Army OSBP Magazine January 2013 by Ricardo Ruiz

Back Cover

Front Cover

Page 1

Page 2

In This Issue

Director’s Message

Senior Leader Corner

Command Focus

24 27

• Tracking Performance in the First Half of the Fiscal Year Leads to a More Productive Second Half

• Joseph M. McDade, Jr., Director, Air Force Office of Small Business Programs • Honoring Ms. Suellen Jeffress – Deputy Director retires from Army Office of Small Business Programs

• Senior Army Leaders Attend the 2012 NDIA-TVC Materiel Enterprise Small Business Conference • Small Business Conference for DoD Construction, Engineering, and Civil Works Provides Acquisition Forecast to Small Businesses • USACE Commander Promotes COL(P) James E. Simpson to the Rank of Brigadier General • National Defense Industrial Association Hosts 6th Annual Fall Business Event • Small Business Outreach and Training Series a Success • 11th Annual SMART Procurement Conference and Expo • OSBP Supports Society of American Military Engineers Small Business and Government Conference at Fort Belvoir • Farewell to Mr. Lermon Elliott, Assistant Director, OSBP USACE, South Atlantic Division

Program Focus

• Army Mentor-Protégé Program Update • United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation - 2012 Knowledge Forum • Defense and Homeland Security Training Established at Historically Black Colleges and Universities • The Veterans’ Entrepreneurship Task Force (VET-Force) Advocates for Small Businesses • Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Speaks at National Small Business Federal Contracting Summit • Small Business Contracting Reform Signed into Law • HBCU Week: A Tribute to Historically Black Colleges and Universities Across the Nation • Asia and Ashley Matthew: Excellence Times Two • Understanding the Government Accountability Office • Mentoring – What it is and its Value

Statistics

• Army Works Toward Improving Small Business Utilization in Services Acquisitions

Director’s Message

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

percentage significantly. Secondly, FY2012 was the best year ever for the Army Small Business Program with a year-end small business percentage of 27.33 percent, so the bar is set very high.

Points of Contact

A new area of focus that my office has been closely tracking is small business acquisition in services. In a 13 March 2012 memo, Mr. Frank Kendall, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, outlined a strategy to increase small business participation in service acquisitions by focusing on three key portfolios: knowledge-based, electronics and communications, and facility-related. These areas have the most potential for increasing contracts with small businesses and Mr. Kendall has asked that all defense agencies increase their FY2013 small business performance in these areas by 10 percentage points. To support this effort, my office has been examining each Army Command’s performance in these areas from FY2010 through FY2013. The results of our analysis so far can be found on page 24.

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

Calendar of Events

Ms. Marina Sullivan Program Manager New Concepts & Associates marina.g.sullivan.ctr@mail.mil

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

Upcoming Events

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

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

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

www.flickr.com/ArmySmallBiz

Tracking Performance in the First Half of the Fiscal Year Leads to a More Productive Second Half

Newsletter | January 2013

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director

appy New Year! We now have one quarter of fiscal year 2013 behind us and we are beginning to get a clear picture of our performance so far. It is important to track Army small business utilization as much as possible in the first half of the fiscal year as it allows us to realign our strategy in the second half, when the majority of small business acquisitions take place. The table below shows Armywide performance in each of the socioeconomic programs through 20 December in both FY2012 and FY2013. Spending is up significantly – almost $3 billion more in small business eligible dollars and $100 million more in small business dollars. However, percentages are down significantly compared to last year in all programs except ServiceDisabled Veteran-Owned. While this is not what we typically like to see, two mitigating factors must be kept in mind. First, at this early stage in the fiscal year, relatively few contracts have been entered into the Federal Procurement Data System, which means that just one very large contract awarded to a large business can lower the small business

Another area seen as important to increasing overall small business participation this year is acquisitions below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT). According to Federal Acquisition Regulations, all contracts below the SAT (or below $150,000) should go to small businesses unless no small business can be found to perform the work. In FY2012, Army contracted 66.71 percent of these acquisitions with small businesses, up six percent from the prior fiscal year. So far this year (as of 20 December), Army has only contracted 60.50 percent. Although the same mitigating factors discussed above apply, I want to re-emphasize to Army Acquisition personnel that this is an Program US Business

important area of focus and the objective is to get this percentage as close to 100 percent as possible. In addition to tracking spending performance, we are also making a big effort to track small business staffing at Army contracting offices. This “workforce analysis” is an effort to ensure that contracting offices are appropriately staffed according to the amount of small business eligible dollars they process yearly. Ensuring the Army Small Business Program is appropriately and efficiently staffed is crucial considering the Obama Administration’s renewed focus on achieving the 23 percent federal goal and the current climate of budget austerity. So far, FY2013 is shaping up to be a year of new challenges and new areas of focus. It is important that we gather as much data as possible on Army small business performance in these areas in the first half of the fiscal year so we can ensure that small business opportunities in the second half are maximized. On a much happier note (for her), I would like to bid farewell to my Deputy Director, Ms. Suellen Jeffress who retired on 3 January after 34 years of federal service. Ms. Jeffress served four years in my office – two years as Program Manager of the Woman-Owned Small Business Program and two years as Deputy Director. She brought a wealth of knowledge on federal contracting and small business utilization and was instrumental to the success we have had in recent years. She leaves very big shoes to fill and will be missed by all of us. You can read more about her career on page 6. ■ Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director

FY12 thru 12/20/2011

FY13 thru 12/20/2012

$9.39B

$12.20B

$2.26B (24.04%)

$2.32B (18.97%)

Small Disadvantaged

$0.87B (9.31%)

$1.03B (8.41%)

Women-Owned

$0.42B (4.45%)

$0.46B (3.80%)

HUBZone

$0.29B (3.09%)

$0.31B (2.51%)

Veteran-Owned

$0.42B (4.45%)

$0.46B (3.80%)

$.2B (2.15%)

$0.27B (2.22%)

Small Business

Service-Disabled/Veteran-Owned

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

Page 1

Page 2 Back to Table of Contents

In This Issue

Director’s Message

Senior Leader Corner

Command Focus

24 27

• Tracking Performance in the First Half of the Fiscal Year Leads to a More Productive Second Half

• Joseph M. McDade, Jr., Director, Air Force Office of Small Business Programs • Honoring Ms. Suellen Jeffress – Deputy Director retires from Army Office of Small Business Programs

Program Focus

Statistics

• Army Works Toward Improving Small Business Utilization in Services Acquisitions

Director’s Message

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

percentage significantly. Secondly, FY2012 was the best year ever for the Army Small Business Program with a year-end small business percentage of 27.33 percent, so the bar is set very high.

Points of Contact

Calendar of Events

Ms. Marina Sullivan Program Manager New Concepts & Associates marina.g.sullivan.ctr@mail.mil

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

Upcoming Events

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

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

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

www.flickr.com/ArmySmallBiz

Tracking Performance in the First Half of the Fiscal Year Leads to a More Productive Second Half

Newsletter | January 2013

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director

FY12 thru 12/20/2011

FY13 thru 12/20/2012

$9.39B

$12.20B

$2.26B (24.04%)

$2.32B (18.97%)

Small Disadvantaged

$0.87B (9.31%)

$1.03B (8.41%)

Women-Owned

$0.42B (4.45%)

$0.46B (3.80%)

HUBZone

$0.29B (3.09%)

$0.31B (2.51%)

Veteran-Owned

$0.42B (4.45%)

$0.46B (3.80%)

$.2B (2.15%)

$0.27B (2.22%)

Small Business

Service-Disabled/Veteran-Owned

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

Page 3

Page 4 Back to Table of Contents

Senior Leader Corner

Joseph M. McDade, Jr., Director, Air Force Office of Small Business Programs s Director, Air Force Office of Small Business Programs, Mr. Joseph M. McDade, Jr., advises the Secretary of the Air Force and senior leaders on small business procurement issues. He is also responsible for implementing policies, programs and initiatives designed to secure $8 billion in small business prime contract awards annually.

Third, we are conducting a comprehensive business process re-engineering effort to help us improve our processes and organization to provide the maximum possible value to small businesses and the Air Force. How do you think the Department of Defense (DoD) Better Buying Power initiatives can enhance opportunities for small business participation?

Mr. McDade has extensive experience in procurement law, program management, and more than a decade of executive experience in a broad range of assignments. Prior to assuming his current position, he held executive positions in the Air Force Office of the General Counsel, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel, and the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel. Prior to entering public service, Mr. McDade worked as an associate in a private law firm from 1988 until 1991 where he specialized in government contract law and legislation. In this interview, Mr. McDade shares lessons learned as well as his vision for the Air Force Small Business Program. You transitioned from the Army G-1 to take the Air Force Small Business Director position. What prompted you to make this career change? Not many people know this, but my father was a Congressman who served on the House Small Business Committee. Growing up we often talked about how rewarding it was for him to help small business do great things for our Country. When the Air Force asked me to come back and improve our Small Business Program, I thought this would be a great opportunity. I also thought it might put a smile on my father’s face. Describe your role as the Director of the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs. What is your vision for the Air Force Small Business Program? The Secretary of the Air Force (SAF) has delegated his authority for implementing the Air Force Small Business (SB) Program. Our mission is to: Direct, manage, and oversee the Air Force Small Business Program to ensure maximum practicable small business opportunities in Air Force acquisition. Prepare policy, initiate processes, advocate small business strategies in the requirements and acquisition process, and conduct outreach to promote small business strategies to meet Air Force mission needs and priorities. Acting on behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force to accomplish this mission is a real honor and privilege for me. To make this happen, I work closely with Carol White, my

will provide invaluable strategic market intelligence to small businesses and the later will provide the lead time necessary to make short-term business decisions about which Air Force opportunities small businesses may want to pursue. Importantly, our forecast efforts will include anticipated prime and subcontracting opportunities.

Mr. Joseph M. McDade, Jr., Director, Air Force Office of Small Business Programs, Washington, D.C.

Deputy, and my team of small business professionals. I help with the leadership, but the SAF/SB team is what delivers the results for our Air Force. My vision for the Air Force Small Business Program is to: Increase the use of small businesses as a valued source of skills for innovative, cost effective, customer-focused solutions to warfighter requirements and Air Force missions, both now and in the future. The key to making this happen is to focus on the value that small business can bring to our Air Force. We have a threepronged effort underway to help show the value that small businesses and our office provide the Air Force. First we have developed a new data-driven methodology to target our improvement efforts. Specifically we are looking at markets in which the Army and Navy make much greater use of small businesses than does the Air Force. We are focusing on these areas to do the market research needed to see if we can improve our performance. Second, we are redoubling our efforts to do better at forecasting – to wit: forecasting the impacts of budget decisions on small business and to provide actionable contract forecasts for small business. We believe the former

Newsletter | January 2013

The Better Buying Power initiatives are all about attaining better value for the Department of Defense. Each and every day I am seeing examples of how small businesses answer the mail on this point. For example, historically, the Air Force sole-sourced jet engine accessory requirements for the F100 used in F-15E and F-16 aircrafts to a very large aerospace company, with an estimated particular engine accessories requirement cost of $101 million. However, a small business proved they were able to manufacture the part and fulfill the requirement for $28 million, saving the Air Force and the taxpayer $73 million. These are real savings…taxpayer dollars that can be used to provide more combat capability to the Nation and the warfighter. This is a perfect example of a small business having a big impact! With some level of DoD budget cuts pending, how do you think small businesses should prepare? Get scrappy. Small businesses should focus on their core market niches so they focus on what they do best. Second, because the Federal Government market faces some uncertain times, they should explore strategies to expand their customer base until things settle down by focusing on commercial and international work. Third, they should refine their business models to minimize costs. Finally, they should look at developing relationships with large and small businesses to allow them maximum flexibility to partner as business opportunities present themselves. How can the services work together to enhance the DoD Small Business Program? Redouble efforts to collaborate and communicate. We are already doing a good job at collaborating and communicating, but I hope to work with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Army, Navy and the 4th Estate to do even better in FY2013. For example, last year: • My office worked very closely with the Army to implement the Deputy Secretary of Defense’s direction to include a small business performance element in our Senior Executive evaluations. • We also worked closely with the Navy to leverage their “Sweet Spot” tool to measure our performance in awarding

contracts valued at less than $150,000 to small businesses. • We are currently working with OSD to help refine the small business career program. Each of these examples took advantage of unique skills and/ or capabilities of a particular organization and the net effect was to make everyone more effective. I think the upcoming budget cuts will put a premium on expanding this model and we are committed to doing just that. What are the critical areas in the Air Force where you believe small business can provide value? Currently the answer to that question is simple - the top four small business friendly markets in the Air Force are: (1) Construction; (2) Facilities Support; (3) Information Technology; and (4) Knowledge Based Services. In each of these areas we have determined that the small business industrial base provides good value. Based on our new data-driven methodology for identifying small business opportunities you will see the Air Force take a more strategic approach to setting aside contracts for small businesses. For example, a recent assessment determined that we could set aside more engineering support contracts for small business. Our senior leaders then determined that we should move in that direction over the next several years. We took the first step earlier this year when we awarded an $850 million Engineering and Technology Acquisition Support Services follow-on contract (ETASS II) as a 100% small business set aside multiple award contract. There will be more to follow. Another area that we will be focusing on includes contracts valued between $3,000 and $150,000. We believe the relatively small size of these contracts is precisely the type of work that small businesses can perform for us. Finally, OSD directed the services to systematically review three types of service contracts and to shoot for a 10 percent increase in small business utilization while our overall budgets decline. The three types of service contracts we’ve been asked to focus on are: (1) Knowledge Based Services; (2) Electronic and Communication Services; and (3) Facilities Related Services. Bottom line: small businesses are agile, efficient, cost effective, and one of the prime drivers of our Nation’s economy and job market. By promoting contract opportunities for small business, the Air Force nurtures entrepreneurship, opens doors to new business horizons, saves money, and supports the Air Force mission to fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace. What are you the most proud of regarding your small business program? When I started in the Fall of 2011, the Air Force had seen a three year decline in its Small Business Program’s performance. We did a careful review of the reasons for this

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

Page 3

Page 4 Back to Table of Contents

Senior Leader Corner

Mr. Joseph M. McDade, Jr., Director, Air Force Office of Small Business Programs, Washington, D.C.

Newsletter | January 2013

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

Page 5

Page 6 Back to Table of Contents

Senior Leader Corner and developed the Air Force Small Business Improvement Plan. Mr. Van Buren, our Senior Acquisition Executive, and I jointly signed the plan and our goal in FY2012 was to “Stop the Decline” and “Reverse the Trend.” In FY2012 the Air Force stopped a three year decline in its Small Business Program’s performance and reversed the trend. How can the Small Business Maximum Practicable Opportunity (Max Prac) model be used to identify more opportunities for small businesses? Our new data-driven methodology is built upon the Max Prac model developed by OSD. We used our new methodology to systematically review all contracts valued at more than $3,000 that were ending in FY2013. Rationale: We wanted to focus on areas where our leaders could actually make changes or in which they could start planning now to make changes in the next 24 months. Based on this review, we provided our senior leaders with performance expectation targets for improved small business performance. We will be reviewing our progress in meeting our performance expectation numbers each quarter. At the end of FY2013 we will assess the strengths and weaknesses of our new approach, make appropriate refinements, and then do our best to make sure our FY2014 performance is even better. Can you share some best practices utilized by the Air Force to provide support to the Small Business Program? Our best practice is to learn from others. The Army is leading the way for the rest of the Department of Defense regarding its Small Business Program performance. Tracey Pinson deserves a lot of credit for her leadership in this area, and I marvel at the way the Army’s Small Business Professionals are delivering consistent results that are the best of any large organization in DoD. But even as good as the Army is, we find that the Navy, OSD and DoD Components each have their areas of excellence. At the tactical level, I believe the following qualifies as a best practice: the Enterprise Sourcing Group accepted the mission to craft a strategic sourcing strategy that would meet Air Force modular furniture needs, reduce the costs of our buys, and promote our Small Business Program. Their solution was an innovative two-part contracting strategy that lowered costs from large suppliers while requiring the use of small businesses for the design, delivery, and installation of these systems. This strategy came with high risk, but with the tremendous leadership and courage of our senior leaders, the strategy was implemented. At a more strategic level, I would offer the following best practice elements: 1. Develop an improvement plan to lay out your roadmap to improve the program and get senior leader endorsement; 2. Invest the time to personally talk to all key leaders to ensure they understand your plan; 3. Use the organization’s official corporate forums to make sure you get officially sanctioned blessings for what you are

Senior Leader Corner trying to achieve; 4. Use a data-driven approach that emphasizes the value of small businesses; 5. Celebrate your successes; and 6. Continually improve your approach. How would you characterize the leadership support for the Air Force Small Business Program? In a word, outstanding! In February 2012 Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter mandated that a FY2012 performance element be added to senior executive service performance plans, making senior executives accountable for DoD small business contracting goals. Building on this guidance, Secretary Mike Donley and former Air Force Chief of Staff, General Norty Schwartz, signed a joint memorandum expanding these leadership expectations to general officers as well. Holding senior civilian and military leadership accountable for small business program goals reflects the Air Force’s commitment to promoting a robust implementation and utilization plan. Equally important, I report directly to Dr. Jamie Morin our Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force, and I could not ask for a more supportive boss. To give you just one example of why I say this, on 17 December 2012 the Acting Under Secretary: • Delivered his “State of Small Business” address to the senior leadership of Air Force Material Command (AFMC); • Presided over the Air Force Small Business Award Ceremony; • Met with Gen. Wolfenbarger, Commander AFMC, and the entire senior leadership team of AFMC to: • Emphasize the importance of a leader-led effort to improve our Small Business Program’s performance • The value of our new data-driven methodology • The importance of forecasting small business opportunities • His plan to personally review our small business performance each and every month. • Traveled to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to present the Wing Commander with the “Best Air Force Installation” small business award for awarding 96% of all their small business contracts to small businesses. Through extraordinary leadership and teamwork, the Air Force pendulum of progress began to slowly shift back towards an upward trajectory. By effectively executing the small business improvement plan, we stopped the decline and reversed the trend in FY2012 with a 14.7 percent performance despite a reduction in small business eligible obligations. But this is just the beginning. Moving ahead we will continue to lead the effort from all levels in the Air Force, while also changing the playing field and raising the bar. ■ Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director

Newsletter | January 2013

Honoring Ms. Suellen Jeffress – Deputy Director retires from Army Office of Small Business Programs n 3 January 2013, Ms. Suellen Jeffress retired as Deputy Director of the Army Office of Small Business Programs after serving 34 years of honorable federal civil service. Over the last two years Ms. Jeffress served as Deputy Director of the Office making sure that all of the Director’s goals and assignments were carried out.

In her capacity as Deputy Director, Ms. Jeffress was responsible for assisting the Director in establishing Policies and Procedures, and performing oversight necessary to implement statutory requirements related to the small business program. Her responsibilities also included serving as the Army member of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement Small Business Committees. During her illustrious career, Ms. Jeffress served in various positions in the U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (OASA(ALT)), as Associate Director for Small Business, Director of Liaison, and Acting Deputy Director.

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, presents Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Deputy Director, Army OSBP, with her Certificate of Retirement.

Highlights of her career as a member of the OASA (ALT) procurement staff include: Director of Systems Support responsible for procurement oversight of Army major and non-major weapons and automated data processing systems; Policy and Procedures Directorate; Team Leader of the contracting and Acquisition career field proponency mission; and Procurement Management Review (PMR) Team Leader. Ms. Jeffress is a recipient of the Army’s Meritorious Civilian Service Award, Superior Civilian Service Award, and Commander’s Award for Civilian Service. She will be truly missed because of her calm demeanor, “do it now” work ethic, and impeccable integrity and loyalty.

Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Deputy Director, Army OSBP, thanks her husband, Mr. Walt Jeffress, during her retirement luncheon.

In conclusion, on 8 January 2013, a retirement celebration was held where she was honored by family, friends, and the small business community. ■

Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

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

Page 5

Page 6 Back to Table of Contents

Newsletter | January 2013

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, presents Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Deputy Director, Army OSBP, with her Certificate of Retirement.

Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Deputy Director, Army OSBP, thanks her husband, Mr. Walt Jeffress, during her retirement luncheon.

In conclusion, on 8 January 2013, a retirement celebration was held where she was honored by family, friends, and the small business community. ■

Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

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

Page 7

Page 8 Back to Table of Contents

Command Focus

Command Focus transitions it forces from OCONUS to CONUS and discussing the four centers of excellence. Lieutenant General Phillips’ presentation highlighted opportunities for small businesses to participate in the Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) exercises at El Paso and White Sands Missile Range where small businesses are given the opportunity to get their product tested and in the hands of soldiers. Mr. Danny Featherston, Program Manager of the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) Prototype Integration Facility (PIF), an element of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), provided an excellent presentation on the mission and capabilities of the PIF and how small business is a key to their success. He also identified opportunities for small businesses with the announcement of an upcoming Industry Day. Mr. Stan Crittenden, Director, Expedited Professional and Engineering Support Services (EXPRESS) and Strategic Services, U.S. Army Contracting CommandRedstone, gave a presentation on the popular U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) EXPRESS contract which leverages General Services Administration (GSA) schedules to provide comprehensive advisory and assistance services to the AMCOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC), the Program Executive Offices (PEOs), AMC HQ, LOGSA, AMRDEC, and other customers. Mr. Crittenden highlighted his discussion with the announcement of AMCOM EXPRESS open season and their upcoming Industry Day.

Pictured L to R: Ms. Nancy Small, Associate Director, Office of Small Business Programs, AMC; Mrs. Linda Via; GEN Dennis Via, Commander, AMC; Dr. Joseph Westphal, Under Secretary of the Army; Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Army Office of Small Business Programs.

Senior Army Leaders Attend the 2012 NDIA-TVC Materiel Enterprise Small Business Conference .S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), participated in the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Small Business Conference, 14-15 November 2012. The conference included not only AMC but also Department of Defense (DoD) and change to Department of the Army (DA) leadership and provided the opportunity to strengthen the governmentindustry partnership and emphasize the commitment to the small business community. The government leadership engagement was truly recognized by industry and created a lot of excitement and opportunities for small businesses. There were over 300 attendees representing 31 states that attended the conference. The conference kicked off with NDIA welcoming remarks followed by remarks from the City of Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and presentations by keynote speakers including: Mr. Andre Gudger, Director, DoD OSBP; Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, DA OSBP; General Dennis L. Via, Commanding General, AMC; and Lieutenant General William N. Phillips, Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant

In addition to the keynote speakers, the conference included panel discussions and presentations. The Government Leadership Panel consisted of AMC leaders and addressed Optimizing Contracting Opportunities with Small Business. Panel members were Major General Lynn A. Collyar, Commander, AMCOM LCMC; Brigadier General Theodore C. Harrison, Commander, Expeditionary Contracting Command

(ECC); and Mr. Conrad Bonner, Director, Operations, Plans and Policy, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC). The Large Business Panel consisted of five Large Businesses which were very well represented and consisted of a lengthy question and answer forum for small businesses. The final panel was the Small Business Success Story Panel where Mr. Joseph L. Bergantz, Sigmatech CEO and retired Army Major General, briefed how to be a successful small business. Further, the conference provided numerous opportunities for networking by providing networking breaks, an exhibit hall of both large and small businesses, and outreach sessions. In addition, the conference included a networking reception with the Honorable Dr. Westphal, presenting opening remarks, and General Via and Ms. Pinson in attendance. The conference included a joint approach to outreach by providing attendees access to both large businesses and government small business personnel during the outreach sessions. The outreach performed by government personnel included local participants from GSA, Missile Defense Agency, Small Business Administration, AMC, AMCOM LCMC, Army Contracting Command, and U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Attendees were also provided the opportunity to receive training and advice on a myriad of issues that would assist them in the success of their small business. For small businesses who are interested in attending the NDIA-TVC Materiel Enterprise Small Business Conference in the future please visit: http://www.ndia-tvc.org. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Amanda Linville Program Manager OSBP, AMC

Secretary of the Army, Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)). Mr. Gudger initiated the conference with an uplifting discussion on the DoD small business initiatives and path forward. Ms. Pinson emphasized the importance of the Army’s small business initiatives and discussed in great detail the FY2013 focus areas which included subcontracting plan enforcement, small business participation in OCONUS contracts, especially Foreign Military Sales, and small business participation in major systems programs. In order to accomplish these issues, staffing of small business offices and development of small business personnel is essential. Ms. Pinson also provided an informative overview of the Small Jobs Business Act and upcoming changes to legislation. General Via commanded the room as he provided an overview of the mission, structure and the future of AMC, identifying opportunities for small businesses as AMC

Newsletter | January 2013

Ms. Tracey Pinson with the Redstone Arsenal Small Business Team. L to R: Ms. Amanda Linville, Mr. David Walls, Mr. David Seitz, Ms. Christina Ryan, Ms. Tracey Pinson, Ms. Nancy Small, Ms. Alice Williams, and Ms. Darlene Brakefield.

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

Page 7

Page 8 Back to Table of Contents

Command Focus

Newsletter | January 2013

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

Page 9

Page 10 Back to Table of Contents

Command Focus

Small Business Conference for DoD Construction, Engineering, and Civil Works Provides Acquisition Forecast to Small Businesses he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) participated in the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Small Business Conference on 10-12 December 2012 in Grapevine, TX. USACE Commander LTG Thomas P. Bostick, 60 USACE Commanders, the Associate Director of Small Business, the Director of Contracting, three Principal Assistants Responsible for Contracting, and approximately 120 other USACE leaders briefed and engaged 1,200 industry and government participants during the event.

USACE works collaboratively with over 300,000 contract employees to fulfill its mission. Small businesses play a major role in the Corps’ success, and are contracted out for almost every type of project. This is a significant outreach event for the Corps where many small firms learn and have an opportunity to discuss the Corps’ acquisition forecast of upcoming projects. The event has contributed to the Corps’ success in awarding over 45% of all contract dollars to small firms and exceeding every small business goal. Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Army Office of Small Business Programs provided opening remarks. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Department of Homeland Security, Army Contracting Command, the Small Business Administration, and the Air Force participated in the event. The event culminated with a USACE Small Business Awards Ceremony hosted by the USACE Deputy Commanding General, MG Todd Semonite. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette Small Business Associate Director USACE

Small Business Champion Awards: • • • • • •

Mr. Steven Baum, Naval Architect, Norfolk District Mr. Justin Ward, Public Affairs Specialist, North Atlantic Division Mr. Isaac Taylor, Contract Specialist, Nashville District Mr. Steven Iverson, Deputy for Program Management, Kansas City District Mr. Michael Prudhomme, Chief of Cost Engineering, Albuquerque District Mr. Kent Tamai, Contract Specialist, Honolulu (POH)

Historically Black Colleges & Univ/Minority Institution Awards:

MG Todd Semonite, Deputy Commanding General, USACE presents the Small Business Specialist Award to Ms. Cheryl Chandler, Contract Specialist, Philadelphia District.

Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Small Business Associate Director, USACE; BG Margaret Burcham, Commander, USACE Great Lakes and Ohio River Division; and Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Army OSBP.

LTG Thomas Bostick, Commanding General and Chief of Engineers, USACE; and Ms. Tracey L. Pinson.

MG Todd Semonite and Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette.

LTG Thomas Bostick providing remarks as a key note speaker, during the SAME Conference

Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette speaking during the SAME Conference.

• COL Robert Ruch, Huntsville Engineering Center • COL Vernie Reichling, Memphis District • LTC Antoinette Gant, Albuquerque District Top 10 District/Center Commanders in Dollars Awarded to SDVOSB: 1. Los Angeles 2. Lousiville 3. Fort Worth 4. Omaha 5. ERDC (LABS) 6. Kansas City 7. New Orleans 8. Mobile 9. Seattle 10. Savannah

$111.7M $99.2M $78.3M $72.3M $56.0M $52.4M $51.9M $42.2M $38.8M $33.2M

COL Mark Toy COL Luke Leonard COL Charles Klinge COL Joel Cross COL Kevin Wilson COL Anthony Hoffman COL Ed Fleming COL Steven Roemhildt COL Bruce Estok COL Jeffrey Hall

Top 10 District/Centers in Percentages of Dollars Awarded to SDVOSB: 1. CERL- Champaign 2. Los Angeles 3. St. Louis 4. Rock Island 5. Kansas City 6. ERDC (LABS) 7. Charleston 8. Chicago 9. Seattle 10. Albuquerque

21.70% 14.10% 13.90% 13.40% 12.10% 12.00% 11.60% 10.50% 10.20% 9.20%

Dr. Ilker Adiguzel COL Mark Toy COL Chris Hall Col Mark Deschenes COL Anthony Hoffman COL Kevin Wilson COL Ed Chamberlayne COL Frederic Drummond COL Bruce Estok LTC Antoinette Gant

Other Award Recipients: • COL Richard Gridley SDVOSB Achievement Award was awarded to BG Michael C. Wehr, South Pacific Division Commander • Small Business Specialist Award was awarded to Ms. Cheryl Chandler, Contract Specialist, Philadelphia District

Newsletter | January 2013

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

Page 9

Page 10 Back to Table of Contents

Command Focus

Small Business Champion Awards: • • • • • •

Historically Black Colleges & Univ/Minority Institution Awards:

MG Todd Semonite, Deputy Commanding General, USACE presents the Small Business Specialist Award to Ms. Cheryl Chandler, Contract Specialist, Philadelphia District.

Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Small Business Associate Director, USACE; BG Margaret Burcham, Commander, USACE Great Lakes and Ohio River Division; and Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Army OSBP.

LTG Thomas Bostick, Commanding General and Chief of Engineers, USACE; and Ms. Tracey L. Pinson.

MG Todd Semonite and Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette.

LTG Thomas Bostick providing remarks as a key note speaker, during the SAME Conference

Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette speaking during the SAME Conference.

$111.7M $99.2M $78.3M $72.3M $56.0M $52.4M $51.9M $42.2M $38.8M $33.2M

COL Mark Toy COL Luke Leonard COL Charles Klinge COL Joel Cross COL Kevin Wilson COL Anthony Hoffman COL Ed Fleming COL Steven Roemhildt COL Bruce Estok COL Jeffrey Hall

21.70% 14.10% 13.90% 13.40% 12.10% 12.00% 11.60% 10.50% 10.20% 9.20%

Dr. Ilker Adiguzel COL Mark Toy COL Chris Hall Col Mark Deschenes COL Anthony Hoffman COL Kevin Wilson COL Ed Chamberlayne COL Frederic Drummond COL Bruce Estok LTC Antoinette Gant

Newsletter | January 2013

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

Page 11

Page 12 Back to Table of Contents

Command Focus

Command Focus for Decontamination; Commander of the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), BAE York, PA; Lieutenant Colonels’ and Colonels’ assignment officer, Acquisition Management Branch, United States Army Human Resources Command, Alexandria, VA; warranted contracting officer at Osan Air Force Base, South Korea; and Division Contingency Contracting Officer with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Prior to being assigned to the Army Acquisition Corps, BG Simpson served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in Army operational assignments with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 2nd Infantry Division and the 24th Infantry Division (Mech). While serving as Commander, DCMA, BAE York, BG Simpson deployed to Iraq as Commander, DCMA Northern Iraq, from April 2005 to September 2005. His command supported over 150,000 multinational soldiers and over 50,000 contractors under the United States Army’s Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) contract.

Pictured L to R: Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Army OSBP; COL Mike Rogers, Deputy Director, ACC-APG; COL (R) Kevin Woods; BG James Simpson, Deputy Director, Directorate of Contracting, HQ USACE; Ms. Tina Ballard, Executive Director, AbilityOne; and Mr. KC Jones, Assistant to the Director, AbilityOne.

USACE Commander Promotes COL(P) James E. Simpson to the Rank of Brigadier General n 19 November 2012 LTG Thomas Bostick, Commander, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) promoted COL(P) James E. Simpson, Deputy Director, Directorate of Contracting, HQ USACE to the rank of Brigadier General. The ceremony was held at Headquarters, USACE in Washington, DC. Many senior leaders from across the Army showed up to recognize and congratulate BG Simpson. A dynamic yet very humble leader, BG Simpson continuously thanked God for the blessings bestowed on his family.

BG Simpson oversees an integrated network of contracting offices that spans the globe: 57 sites in the Continental United States and Hawaii, Alaska, Korea, Japan, Germany, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq. These contracting offices employ over 1,300 contracting professionals and supporting personnel who award contracts, serve as advisors to decision-makers, and play a critical role in the planning and execution of Corps’ projects. The organization represents the Corps in all contractual matters. BG Simpson recently completed a tour of duty as the Senior Contracting Official - Iraq (SCO-I), US Central Command, Joint Theater Support Contracting Command (C-JTSCC). While in theater, he led the operational contracting support for OPERATION NEW DAWN (OND), and was responsible for

closing out over 3,000 contracts and demobilizing over 64,000 contractors. BG Simpson was commissioned in 1985, after graduating from Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina, as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Lander University, a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF). He also earned a Master in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Certificate in Management from the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, and a Master Certificate in Government Contract Management from George Washington University. His military education includes Command and General Staff College (CGSC) and the ICAF. BG Simpson is Level III certified in Contracting and Level II in Program Management. BG Simpson has served in numerous command and staff positions: Chief of Staff, Army Contracting Command (ACC), July 2010 to March 2011; Commander, Contracting Center of Excellence (CCE), June 2008 until June 2010; Executive Officer to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Policy and Procurement); Deputy Joint Project Manager

Newsletter | January 2013

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (1 OLC), Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (5 OLC), Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Kuwait Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (3 OLC), the Parachute and Air Assault Badges, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. Additionally, he was awarded the Secretary of the Army Excellence in Contracting Award for Outstanding Contracting Officer (Military) at Installation-Level Satellite for FY1999. In FY2006 he received the Acquisition Commander of the Year Award at the Lieutenant Colonel level.

LTG Bostick gives the General Officer oath to BG Simpson.

BG Simpson is married to the former Zelda Nash and they have two beautiful daughters, Alexis and Devin. The family is very active in their ministry and the community, and they reside in Woodbridge, VA. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette Small Business Associate Director USACE

BG Simpson’s wife and mother pin on his new rank.

LTG Bostick congratulates BG Simpson.

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

Page 11

Page 12 Back to Table of Contents

Command Focus

Newsletter | January 2013

LTG Bostick gives the General Officer oath to BG Simpson.

BG Simpson’s wife and mother pin on his new rank.

LTG Bostick congratulates BG Simpson.

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

Page 13

Page 14 Back to Table of Contents

Command Focus

National Defense Industrial Association Hosts 6th Annual Fall Business Event

Small Business Outreach and Training Series a Success he Ft. Wainwright Small Business Program expanded efforts to increase program awareness, provide procurement information and increase awards to small businesses in Alaska. Many established, and some newly formed small businesses, were unaware that MICC-Ft. Wainwright supported the U.S. Army Alaska mission requirements on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), as well as at Ft. Wainwright, Alaska.

A WWII veteran stands next to Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Deputy Director, Army OSBP during the NDIA conference.

n 18-19 September, 2012 the Michigan Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) hosted their 6th Annual Fall Business Event in Troy, MI. The theme of the conference was “Today’s Defense Industrial Base and Business Opportunities.” This forum provided an opportunity for 125 participants to learn about the Army and Tank-Automotive Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) mission, and how to do business with the Army.

Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Deputy Director, Army OSBP was one of the Army speakers at this event, and focused her presentation on what the Army buys and how to do business with the Army. Ms. Jeffress pointed out the importance of knowing the product or service which is being sold to the Army, as there are different marketing strategies and customers within the Army for various products and services. Ms. Jeffress also reviewed the role of the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC), and discussed how valuable a resource they are, since they provide in-depth counseling on marketing, financial and contracting issues to small businesses. Additional Army speakers were: Mr. Michael Viggato, Deputy to the Commander, TACOM LCMC; Mr. Harry Hallock, Director, Army Contracting Command-Warren (ACC- Warren); Ms. Terri Vaillancourt, Contracting Officer, ACC-Warren; Ms. Marie Gapinski, Chief, TACOM LCMC OSBP. A unique feature of this event was that upon arrival at the conference, contractor participants were provided with an event passport. The passport had blocks on it where each contractor attendee was expected to visit each participant organization booth. After talking to the representative at a booth, the contractor attendee was provided a sticker to place in the passport block. Contractor attendees were

encouraged to visit all of the booths and obtain stickers for every block on their passport. Passports were then placed in a box for a drawing with a passport prize from NDIA. This facilitated networking and business matchmaking by motivating contractor participants to visit each booth during the conference. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Suellen Jeffress Deputy Director Army OSBP

An integral part of the MICC Ft. Wainwright acquisition team, Ms. Marion Taylor, Small Business Specialist, launched a series of small group training events in Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska, to close a program awareness gap and discover new small business suppliers of goods and services to support required activity needs. The first of three Doing Business with MICC Ft. Wainwright events began in cooperation with the Fairbanks Procurement Technical Advisory Center in a “Brown Bag Lunch and Workshop.” The initial focus group consisted of representatives from 20 Small Disadvantaged Business enterprises located in Fairbanks and interior Alaska. Attending with Ms. Taylor were Ms. Mary Bonnell, Director, MICC-Ft. Wainwright, and two of her contract specialists, Ms. Demetria White and Ms. Angel Jordan. Utilizing meeting space provided by Alaska District Small Business Administration, a second event attended by 32 small business representatives comprising all small business categories was held in downtown Anchorage. The four-hour opportunity provided information on recent contract awards and ongoing solicitations for FY2012. Attendees were led step by step in deciphering the requirements of a solicitation and how to respond to a sources sought request. With the cooperation of Mr. Sam Dickey, Deputy Director, Alaska Region, attendees received insight into the Small Business Loan Program and the 8(a) program. Ms. Della Simmons, Small Business Specialist, JBER was invited to participate in a question and answer session regarding JBER’s acquisition forecast for FY2013.

were reached, resulting in requests for individual meetings to develop business relationships and foster direct communications with the appropriate contracting office staff. In addition to the networking that was created by the small group dynamics, MICC-Ft. Wainwright increased its awards to small businesses by five percent above the FY2011 goal of 60 percent to nearly 65 percent of total dollars awarded in FY2012. MICC-Ft. Wainwright also made a significant historical milestone in exceeding its SDVOSB goal of three percent. To better assist Alaskan small businesses, Ms. Taylor has office hours in Anchorage at the Small Business Administration, 420 L Street, Suite 300 every Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Marian Taylor Small Business Specialist MICC Ft. Wainwright

Ms. Marian Taylor, Small Business Specialist, MICC Ft. Wainwright, conducts a “Doing Business with MICC Ft. Wainwright” presentation at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Alaska.

Partnering with the Small Business Administration and in cooperation with the Army Career and Alumni Program, Soldier Family Assistance Center, a third outreach event was held at JBER, Headquarters U.S. Army Alaska. Its purpose was to reach Service Disabled Veterans, Retirees, and Wounded Warriors who were considering starting small businesses. At this workshop, Ms. Taylor highlighted the types of services that were currently under contract, forecasted re-procurements for recurring services in FY2013, and highlighted opportunities to provide subcontract support to prime contractors, whether they are large businesses or other small businesses.

Mr. Harry Hallock, TACOM PARC poses with Ms. Suellen Jeffress at the NDIA conference.

Newsletter | January 2013

Doing Business with MICC Fort Wainwright presentations were given to groups of 20 to 30 small business owners and representatives that pre-registered. More than 80 small business owners and those seeking to start small businesses received relevant information for their business growth at no-cost. With the additional emphasis and decentralized locations for outreach and training, nearly 80 small business representatives

Ms. Marian Taylor and JBER attendees following the “Doing Business with MICC Ft. Wainwright” presentation.

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

Page 13

Page 14 Back to Table of Contents

Command Focus

National Defense Industrial Association Hosts 6th Annual Fall Business Event

A WWII veteran stands next to Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Deputy Director, Army OSBP during the NDIA conference.

Ms. Marian Taylor, Small Business Specialist, MICC Ft. Wainwright, conducts a “Doing Business with MICC Ft. Wainwright” presentation at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Alaska.

Mr. Harry Hallock, TACOM PARC poses with Ms. Suellen Jeffress at the NDIA conference.

Newsletter | January 2013

Ms. Marian Taylor and JBER attendees following the “Doing Business with MICC Ft. Wainwright” presentation.

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

Page 15

Page 16 Back to Table of Contents

Command Focus

OSBP Supports Society of American Military Engineers Small Business and Government Conference at Fort Belvoir he Society of American Military Engineers, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. chapter held its 7th Annual Small Business Conference at Fort Belvoir on 4 October 2012. The conference theme, “Going Beyond the Horizon,” centered on new business opportunities across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) acquisition community as well as how to leverage the Army MentorProtégé (MP) Program for new technology training and business growth. Vendor matchmaking sessions followed the morning events. Mr. Jack Beecher, Deputy for Small Business, USACE Norfolk provided specifics on new USACE business opportunities and Ms. Peggy Butler, Program

11th Annual SMART Procurement Conference and Expo he Army, along with other Department of Defense and federal agencies, actively participated in the 11th Annual Strengthening Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow (SMART) Procurement Conference held in Frederick, MD, on 26 October 2012.

In his welcome remarks Mr. Robert Carullo, SMART Executive Director, shared the SMART purpose, mission and goals. SMART is a Not-For-Profit membership corporation of the technical community which provides the daily, grass-roots technical community execution of the SMART Congressional Initiative. The SMART mission is the integration of regional Science and Technology (S&T) activities for issues, events and projects among the SMART Congressional Delegation (up to 10 Senators & 41 Representatives of DE, MD, NJ and PA), Federal Executive Branch HQs, International Allies, State governments (Executive & Legislative branches) and the regional technical community. The technical community is composed of Academia, Industry, Government Laboratories/Agencies and Support Organizations. Mr. Carullo said, “Our goal is to support collaborative Research & Development (R&D) and S&T-based opportunities for economic expansion, technology, education and workforce development in the four state regions.” The list of attendees totaled approximately 750 people, including Flag and General Officers, and members from the Senior Executive Service. There were a total of 12 sessions conducted throughout the course of the day and a plethora of value-added information was provided to industry leaders, and prime and subcontractors. The Department of Defense was represented by MG Robert Ferrell, Commanding General, U.S. Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM); Mr. James Cluck, Acquisition Executive, U.S. Special Operations Command; Rear Adm. Randolph Mahr, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division; CAPT Keith Syring, Deputy Commander, U. S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC). This event was co-sponsored by former Congressman Roscoe Bartlett who has been a great advocate for small businesses. The conference served as a platform for both industry and government leaders to make contacts, exchange ideas, and collaborate. CECOM participated in a joint panel with Army

Research and Development Command (RDECOM), which MG Ferrell moderated. Speakers on the panel led by Mr. Dale Ormond, Director, RDECOM, included Mr. Gary Martin, Deputy to the CECOM Commanding General; Mr. Bryon Young, Executive Director, Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground; and Mr. John O’Brien, Associate Director, CECOM/ C4ISR OSBP. A local Procurement Technical Assistance Center had an onsite representative in attendance for initial contact. The interactive panel engaged industry for approximately one hour on topics that included overviews of their respective organizations, small business improvements and initiatives, and Better Buying Power. RDECOM and CECOM participated in a joint booth where small businesses were able to provide insight on their company’s capabilities. Additionally, both organizations’ Small Business Offices directed industry personnel to the appropriate small business specialist for their service or product. This annual event provides a gateway for small businesses with limited resources to engage military and civilian government leaders to learn about the federal contracting process, and build partnerships with other firms that otherwise might not have occurred. The senior leaders from USAMRMC, including OSBP, have been fortunate to actively participate in SMART procurement conferences since their inception. The command held a morning Super Session, which was moderated by the command’s CAPT Keith Syring. Other participants included COL A.J. Darden, Sr Commander, Ft. Detrick Garrison; Mr. Jerome K. Maultsby, Associate Director, OSBP; Ms. Nicola Ohaegbu, Small Business Specialist; and several contracting officers and specialists representing the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA). As previously stated, this platform acts as a conduit for connecting small businesses with the help and/or resources they need to become an asset to our Nation’s industrial base. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Jerome K. Maultsby Associate Director USAMRMC and Ft. Detrick OSBP And Mr. Kenyata Wesley Chief Associate Director CECOM/C4ISR OSBP

Submitted by: Ms. Peggy Butler Program Manager Mentor-Protégé and Subcontracting Programs Army OSBP

Farewell to Mr. Lermon Elliott, Assistant Director, OSBP USACE, South Atlantic Division heartfelt farewell goes out to Mr. Lermon Elliott for his many years of service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Mr. Elliott leaves USACE for a promotion opportunity serving as the Supervisory Chief, Acquisition Policy, Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, DC. Mr. Elliott served as the Assistant Director of the Office of Small Business Programs, USACE South Atlantic Division. He provided small business management and leadership to a team of seven Small Business Specialists leading District programs in Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC; Wilmington, NC; Jacksonville, FL; and Mobile, AL. His team continually exceeded goals and set the standard for others to follow. He served in this capacity from April 2007 through November 2012.

Washington DC to wish him farewell. Ms. Pinson thanked him for his dedication and commitment to the Army Small Business Program over the years, and gave him an SES note and one of her coveted Secretary of the Army Director of Small Business coins. You may extend congratulations to Mr. Elliott at Lermon.Elliott@DOT.gov. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette Small Business Associate Director USACE

He formerly served as a Procurement Analyst, U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Southern Region, Fort McPherson from 2004 through 2007. Mr. Elliott started his contracting career in 1989, and held many positions within USACE to include Director of Contracting, where he managed the procurement and supply management program for the South Atlantic Division. He graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in General Business from Athens State University. He is a Level III certified contracting professional and holds memberships in the Army Acquisition Corps, the American Society for Public Administration, and the National Contract Management Association. Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Army OSBP and Ms. Peggy Butler, Assistant to the Director, Army OSBP, joined Mr. Elliott and friends on 20 December 2012 for a luncheon in

Newsletter | January 2013

Manager, Army OSBP Subcontracting and Mentor-Protégé, discussed the benefits of participating in the MP program. Over 150 attendees participated in all conference events and were able to gain valuable knowledge on leveraging MP opportunities within USACE. ■

Mr. Lermon Elliott.

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

Page 15

Page 16 Back to Table of Contents

Command Focus

Submitted by: Ms. Peggy Butler Program Manager Mentor-Protégé and Subcontracting Programs Army OSBP

Newsletter | January 2013

Mr. Lermon Elliott.

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

Page 17

Page 18 Back to Table of Contents

Program Focus

Army Mentor-Protégé Program Update e are proud to announce five new mentor-protégé contracts awarded prior to the end of FY2012. The Army Small Business Office is excited about our new teams and looks forward to successful outcomes for all!

New Mentor-Protégé Contracts: • BAE Systems and Electronic Solutions and Clear Align • BAE Systems and Electronic Solutions and Cristek Interconnects • Booz Allen Hamilton and Millennium Corp. • Jacobs Engineering Group and Windamir Development & Construction • Spec Pro, Inc. and Environmental Decisions, Inc.

areas of application security, information security, disaster recovery and business continuity planning. Windamir Development & Construction (Windamir) provides a wide array of services including, but not limited to, general construction, design-build, renovations, new construction, demolition, and electrical/mechanical contracting. With expertise training and technology transfer from Jacobs Engineering Group, Windamir will gain capability in specialty areas such as Army Green/LEED Silver programs for military construction, the design, construction, repair and remediation of firing and combat training ranges, project management, and health and safety best practices. Environmental Decisions, Inc. (EnDec) is recognized for its excellence in environmental consulting and technical services, public health services, homeland security and homeland defense programs, training, and meeting and planning conference support. Spec Pro will enhance and add to EnDec’s broad list of current capabilities by providing training in key areas of UXO, toxic substances identification, ground water and soil sampling, OSHA & HAZWOPER training, spill response and wetlands training. Again, welcome to our program!

More information about the protégés is below. Clear Align is a leading small business designer of advanced imaging and laser solutions. Clear Align: The company has managed to successfully commercialize some products under government contracts serving some of the Nation’s most sensitive satellites, tanks, and hand held devices. BAE will assist in further developing Clear Align as a top tier supplier for the manufacture of several optics related items, specifically, featherweight night vision lenses, infrared illuminators for night vision imaging, and fiber optic test kits for aircraft carriers. Cristek Interconnects (Cristek) designs and manufactures electronic connectors, cable and harness assemblies and other specialized electromechanical assemblies, primarily for military and aerospace firms. The purpose of this agreement is to develop and sustain Cristek as a preferred supplier base for the manufacture and procurement of three gating items on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Missile (THAAD) program. Millennium Corp. is a SDVOSB professional services and management solutions partner offering world class integrated business solutions for all levels of government and commercial enterprises. Services offered include a full range of comprehensive management, information technology, and logistics and training support. Booz Allen will provide core knowledge and training in the areas of analysis of alternatives/economic analysis, performance-based logistics and cyber security with specific guidance provided in the

In addition, we have updated our Policies and Procedures and FY2013 Proposal Instructions posted on the www.sellingtoarmy.com website. A new innovative feature, added by our technical staff, now allows for full electronic proposal submission. No more hard copies and stacks of paper deliveries to the Pentagon. All proposals must now be submitted through an upload feature on our website. We are extremely proud of our new user friendly application and in the efforts of going green and paperless…we give ourselves a big HOOAH! We look forward to sharing more information with you in our next newsletter regarding the 2013 Nunn Perry Nomination packets (currently available on our website), the 2013 Mentor-Protégé Conference tentatively scheduled for 10-12 September 2013 in Long Beach, CA, and the introduction of several more innovative mentor-protégé teams. Also, please check our website for new success stories about our current and past participants. We wish you all a very Happy New Year! ■ Submitted by: Ms. Marina Sullivan Support Contractor Mentor-Protégé Program Army OSBP

Newsletter | January 2013

GEN Dennis Via, Commanding General, Army Materiel Command; Mrs. Linda Via; and MG (R) Jerome “Jerry” Johnson.

United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation - 2012 Knowledge Forum he United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP) held their 2012 Knowledge Forum on 13 December, 2012 in Washington, DC. UNCFSP was born from the long-standing traditions of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which works diligently to create connections between the diverse, high-performing workforce of the minority education community and private industry to address the nation’s imperatives. Their goal is to provide Minority Institutions with capacity-building opportunities; the government and private industry with access to a talented and diverse workforce; and individuals with the experience, exposure, mentoring, and development they need to have successful and empowered careers.

The forum featured two high impact panels. The first panel focused on Small Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation and featured speakers Dr. Reginald Brothers, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research, Department of Defense; Mr. Major Clark, Office of Advocacy, Small Business Administration; Mr. David Hinson, National Director, Minority Business Development Agency; Department of Commerce; Mr. Gene Waddy, President & CEO, DIVERSANT, LLC; Dr Charles Wessner, Director, National Academies of Science; and, Dr. R. Timothy McDonald, Provost and Senior Vice President, Oakwood University. The second panel focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Featured speakers included Mr. Leland Melvin, Astronaut, Associate Administrator, Office of Education, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Dr.Ernest McDuffie,

Lead, National Initiative for Cyber Security, National Institute for Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce; Ms. Karen Rawls, Public and Government Affairs, Gulf of Mexico Business Unit, Chevron Corporation; Mr. Brian Kelly, Editor, U.S. News & World Report; Ms. Edie Fraser, CEO STEMconnector; and, Mr. Bill Thomas, Associate Vice President, Office of Government Relations, Hampton University. A networking and awards ceremony closed out the forum and featured General Dennis Via, 18th Commanding General, Army Materiel Command. He spoke on the importance of diverse talent and innovation required to support national security, global competitiveness, and leadership. General Via was also amongst the UNCFSP award recipients. He received the Strength in Diversity Leadership award. Additional recognition was conveyed to other notable leaders for their contributions in promoting diversity in STEM: Mr. Charles Bolden, NASA Administrator; Dr. Charles McDuffie, Lead, Cyber Security Education, National Institute for Science and Technology; and Mr. Warner Williams, Vice President, Chevron Corporation Gulf of Mexico Business Unit; with UNCFSP’s Pioneer in STEM award. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Cynthia Lee Program Manager SDB/8(a) and HBCU/MI Programs Army OSBP

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

Page 17

Page 18 Back to Table of Contents

Program Focus

Newsletter | January 2013

GEN Dennis Via, Commanding General, Army Materiel Command; Mrs. Linda Via; and MG (R) Jerome “Jerry” Johnson.

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

Page 19

Page 20 Back to Table of Contents

Program Focus

Defense and Homeland Security Training Established at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The Veterans’ Entrepreneurship Task Force (VET-Force) Advocates for Small Businesses he Veterans’ Entrepreneurship Task Force (VETForce) was organized in 1998 to advocate for the development and passage of Public Law (P.L.) 10650: the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999. It is composed of over 200 organizations and affiliates representing thousands of veterans throughout the United States; a high percentage of which are small businesses. The VET-Force primary mission is to monitor the implementation of the programs, agencies, and organizations referenced under P.L. 106-50 and to present a strong unified veteran voice for virtually all of the major veterans groups, as well as veteran entrepreneurs; and to advocate for opportunities for veterans, particularly disabled veterans, seeking assistance to succeed in small business and self-employment.

he Fayetteville State University (FSU) Center for Defense and Homeland Security (CDHS) was founded in late 2010. Its mission is to foster education, research and the commercialization of scientific technologies with national laboratories, industry partners, institutions of higher education, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and other federal, state, and local entities in support of the mitigation and recovery of natural and manmade catastrophic disasters. According to FSU Chancellor James A. Anderson, it is the only historically black college/ university (HBCU) that houses such an organization. CDHS is being positioned to become a Center of Excellence. School leadership has a vision of the center serving as a model for other HBCUs desirous of embracing the security needs of our Nation.

VET-Force was also instrumental in the development, research and crafting of P.L. 108-183: the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003, which enables Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned firms to receive sole source and restricted competition contracts for goods and services used by the

VET-Force meets monthly in the Washington, DC area to discuss the issues pertinent to the success of veteran business owners. They also continue their vigilant oversight of legislation and advocacy of ideas in the areas of acquisition, planning, marketing, and outreach to ensure that veterans and service disabled veterans receive the full benefits as assigned in the Veteran program. Additional information can be found on the VET-Force website at www. vet-force.org. ■ Submitted by: Mr. James Lloyd Program Manager Service-Disabled / Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Programs Army OSBP

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Speaks at National Small Business Federal Contracting Summit

FSU is seeking opportunities to obtain federal dollars while collaboratively enhancing the execution of federal objectives. CDHS is under the direction of Dr. Curtis Charles, and is composed of a team of interdisciplinary research scholars in varied areas of expertise. Some of those areas include computer science and mathematics, sociology, biology, chemistry and physics, geography and criminal justice. It is a cross-section of more than 20 well accomplished FSU professors and researchers. Focus areas include cyber security systems; infrastructure protection and disaster management; stem education and outreach; chemical and biological countermeasures; and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

s. Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, kicked off the National Small Business Federal Contracting Summit, which was hosted jointly by the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Small Business Contractors, the American Small Business Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC on 16-17 October 2012.

Ms. Pinson presented key information for small businesses, outlining the contracting opportunities available for them within the Army. She was followed by Ms. Alexandra Kessler, Partner, Aronson LLC, who presented on financial fundamentals every small business should know in government contracting. Ms. Sherry Freeman, Director, OSDBU, White House Services ended the day with a session on understanding the request for quotes process.

FSU is the second-oldest public institution in North Carolina. A member of the University of North Carolina System, FSU has nearly 6,000 students and offers degrees in more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. For more information, contact Dr. Curtis Charles, CDHS Executive Director at (910) 672-2006 or at ccharles@uncfsu.edu. ■

The second day included briefings on:

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

U.S. Government. The anticipated awards of sole source contracts are not to exceed $6 million for manufacturing and $3.5 million for other contract opportunities.

• State of the State of Women’s Contracting • Strategies to Success: From Partnership to Prime • Growing Pains – Doubling Your Business in 18 Months

Newsletter | January 2013

• Next Steps to Success • Role of the Procurement Center Representative Opportunities • Uncovering Contracts Using Agency Forecast • Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contracts: How to Get on Them and Win the Work • Developing a Successful Mentor Protégé Relationship • How to get in the Door and Land Contracts with US Agency for International Development • Building a Powerful Capabilities Statement The afternoon portion of the event was devoted entirely to the small business matchmaking between industry and major prime contractors /government contracting officials. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Stacy Watson Program Manager Women-Owned Program Army OSBP

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

Page 19

Page 20 Back to Table of Contents

Program Focus

Defense and Homeland Security Training Established at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Speaks at National Small Business Federal Contracting Summit

The second day included briefings on:

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

U.S. Government. The anticipated awards of sole source contracts are not to exceed $6 million for manufacturing and $3.5 million for other contract opportunities.

• State of the State of Women’s Contracting • Strategies to Success: From Partnership to Prime • Growing Pains – Doubling Your Business in 18 Months

Newsletter | January 2013

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

Page 21

Page 22 Back to Table of Contents

Program Focus

Small Business Contracting Reform Signed into Law n 03 Jan 2013, President Barack Obama signed into law the “National Defense Authorization Act of 2013, (NDAA). While the NDAA sets priorities and policies for U.S. national security, the act includes contracting reform legislation reported by the House Small Business Committee.

House Small Business Committee Chairman, Sam Graves, (R-MO) stated “These reforms will help small businesses compete in the federal marketplace, bring efficiency and costsavings to the taxpayer, and create jobs while doing it.“ ■

Some Notable Contracting Provisions in the NDAA: • Enforces existing small business contracting goals by requiring that meeting the goals be a part of senior agency employee reviews and bonus discussions. • Changes limitations on subcontracting from cost to price, which will make it easier for small businesses to comply with procurement rules, while also allowing them to team together to pursue larger contracts. • Requires the Small Business Administration to develop size standards that accurately define what is a small business for each of the over 1,100 industries. • Prevents contracting fraud by placing penalties on violating limitations on subcontracting, and makes it easier to suspend and debar companies intentionally defrauding the government. • Fights contract bundling. • Helps woman-owned small contractors by removing the set-aside caps on the women’s contracting program. • Gives small business a “safe Harbor” if they acted on a written advisory opinion from either a Small Business Development Center or Procurement Technical Assistance Center and violated a rule by mistake. Submitted by: Ms. Portia L. Deans Procurement Analyst Army OSBP

Program Focus

HBCU Week: A Tribute to Historically Black Colleges and Universities Across the Nation n 21 September 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed September 23 through September 29, 2012, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week. His proclamation issued a call to educators, public officials, professional organizations, corporations, and all Americans to observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the immense contributions HBCUs and their alumni have made to our country.

Numerous activities and functions were held in response to the President’s call. One such activity was a two-day national conference hosted by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities under the leadership of Dr. John S. Wilson, Jr, Executive Director. The theme of the conference was “HBCUs Enhancing Innovation and Advancement”, and it attracted educators from around the country, representatives across federal agencies, and representatives from private industry. Speakers included several members from the highest ranks of President Obama’s administration, members from Congress, government, and private industry. They touched on such subjects as Enhancing the Research Capacity of HBCUs; HBCUs and the Federal Government; Global Engagement and the Role of HBCUs in International Development; and Driving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Opportunities for Liberal Arts Colleges into High Gear. America’s HBCUs were founded over 150 years ago and served as an opportunity for higher education, a path to freedom and independence, overcoming barriers of injustice, and achievement of wealth and success for African Americans. Additionally, they served and continue to serve as longstanding pillars of pride and history for that community. Graduates have played a vital role in fortifying our Nation and continuously moving it forward. Two such individuals are Ms. Asia Matthew and Ms. Ashley Matthew, proud dual major 2012 graduates of Xavier University, an HBCU located in New Orleans, LA. They both completed their studies with a 4.0 GPA. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Cynthia Lee Program Manager Army SDB and 8(a) Programs Army OSBP

Asia and Ashley Matthew: Excellence Times Two rowing up in Boston’s predominantly Black Roxbury neighborhood, twins Asia and Ashley Matthew began to understand that they wanted to improve the medical prognosis for underserved residents of low-income communities.

When they moved to Quincy, Mass., at age 13 and matriculated at Quincy High School, they had a choice of colleges. They selected Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation’s only historically Black Catholic university and an institution known for its STEM programs and its annual number-one national ranking for sending the most AfricanAmericans to medical schools. After graduating from Xavier this year with 4.0 GPAs in both pre-med and chemistry, Asia and Ashley, now 22, are now enrolled in the University of Massachusetts Medical School. But there’s more. Not only were they accepted into UMass’ medical school, but they were admitted into the prestigious M.D./Ph.D. joint program with the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, which accepts no more than 10 students each year. For the first time, they were actually planning to go their separate ways. “We applied together, but it’s very, very difficult to get into UMass, which was our number one choice,” Asia told Diverse. “So we had discussed early on that it was probably time for us to separate and spread our wings.” They’re happy that they’re still together and attending medical school in their home state. All the better for pursuing their number two passion: mentoring and encouraging young people to pursue STEM careers. “We definitely want to be role models for other people. It’s really important,” said Asia, who views their newfound celebrity as an opportunity to speak out on “clear disparities” that exist in health care. “We need more African-American women, especially in research to help determine why we have disparities — such as more high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease — in our communities.” Both are excited about research in areas that affect communities of color. “We want to not only help them physically, but to improve their longevity with better models. … We would like to come up with different conventions from those already in place,” said Ashley. At Xavier, the twins studied the histone deacetylase class of enzymes that play a role in gene expression and gene regulation and are important in development of cancer treatments. Their chemistry professor and mentor at Xavier, Dr. Terry Watt, said that even as undergraduates, the Matthew twins were not just students, they were already scientists. “They’re really interested in being able to apply the research

Newsletter | January 2013

to medicine, trying to find the root causes of medical problems,” Watt said. Xavier President Dr. Norman Francis sees Asia and Ashley’s decision to attend Xavier as symbolic of the university’s resilience, despite its recent challenges from natural disasters that have afflicted New Orleans. “These young ladies reaffirm what we have been doing at Xavier in terms of preparing young people for service in the medical field, and they continue the legacy, even though we’ve had [hurricanes] Katrina, Gustav and Isaac.” Francis said top students from all over the country continue to be attracted to Xavier’s renowned STEM programs — despite the weather. “We lost about 400 students from Katrina in 2005 but we have captured some of that [enrollment] back.” Francis adds that “about 62 percent of our student body are in STEM fields, which we find amazing, because the national average is 40 percent.” The Matthew twins spent Summer 2010 in the UMass medical school’s Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship Program. Also while they were at Xavier, Ashley and Asia participated in the Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, which receives high praise from both women. “In that program, we were encouraged and motivated to attend grad school; we visited different schools and we were able to present our research at conferences. It was a great experience,” Ashley said. Karen Lawton, director of admissions for the UMass medical school, said the Matthews “had very impressive backgrounds and we are very pleased that they are in our program.” Each twin has a unique goal for the future. “I want to own a hospital for underserved populations,” Asia states definitively, adding that she is interested in both practice and research. Ashley stresses research, which she feels can serve a broader purpose, although she considers both important. But Asia and Ashley share a common goal, a sense of commitment to the African-American community. Asia speaks of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. and wanting to “expand upon the things they did to improve the lives of others.” And Ashley mentions speaking to middle school children and “watching their eyes light up when we talk about what college life is like.” Ashley adds, “If I can motivate just one of them to become a doctor or to go into a STEM field, that’s one more role model we’ll have in the future.” ■ By Pearl Stewart. Reprinted with permission from Diverse Issues In Higher Education, www.diverseeducation.com

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

Page 21

Page 22 Back to Table of Contents

Program Focus

Newsletter | January 2013

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

Page 23

Page 24 Back to Table of Contents

Program Focus

Statistics

Understanding Mentoring – What it is and its the Value entoring requires a personal body language which is very Government relationship in which a more important in dealing with people experienced company or and businesses. Talking about Accountability person helps a less experienced something is good, but showing a company or person. The company person really removes all doubt. that gains the mentorship/guidance Office • Harvesting: This has to do with is usually referred to as the protégé.

he Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress. GAO exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the Federal Government for the American people. GAO examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

Both small business and contracting operations are impacted by the work GAO performs. They are involved in bid protests, legal decisions, reviews on the various aspects of small business programs and contracting procedures. Their work oftentimes results in Congress passing and changing laws that govern these offices. As a result, the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the accompanying supplements are revised. These decisions and impacts are too numerous to enumerate; however, this information is readily available. The fastest and easiest way to obtain copies of GAO documents at no cost is through GAO’s website (www.gao. gov), where each weekday afternoon, GAO posts newly released reports, testimony, and correspondence. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Cynthia Lee Program Manager SDB/8(a) and HBCU/MI Programs Army OSBP

Mentoring is a process based on a myriad of outings or meetings that always require good communication.

Mentoring can be viewed as a process for open and caring support, guidance and knowledge, which is perceived by the recipient as relevant to professional or personal development. When mentoring is offered, there is typically face to face contact and informal communication during a prolonged period of time between two or more persons or companies. One of the main points of mentoring is to develop the whole person or the entire business. There are several techniques that will assist with this and five of the top techniques are listed below: • Accompanying: The mentor must teach side by side so that the protégé knows they are invested in them. If people know there is commitment to teaching, they will almost always give their best. • Catalyzing: The mentor plunges the protégé into doing things a new way, forcing a new way of thinking. If things have always been completed one way, it can be challenging to try something new, but if you are learning from a mentor that has been successful, it becomes easier. • Showing: It’s important for the mentor to lead by example and have the protégé watch what they are doing and saying so that they see firsthand the lessons being taught. It also teaches

what has been learned, how it is used, and ensures that the information shared has been stored. Some of the values of mentoring include being a good guide, having learned important lessons and now showing the protégé how to navigate through the same issues and what pitfalls to avoid.

• Listening: A mentor must be a good listener and willing, through time, to help shape the protégé’s future. If proper listening skills are employed, strengths and weaknesses can be determined, helping develop skills, foster a sense of belonging, providing a fresh perspective on dealing with a problem, suggest alternatives instead of telling the mentee what to do, and motivate the protégé to perform at their best. In conclusion, a mentor is considered a wise and trusted partner and mentoring is vital for an individual as well as a company. If mentored properly with the right approach, the rewards are unending with effects that will last a lifetime and could cause a business or individual to have longevity, realize success, and eventually give back as a mentor themselves one day. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

Army Works Toward Improving Small Business Utilization in Services Acquisitions n 27 June 2011 the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L) issued a memo affirming the importance of increasing small business participation in the acquisition of goods and services. Furthering this, on 13 March 2012, Mr. Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense, AT&L, issued a memo recognizing that certain service portfolio groups (knowledge based services, electronics and communications services, and facility related services) “offer greater opportunities for increasing both small business participation and overall effective competition rates.” The memo went on to establish a goal of increasing small business participation in these portfolios by at least 10 percentage points by the end of FY2013.

In response to this guidance, OSBP has been looking closely at Army spending within these portfolios. Figure 1 (below) shows the daily growth in Army small business spend in the three portfolios combined. FY2013 data is through 19 December 2012 and the data points for the same day in FY2012 are noted for comparison. These reveal that Army is ahead of where it was last year in terms of large and small business spending, but significantly behind in small business

percentage (23 percent vs. 16 percent). While this does not look good in terms of meeting the 42.23 percent goal, it should be noted that we are still very early in the year. We estimate that only about 15 percent of the eventual total FY2013 small business eligible spend is reflected in the 19 December 2012 data below. Figure 2 (next page) shows each Army Command’s small business performance in each of the portfolios from FY2010 – FY2012. In FY2010, the Army small business percentage for the three portfolios combined was 32.23 percent. Therefore, in accordance with Mr. Kendall’s guidance, Army’s FY2013 spend should be 42.23 percent. To assist commands in increasing their FY2013 small business participation rates, OSBP will be conducting MaxPrac analysis, which reveals industry areas in which specific commands may be overlooking small businesses. Associate Directors can expect the results of this analysis in February 2013. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

Figure 1. FY12 vs. FY13 Army Small Business Performance in Service Portfolios (through 12-19-12) Green line: Small business percentage Blue line: Large business spend Red line: Small business spend Note: Spend is measured on the left axis, small business percentage is measured on the right axis. Source: FPDS-NG as of 12-20-12

Newsletter | January 2013

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

Page 23

Page 24 Back to Table of Contents

Program Focus

Statistics

Mentoring is a process based on a myriad of outings or meetings that always require good communication.

Newsletter | January 2013

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

Page 26

Page 25 Back to Table of Contents

Statistics

Continued from previous page.

Figure 2. FY10 Through FY13 YTD Army Small Business Performance by Service Portfolio Source: FPDS as of 12/19/2012

Commands AMC = US Army Matriel Command ATEC = US Army Test and Evaluation Command INSCOM = US Army Intelligence and Security Command MEDCOM = US Army Medical Command NGB = National Guard Bureau

PEO STRI = US Army Program Executive Office, Simulation Training and Instrumentation SMDC = US Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command USACE = US Army Corps of Engineers USAMRAA = US Army Medical Research Acquistion Activity

Newsletter | January 2013

Programs KBS = Knowledge Based Services ECS = Electronics and Communications Services FRS = Facility Related Services

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

Page 26

Page 25 Back to Table of Contents

Statistics

Continued from previous page.

Figure 2. FY10 Through FY13 YTD Army Small Business Performance by Service Portfolio Source: FPDS as of 12/19/2012

Commands AMC = US Army Matriel Command ATEC = US Army Test and Evaluation Command INSCOM = US Army Intelligence and Security Command MEDCOM = US Army Medical Command NGB = National Guard Bureau

Newsletter | January 2013

Programs KBS = Knowledge Based Services ECS = Electronics and Communications Services FRS = Facility Related Services

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

Page 27

Page 28 Back to Table of Contents

Calendar of Events

Newsletter | January 2013

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

Page 27

Page 28 Back to Table of Contents

Calendar of Events

Newsletter | January 2013

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

Page 29

Page 30 Back to Table of Contents

Calendar of Events

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

Article submission deadline: 15 March, 2013

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

U.S. Army OSBP Our Mission

• Advise the Secretary of the Army and the Army leadership on small business related matters • Spearhead innovative initiatives that contribute to expanding the small business industrial base relevant to the Army mission priorities • Leverage the use of minority serving educational institutions in support of Army science and technology programs

Our Vision

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

Statement by President Barack Obama

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

Newsletter | January 2013

Page 29

Page 30

Calendar of Events

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

Article submission deadline: 15 March, 2013

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

U.S. Army OSBP Our Mission

Our Vision

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

Statement by President Barack Obama

Newsletter | January 2013