lane Staffing Company; • Teresa Macalolooy, President of TM Capture Services, LLC.; • Toya Powell, VP of Operations, US Black Chambers, Inc. The Sector ended with attendees networking with major prime contractors and government officials. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Stacy Watson, Program Manager, Woman-Owned Small Business, and Ms. Portia Deans, Procurement Analyst, Army OSBP

Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director of Army OSBP.

Dr. George Cooper, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. n September 20, President Barack Obama proclaimed September 22 - 28, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week. HBCU Week paid tribute to the legacy of these Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and the important role they play in American education. Some of our Nation’s best thinkers and entrepreneurs are graduates of these IHEs. Their occupations cover a very broad spectrum of categories including: doctors, judges, lawyers, politicians, scientists, engineers, service members, and educators.

Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX). Ms. Portia Deans, Procurement Analyst for the Army OSBP; Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director of Army OSBP; Ms. Gloria Pualani, Corporate Director at Northrop Grumman; Mr. Tizoc Loza, MP and SBIR/STTR Programs Manager, Northrop Grumman; and Ms. Stacy Watson, WOSB Program Manager for the Army OSBP.

As in previous years, the President‘s proclamation issued a call to all Americans to observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities acknowledging the contributions of HBCUs. In response, the White House Initiative on HBCUs held a two-day national conference under the new leadership of Dr. George E. Cooper (pictured). Dr. Cooper was named as the organization’s Executive Director in September 2013 by President Obama. He has an extensive background in working with HBCUs that includes a four year term as President of South Carolina State University. Most previous to his current position, Dr. Cooper served as a Senior Fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, where he reviewed key federal legislative initiatives of significance to HBCUs. The theme of the conference was “HBCUs Facing Forward”. Educators from around the country as well as representatives from federal agencies and private industry were in attendance. Speakers included officials from the President’s administration, HBCU leadership, and government and private industry officials. Topics included: College affordability, HBCU funding opportunities and resources, developing a cyber security workforce, higher education policy issues, an update on federal student aid, student success in a global society, internationalization at HBCUs, and various aspects of HBCU partnerships to include entrepreneurship. The event was a great success as HBCUs continue to “face forward” and embrace their role and accomplishments in educating America.

Ms. Gloria Pualani, Corporate Director at Northrop Grumman; Mr. Mario C. Diaz, Director, Houston Airport Systems; Ms. Toya Powell, VP of Operations, US Black Chambers, Inc; Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director of Army OSBP; Mr. Dan Sturdivant, Assistant to the Director at Department of Homeland Security’s OSDBU; Ms. Carla Lane, President of Lane Staffing Company; Mr. James Smith, Senior VP of Business Development, North Star; Ms. Francine Morris, Business Opportunity Specialist, SBA; and Ms. Teresa Macalolooy, President of TM Capture Services, LLC.

Newsletter | December 2013

Ms. Royalyn Ried, President of CMI and Ms. Christian Young, Deputy Director of DLA OSBP.

Submitted by: Ms. Cynthia Lee Program Manager Army HBCU/MI and 8(a)/SDB Programs

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Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference

Educate America: Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) addressing the audience.

Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director of Army OSBP.

Newsletter | December 2013

Ms. Royalyn Ried, President of CMI and Ms. Christian Young, Deputy Director of DLA OSBP.

Submitted by: Ms. Cynthia Lee Program Manager Army HBCU/MI and 8(a)/SDB Programs

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USACE Albuquerque District Small Business Industry Day Draws Large Crowd

Former Army Chief of Engineers Receives Veteran Business of the Year Award

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mall businesses representatives from New Mexico and as far away as California and Florida participated in the USACE Albuquerque District’s annual 2013 Small Business Industry Day at its main office on August 1.

“It’s a great opportunity for the Albuquerque District to showcase to small businesses what we do and our future contracting opportunities to help us accomplish our construction, environmental and engineering projects, thus carry out our mission,” Mr. Daniel Curado, District Deputy for Small Business, said. The event also helped the District “expand our overall industry base, especially with small businesses, which we are required by law to set aside to a certain percentage of our prime contracts every year,” Mr. Curado said.

Mr. Blaine Kemsley, Chief, IIS Project Management Section, USACE Albuquerque District, addresses close to 150 small business representatives about the District’s Military and IIS Missions at the District’s Small Business Industry Day.

Mr. Daniel Curado, Deputy for Small Business Programs, USACE Albuquerque District, speaks with an attendee at the District’s Small Business Industry Day.

Participants were primarily from small businesses engaged in general construction, engineering, environmental services and operations, and maintenance of facilities. Close to 150 people registered before space ran out and registration closed. Fifty more were on the waiting list. “Working with small business is really important,” LTC Antoinette R. Gant, District Commander, said in her opening remarks. “We are all about partnerships and community and growing them,” she said.

LTG (ret) Joe N. Ballard accepted the 2013 Veteran Business of the Year Award from Congressman Steny Hoyer. In 2000, Ballard retired from the U.S. Army. That same year, he became President and CEO of The Ravens Group in Lanham, MD. A certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, The Ravens Group serves the Federal Government through four core competencies: Healthcare and Hospitality; Business Process Improvement; Facilities Management; and Human Resources and Training. Ballard graduated in 1965 from Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a degree in electrical engineering after which he received a commission in the Corps of Engineers. After 30 years of dedicated service, Ballard was nominated by President Bill Clinton to be the 49th Chief of Engineers and Commander, United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Mr. Blaine Kemsley, chief of the IIS Project Management Section, focused on the Military and IIS Missions and said businesses need to know that many projects and contract awards in his section have a quick turnaround time.

Ballard served as Chief of Engineers from 1 October 1996 until his retirement on 2 August 2000.

Mr. Jeff Nelson, chief of the Architect-Engineer (A/E) Contracting Section, gave advice and tips on how to get A/E contracts with the District.

Submitted by: Jackie Robinson-Burnette USACE SB Chief

Mr. Mark Yuska, chief of the Operations Division, talked about the sometimes overlooked Operations mission which includes recreation. Unlike most of the District’s other work which is project funded, Mr. Yuska said that Operations receives congressional appropriations. “A lot of Ops projects tend to be smaller,” Mr. Yuska said and his division uses “a lot of 8(a) certified small disadvantaged businesses.”

Small business “are our partners and we really look forward to working with you,” Mr. D’Antonio said. Several attendees said that it was a great opportunity to learn more about working with the Corps and networking with others and that they would likely attend next year’s event. For more info: Albuquerque District small business webpage: http://www. spa.usace.army.mil/BusinessWithUs/SmallBusinessInformation.aspx

Speakers from several District sections addressed the attendees. Mr. John D’Antonio, Deputy District Engineer, provided an overview of the Albuquerque District including its civil works, Military and Interagency/ International Support (IIS) missions, its five focus areas and initiatives, and current challenges and successes.

Mr. Curado finished the day going over how to do business with the District and some of the resources available to small business. There are different ways the District purchases goods and services, and thus different ways for small businesses to get involved.

A member of the audience asks a question during one of the sessions of the USACE Albuquerque District Small Business Industry Day, August 1.

he Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce held its annual Excellence in Business Awards Gala, 1 Nov 2013 at the University of Maryland Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center, College Park, Md. The event provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the county’s stellar individuals and businesses that demonstrated exceptional leadership, community involvement and growth in Prince George’s County. The 2013 award categories included: Small Business of the Year; Business of the Year; Business Leader of the Year; Entrepreneur of the Year; Community Service Award; Green Business of the Year; and the Veteran Business of the Year.

The presentations are available online at: http://www.spa.usace.army.mil/ BusinessWithUs/SmallBusinessInformation/SBID2013.aspx ■ Submitted by: Ms. Elizabeth Lockyear Albuquerque District Public Affairs

Newsletter | December 2013

LTG (ret) Joe N. Ballard is pictured with U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 5th congressional district, the Honorable Steny H. Hoyer.

Small Businesses Awarded Part of $4.1 Billion Communications and Transmission Systems Contract rmy awarded a $4.1 billion, fiveyear IDIQ Communications and Transmission Systems (CTS) contract to 12 prime contractors, of which two are small businesses. The small business awardees were Globecomm Systems Inc. of Hauppauge, NY and Intelligent Decisions Inc. of Ashburn, VA.

The CTS is a System of Systems level program, encompassing a broad range of communications systems and technologies, with corresponding management and administrative responsibilities. Awardees will provide a variety of supplies and services including system integration, engineering and analysis, operations, maintenance, equipment and other related services.

In order to maximize opportunities for small businesses, the contract allows the government to set aside individual orders to small business primes. Small business participation will be an evaluation factor for each order (unless the order is set-aside for small businesses). On all orders where past performance is evaluated, other-than-smallbusiness contractors will be evaluated on their efforts towards, and results in achieving their small business subcontracting goals. The contract also warns that any contractor that does not show a good faith effort to meet small business subcontracting goals may be prevented from receiving future orders.

Enterprise Information Services, Army Contracting Command – Rock Island, and the Army Sustainment Command Office of Small Business Programs. All participants were committed from the start to ensure Small Businesses were given maximum opportunity to participate in this contract, and support Presidential, Department of Defense, Army, and Army Materiel Command small business initiatives. Submitted by: Ms. Patricia Fisher, Contract Specialist Intern, Army Contracting Command- Rock Island, and Mr. Paul Ward, Small Business Specialist, ASC OSBP

The development of this contract strategy was a team effort on the part of PEO

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USACE Albuquerque District Small Business Industry Day Draws Large Crowd mall businesses representatives from New Mexico and as far away as California and Florida participated in the USACE Albuquerque District’s annual 2013 Small Business Industry Day at its main office on August 1.

Mr. Daniel Curado, Deputy for Small Business Programs, USACE Albuquerque District, speaks with an attendee at the District’s Small Business Industry Day.

Ballard served as Chief of Engineers from 1 October 1996 until his retirement on 2 August 2000.

Mr. Jeff Nelson, chief of the Architect-Engineer (A/E) Contracting Section, gave advice and tips on how to get A/E contracts with the District.

Submitted by: Jackie Robinson-Burnette USACE SB Chief

A member of the audience asks a question during one of the sessions of the USACE Albuquerque District Small Business Industry Day, August 1.

Former Army Chief of Engineers Receives Veteran Business of the Year Award

Newsletter | December 2013

LTG (ret) Joe N. Ballard is pictured with U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 5th congressional district, the Honorable Steny H. Hoyer.

The development of this contract strategy was a team effort on the part of PEO

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District Contractor Receives Top Award from Small Business Administration

Nashville District Reaches Women-Owned Small Business Milestone

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n Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New England District small business contractor recently received a prestigious honor in recognition of hard work and commitment in growing into a successful small business company.

TANTARA Corporation of Worcester, MA, was named the 2013 Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year for Region I by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The company received the honor during an awards presentation held at Fenway Park, Boston, MA, in June. Ms. Eva Marie D’Antuono, New England District’s Deputy for Small Business and nominator of the award, attended the ceremony with TANTARA Corporation’s CEO Ms. Dawn Dearborn and several other members of her company. Ms. Dearborn received the award from the former SBA Administrator, Ms. Karen Mills.

business list. The company also received The Pacesetters Select 70 Award, ranking as the 15th fastest-growing firm in the region given by the Boston Business Journal. Submitted by: Ms. Eva Marie D’Antuono, Deputy for Small Business and Ms. Ann Marie R. Harvie, Public Affairs Office, Army Corps of Engineers, New England District

Ms. Jeanne A. Hulit, Acting Administrator of the Small Business Administration (left) stands with Ms. Dawn Dearborn, CEO of TANTARA Corporation and Mr. Robert Nelson, District Director of the SBA Massachusetts District Office during the awards presentation. (Photo provided by SBA)

Since Ms. Dearborn founded the company in 2000, TANTARA Corporation has grown from two to twenty employees and has evolved from a supporting subcontractor to a prime contractor, winning many competitive contract awards nationally.

According to Rossignol, the primary reason the district exceeded its two percent goal is because the women-owned small business Avisco, Inc., received a $12.6 million contract in April 2013 for the second phase of the Bear Creek Road Construction and Waterline Relocation Project at the Y12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tenn. This single award accounted for nearly two-thirds of the district’s two percent goal for womenowned small business.

Lt. Col. John L. Hudson, Nashville District commander, lauded the work of the entire project delivery team responsible for working with small businesses and awarding contracts.

Ms.Karen Mills, former Administrator for the SBA, stands with Ms. Dawn Dearborn, CEO of TANTARA Corporation, after congratulating her on TANTARA’s award.

For many years, TANTARA Corporation has provided service on many New England District Projects to include erosion repairs at Edward MacDowell Lake Dam in New Hampshire, remediation work at Pownal Tannery Superfund Site in Vermont, the Eastern Woolen Mill Superfund Site in Maine, at the former Fort Devens in Massachusetts and many more. Although receiving the 2013 Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award for Region I is the latest honor bestowed upon the company, it is not TANTARA Corporation’s first. The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City and FORTUNE Magazine recognized TANTARA Corporation on the “2013 Inner City 100” fastest-growing urban

Roy Rossignol, Nashville District Small Business Office chief, said the achievement is significant because the district had upwards of $200 million in total contracts -- and awards went to more than 50 women-owned small businesses that accounted for about $21 million of that total.

“It is also important to note that Avisco competed against several other large businesses to get this award,” Rossignol said.

Mr. Jim Morocco, New England District Resident Engineer, worked with the company on a repair project for Patterndam Bridge in Holland, MA. “All materials and quality met or exceeded all contract requirements,” he said. TANTARA Corporation also worked on a sediment removal project at Union Village Dam in Vermont, even in the face of Hurricane Irene in August 2011. “The dewatering area and crane staging area were submerged for weeks. The haul road was washed out and all large equipment was needed elsewhere to repair roads and storm damage,” said Christine Johnson-Battista, Deputy Chief of Construction Division. “TANTARA Corporation was able to get the crane back to the site. The contractor worked in more water and colder weather than anticipated. Still, TANTARA Corporation was able to excavate all 4,100 cubic yards by December 2011.”

“It gives me a good feeling that small businesses, and particularly women-owned small businesses, have the capabilities to engage and succeed in the government procurement system,” Rossignol said.

The criteria for consideration for the award are stringent. Nominees must demonstrate exceptional performance in the following categories: overall management, financial strength, labor relations, customer interface, technical capabilities, resource utilization, cost preference, and delivery schedule. In addition to meeting or exceeding all of the criteria, TANTARA Corporation’s nomination package contained over a dozen letters of commendation and high-rated performance evaluations from very satisfied clients. “Tantara is an example of the vision SBA had for small businesses in establishing the 8(a) Business Development Program,” said Ms. D’Antuono. TANTARA Corporation provides environmental and heavy civil construction and remediation services along the Eastern Seaboard to clients that include USACE, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Air National Guard, National Park Service, as well as numerous municipal, privatesector, utility and institutional organizations.

he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District exceeded its goal of two percent of all contractible actions for women-owned small businesses in fiscal year 2013.

“This is a great milestone and the work that went into facilitating the needs of womenowned small businesses and helping them to understand the procurement system is really notable and deserving of recognition,” Hudson said. Rossignol said it’s difficult to achieve the women-owned small business goals because the 83 North American Industry Classification System codes do not favor construction projects. “They are more geared toward service and supply type things,” he said. “If we’re going to set something aside where it is only available to be bid by women then it has to be one of those 83 NAICS codes.”

TANTARA employees performing repair work on the Patterndam Bridge in Holland, MA.

Newsletter | December 2013

Rossignol added that it’s very difficult for the Corps to find something that we can actually truly set aside for women-owned small business.

Mr. Roy Rossignol (Right), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Small Business Office chief, speaks with a customer during the Small Business Training Forum March 13, 2013 at the Tennessee Small Business Center on the Avon Williams Campus at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn. The forum’s focus was on women-owned small businesses. The district recently announced it has exceeded its women-owned small business goals for fiscal year 2013 (Photo Credit: Mr. Leon Roberts (USACE).

“So when we find opportunities we always try to do our best,” Rossignol said. “We’ve had good success here in the district. Contracting does a great job identifying things that can be set aside for women-owned small businesses, and we would like to consider ourselves the women-owned small business center of excellence for the Corps of Engineers.” The statutory goal for contractible actions for women-owned small businesses is five percent, but this amount was lowered for the Nashville District because of the very large contracts that were ongoing in 2013 at Wolf Creek Dam, Center Hill Dam and Kentucky Lock. Valerie Carlton, Nashville District Directorate of Contracting chief, said the district’s Small Business Office made great strides this past year facilitating the needs of business owners. This milestone is indicative of Rossignol’s efforts to reach out to customers and to help them through the process of doing business with the federal government, she added. “Roy receives hundreds of contacts from small businesses during any given month,” Carlton said. “He attends conferences and symposiums in the area at every opportunity. Roy utilizes the weekly acquisition committee meeting to provide input on the concerns of small business for use with upcoming procurements. As a result of his proactive

participation, the district met its small business goals for the first time in several years.” In March 2013 Rossignol helped organize the 2nd Annual Small Business Training Forum at the Tennessee State University Avon Williams Campus, which provided extensive information about women-owned business to more than 250 business owners and managers in attendance. He also worked very hard to advise and help businesses get into position to bid on government contracts. He helped them with the bidding process, keeping their registrations current, and identified and matched business capabilities with the district’s requirements. Rossignol said he is gratified knowing small businesses are bidding and being awarded contracts in the Nashville District. “They (the small businesses) are succeeding and I just had a very small part of that. It’s mainly their capabilities and the magic that Contracting does,” Rossignol said. He stressed that the entire project delivery team with the Nashville District deserves credit for reaching this milestone. Submitted by: Mr. Lee Roberts Nashville District Public Affairs

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District Contractor Receives Top Award from Small Business Administration n Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New England District small business contractor recently received a prestigious honor in recognition of hard work and commitment in growing into a successful small business company.

Lt. Col. John L. Hudson, Nashville District commander, lauded the work of the entire project delivery team responsible for working with small businesses and awarding contracts.

Ms.Karen Mills, former Administrator for the SBA, stands with Ms. Dawn Dearborn, CEO of TANTARA Corporation, after congratulating her on TANTARA’s award.

“It is also important to note that Avisco competed against several other large businesses to get this award,” Rossignol said.

he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District exceeded its goal of two percent of all contractible actions for women-owned small businesses in fiscal year 2013.

Nashville District Reaches Women-Owned Small Business Milestone

TANTARA employees performing repair work on the Patterndam Bridge in Holland, MA.

Newsletter | December 2013

Rossignol added that it’s very difficult for the Corps to find something that we can actually truly set aside for women-owned small business.

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Small Business IT Contract Saves Millions full-team effort ensured a contract for information technology (IT) support services at the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC) met the customer’s critical needs and reduced costs by almost a third and supported the Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Small Business Program.

Small Businesses Win Awards on Army Contract for Solar, Wind, Geothermal and Biomass Renewable Energy Technologies he Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, developed a $7 billion Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) strategy in collaboration with the Energy Initiatives Task Force (EITF), which was established by HON John McHugh, Secretary of the Army, in 2011. The EITF serves as the central management office for partnering with Army installations to implement cost-effective, large-scale renewable energy projects, leveraging private sector financing. The EITF focuses on wind, solar, biomass and geothermal large-scale renewable energy projects located on Army installations in the U.S. that are 10 megawatts or greater.

Small Business awardees included: • New Generation Power Inc. of Chicago, IL • Energy Answers International Inc. of Albany, NY • Stronghold Engineering Inc of Riverside, CA • Pacolet Milliken Enterprises Inc. of Spartanburg, SC • Apex Wind Energy Holdings, LLC of Charlottesville, VA • West Texas Power Company of San Angelo, TX • EverPower Wind Holdings, Inc. of Pittsburgh, PA • VERT Investment Group of Houston, TX • Energy Matters LLC of Arlington, VA

The EITF will use the MATOC as one of its primary acquisition vehicles to develop large-scale renewable energy projects. “Awarding these contracts in the four distinct technologies, geothermal, solar, wind and biomass, will allow us to more quickly award task orders for individual future projects as they are identified,” said COL Robert Ruch, Commander, Huntsville Engineering and Support Center. “We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the EITF and other potential DOD organizations to help implement renewable energy projects.”

The $7 billion capacity will be expended for the purchase of energy over a period of 30 years or less from renewable energy plants constructed and operated by private firms using private sector financing. However, it is the intent of the government to purchase only the energy that is produced at the plants and not to acquire any of the energy generation assets. The contractors are responsible for financing, designing, building, operating, owning and maintaining the energy plants. The government will contract to purchase the power through Power Purchase Agreements for up to 30 years in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated in site or project specific agreements resulting from task orders awarded under multiple Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity contracts. Project locations may be on any federal property located within the U.S. including Alaska, Hawaii, territories, provinces or other property under the control of the U.S. government for the duration of contract performance. With DoD setting a goal to produce or consume 25 percent of its total energy use from renewable sources by year 2025, Secretary McHugh believes the federal renewable and alternative energy contract will provide the Army with an important means to achieve its goal of one gigawatt of renewable energy projects by 2025. For decades, the Huntsville Engineering and Support Center has executed Army programs and specialized missions worldwide that require unique technical expertise, large acquisitions and centralized program management. Huntsville Engineering and Support Center’s involvement in the Army’s energy program started in the early 1980s with the program management and technical oversight for the Energy Engineering Analysis Program. Submitted by: Mr. William Farrow Public Affairs USACE Huntsville Engineering and Support Center

Newsletter | December 2013

Mr. Hunter Davenport, a MICC contract specialist, worked closely with the customer and Ms. Deanna Ochoa, the MICC-Fort Sam Houston small business specialist, to conduct comprehensive market research by researching acquisitions similar to the size and scope, and posting public notices on the Federal Business Opportunities website (www.fbo.gov) seeking sources that yielded an overwhelming 69 responses. “Thirty-two small business respondents were determined to be capable of performing the work as a prime contractor based on past performance and IT disciplines provided,” Mr. Davenport said.

in April. The award was for one year and includes two option years that, if exercised, would provide IT services through March 2016 at an overall cost of $15.9 million. The contract was competed using the General Service Administration’s Small Business Alliant government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs), which is set aside for small business. GWACs are task order or delivery order contracts for information technology established by one agency for governmentwide use. A large business held the previous contract for similar services since October 2004, with a cost to the government of $7.6 million for last year alone. The small business contract award also significantly beat an independent government cost estimate of $27 million for three years.

He indicated that market research contributed to the decision and provided information on existing information technology contract vehicles for small businesses that allow the flexibility to meet the dynamic needs of a Department of Defense medical environment.

“In our current fiscal environment it is important to meet SAMMC’s expectations of awarding a contract that enables a seamless transition of services. The end user stressed a desire not to sacrifice service to promote savings,” Mr. Davenport said. “The savings were a result of competitive pricing along with experienced contractors maximizing resources and skills to provide the government with the best value for our money.”

“The [small business] staff did excellent market research reviewing the different contractors and contract vehicles available,” said Ms. Ochoa. “When the customer was concerned about seeking only small businesses to do the work, they encouraged the customer to review the contractors’ qualifications and brought them on board with the proposed strategy.”

The contract set-aside for small business also allows the command to move closer to meeting its small business goals, established by higher headquarters. The fiscal 2013 MICC goal for total small business eligible dollars awarded is 45.8 percent. The command has achieved 45.6 percent of that goal heading into the final days of the fiscal year.

The contract was awarded to Actionet Inc. of Vienna, VA, a small disadvantaged womanowned business, which began performance

Located on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX, SAMMC is the largest inpatient medical facility in the Department of Defense.

The hospital staff provides inpatient care in a 2.1 million-square-foot, 425-bed medical treatment facility. The state-of-the-art center is a certified Level 1 trauma center that receives more than 5,700 emergency room visits each month. It also holds accreditation from the American Burn Association and operates the only Department of Defense burn center – the Army Burn Center. The IT support provided by this small business contract is critical in the hospital’s sustainment of 89 accredited educational programs to include graduate medical education, nursing, and emergency medical technician basic certification along with additional programs in administration and allied health specialties. “This is a true small business success story, not only proving that a small business can provide the same quality services that a large business can, but also can do it at a substantial savings,” Ms. Ochoa said. The MICC is responsible for providing contracting support for the warfighter at Army commands, installations and activities located throughout the continental United States and Puerto Rico. In fiscal 2012, the command executed more than 58,000 contract actions worth more than $6.3 billion across the Army, including more than $2.6 billion to small businesses. The command also managed more than 1.2 million Government Purchase Card Program transactions valued at an additional $1.3 billion. Submitted by: Mr. Dan Elkins Public Affairs Officer Mission and Installation Contracting Command

The Office of Small Business Program Knowledge Repository he knowledge repository tool is housed on the Army OSBP website at www. sellingtoarmy.com. The tool provides a vehicle in which contracting and program issues, resolutions and best practices can be shared across the Army Enterprise amongst small business advocates as well as acquisition specialists, program managers and technical users. The tool enables users to share files, data, briefings, links and pose issues and concerns. A step-by-step process with screen shots has been provided to

assist you in sharing your expert knowledge, issues, resolutions or requesting assistance in addressing various small business and/or acquisition related issues. For assistance in utilizing the knowledge repository tool please contact Mr. Cameron Miles at 703-697-2868. Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

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Newsletter | December 2013

The contract was awarded to Actionet Inc. of Vienna, VA, a small disadvantaged womanowned business, which began performance

Located on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX, SAMMC is the largest inpatient medical facility in the Department of Defense.

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Army Mentor-Protégé Program Update

FY13 Army Small Business Achievement Exceeds Goal

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ongratulations to this year’s Nunn Perry Award winners – Jacobs Engineering Group (Jacobs) and TANTARA Corp. TANTARA Corp. is a small disadvantaged, woman-owned, 8(a), and HUBZone certified firm that provides environmental remediation and heavy civil construction services. Over the life of their agreement with Jacobs, TANTARA increased staffing by 278 percent (from 9 to 25), increased revenues by over 435 percent (from $1.535 million to $6.670 million), and increased their backlog by over 2,000 percent. This protégé received over 26 new competitive awards with a value of $7.3 million and 31 new non-competitive awards with a value of $14.46 million. Jacobs provided exceptional training in over 48 discrete technology transfer areas with instrumental assistance by Florida International University (FIU). Congratulations to all for a job well done! (Please visit www.sellingtoarmy. com for several articles regarding TANTARA’s success over the life of their agreement).

Also of noteworthy mention is the August graduation from our program of another successful Army protégé – Halfaker and Associates (Halfaker). Halfaker participated in the Army MP Program with Analytical Services, Inc. (ANSER) for the past three years. Halfaker, a service-disabled veteran-owned, womanowned, 8(a), small business, was founded in 2006 by Ms. Dawn Halfaker, an Army Veteran wounded in Iraq. Halfaker started out providing Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection support services and has grown and matured its capability areas to include four additional core services: • Information Technology • Program Management • Intelligence, Operations, and Resiliency • Acquisition, Logistics, and Infrastructure Management ANSER was instrumental in assisting Halfaker with obtaining Program Management Professional (PMP) certifications. In addition, Halfaker is currently pursuing CMMI Maturity Level 2 certification. Halfaker, along with its teaming partners, took over the enterprise infrastructure and applications operations and maintenance (O&M) contract for a large defense client. When asked what has contributed to Halfaker’s success, Ms. Halfaker’s reply always includes “strategic partnerships.” Mr. Karl Semancik, Sr., Vice President of Joint Operations and Analyses, ANSER, said “we were close business partners before our formal relationship under the Army’s Mentor-Protégé Program and will continue to pursue business together for many years after.”

Halfaker has also been providing support to Army OSBP for five years. Finally, we would also like to make mention of six new MP contracts soon to be awarded by the ACC-Redstone contracting agency. We are looking forward to working with our new MP teams and are excited to welcome them to the program. A more in-depth look at our new teams will appear in the next Army OSBP newsletter. See below for a brief synopsis of their MP efforts:

iscal year 2013 has been a record year in terms of the share of Army contract spending going to small businesses. Above is a chart displaying Army small business performance by command during FY13. While this data pulled from FPDS-NG

Mentor – Jacobs Engineering Group (Jacobs) and Protégé – Badger Technical Services (BTS)

has not yet been verified by the SBA, it is highly probable that the FY13 total Army small business percentage will exceed both the FY12 achievement and FY13 goals in every socioeconomic category except HUBZone.

Submitted by: Mr. Burt Stanko Support Contractor Army OSBP

Source: FPDS-NG, Small Business Achievements by Awarding Organization Report, 11/12/2013

Jacobs Engineering will assist BTS with training in defense facilities management and operations, environmental remedial training with a focus on hazardous waste management, geophysics, and munitions and explosives remediation. This training will prepare the protégé for the clean-up phase of the first round of Military Munitions Recovery Program assessments already completed by DoD.

Mentor - Lockheed Martin Missions Systems & Sensors (LM MS2) and Protégé - Lewis Innovative Technology, Inc. (Lewis) LM MS2 will provide training to Lewis Technologies in the area of Anti-Tamper technologies, development of viable products for DoD and commercial customers, and will assist protégé in becoming a fully cleared facility for classified development along with operating communication security (COMSEC) equipment and information systems.

Mentor - L-3 National Security Solutions (L3) and Protégé - Cyber Solutions & Services, Inc. (CSSI) CSSI’s expertise lies in cyber technologies, cyber security and information assurance. L3 will assist this protégé by complimenting their unique capabilities and insights into the DoD and Army IT, Acquisition and Cyber communities by developing their engineering process capabilities as a system integrator, and helping them mature their business infrastructure and internal capabilities.

Mentor - ASM Research, Inc. (ASM) and Protégé - Zolon Technology, Inc. (ZTI) ASM will provide training in the areas including ISO Management certification, ITIL v.3, and Lean Six Sigma, to ZTI to enhance their capabilities in providing our military with solid professional information technology support to ensure systems remain operational around the clock.

Mentor – Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) and Protégé – One Stop Environmental (OSE) SAIC will provide training to OSE that will result in their being able to conduct expanded environmental services in support of DoD installations that will include hazardous waste transport/disposal/management, underground storage tank investigation, emergency responses, and asbestos, lead, and mold removal and abatement. This training will allow them to participate in the unified Army Environmental Cleanup Strategy that includes the BRAC, FUDS, and Installation Restoration Program procurements.

Achieved ≥ Goal

Achieved 85%+ of Goal

Achieved < 85% of Goal

Legislation Important to Small Businesses Prepared by Committee on Small Business Majority and Passed by the U.S. House 113th Congress

Mentor – Rosser International, Inc. and Protégé – PearlNet, LLC Rosser has been a leader in the architectural, engineering, and construction industry since 1947. The thrust of this mentor-protégé agreement is to further develop PearlNet’s design, technological and management capabilities utilizing BIM as the catalyst to develop their ability to provide Life Cycle, Facility, and Asset Management tools for DoD. The BIM system will become a strong tool assisting DoD and other agencies in “Going Green”. HOOAH…and welcome aboard! Submitted by: Ms. Marina Sullivan Support Contractor Army Mentor-Protégé Program

Bill #

Bill Title

Issue

Date Passed

Vote

P.L.

H.R. 367

Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2013

Amends the Congressional Review Act of 1996 to require a resolution of approval by Congress before an executive branch agency’s major rule can take effect.

8/2/2013

232-183

H.R. 1155

National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013 (NARAB)

Creates a national clearinghouse, run by NARAB, to allow insurance agents and brokers, many of which are small businesses, to operate in multiple states.

9/10/2013

397-6

H.R.2844

Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act of 2013

Amends the Communication Act of 1934 to require the FCC to publish on its website and submit to Congress a biennial report on the state of the communications marketplace assessing completion (intermodal, facilitiesbased and new and emergent services) and deployment of communications capabilities. Requires the FCC to compile a list of geographic areas that are not serviced by advanced telecommunications capability and to consider market entry barriers for entrepreneurs and other small businesses in the communications marketplace in accordance with existing national policy favoring diversity.

9/9/2013

415-0

Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles, Support Contractor, Army OSBP

Newsletter | December 2013

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Army Mentor-Protégé Program Update ongratulations to this year’s Nunn Perry Award winners – Jacobs Engineering Group (Jacobs) and TANTARA Corp. TANTARA Corp. is a small disadvantaged, woman-owned, 8(a), and HUBZone certified firm that provides environmental remediation and heavy civil construction services. Over the life of their agreement with Jacobs, TANTARA increased staffing by 278 percent (from 9 to 25), increased revenues by over 435 percent (from $1.535 million to $6.670 million), and increased their backlog by over 2,000 percent. This protégé received over 26 new competitive awards with a value of $7.3 million and 31 new non-competitive awards with a value of $14.46 million. Jacobs provided exceptional training in over 48 discrete technology transfer areas with instrumental assistance by Florida International University (FIU). Congratulations to all for a job well done! (Please visit www.sellingtoarmy. com for several articles regarding TANTARA’s success over the life of their agreement).

FY13 Army Small Business Achievement Exceeds Goal iscal year 2013 has been a record year in terms of the share of Army contract spending going to small businesses. Above is a chart displaying Army small business performance by command during FY13. While this data pulled from FPDS-NG

Mentor – Jacobs Engineering Group (Jacobs) and Protégé – Badger Technical Services (BTS)

Submitted by: Mr. Burt Stanko Support Contractor Army OSBP

Source: FPDS-NG, Small Business Achievements by Awarding Organization Report, 11/12/2013

Achieved ≥ Goal

Achieved 85%+ of Goal

Achieved < 85% of Goal

Legislation Important to Small Businesses Prepared by Committee on Small Business Majority and Passed by the U.S. House 113th Congress

Bill #

Bill Title

Issue

Date Passed

Vote

P.L.

H.R. 367

Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2013

Amends the Congressional Review Act of 1996 to require a resolution of approval by Congress before an executive branch agency’s major rule can take effect.

8/2/2013

232-183

H.R. 1155

National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013 (NARAB)

Creates a national clearinghouse, run by NARAB, to allow insurance agents and brokers, many of which are small businesses, to operate in multiple states.

9/10/2013

397-6

H.R.2844

Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act of 2013

9/9/2013

415-0

Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles, Support Contractor, Army OSBP

Newsletter | December 2013

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Ms. Mary Moore, Deputy Director, Army Materiel Command OSBP, Retires

Army Materiel Command Small Business Personnel Attend Rocket City GovCon Symposium

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fter 35 years of government service, Ms. Mary Moore, Deputy Director, HQ Army Materiel Command (AMC) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), retired on September 30. Ms. Moore served in this position since October 12, 2008.

Throughout her career, Ms. Moore projected a leadership style that was positive and adaptive, contributing significantly to the small business teaming environment, and providing AMC with exceptional small business support worldwide. Ms. Moore’s extensive knowledge of how the command operates was a key component to the success of the OSBP. Small business professionals repeatedly called upon her for assistance in developing and formalizing small business future policies and procedures. The combination of unique and indispensable technical and influential skills made her remarkably successful in providing a full scope of services to AMC.

From August 2000 to August 2008, she was the Office Acquisition Manager at PEO EIS /RCAS/DTTP Program Management Office. Her responsibilities were directing, planning and coordinating the contracting activities for the Directorate, overseeing pre-award and post-award functions for procurements in excess of $500M involving complex contracts of highly specialized, extensive, new or innovative equipment systems, research, and services of significant importance to the agency. She also served as the Contracting Officer on the prime SAIC-RCAS contract, valued in excess of $70 million yearly. Ms. Moore was responsible for the full range of pre- and post-award acquisition functions in support of management information systems to the Army worldwide. Army OSBP wishes Ms. Moore well in her retirement and future endeavors. She will be missed.

Ms. Mary Moore, Retired Deputy Director, Army Materiel Command OSBP

Submitted by: Mr. Lance Wiltshire Management Analyst HQ Army Materiel Command OSBP

New MEDCOM Small Business Deputy Director Brings Over 20 Years’ Contracting Experience

Ms. Patricia Barber, Deputy Director, MEDCOM OSBP.

s. Patricia Barber was recently appointed Deputy Associate Director, U.S. Army Medical Command, Office of Small Business Programs, effective October 21.

initiatives, policies, and programs. She is Level III certified in Contracting, holds an MBA, and is active in several community activities within the San Antonio area.

Ms. Barber brings to this position over 20 years’ experience in various contracting assignments with the Air Force. Her most recent positions include: Warranted Contracting Officer, Contract Specialist, and Small Business Specialist, at the Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, TX.

A valued team member, Ms. Barber is enthusiastic about her recent appointment and about working to help bolster small business contract awards. Army OSBP welcomes her to our team!

In addition to her many achievements, Ms. Barber has an extensive background in small business

rmy Materiel Command (AMC), Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), participated in the Rocket City GovCon Symposium on September 12. The conference provided the opportunity to strengthen the government-industry partnership and emphasized AMC’s commitment to the small business community. The conference included opportunities for networking, collaboration, sharing of technical information, and the building of professional relationships. The primary focus was to educate business owners on best practices for federal government bidding, proposal preparation and research opportunities. Educational topics included accounting, contracting, subcontracting, business development, operations and program management, with presentations given by industry subject matter experts and government leaders.

Submitted by: Mr. Jerome K. Maultsby Associate Director, OSBP U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) & Fort Detrick

Newsletter | December 2013

The conference included remarks from City of Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and a presentation by Ms. Nancy Small, Director, AMC OSBP. Ms. Small provided an informative overview of “Doing Business with the US Government” and advocated small business opportunities within AMC. Ms. Small was also presented with an award by Mr. Joe Yearta, Director, Solvability, on behalf of the Rocket City GovCon Symposium for her outstanding contributions.

Mr. Joe Yearta, Director, Solvability presents Ms. Nancy Small, Director, AMC OSBP, with an award on behalf of the Rocket City GovCon Symposium for her outstanding contributions.

Also in attendance were Ms. Mary Moore, Deputy Director, AMC OSBP, and Ms. Amanda Linville, Program Manager, AMC OSBP. ■

Submitted by: Ms. Amanda Linville Program Manager, OSBP Army Materiel Command

Around the Pentagon SGT Kyoungmin Park and SPC Samantha Roe, Army Executive Dining Facility, built this gingerbread Capitol, which is on display in the Pentagon during the holiday season.

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Ms. Mary Moore, Deputy Director, Army Materiel Command OSBP, Retires fter 35 years of government service, Ms. Mary Moore, Deputy Director, HQ Army Materiel Command (AMC) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), retired on September 30. Ms. Moore served in this position since October 12, 2008.

Ms. Mary Moore, Retired Deputy Director, Army Materiel Command OSBP

Submitted by: Mr. Lance Wiltshire Management Analyst HQ Army Materiel Command OSBP

s. Patricia Barber was recently appointed Deputy Associate Director, U.S. Army Medical Command, Office of Small Business Programs, effective October 21.

initiatives, policies, and programs. She is Level III certified in Contracting, holds an MBA, and is active in several community activities within the San Antonio area.

A valued team member, Ms. Barber is enthusiastic about her recent appointment and about working to help bolster small business contract awards. Army OSBP welcomes her to our team!

In addition to her many achievements, Ms. Barber has an extensive background in small business

New MEDCOM Small Business Deputy Director Brings Over 20 Years’ Contracting Experience

Ms. Patricia Barber, Deputy Director, MEDCOM OSBP.

Army Materiel Command Small Business Personnel Attend Rocket City GovCon Symposium

Submitted by: Mr. Jerome K. Maultsby Associate Director, OSBP U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) & Fort Detrick

Newsletter | December 2013

Mr. Joe Yearta, Director, Solvability presents Ms. Nancy Small, Director, AMC OSBP, with an award on behalf of the Rocket City GovCon Symposium for her outstanding contributions.

Also in attendance were Ms. Mary Moore, Deputy Director, AMC OSBP, and Ms. Amanda Linville, Program Manager, AMC OSBP. ■

Submitted by: Ms. Amanda Linville Program Manager, OSBP Army Materiel Command

Around the Pentagon SGT Kyoungmin Park and SPC Samantha Roe, Army Executive Dining Facility, built this gingerbread Capitol, which is on display in the Pentagon during the holiday season.

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TACOM LCMC has a new Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems rigadier General, David G. Basset is the new Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems (PEO GCS). He is responsible for providing combat weapon systems to Joint Warfighters. The systems include the Abrams Main Battle Tank, Bradley Family of Vehicles (FoV), Towed and Self-propelled Howitzers, Stryker FoV, Robotics and Unmanned Ground Systems. With the addition of the Ground Combat Vehicle Program, PEO GCS is leading the design and development of Army’s next generation Infantry Vehicle.

Prior to BG Bassett’s appointment to PEO GCS, he served as the Deputy

Program Executive Officer for Combat Support & Combat Service Support where he assisted in coordinating the efforts of four project and 18 product offices for more than 350 Army systems, including several Joint Service programs, across all phases of their life cycle. The major subordinate Projects include the MRAP and JLTV Joint Program Offices, PM Transportation Systems, and PM Force Projection. BG Bassett also served as the Joint Project Manager for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) and HMMWV Program, prior to his role as Deputy PEO CS&CSS, he was an integral part of JLTV’s transition from Technology

Development to Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD). Three contractors were awarded JLTV EMD contracts. They are: AM General, Lockheed Martin and Oshkosh Defense, which are presently being tested. Production of the JLTV is expected to begin in 2015. Submitted by: Ms. Beth A. Cryderman Moss Director Macomb Regional PTAC

USACE Small Business Programs Welcomes New Deputy Associate Director r. Charles James III is the new Deputy Associate Director of Small Business Programs for the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)..

Mr. James started his career as a Contract Specialist Intern with the Department of Defense, Naval Sea Systems Command, and was then promoted to a Warranted Contracting Officer, negotiating contracts under the Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR). He fully supported the Anti-Submarine Warfare and Mine Systems Team by serving as the lead negotiator. He has served as a Contracting Officer (Unlimited Warrant) for Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security (United States Secret Service & Immigration & Customs Enforcement). While serving as a Senior Contracting Officer within Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Charles also served as the Small Business Specialist Alternate and focal point for small business, small disadvantaged business / 8(a), womanowned, service-disabled / veteranowned, HUBZone inquiries, providing advice and recommendations to

businesses on how to do business with the government. He ensured compliance with Small Business Program policies, procedures, regulations and reviewed proposed solicitations including small business participation and subcontracting plan thresholds to make recommendations for subcontracting possibilities.

Again, please join us in welcoming Mr. Charles James to USACE OSBP. Submitted by: Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette Associate Director USACE OSBP

Prior to joining USACE, he was the Procurement Management Division Chief for Food Safety Inspection Services, United States Department of Agriculture (UDA). He served as the subject matter expert within procurement, managing and supervising contracting officers with the executing of major acquisitions within UDA, representing a large segment of the agency’s program in support of meeting the agency’s mission. Charles holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, and a Masters of Business Administration. He maintains a DAWAI Level III certification in Contracting, is Lean Six Sigma certified (Green Belt) and a member of Toastmasters International.

Mr. Charles James III, Deputy Associate Director of Small Business Programs, Army Corps of Engineers.

Newsletter | December 2013

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Prior to BG Bassett’s appointment to PEO GCS, he served as the Deputy

USACE Small Business Programs Welcomes New Deputy Associate Director r. Charles James III is the new Deputy Associate Director of Small Business Programs for the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)..

Again, please join us in welcoming Mr. Charles James to USACE OSBP. Submitted by: Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette Associate Director USACE OSBP

Mr. Charles James III, Deputy Associate Director of Small Business Programs, Army Corps of Engineers.

Newsletter | December 2013

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

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Please visit www.sellingtoarmy.com and click on “Calendar of Events”, for the most updated list.

Newsletter | December 2013

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Newsletter | December 2013

U.S. Army OSBP • 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!

U.S. Army OSBP Our Mission

Article submission deadline: February 14, 2013

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Our Vision

Please submit articles to: cameron.e.miles.ctr@mail.mil or anthony.m.braun2.ctr@mail.mil

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Statement by President Barack Obama

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