Army OSBP Magazine October 2012 by Ricardo Ruiz

Back Cover

Front Cover

Page 34

Page 1

In This Issue 2

Senior Leader Corner

• • • • • •

Director’s Message Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Small Business Hosts Small Business Expo DEPSECDEF Issues New Expectations for Senior Executives’ Support of Small Business OSBP Director Attends Retirement Ceremony of First Female Four-Star General MG Temple Retires from USACE Remembering a Phenomenal Small Business Advocate

Program Focus • • • • • • • •

OSBP Awards Contracts to Two Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Firms 6th Annual Blue Coast Small Business Procurement Event Army Small Business Conference Provides Small Businesses “Access to Success” Subcontracting Surveillance Reviews 2012 National Veteran Small Business Conference DoD OSBP Senior Leadership Host Small Business Training Conference Peer Reviews Army Participates in the Small Business Procurement Conference at George Mason University

Command Focus

• Senator Claire McCaskill, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and Small Business and Technology Development Center Procurement Conference • 2nd Annual Southern California 8(a) Conference • 2012 Midwest Small Business Government Contracting Symposium • USACE Charleston District Issues First Job Order Contract (JOC) • USACE Honolulu District Supports the DoD Hawaii Small Business Forum • AMC HQ Commander Presents Achievement Medals for Civilian Service in Support of Small Business • Pacific Northwest Clean Technology Defense Symposium • Fort Sill Small Business Specialist Attends NCMA World Congress 2012 • Colorado Springs Annual Chamber of Commerce 2012 Small Business Outreach Conference: “Gateway to Government Contracting” • MICC OSBP Uses SharePoint to Convey Achievements • Small Business Counseling Opens Doors for Small Businesses • MICC Small Business Participates in Economic Development Training • Troy University Matchmaking Outreach • MICC Small Business Matchmaking Opportunity • MICC Supports the Altus Air Force Base Annual Vendor Fair • Technological Innovations Utilizing Simple QR Codes • Supporting Outreach Efforts in Texas

Success Stories

• Army Celebrates Its 237th Birthday at the Pentagon • US Army Rapid Equipping Force Looks to Small Business Innovation in Aerostat Technology • From the Ground Up: Dawn Halfaker Speaks Candidly on Entrepreneurship and Building a Business at the ANSER Distinguished Speaker Series • Cluster Finds New Energy Sources • Small Business Award for the Flexible Engine Diagnostics System (FEDS) • Small Business Wins Multimillion Dollar “Shrapnel Shorts” Contract

Statistics

• FY 2012 (through 9/20/12) Army Small Business Performance Ahead of Stellar FY 2011 Performance

Legislative Update

Calendar of Events

• Current Small Business Legislation Being Considered Before the 112th Congress

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

Points of Contact Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director tracey.l.pinson.civ@mail.mil

Mr. James Lloyd Assistant to the Director, Program Manager, SDVOSB & HUBZone james.c.lloyd20.civ@mail.mil

Production of the next issue is already underway!

Ms. Peggy Butler Assistant to the Director Program Manager, Mentor-Protégé & Subcontracting peggy.w.butler.civ@mail.mil

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

Ms. Suellen Jeffress Deputy Director suellen.d.jeffress.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 ....................................................

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

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

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Halfaker & Associates, LLC Support Contractor to the Army OSBP

www.twitter.com/ArmySmallBiz

Mr. Michael Bradley michael.bradley@halfaker.com

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

www.flickr.com/ArmySmallBiz

Newsletter | October 2012

Mr. Anthony Braun anthony.m.braun2.ctr@mail.mil Mr. Ricardo Ruiz ricardo.ruiz@halfaker.com

Article submission deadline: 14 December, 2012.

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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

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Calendar of Events

Director’s Message

Ms. Tracey L. Pinson, Director

ith an estimated 80 percent of small business eligible contract actions for FY 2012 reported in the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), the Army Small Business Program appears to be on track to improve significantly upon the unprecedented success of FY 2011. According to Army OSBP analysis, the Army should be close to meeting the Department of Defense assigned small business goal of 27.84 percent as well as the socioeconomic program goals, with the exception of the HUBZone Program. Just a reminder, the Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, and HUBZone goals assigned to the Army by the DoD are higher than the statutory goals.

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

Newsletter | October 2012

Driving this tremendous success are strong improvements in small business contracting at the Corps of Engineers, the National Guard Bureau, and the Space

and Missile Defense Command. Each of these commands has increased their small business percentages by roughly four percent over the same period in FY 2011. We have also seen significant growth in our ServiceDisabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program, with strong performances from Army Materiel Command, Army Medical Command, the Corps of Engineers, and the National Guard Bureau. The Corps, which has already surpassed five percent in SDVOSB contracts this year, has now exceeded the three percent statutory goal for three years in a row. Remarkable performances like these are why the Army has one of the strongest small business programs in the federal government, and why we have been able to rise to the challenge year after year. Another key factor of our strong performance this fiscal year was the success of the Army Small Business Conference in August in Washington, DC. Over 450 people from small businesses, prime contractors, and the federal government took part in this twoday event, which provided valuable instruction on topics such as using FPDS for market research, teaming, proposal writing, and many more. Most importantly, the connections made between Army acquisition personnel and small businesses at this crucial part of the fiscal year helped push the Army closer to meeting its FY 2012 small business goal and help create lasting relationships that will carry over to the next fiscal year. FY 2013, I project continued strong performance for the Army

Small Business Program due to renewed commitment from Army senior leadership as well as new initiatives planned by my office. In February, Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Ashton Carter, announced a new small businessrelated mandatory performance requirement for senior leaders with influence over contracting. In a July memo, GEN Lloyd Austin, Army Vice Chief of Staff, and Dr. Joseph Westphal, Under Secretary of the Army, affirmed that Army senior leaders will have this requirement, which includes improving small business outreach and procurement monitoring, included on their performance plans. This support by senior leadership will be a key factor in maintaining our strong performance in FY 2013. This month we launched our new and vastly improved redesign of the Army Office of Small Business Programs website (www. sellingtoarmy.com). The site still has all of the same useful content but is much easier to navigate and several performance issues have been fixed. Many exciting new features are in the works, so keep checking back for updates. Due to an unwavering commitment by the Army Acquisition community and senior leadership, FY 2012 was the best year ever for the Army Small Business Program. However, continued improvement will require innovation and creativity. My office is dedicated to taking Army small business procurement to the next level in FY 2013. ■ Ms. Tracey L. Pinson Director

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

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Senior Leader Corner

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Small Business Hosts Small Business Expo

Legislative Update

Congressman Sam Graves, Chairman, House Small Business Committee.

n 21 May, Congressman Sam Graves, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Small Business, hosted the 4th Annual Sixth Congressional District Small Business Expo in Kansas City, MO. Congressman Graves provided opening remarks and small businesses had an opportunity to speak with him. Mayor Don Reimal, Mayor of the City of Independence, MO, also attended this event and talked to the small business representatives. Informative discussion panels were conducted on several topics, including: Growing Your Business: Small Business Administration and Growing Your Business: U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, and presentations were given on access to capital and utilization of on-line media for growing businesses. Over 100 small business representatives participated. Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Deputy Director, Army OSBP, and Mr. Arthur Saulsberry, Small Business Specialist, USACE District Kansas City, met with many of them during the Small Business Expo and business matchmaking. This one-day event provided a wonderful opportunity for small businesses in the Kansas City area to meet with federal agency and private industry representatives to discuss potential procurement opportunities and gather information about growing their businesses. ■

contracts by small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities. Sponsor: Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] (introduced 11/16/2011) Cosponsors: None Committees: House Armed Services; House Small Business Latest Major Action: 11/16/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.3513

Mayor Don Reimal, Mayor of the City of Independence, MO and Ms. Suellen Jeffress, Deputy Director, Army OSBP.

To require at least 10 percent of certain transportation funding to be made available for small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Sponsor: Rep Brown, Corrine [FL-3] (introduced 11/29/2011) Cosponsors: 39 Committees: House Transportation and Infrastructure; House Small Business Latest Major Action: 11/16/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

H.R.3860

Help Veterans Return to Work Act. Sponsor: Rep Garamendi, John [CA-10] (introduced 2/1/2012) Cosponsors: 22 Committees: House Veterans’ Affairs Latest Major Action: 6/21/2012 House committee/ subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

H.R.4048 A small business owner (left) meets with Mr. Arthur Saulsberry, Small Business Specialist, USACE Kansas City District.

Improving Contracting Opportunities for VeteranOwned Small Businesses Act of 2012. Sponsor: Rep Johnson, Bill [OH-6] (introduced 2/16/2012) Cosponsors: None Committees: House Veterans’ Affairs Latest Major Action: 3/28/2012 House committee/ subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

H.R.4324

Small Business Employee Health Insurance Credit Expansion Act of 2012.

Submitted by: Ms. Suellen Jeffress Deputy Director

Sponsor: Rep Kind, Ron [WI-3] (introduced 3/29/2012) Cosponsors: 1 Committees: House Ways and Means Latest Major Action: 3/29/2012 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.4375

Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act of 2012. Sponsor: Rep Johnson, Sam [TX-3] (introduced 4/17/2012) Cosponsors: None Committees: House Ways and Means Latest Major Action: 4/17/2012 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.AMDT.1162 to H.R.5854

Amendment requires that veteran-owned small businesses be given the preference for contracts equal to that of any group eligible for a preferred consideration except for service-disabled veteranowned small businesses which would receive greater consideration. Sponsor: Rep Fitzpatrick, Michael G. [PA-8] (introduced 5/31/2012) Cosponsors: None Latest Major Action: 5/31/2012 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Fitzpatrick amendment (A009) Agreed to by voice vote.

S.633

Small Business Contracting Fraud Prevention Act of 2011. Sponsor: Sen Snowe, Olympia J. [ME] (introduced 3/17/2011) Cosponsors: 13 Committees: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship; House Small Business Latest Major Action: 9/22/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business. Source: Library of Congress (http://thomas.loc.gov/home/bills_ res.html) Compiled by: Mr. Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

Mr. Saulsberry, Congressman Graves, and Ms. Jeffress.

Newsletter | October 2012

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

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Legislative Update

Senior Leader Corner

Current Small Business Legislation Being Considered Before the 112th Congress H.R.9

Small Business Tax Cut Act. Sponsor: Rep Cantor, Eric [VA-7] (introduced 3/21/2012) Cosponsors: 42 Committees: House Ways and Means; Senate Finance House Reports: 12 -425 Latest Major Action: 4/23/2012 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

H.R.133

Creating Jobs From Innovative Small Businesses Act of 2011. Sponsor: Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] (introduced 1/5/2011) Cosponsors: 1 Committees: House Ways and Means Latest Major Action: 1/5/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.366

To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Graves, Sam [MO-6] (introduced 1/20/2011) Cosponsors: None Committees: House Small Business Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 12t-1.

H.R.744

Women’s Business Ownership Act of 2011. Sponsor: Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice [TX-30] (introduced 2/16/2011) Cosponsors: 1 Committees: House Financial Services; House Small Business; House Oversight and Government Reform Latest Major Action: 3/23/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.

H.R.1657

To amend title 38, United States Code, to revise the enforcement penalties for misrepresentation of a business concern as a small business concern

owned and controlled by veterans or as a small business concern owned and controlled by servicedisabled veterans. Sponsor: Rep Stutzman, Marlin A. [IN-3] (introduced 4/15/2011) Cosponsors: None Committees: House Veterans’ Affairs; Senate Veterans’ Affairs House Reports: 12 -85 Latest Major Action: 5/24/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

H.R.1812

Small Business Growth Act. Sponsor: Rep Connolly, Gerald E. “Gerry” [VA-11] (introduced 5/10/2011) Cosponsors: None Committees: House Oversight and Government Reform Latest Major Action: 5/13/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and Procurement Reform.

H.R.2443

Tax Credit to Hire Veterans Act of 2011. Sponsor: Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] (introduced 7/7/2011) Cosponsors: 11 Committees: House Ways and Means Latest Major Action: 7/7/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.3267

Protect Small Business Jobs Act of 2011. Sponsor: Rep Paul, Ron [TX-14] (introduced 10/26/2011) Cosponsors: 1 Committees: House Judiciary Latest Major Action: 11/2/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law.

H.R.3438

To require the Department of Defense to meet the annual goal for participation in procurement

DEPSECDEF Issues New Expectations for Senior Executives’ Support of Small Business

n a 10 February memo, Dr. Ashton Carter, Deputy Secretary of Defense, issued a new mandatory performance requirement for DoD senior executives aimed at “advancing small business contracting goals in FY 2012.” Citing the importance of small businesses to the national economic recovery and the large share of the federal budget that DoD comprises, Dr. Carter outlined the new requirement as part of a larger effort to help the federal government meet its 23 percent statutory small business prime contracting goal. The requirement, which will apply to all executives with influence over contract spending, directs executives to: establish a command or program climate that is responsive to small business concerns;

Newsletter | October 2012

The full text of the memo can be accessed at the following link: www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/ cpic/cp/docs/Advancing_Small_Business_ Contracting_Goals_in_FY_2012.pdf On 13 July, GEN Lloyd Austin, Army Vice Chief of Staff, and Dr. Joseph Westphal, Under Secretary of the Army, issued a memo in support of Dr. Carter’s memo. “We share the Deputy Secretary’s notion that it is not the sole responsibility of the contracting community to achieve small

business goals, but the responsibility of every leader who manages a budget and allocates funds that go to contract,” the memo stated. They went on to state that the Civilian Senior Leader Management Office has provided guidance for modifying the performance plans of Army senior leaders who meet the DEPSECDEF requirement. They added that they “expect all General Officers with similar duties to demonstrate the same level of leadership commitment [to small business utilization]”. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

OSBP Director Attends Retirement Ceremony of First Female Four-Star General

s. Tracey Pinson, Army OSBP Director, attended the retirement ceremony of the first female fourstar General, GEN Ann E. Dunwoody, on 15 August at Ft. Myer, VA. During her 37-year career, GEN Dunwoody commanded at every level. She began her final post as commander of US Army Materiel Command in November 2008. At the National Defense Industrial Association Materiel Enterprise Small Business Conference in November last year, GEN Dunwoody called on small business to help the Army achieve its mission despite budget cuts. “We can’t just do less of what we’ve been doing. We have to fundamentally change what we’ve been doing, so we can get after the costs associated with the way we do business. That’s where we need [small business] ideas, innovation, and your good inventions,” Dunwoody said. Army OSBP salutes GEN Dunwoody for her service and contributions to the Army small business mission, and wishes her well in retirement. ■

incorporate small business outreach and support in their overall mission as well as performance measures; establish annual small business goals for each category that has a statutory goal; and develop a spending plan for progress tracking by the Undersecretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics).

GEN Ann Dunwoody, Commander, AMC with her husband Mr. Craig Brotchie at her retirement ceremony.

Submitted by: Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

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Statistics

Senior Leader Corner

MG Temple Retires from USACE resource projects, he managed the Army’s $10 billion annual Civil Works Program. Additionally, he was responsible for the federal emergency flood fighting effort, recovery operations, and emergency engineering and public works support in response to natural or manmade disasters. As the DCG-CEO, MG Temple served as the President of the U.S. Section of the International Navigation Association, President of the Corps’ Coastal Engineering Research Board, and Executive Director of the Inland Waterways User Board. Prior to serving as the DCG-CEO, MG Temple was the Deputy Commanding General of Military and International Operations, USACE, where he was responsible for policy, program, and technical functions in the execution of over $20 billion of design, construction, and environmental programs for DoD and other federal agencies and foreign countries. Before coming to Headquarters, MG Temple served as Commander of the North Atlantic Division, USACE. Other previous assignments include duty as the Theater Engineer (C7), Combined Joint Task Force Seven, Baghdad, Iraq and Commander of the USACE Transatlantic Programs Center in Winchester, VA. He also served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations (G3), XVIII Airborne Corps and commanded both the 20th Engineer Brigade (Combat) (Airborne Corps) and the 307th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, NC. Army OSBP wishes MG Temple the best in his future endeavors. ■

Major General Merdith W. B. (Bo) Temple.

ajor General Merdith W. B. (Bo) Temple retired from active duty on 11 June. He most recently served as the Acting Chief of Engineers and Acting Commanding General, USACE. USACE has over 36,000 employees, and manages a $40 billion annual program. He was dual-hatted in this capacity for a year, also serving as the Deputy Commanding General and Deputy Chief of Engineers. In April, MG Temple received the Secretary of the Army’s highest award for small business program excellence. He has a history of strong support to the small business industry, recognizing their value to USACE, to the Nation, and to

Newsletter | October 2012

our Soldiers. MG Temple understood that small business contracts create jobs, and job creation is critical to our national economic recovery. He actively pushed small business excellence to Commanders. His expectations of small business program support were very high and applicable to every leader at every level of USACE. MG Temple’s previous assignment was the Deputy Commanding General of Civil and Emergency Operations (DCGCEO), USACE. As the Nation’s primary planner, designer, builder, and operator of flood control, navigation, environmental restoration, and multi-purpose water

Submitted by: Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette Chief, USACE Small Business Program

MG Temple signing awards.

FY 2012 (through 9/20/12) Army Small Business Performance Ahead of Stellar FY 2011 Performance

ccording to FPDS-NG data pulled on 20 September, Army FY 2012 small business percentages are generally ahead of where they were at the same time in FY 2011, which was the Army’s best year ever in terms of the share of contract spending going to small businesses. At this time last year, the Army small business percentage was at 24.40 percent. Once all contracting action reports (CARs) for the fiscal year had been inputted into FPDS-NG, the final result for FY 2011 was 26.14 percent (Source: FPDS on 9/21/12). The Army is at 25.69 percent so far for FY 2012. If a similar increase is seen as the final CARs come in, the increased FY 2012 goal of 27.84 percent is not out of reach. Fueling the improvement over last year are strong performances from several Army commands, especially USACE, NGB, and SMDC. The Army is also ahead of where it was this time last year in all the socioeconomic

categories with statutory goals, except HUBZone. Most notably, the Army has improved on the unprecedented success of its SDVOSB program in FY 2011, when it exceeded the statutory three-percent goal for the first time. Awards to SDVOSBs for FY 2012 currently stand at 3.72 percent compared to 3.38 percent this time last year. Depending on performance in the homestretch FY 2012, the Army could exceed four percent in this category. Driving this success are notable improvements from AMC, SMDC and PEO STRI; as well as the continued stellar performance of USACE’s SDVOSB Program, which is on track to exceed the three percent goal for the third year in a row. Spending with HUBZone small businesses is down sharply, from 4.77 percent to 3.85 percent. According to Mr. James Lloyd, Program Manager, Army HUBZone Program, this is due in part to the numerous Army HUBZone

small business partners losing their HUBZone certification as a result of the Small Business Administration (SBA) rule changes at the end of FY 2011. Army OSBP is currently working on a report that will further explain the effects of the HUBZone decertification on the Army HUBZone Program. Fueled by strong performances from buying commands, Army looks poised to improve on its remarkable FY 2011 small business achievements. Army OSBP will be publishing weekly statistics as the final CARs come in, so stay tuned to see whether Army meets the 27.84 percent goal. ■ Submitted by:

Mr. Anthony Braun Support Contractor Army OSBP

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Success Stories

Program Focus

Small Business Award for the Flexible Engine Diagnostics System (FEDS)

down-select award to one small business. The contract efforts have a combined ceiling of approximately $89 Million. The final contract will be for five years.

Discussions among the Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC), the Office of Small Business Programs at the Army Aviation and Missile Command, Life Cycle Management Command, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding performance metrics, technical requirements, applicable industry classification codes, along with coordinated market research by the Redstone Army Contracting Command (Redstone-ACC) confirmed that the FEDS should be acquired as a Small Business Set-Aside. Subsequently, the FEDS was awarded as a two-step Small Business Set-Aside on 25 May, 2012. Step one resulted in the selection of two small businesses, TFAB Ground Systems, LLC and Strata G Solutions, Inc., each receiving a contract for the initial task for the Digital Flexible Engine Diagnostics System. The second step will be the

The FEDS is a turbo shaft engine test system designed to test and verify flight readiness of engines which have been removed from aircraft for maintenance or performance verification. It is used to verify repairs performed in support of Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Activities and depot level repairs authorized to be performed by Special Repair Activities. The FEDS is composed of a control and instrumentation cab module, a junction box, a small engine test trailer, a large engine test trailer, a fuel distribution skin, and other support sub-systems; including various test operations kits, an engine dress kit for each tested engine, and an instrumentation calibration kit. This system tests the T-53, T-55, and T-700 series for the Army and the T-700 and T-64 engines for the Air Force. The currently fielded FEDS is over 15 years old and has obsolescence and reliability issues. FEDS units are located at various Continental United States and Outside the Continental United States sites throughout the world. A Service Life Extension Program, included in this effort, will replace obsolete and unreliable systems with modern COTS base material.

he collaboration between numerous Army agencies and the Small Business Administration successfully met the Flexible Engine Diagnostics System (FEDS) requirement while achieving optimal growth for the small business community. The FEDS is managed by the Product Manager, Aviation Ground Support Equipment, Program Manager, Aviation Systems, Program Executive Office Aviation.

The Flexible Engine Diagnostic System (FEDS).

Mr. Louis Beaufait, AMRDEC, Program Manager for the FEDS, received the Army Materiel Command and the Department of the Army Program Manager of the Year Award for this effort. Mr. Beaufait is credited for his initiative to acquire the FEDS as a small business set-aside.

Submitted by: Ms. Mary Birdsong , AMCOM OSBP and Mr. Louis Beaufait, AMRDEC

Newsletter | October 2012

Submitted by: Mr. John J. O’Brien Jr. Associate Director, RDECOM Office of Small Business Programs

Ms. Oreta Stinson, (former) Deputy Director, Navy Small Business.

Ms. Stinson was encouraging to all with whom she came into contact. She served her country well with dedication to her duties. She will always be remembered as a champion of the small business community. ■

Shrapnel Shorts.

rmy OSBP is proud to announce the award of new contracts to firms New Concepts Management Solutions, Dayton, OH, and Halfaker and Associates, Arlington, VA. These contracts will enable the continuation of stellar support to the OSBP mission of maximizing opportunities for small business. Contract requirements include Mentor Protégé initiatives, database management support, website management, data mining, outreach and more. Performance will span a base and two option years, through 2015.

s. Oreta Stinson passed away on 7 June after a lengthy illness. She worked for the Navy for many years and most recently was the Deputy Director of Navy Small Business. During her career she received many awards to include the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award and most recently the Department of Defense Spirit Award.

Secure Planet’s successful offer was based upon their “Gen-II ABLT Shrapnel Shorts” product line. Seventy-five thousand units will be delivered to the Army by the end of this fiscal year, providing much needed protection to the Warfighter. ■

OSBP Awards Contracts to Two Service-Disabled VeteranOwned Small Business Firms Congratulations to Ms. Delores Stevens, Chief Executive Officer, New Concepts and Ms. Dawn Halfaker, Chief Executive Officer, Halfaker and Associates, and their staff. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Peggy Butler Program Manager Mentor-Protégé and Subcontracting Programs

6th Annual Blue Coast Small Business Procurement Event

The FEDS small business award demonstrates an excellent example of Army and Small Business Agencies utilizing combined efforts to benefit the small business community while accomplishing Army Mission requirements. ■

Small Business Wins Multimillion Dollar “Shrapnel Shorts” Contract ecure Planet, a small business located in Arlington, VA, has been awarded a multimillion dollar contract W91CRB-12-C-0047 to provide Protective Under Garments to the Army’s Product Manager for Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE). The requirement was solicited on an unrestricted basis under W91CRB12-R-0025, demonstrating the ability of small businesses to win against large businesses in head-to-head competition.

Remembering a Phenomenal Small Business Advocate

Submitted by: Mr. Cameron Miles Support Contractor Army OSBP

he 2012 Navy Blue Coast Small Business Procurement Event was hosted by the Office of Naval Research on 11-12 June. There were over 300 attendees from all over the country in the fields of products, solutions and services that supports the mission of our Sailors and Marines.

• HON Sean Stackley, Assistant Secretary of the Navy • Mr. Andre Gudger, Director, Department of Defense OSBP • Mr. Eric Fanning, Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy and Deputy Chief Management Officer, Office of the Under Secretary of the Navy

The event brought out the following dynamic speakers which addressed critical issues affecting small business contracting:

The Army OSBP joined with Office of Naval Research, Marine Corps, Defense Logistic Agency OSBP, Missile Defense Agency OSBP and large businesses` provided attendees with the opportunity to investigate new partnerships during the matchmaking sessions.

• Ms. Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor of Baltimore • RADM Matthew Klunder, Chief of NAVAL Research • Mr. Joseph Jordan, Senior Advisor, Office of Management and Budget • Mr. Michael Crawford, Senior Historian, Navel History and Heritage Command • Mr. John Thackrah, Excecutive Director, Military Sealift Command • RADM Kathleen Dussualt, Director, Logistics Programs and Corporate Operations Division • RADM Allie Coetzee, DASN-AP • Mr. John Shoraka, Associate Administrator, Government Contracting and Business Development, SBA

The Department of the Navy (DON) realized that small businesses are vital to fueling the economic success of our country. In Fiscal Year 2011, the FPDSNG reflected that the DON awarded $14.2B in prime contracts to small businesses. Over the last five years the DON has increased awards an avenge of $500 million each year. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Stacy Watson Program Manager Women-Owned Small Business Program

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

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Page 28 Success Stories SBA’s 8(a) program, which helps small companies secure government contracts, provides business development support including mentoring, business counseling, training and financial assistance. SBA has nearly $90 billion in loan guarantees to small businesses, making it one of the biggest financers of small business. The federal government awarded nearly $100 billion in contracts to small businesses in fiscal 2010, according to the SBA, representing 23 percent of all government contracts. Those contracts not only provide more revenue for small firms to grow and create jobs, Mills said, they allow the Army, Navy and other agencies to take advantage of business technology and innovation clusters, such as one she helped develop in Maine that teamed boat builders with composite products for faster and lighter hulls for incorporation in Navy Seal boats. “We are going to lead economic development in regions like this,” Mills said.

Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP; Mr. Ari Matusiak, Executive Director, White House Business Council; and Ms. Heidi Shyu, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army, Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)) speak during the opening session of the Army Small Business Conference, held 2 August in Washington, DC.

Army Small Business Conference Provides Small Businesses “Access to Success”

ver 400 small businesses owners from around the world attended the Army Small Business Conference hosted by OSBP on 2-3 August at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. The conference was designed to provide attendees with “Access to Success” through gaining knowledge and building successful business partnerships between federal government, small businesses and prime contractors. Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP stated “Small businesses are a critical part of the Army Industrial base. Outreach efforts like this conference play a major role in facilitating relationships with small businesses and Army buying activities. We are redoubling our efforts to leverage the strength of small businesses as we seek to acquire the best goods and services possible for the Warfighter.” Speakers included Mr. Ari Matusiak, Executive Director, White House Business Council; Ms. Heidi Shyu, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army, Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA (ALT)); Mr. Andre J. Gudger, Director, Department of Defense OSBP; and Mr. John Shoraka, Associate Administrator of Government Contracting

Newsletter | October 2012

and Business Development, Small Business Administration. The event included multiple government panel discussions such as Acquisition Policy and Legislative Issues; How to Do Business with the Army; Challenges and Opportunities of Contracting Officers; Utilizing the Federal Procurement Data System to Identify Contracting Opportunities; and Policy and Regulations for Women-Owned Small Businesses. The conference also included multiple industry panels that focused on how to cultivate business-to-business relationships, and facilitating small business networking opportunities. The conference supported the Army mission to enhance competition and improve efficiencies by giving small business attendees the opportunity to broaden their knowledge through in-depth forums and panel discussions, to connect with federal agencies and prime contractors through matchmaking sessions, and to engage with experts in the federal government through networking. The success of these small businesses translates into the creation of jobs at a time when many Americans need them the most. Special Recognition Awards were presented during the conference as follows.

FY 2011 ACOM, ASCC and DRU Awards • Small Business - Army Corps of Engineers • Small Disadvantaged Business - Army Corps of Engineers • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business - Army Corps of Engineers • Historically Underutilized Business Zone Army Corps of Engineers • Women Owned Small Business - SMDC FY11 Most Improved Program Award Certificates of Appreciation • Mr. Dan Shackelford, MEDCOM - Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, and Women Owned Small Business • Ms. Harriett Burton, INSCOM - ServiceDisabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Historically Underutilized Business Zone • Ms. Elizabeth Westerburg, NGB - Women Owned Small Business FY11 Small Business Specialist of the Year • Mr. Arthur Saulsberry, Army Corps of Engineers FY11 Part-Time Small Business Specialist of the Year • Ms. Tanya Brown, Army Materiel Command FY11 Contracting Professional of the Year • Ms. Lisa Slagle, Army Materiel Command

“Cluster initiatives work, but we are still getting push back on clusters on the Hill. We have to get your story demonstrated. I was sold with the boat builds in Maine, but this (energy initiative) is a whole other level. We can use what you are doing here to solve some of the nation’s energy challenges. Having the success you all have had through your cluster makes our job much easier.”

Ms. Karen Mills, Administrator, Small Business Administration (SBA), communicates by computer with the help of the GATR satellite antenna system operated by Mr. Roy Priest of GATR Technologies. GATR developed portable satellite technologies, such as the one behind Mills, for use by Soldiers in theater. They are now finding commercial applications for the technology. The company has been able to grow with the assistance of SBA loans.

Mills said defense secretary Leon Panetta is committed to small business. “He absolutely supports these (small business) programs in a way that didn’t exist before,” she said. “You are showing us how it works right here by demonstrating your capabilities.” Also during her time in Huntsville, Mills viewed the communication capabilities of the GATR Technologies satellite antenna that has supported both the war fighter in theater and the local community during the April 27, tornado tragedy; and toured Tec-Masters’ creative multimedia facility, which performs video production, script writing, animation and training for customers including the Corps of Engineers, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Both small businesses have grown their defense contractor base through the assistance of SBA loans. ■

The Redstone Park and Energy Demonstration Center is the first of many centers that will bring solar energy to the Huntsville power grid and, specifically, to defense contractors in Cummings Research Park. It was made possible with the assistance of SBA loans and the Huntsville Advanced Defense Technology Cluster Initiative.

Submitted by: Ms. Kari Hawkins Assistant editor, Redstone Rocket *Reprinted with permission from Ms. Nancy Small Associate Director Army Material Command

Mr. Jeff Carvel of Carvel Concrete grinds and flattens the top of a column that will hold a stationary solar panel displayed at the Redstone Park and Energy Demonstration Center.

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Program Focus

Success Stories

Cluster Finds New Energy Sources Small businesses use Small Business Administration loans to develop power for the future.

untsville’s reputation as a leader in defense technology has gained the attention of the Small Business Administration. And that attention brought its leader – administrator Karen Mills – to Huntsville on 18 April to view what the area’s small business defense contractors have been able to do with the support of SBA loans. “You are poster children for what can happen when small business partners on government contracts,” Mills said. “The Department of Defense and all the primes have figured it out and they are partnering with small business. They have learned that working with small, innovative companies is a win-win situation.”

Mills’ visit to Huntsville took her to the corner of South Memorial Parkway and Airport Road, where a unique public-private arrangement known as the Redstone Park and Energy Demonstration Center is bringing solar energy to the Huntsville power grid and, specifically, to defense contractors in Cummings Research Park. Recently, the SBA awarded the Huntsville Advanced Defense Technology Cluster Initiative a two-year, $600,000 grant to support existing and new small businesses with business support and technology integration services to meet defense priorities in six key areas: small spacecraft; environmental monitoring; intel-surveillancerecon; robotics-interoperable systems; innovative energy applications and cybersecurity. The initiative team consists of: Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation; University of Alabama-Huntsville; Alabama A&M University; BizTech; Women’s Business Center of North Alabama; Defense Acquisition University; the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber of Commerce; Strategic Solutions Inc.; Plosila Consulting; and Southern Aerospace Company with support from the Redstone Arsenal’s Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center and Marshall Space Flight Center. The Redstone Park and Energy Demonstration Center is a result of work the initiative team has done with the Redstone Energy Group, a company led by retired Lt. Gen. Jim Pillsbury to provide renewable energy systems for

Newsletter | October 2012

municipalities, businesses and the military, and with Outpost Solar, a Tennessee-based solar-energy manufacturing company owned by Marine wounded war veteran Wilson Stevenson, to support defense priorities in the area of innovative energy applications. “This new endeavor will not only bring renewable energy to this city, it will also create jobs and small businesses,” Cole Walker of the Redstone Energy Group told Mills during her visit. The demonstration center, which will be open to the public in June and be the first of many sites in Madison County, will generate 173,127 kilowatt hours in its first year of operation and more than 5 million kilowatt hours during the next 30 years. The electrical power generated will be sold to Teneesee Valley Authority and then used by Huntsville Utilities. During the life of the demonstration center, the site will generate enough electricity to power 487 homes and cut more than 163,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from the environment. “We are planning 150 of these in the local community, with many placed in Cummings Research Park,” Walker said. “We are working with the SBA to make this possible.” The solar-energy system being demonstrated consists of parking area solar assemblies that feature a canopy with solar panels on its roof to provide both shade for parking areas and electric vehicle charging stations; and tracker systems that capture the energy of the sun as it tracks its movement through daylight hours. Groundand roof-mounted systems also will be installed at the center. “One of these panels will provide energy for one electric car for a year,” Walker told Mills. “They will get smaller and smaller, and it won’t be long before we will be putting one in our backyards, and never buying foreign oil again.” Pillsbury said solar energy also provides a resource during times of natural disasters, such as the April 27, 2011 tornadoes that hit North Alabama. “We were fighting two wars at the time and we had no power,” said Pillsbury, referring to the five-plus days that Redstone Arsenal was without power. Solar energy can help

prevent catastrophic power losses in the future, he said. The solar-energy system featured at the demonstration center was developed by Stevenson’s company for use at forward operating bases in theater. “Redstone Energy Group is taking that underlying Department of Defense capability, and expanding it and using it to create renewable energy for this community,” said Marty Kress, who leads the Huntsville Advanced Defense Technology Cluster Initiative. Kress said that through other public-private partnerships like the one on display at the solar-energy demonstration center, the cluster initiative hopes to stimulate the economy through new advanced defense technology contracts, create new companies and new jobs in advanced defense technology, reduce the time to deliver technology to the war fighter, encourage a new wave of regional technological innovation, and increase collaborations among government, industry, and academia to strengthen and diversify the local economy. The cluster initiative helps small businesses identify and understand Department of Defense customer requirements, provides intelligence on opportunities or procurements from the government that could benefit from technology, facilitates teaming with prime contractors, assists with contract vehicles to sell the solution to a federal customer and develops a community of technology companies that can work together to provide system solutions to the federal customer. Mills applauded the collaboration and partnership behind the demonstration center, saying “we’ve got to go where great ideas are and great ideas are with entrepreneurs. … We need to take the model you are living and find ways every small business development center can bring partnerships like this together.” The SBA offers support to small business across the nation through a network of 900 small business development centers. Last year alone, SBA-backed lending to small businesses reached a record $30 billion, Mills said, and about $20 million went to businesses in Huntsville. The

FY11 Program Manager of the Year • Mr. Louis Beaufait, Army Materiel Command Department of the Army Certificates of Appreciation for a Job Well Done • Ms. Sherrie Plonski - Army Corps of Engineers • Ms. Phyllis Pond - Army Materiel Command • Mr. Paul Michaels - Army Medical Research and Materiel Command

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Submitted by: Ms. Stacy Watson Program Manager Women-Owned Small Business Program Photos: 1. Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP and Ms. Veronica Atkinson, Administrative Officer, Army OSBP, manning the OSBP booth at the conference. 2. Ms. Alice Williams, Associate Director, ACC OSBP and Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Associate Director, USACE OSBP speak at the conference. 3. An attendee asks a question during a session. 4. Ms. Pinson and Ms. Cynthia Lee, Program Manager, Army 8(a)/SDB and HBCU/MI Programs, present Mr. Arthur Saulsberry, Small Business Specialist, USACE Kansas District, with the Small Business Specialist of the Year award. 5. Ms. Pinson; COL Dionysios Anninos, Chief of Staff, USACE; Ms. Jackie RobinsonBurnette, Associate Director, USACE OSBP; and Ms. Cynthia Lee, Program Manager, Army 8(a)/SDB and HBCU/MI Programs during the conference awards ceremony. USACE received special recognition for their small business program. 6. Attendees network at matchmaking sessions. 7. Mr. Gudger, Director, DoD OSBP; Ms. Pinson; and Mr. Kenyatta Wesley, Associate Director, CECOM Small Business, together at the conference. 8. Mr. Andre Gudger speaks at the conference. 9. Mr. Brian Davidson, System Administrator, DoD Federal Procurement Data System, speaks at the conference. 10. An attendee asks a question as Mr. James Lloyd, Program Manager, Army ServiceDisabled / Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Programs, looks on. 11. Mr. Kevin Boshears, Director, Department of Homeland Security OSBP; Ms. Teresa Lewis, Director, Department of Health and Human Services OSBP; Ms. Pinson; and Mr. Joseph McDade, Director, Air Force OSBP, together at the conference.

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Success Stories

Program Focus

Subcontracting Surveillance Reviews

oD policy mandates that a fair portion of total purchases, contracts, and subcontracts be awarded to small businesses (SBs). To that end, every Office of Small Business Programs should include Subcontracting Reviews as part of their overall Small Business Strategic Plan to increase opportunities for SBs to participate at the subcontract level. This is especially true for Research and Development (R&D) contracts which often limit opportunities for SBs to compete at the prime contract level because of the inherent cost and risk of R&D contracts.

The decision to actively conduct subcontracting surveillance was a strategic decision to increase the role of SB in subcontracting at ARO. This was due in part because the ARO basic research mission limits opportunities at the prime contract level for SB participation. Other SB Program Offices may find that their opportunity space is pre-award and should therefore focus their efforts appropriately. However, for offices whose SB opportunity space may exist in subcontracting, they may want to consider a method similar to this one when developing their review plans.

There are a number of ways to go about reviewing subcontracting performance within an organization, but the end result should identify poorly performing prime contractors and future subcontracting opportunities for SBs. The OSBP at the Army Research Office (ARO) surveillance process begins with comparing individual subcontracting plans against reported performance data in the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS). Information on poorly performing contractors is provided to the Procuring Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, and the Administrative Contracting Officer. This information includes a discussion of organization subcontracting goals, the individual contract goals, and potential courses of action if a good-faith effort has not been made to accomplish goals. Generally speaking, informing contractors that the organization has increased its surveillance efforts in order to be compliant with DoD policy has been well received. Some vendors have gone as far as asking for assistance, more information, and training on what is required of them. This would, of course, go a long way toward proving “good-faith effort.”

R&D Subcontracting Plan Review

This request for training was more prevalent in contractors whose business portfolio was largely dependent on federal contract performance. Similarly, the approach taken by ARO with respect to critical, high-visibility mission requirements was that of being actively engaged in assisting the prime in meeting their goals to ensure contract compliance, while maintaining a positive contract relationship. That said, it is equally important to enforce performance across the spectrum of contracts.

Newsletter | October 2012

The DoD Source Selection Procedures, published July 2011, tells us that source selection procedures apply for Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15, best-value, negotiated, competitive acquisitions, but do not apply for FAR Part 35, “Basic research and acquisition where Broad Agency Announcements (BAA) are used in accordance with FAR Part 35 to solicit proposals and award contracts.” This means that degree of subcontract/ teaming is not evaluated as part of past performance, nor is SB participation considered appropriate as a technical factor/sub-factor. “Unlike contracts for supplies and services, most R&D contracts are directed toward objectives which can’t be precisely described in advance….The contracting process shall be used to encourage the best sources from the scientific and industrial community”(FAR. 35.0002). To that end, award is made to the organization with the best ideas or concepts. Example criteria are: offeror’s understanding of requirement; approach to technical objectives; competence and experience of principal investigators; and pertinent novel ideas. Most contracting officials do not work in this part of the FAR and normally think of Grants and Cooperative Agreements as the primary tool for R&D, but FAR Part 35 tells us that contracts are appropriate in certain circumstances and goes on to describe when certain types of contracts should be used. When contracts are used, subcontracting plan reviews are an important part of the duties of the Small Business Specialist. When reviewing

R&D contracts that are not subject to DoD and Army Source selection criteria, reviewing subcontracts is a little different. Small Business Specialists are not comparing proposals against each other and rating them adjectivally for SB Participation against the goals established in the Solicitation. Instead, Small Business Specialists are reviewing the Subcontracting Plan of an offeror whose proposal was selected based on its overall scientific merit and other technical factors for its completeness and adequacy. Acceptability is defined in FAR Part 19.704 and contains eleven elements. These elements are fairly straight forward, but how does one negotiate goals for a subcontracting plan when the technical proposal has already been selected and SB goals were not part of the consideration for selection? The generally vague terms listed in 19.705-4 state that goals “should be set at a level that the parties reasonably expect can result from the offeror expending good faith efforts to use small business…to the maximum practicable extent.” To some, this phrase may seem ambiguous, but when taken in its literal context it is quite simple. Do not negotiate goals that will increase the governments cost or seriously impede acquisition objectives. This must be done while ensuring goals are not negotiated too low. So how is this done? FAR 19.704-4 outlines the steps the Contracting Officer must take to negotiate reasonable goals. Evaluating availability of a SB, description of the service or supply to be subcontracted, and past subcontracting performance are all considerations. Just remember that they must be “commensurate with the efficient and economical performance of the contract” seems to sum it up well. In fact, the last step tells them to seek advice from their SB Specialist. ■ Submitted by: Mr. David Christ Small Business Specialist Army Research Office

From the Ground Up: Dawn Halfaker Speaks Candidly on Entrepreneurship and Building a Business at the ANSER Distinguished Speaker Series

rlington, VA—A wind down of expeditionary efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, coupled with imminent Pentagon budget cuts is expected to send a massive influx of professional military veterans into the private sector workforce. On 15 February, Ms. Dawn Halfaker, Chief Executive Officer of Halfaker and Associates, a servicedisabled veteran-owned, woman-owned, 8(a) small business, provided insight into the challenges surrounding transitioning service members and led the audience through her inspiring story of her transition from the Battlefield to the Boardroom during the February installment of the Analytic Services (ANSER) Distinguished Speaker Series. The monthly series is a popular platform for significant national and international figures to share experiences and ideas, provoke thought, and facilitate dialogue about crucial domestic and global issues. During her speech, Ms. Halfaker reflected on some of the challenges and lessons learned along her journey into the business world. She often jokes that business is just another form of combat, but that the uniforms are just a bit different. Some of Ms. Halfaker’s toughest challenges have included: learning how to lead civilians and finding ways to inspire passion in her employees; figuring out how to start a company from scratch when she was used to the massive institutionalized infrastructure of the Army; adapting to the constant changes in the business environment; and always seeing the big picture by figuring out how to develop a mission versus being given a military mission.

During the speaking engagement Ms. Halfaker reflected, “Sometimes it takes the death of a dream to realize a destiny. I am fortunate to have realized my destiny and look forward to everything else this journey will bring…both the challenges and the triumphs.” ANSER CEO, Dr. Ruth David noted, “Nearly fifty percent of our team has served in uniform substantially augmenting our public service mission. This presentation was not only insightful, it offered a very solution oriented approach to overcoming the challenges to today’s environment.” ANSER, a not-for-profit public service institute dedicated to informing decisions that shape the Nation’s future, serves as a mentor to Halfaker through the Department of the Army’s Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). To read more about Ms. Halfaker’s participation in the ANSER Distinguished Speaker Series, please visit: http://bit.ly/ zcf6ig ■ Submitted by: Halfaker and Associates, LLC

Ms. Dawn Halfaker, Chief Executive Officer, Halfaker and Associates, LLC.

According to Ms. Halfaker, “Fortunately, I continue to work through these challenges and was able to surround myself with a passionate team that is a lot smarter than I am…but more importantly believe in our mission and motto, Continuing to Serve, they truly inspire me each day.” Despite the rapid growth of her company, Ms. Halfaker and her team remain dedicated to supporting veterans and offer their time and services to many support organizations to advocate for Wounded Warriors and Veteran Entrepreneurs.

Ms. Dawn Halfaker speaking at the ANSER Distinguished Speaker Series.

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Program Focus

2012 National Veteran Small Business Conference

rmy acquisition and technical personnel participated in the National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo, hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 26-29 June in Detroit. The Army was well represented with over 100 small business advocates, contracting officers/specialists, program mangers and technical experts attending. Army personnel participated in various breakout session panels, matchmaking, and conducted command specific training and manned the OSBP exhibit booth.

Soldiers receive training on Small Tactical Multi-Payload Aerostat System (STMPAS) at Fort Benning’s Maneuver Battle Lab on 23 May, 2012. STMPAS was developed by Carolina Unmanned Vehicle, a small business based in Raleigh, NC. Slated for deployment in Afghanistan later this year, the STMPAS will enhance unit persistent surveillance capabilities.

US Army Rapid Equipping Force Looks to Small Business Innovation in Aerostat Technology

he U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF), in conjunction with units in Afghanistan, saw a need for smaller airborne surveillance craft (aerostats) to provide tactical persistent surveillance at remote Command Outposts (COPs). Three small businesses responded to the REF’s Broad Agency Announcement with proposals for innovative solutions to tactical aerostats: Carolina Unmanned Vehicles, Inc., Raleigh, NC; Silicis Technologies, Inc., Westfield, IN; and Information Systems Laboratories, Inc., San Diego, CA. The REF procured systems from each of the three vendors and conducted an assessment of the capabilities, eventually settling on all three systems as a family of tactical aerostats to support different altitudes/ payloads throughout the Afghanistan area of operations. The REF conducted a limited objective experiment (LOE) at Fort Benning’s Maneuver Battle Lab. The purpose of the LOE was to obtain Soldier feedback on both the Small Tactical Multi-Payload Aerostatic Systems (STMPAS) (Carolina Unmanned Vehicles, Inc.) and ALTUS (Silicis Technologies, Inc.) The invaluable responses from the Soldiers allowed the vendors to make adjustments to the systems prior to their deployment.

Newsletter | October 2012

Two REAP-XL systems (Information Systems Laboratories, Inc.) have been deployed and in operation in Afghanistan for approximately eight months, where they have undergone further assessment by Soldiers. One STMPAS and two ALTUS systems are currently on their way to Afghanistan and are expected to be deployed by the end of August 2012. A total of 12 aerostats from these three companies are expected to be deployed in Afghanistan by November, 2012. Once employed, these aerostats will enhance unit persistent surveillance capabilities. Small units will

have the ability to monitor their immediate area, recon beyond obstacles and remotely identify targets of interest. The systems will provide early warning of threats and insurgent operations, further protecting the Soldiers at the COPs. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Alison Sanders Public Affairs & Strategic Communications U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force

LTC Shannon Jackson, Deputy Project Manager, Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF); Ms. Tami Johnson, Project Manager, REF; Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP; and Mr. Andre Gudger, Director, DoD OSBP, tour small business contributions to Army REF equipment development.

Billed as the largest gathering of Veteran businesses in the country, this year’s conference was attended by approximately 3,500 representatives from industry (both large and small businesses) and the Federal Government. The theme for the 2012 NVSBCE was “Building Partnerships – Veterans, Businesses, and Government”. The conference offered business attendees an environment for success by providing networking opportunities with more than 300 government procurement decision makers, large and small government contractors, and other contractors and government small business advocates that purchased booth spaces at the Expo. Attendees also received training and advice on acquisition requirements during the more than 300 breakout training sessions that were provided at the conference. VA also introduced a networking platform, VetGovPartner, which was designed to help attendees connect with potential clients and partners in the government contracting industry before, during and after the conference. Along with the conference, the VA also hosted an Open House and Hiring Fair at the Cobo Center, where employers conducted more than 5,500 interviews and offered more than 1,300 jobs to Veterans. Opening keynote speakers were Mr. Dave Bing, Detroit Mayor, and Mr. John Gingrich, Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs. On 27 June, Honorable Eric Shinseki, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs, gave a powerful speech centered on the sacrifices of our nation’s Veterans and ensuring that agencies not forget about Veterans when making contracting decisions. He stated that small businesses are the connective tissues in American business and that they are grown and built by men and women who

The OSBP booth at the Expo.

possess the vision to see possibilities, the toughness to fight through adversity to deliver their dreams, and who seek just the opportunity to compete. Secretary Shinseki reminded the audience that President Barack Obama stated, “Our freedom endures because of the men and women in uniform who defend it…We must serve them as well as they served us.” Making connections on personal and professional levels is what makes this annual event such a dynamic conference. For example, Ms. Atkins and Ms. Dilworth, MICC Small Business Specialists, met with two veterans, Mr. Billy Collins and Mr. Richard Whaley. Mr. Whaley owns Whaley Constructors, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Mr. Collins and Mr. Whaley served together in Vietnam, but had not seen nor spoken with each other in more than 20 years. Both Veterans happened to attend one of the training sessions together. Mr. Whaley spoke up during the session and Mr. Collins immediately recognized Mr. Whaley’s voice. They shared how excited they were to meet again at the National Veteran Small Business Conference. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Georgette Dilworth, Assistant Director, Small Business Programs, MICC-Yuma Proving Ground, and Mr. James Lloyd, Program Manager, Service-Disabled / Veteran Owned and HUBZone Programs

Reunited Vietnam Veterans Mr. Richard Whaley and Mr. Billy Collins meet with MICC Small Business Specialists Ms. Georgette Dilworth and Ms. Roselyn Atkins at the National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo.

MICC SBSs staff the Army booth at the National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo (26-29 June) in Detroit, MI. Top row from left is Mr. Steve Magner and Ms. Barbara Gutow. Bottom row from left is Ms. Roselyn Atkins, Ms. Georgette Dilworth, and Ms. Diane House.

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Success Stories

Program Focus

DoD OSBP Senior Leadership Host Small Business Training Conference

he Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Training Conference was held in Nashville, TN from 16-18 May. The conference served to reemphasize the commitment of the White House to America’s small businesses and the acquisition professionals that support them. It opened with a warm welcome from the Honorable Karl Dean, Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. The DoD Office of Small Business Programs (DoD OSBP) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) hosted the event. Mr. Andre Gudger, Director, DoD OSBP and Mr. A. John Shoraka, Acting Associate Administrator, Government Contracting and Business Development, SBA provided opening remarks and launched the conference. Recognizing the vital role that small business specialists play in the DoD mission, the conference kicked off with Defense Acquisition University providing a two day small business training course that was filled to capacity. General and breakout sessions followed and covered a wide array of topics from subject matter experts, which included: Small Business Jobs Act Implementation; Utilizing Small Business in DoD Acquisitions, International

Trade; Creating Opportunities in Cyber Security; Size Standards/NAICS Codes; Veterans Initiatives; Maximum Practicable Opportunity Model; Joint Ventures & Affiliation; Audits and Contract Management, and An Update on Topics Affecting Small Business Government Contracting.

Manager, Army Mentor-Protege and Subcontracting Programs, Army OSBP (pictured below). ■ Submitted by: Ms. Cynthia Lee Program Manager 8(a)/SDB and HBCU/MI Programs

Opportunities were also afforded to the leadership of each of the DoD service components to meet with their Small Business Specialists. The Army session provided updates and the way forward for the program. It included such topics as Senior Executive Performance to Advance Small Business Goals; the Army 2012 OSBP Small Business Training Conference; Army OSBP Awards Program; FPDS-NG Tutorial, and an overview of the Army Intelligence Command. The conference concluded with a small business recognition dinner hosted by Mr. Gudger. DoD small business offices were recognized for their excellence in executing or improving their programs. Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP received a Director’s Award and was recognized for outstanding small business program execution. The award was accepted by Ms. Peggy Butler, Program

Army Celebrates Its 237th Birthday at the Pentagon

he Army celebrated its 237th birthday with a cake cutting ceremony in the Pentagon courtyard on 14 June. The event featured remarks by GEN Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Mr. John McHugh, Secretary of the Army. Both speakers recognized the willingness to serve and the commitment of the men and women in the Army. Wounded warriors in the audience were also recognized for their inspiration and spirit for which the audience was asked to stand and applaud. The ceremony continued with the reciting of the Soldiers’ Creed by the Old Guard Soldiers dressed in Army uniforms of past eras. Afterwards, the cutting of the official cake was performed and the audience sang the Army Song.

Ms. Peggy Butler, Program Manager, Army Mentor-Protege and Subcontracting Programs, accepts the Director’s Award for outstanding small business program execution on behalf of Ms. Tracey Pinson, Director, Army OSBP, from Mr. Andre Gudger, Director, DoD OSBP.

One of the highlights of the event was a model of the M60 tank in camouflage created entirely out of cupcakes by Georgetown Cupcakes. The audience enjoyed watching the tank shoot cupcakes into the air at least 10 feet. To help end the event, the Washington Nationals Baseball Team Racing President mascots, dressed in Army Combat Uniform, performed a race around the courtyard. Audience members cheered for their favorite “President” in the race, which George Washington won. ■ Submitted by:

Ms. Clarissa A. Cherry Support Contractor Army OSBP

Top: GEN Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Mr. John McHugh, Secretary of the Army; and GEN Lloyd Austin, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, prepare to cut the Army birthday cake. Bottom-Left: Ms. Clarissa Cherry, Support Contractor, Army OSBP, and Ms. Stacy Watson, Program Manager, Army Women-Owned Small Business Program, pose with the Washington Nationals Baseball Team Racing President mascot. Bottom: A model of the M60 tank created entirely out of cupcakes.

Army personnel at the conference.

Newsletter | October 2012

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Program Focus

Command Focus

Technological Innovations Utilizing Simple QR Codes

Peer Reviews

he Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) at TACOM LCMC in Warren, MI has implemented the use of Quick Response Codes, also known as QR Codes, on their marketing materials. This technological improvement will enable industry and government representatives to easily obtain information about business opportunities and other useful information.

here are many questions surrounding the requirement for a peer review and many people have different feelings about them. This article strives to add a little clarity to the process.

QR Codes are essentially square barcodes that can be scanned from the camera on a smart phone, which can instantly transfer information. Many times these barcodes are seen in print advertisements for private industry from

common things such as travel agencies to tomato soup. The OSBP recognized a need to utilize QR Codes during small business outreach events when the office staff noticed the difficulty of vendors correctly copying a very long web address to the office procurement web site. In this era of advanced technology, many vendors in attendance at small business events have smart phones, tablets, or other electronic devices capable of utilizing these barcodes that can be captured from our brochures, business cards, and trade fair display signs. The OSBP has also exhibited its QR Code outside of its office. This allows visitors walking by to easily access the office web site without writing down the lengthy web address. In addition to transferring web addresses, the OSBP staff has utilized QR Codes on the back of their business cards to transfer point of contact information. By scanning the back of the business card, information such as name, company, phone number, email can be directly loaded into the phonebook of a Smartphone. Some of the benefits of providing vendors the option to use QR Codes is

an instant cost saving to the Government in reducing the number of printed paper handouts and producing QR Codes at no cost via free web tools.

What is the purpose of a peer review? The peer review seeks to ensure that: The requirements are clear and well defined; the acquisition approach and business strategy are appropriate; there are mechanisms in place to provide for proper oversight of contractor performance; and to facilitate cross-sharing of best practices and lessons learned.

More information about these codes can be found at http://www. socialmediaexaminer.com/how-qr-codescan-grow-your-business/ ■ Submitted by:

Mr. Mike Bradley Small Business Specialist OSBP, TACOM LCMC Warren, MI

Supporting Outreach Efforts in Texas

s. Deanna Ochoa, Assistant Director, MICC Small Business Programs, supporting both Fort Sam Houston and Fort Hood, TX, recently supported numerous small business outreach efforts across Texas. On 25 April, she participated in a day of matchmaking at the American Express Open: Victory in Procurement Contract Connections event in Dallas. With more than 300 attendees she was able to provide information to new contractors interested in doing business with the MICC. At the 15-17 May General Services Administration (GSA) Training & Expo in San Antonio, she was able to gain

Newsletter | October 2012

insight on new initiatives being put in place by GSA, to include implementation guidance when using set-asides against GSA schedules. Also, with more than 700 contractors present including more than 400 small businesses, she spent quality time visiting booths promoting opportunities throughout the MICC. On 23 May she attended the 2012 Southwestern Regional Business Matchmaking Event. The event included a day of one-on-one meetings with businesses interested in learning more about doing business with Fort Sam Houston, Fort Hood, the MICC and the Army. Ochoa provided each contractor valuable information about procurement opportunities pertinent to their business.

On 24 May, she also supported the Honorable Henry Cuellar & The UTPA Rio South Texas Regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center Meet the Buyer event in San Antonio. She gave a presentation on “Doing Business with the MICC at Fort Sam Houston.” She also manned a booth answering questions and providing contractors information on potential opportunities. ■ Submitted by:

Ms. Ida Ramirez Assistant Director, MICC HQ Fort Sam Houston, TX

When should a peer review be conducted? DFARS 201-170 requires that peer reviews be conducted throughout the acquisition process and on acquisitions valued at $1 billion or more. However, individual agencies can determine other peer review thresholds. There are three phases of a pre-award peer review. Phase 1 of the peer review occurs at the point when the acquisition team believes they are ready for release of the RFP. Phase 2 of the peer review occurs

when the contracting officer is ready to close discussions prior to issuance of the request for final proposal revisions. Phase 3 occurs when the contracting officer is ready to award the acquisition. If the contracting officer makes award without discussions, Phase 2 and Phase 3 will be combined for a pre-award review. Post-award peer review occurs for acquisition of services only. Where should a peer review be conducted? Peer reviews normally take place at the location of the procuring organization. Geographic proximity may be taken into account when selecting peer review team members. However, peer reviews can also take place electronically, by uploading documents to a secure site for team members to review. Who is part of the peer review team? The peer review team should consist of a chair and generally includes two other members (in the 1102 Contracting career field) from outside of the agency whose procurement is the subject of the peer review; one attorney; and someone from

the Small Business Office. For continuity, the same peer review team will participate throughout the various phases of the peer review. Why do we need peer reviews? Peer reviews are needed for multiple reasons: sharing of best practices, validation of compliance with policy and regulations, and ensuring accuracy throughout the acquisition process. In conclusion, contracting officers, while developing acquisition milestones, shall take into account the requirement to conduct peer reviews in their schedule. Peer reviews are beneficial and essential to the acquisition process, assisting in establishing a clear and well-defined solicitation requirement. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Stacy Watson Program Manager Women-Owned Small Business Program

Army Participates in the Small Business Procurement Conference at George Mason University

n 24 May, the 11th Annual Congressman Jim Moran Small Business Procurement Conference took place at the Arlington Campus of George Mason University. The conference was a one day event which provided information on contract award opportunities and informative panel discussions for Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, WomenOwned Small Susinesses, MinorityOwned, HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. The conference featured various session topics such as Small Business

Administration’s Revised Rules and the Jobs Act, Teaming and Sub-Contracting – What to Look for in a Partner, and Growing your Small Business with Simplified Acquisitions. Congressman Jim Moran, U.S. Representative from Virginia’s 8th District, was on hand to meet and greet small business owners, and government and private industry representatives.

and private industry acquisition small business advocates. Approximately 150 small business entrepreneurs were in attendance at the conference. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Portia Deans Procurement Analyst Army OSBP

Representatives from HQDA and Army Contracting Command, NCR participated in matchmaking events along with more than 20 other government agencies

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Command Focus

Senator Claire McCaskill, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and Small Business and Technology Development Center Procurement Conference

ore than 450 people gathered 31 May at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO, to participate in the Second Annual Procurement Conference co-sponsored by Senator Claire McCaskill, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and Small Business and Technology Development Center. MG Camille Nichols, Commander, ACC, was the keynote speaker and covered a broad range of topics. She focused on how important the ACC is to the success of the Warfighter on the battlefield and stressed how the Army could not complete its mission without the aid of small businesses. Exhibitors from industry along with representatives from local, state and federal government attended the day-long training and networking event. The purpose of the conference was to bring together Missouri small businesses, provide resources and information about government purchasing practices, and provide advice for potential contractors. Breakout sessions designed to educate businesses covered a wide range of topics including How to Do Business with the Mission and Installation Contracting Command, the Small Business Loan Program, and services that are provided by Missouri State Procurement Technical

Small Business Specialists Mr. Chris Eischen, left, and Mr. David Hale, right, participated in a procurement conference in May, which featured MG Camille Nichols, center, as the keynote speaker.

Assistance Centers. Mr. David Hale and Mr. Chris Eischen from small business program offices at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and Fort Leavenworth, KS, respectively, were in attendance and provided counseling to many small business representatives who were interested in doing business with the MICC. During the breakout sessions, Hale and Eischen joined forces and provided a step-by-step presentation on fundamental principles of doing business with the federal government and specifically with the MICC.

Organizers considered the conference a great success and have tentatively set 31 May, 2013, for next year’s event at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. ■ Submitted by: Mr. David Hale Assistant Director, OSBP Fort Leonard Wood, MO

2nd Annual Southern California 8(a) Conference

s. Diane House, a small business specialist for MICC-Fort Irwin, attended the Small Business Administration sponsored 2nd Annual Southern California 8(a) Conference on 9 May in Garden Grove, CA. More than 200 small business contractors were in attendance. The event hosted two panels with moderators discussing contract opportunities and acquisition forecasts, job creation, and resources and incentives. The format included a question-and-answer

Newsletter | October 2012

session, as well as exhibitors from other industries, such as banking, and small business resource partners. Ms. House also participated in the matchmaking roundtable, a dynamic networking opportunity, where her counseling and matchmaking efforts promoted the MICC Small Business Program objective to enhance competition and increase opportunities for small business vendors on Fort Irwin requirements. The

audience included a number of WomenOwned and Economically-Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business representatives expressing their interest as marketable sources for the furtherance of set-aside opportunities for this socioeconomic group. ■ Submitted by: Ms. Diane House Assistant Director, Small Business Programs MICC-Fort Irwin, CA

MICC Small Business Matchmaking Opportunity

n 4 June, MICC headquarters hosted a small business matchmaking opportunity event that was attended by more than 190 small and large business representatives from San Antonio, TX, and surrounding areas. MICC small business specialists from Fort Sam Houston, TX, Fort Sill, OK, Fort Polk, LA, Fort Riley, KS, and Fort Bliss, TX, participated in the one-onone matchmaking sessions, along with MICC headquarters personnel and MICCFort Sam Houston contracting officers. The event started with a presentation on “How to Do Business with the Mission Installation Contracting Command” presented by Ms. Su Jones, Small Business Specialist, MICC-Fort Bliss. Additional presentations were made by Mr. Albert Jacob, MICC Ombudsman, and Mr. Fred Lagunas, local San Antonio Small Business Administration Procurement Center Representatives. Following a short question and answer session, attendees dispersed into one-on-one matchmaking and counseling sessions. There were 18 individual matchmaking tables manned by MICC small business personnel, MICCFort Sam Houston contracting officers, and several large businesses actively seeking

Ms. Su Jones, Small Business Specialist, MICC-Fort Bliss, conducts a training session on “How to do Business with the MICC” during the Mission and Installation Contracting Command Small Business Matchmaking Opportunity event 4 June at Fort Sam Houston, TX.

small business subcontractors. Organizers said the event was a success and positive feedback was received from the attendees on the valuable information that was presented and the contacts that were made. ■

Submitted by: Ms. Susan K. Jones Assistant Director MICC-Fort Bliss

MICC Supports the Altus Air Force Base Annual Vendor Fair

he Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Fort Sill, OK, small business program assistant director supported the Altus Air Force Base Annual Vendor Fair April 25, 2012, held Altus, OK. The annual event focused on providing small business vendors from southwest Oklahoma an opportunity to showcase their supplies and services to government purchase card customers and other government buyers. The conference was attended by 98 participants that included small businesses and representatives from the Small Business Administration, U.S. General Services Administration, Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network and MICC. Ms. Annette Arkeketa-Rendon, Fort Sill’s Small Business Specialist, participated in the daylong matchmaking session with small

Mr. Bill Boyer, MICC-Fort Sill contracting officer (left) speaks with vendors Mr. Norris Graves (back right) and Mr. Ronald Tims (front right) of Waste Solutions, an 8(a) small disadvantaged business company.

businesses. Contracting Officer Mr. Bill Boyer from the MICC-Ft. Sill also attended and met with the various service and supply vendors. ■

Submitted by: Ms. Annette Arkeketa-Rendon Assistant Director, Small Business Programs Fort Sill, Oklahoma

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Command Focus

MICC Small Business Participates in Economic Development Training

r. Stephen Magner, Small Business Program Assistant Director, MICCFort Benning, GA, completed training at the Georgia Academy for Economic Development on 30 May. He was nominated for the academy by Georgia Congressman Lynn Westmoreland’s office. His participation illustrates the Army’s interest in the economic development in Georgia and brought to Fort Benning and MICC a better understanding of the issues faced by the local small business community in developing stronger business relationships with the Army. The academy’s program, taught one day a month over a four-month period, included training in the basics of economic and community development, plus specialized segments on business recruitment and retention, tourism product development, downtown development, quality planning, redevelopment and other essentials for community success. Graduates gained a unique understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional, and state levels. The curriculum also featured specific leadership skills such as consensus building, ethics in public service, collaborative leadership, and other segments needed for effective community leadership in economic development. Local elected officials receive certification credits through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association training for completion of this program. The program is certified for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

Mr. Stephen Magner, Assistant Director, Small Business Program, MICC-Fort Benning, GA, left, was among the 32 civic leaders completing the Georgia Academy of Economic Development in May that offered participants an insight into the economic issues impacting business at the local and state level along with an opportunity to develop leadership skills.

“One of the goals for the multi-day regional academies is to encourage multi-county cooperation,” says Corinne Thornton, executive director of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. “Many times the participants discover the issues facing their community are the same as those facing other communities in their region, and can then combine limited resources to address the issue.” Created in 1993 by then-Georgia Governor Zell Miller’s Development Council, the academy assembles a cross section of economic development professionals and resources to provide this training. The class of 32 participants represented a number of

professional and non-professional economic development fields including elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators and social service providers from 16 counties in Southwest Georgia. Since its inception, the academy has trained thousands of professional and nonprofessional economic developers around the state. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Stephen A. Magner Assistant Director, Small Business Programs MICC–Fort Benning, GA

Troy University Matchmaking Outreach

he MICC-Fort Rucker OSBP participated in a small business matchmaking event on 17 May, at Troy University in Troy, AL. The event was sponsored by the Procurement Technical Assistance Center and Small Business Development Center at Troy University. They met with more than 20 small business vendors to assist in expanding the pool of potential small business contractors capable of meeting requirements at Fort Rucker.

Newsletter | October 2012

Small business vendors were scheduled for appointments with government agencies and large business representatives to provide 20-minute capability presentations and learn about potential procurement opportunities. Small businesses were also briefed on subcontracting opportunities as well as what procedures were needed to become prime contractors. Vendors included representatives from new businesses seeking advice on how to do business with

the government as well as a vendor with a newly invented product inquiring as to how to market that innovation. ■ Submitted by: Mr. Michael J. Faire Assistant Director, Small Business Programs Mission and Installation Contract Command Fort Rucker, AL

From left to right: Mr. Bob Matthys, Associate Director, ASC OSBP; Ms. Dianne Wheeler, Small Business Specialist, ASC; Ms. Melinda Verstraete, Small Business Specialist, ASC; Ms. Tiphanie Pharris, Small Business Specialist, ASC; Mr. Paul Ward, Small Business Specialist, ASC; Ms. Mary Moore, Deputy Director, AMC HQ OSBP; and Mr. Will Moscoso, Small Business Specialist, ASC.

2012 Midwest Small Business Government Contracting Symposium

n 22 May, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) held the 2012 Midwest Small Business Government Contracting Symposium which included the US Army Sustainment Commands (ASC) Advanced Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI) and the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Centers (JMTC) Industry Day. With decreasing travel funds, the three events were combined to give the participants a more cost effective way to gather valuable information on how to do business with the government. Combining the ASC APBI and the JMTC Industry Day proved to be an excellent addition to the 2012 Government Small Business Symposium. It was well attended by all groups of businesses with

over 650 participants. Distinguished guests included Congressman Bobby Schilling, Congressman Dave Loebsack, and MG Patricia E. McQuistion. The event included discussions on various topics including acquisition forecasts, small business and related contracting issues, such as Mentor Protégé, the EAGLE Program, Partnerships, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs). Attendees also had the opportunity to visit exhibits, and participate in counseling and matchmaking sessions.

Special Awards

coming small businesses in each of their geographical areas. • The Iowa PTAC Small Business recipient was: Classic Industrial Painting Mount Joy, IA, a woman-owned small business. • The Illinois PTAC Small Business recipient was: Ficek Electric, a womanowned, HUBZone small business. Submitted by: Ms. Amanda Linville Program Manager, OSBP U.S. Army Materiel Command

• NDIA in conjunction with the Iowa and Illinois PTACs recognized up and

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Command Focus

USACE Charleston District Issues First Job Order Contract (JOC)

Small Business Counseling Opens Doors for Small Businesses

Deputy for Small Business Programs. “We have to find the best way to deliver first class products to them within their timeline.” A JOC is mutually beneficial for the contractor and the Charleston District. The contractor knows it has a standing contract to complete work with the ability to gain more work in the future. The District knows it is receiving quality work as the contractor has a financial incentive to provide a quality product in order to remain on the contract. As previously stated, Northcon is a HUBZone small business, meaning they are in an area that has been established based on economic distress numbers set by the Small Business Administration. In order to receive this designation, the company must employ a certain number of residents from the local area. The Charleston District has set a goal of awarding 13 percent of all contracts throughout the year to HUBZONE businesses. USACE Charleston District and Northcon, Inc. personnel inspect a malfunctioning drainage gutter, which will be one of the first projects to be completed by Northcon under the JOC. (clockwise from left: Mr. Billy Bonds, Northcon Construction Manager; Ms. Nancy Jenkins, Charleston District Architect; Mr. Bubber Hutto, Charleston District Structural Engineer; and Mr. Lee Shokes, Charleston District Project Manager).

he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District is a district on the rise and continually reaching new milestones. On 27 June, the Charleston District accomplished another milestone by issuing their first ever Job Order Contract (JOC). This important award vehicle will aid in the execution of end-of-year projects for one of the District’s military customers, Joint Base Charleston. The District’s first JOC was also set aside for small businesses in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZone). The five-year JOC was awarded to Northcon, Inc., located in Hayden, ID, at a not to exceed price of $15 million total or $3 million/year, whichever comes first. Northcon was already performing the duties of a JOC in the Charleston area at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), so the District was

Newsletter | October 2012

very confident that they would be able to hit the ground running at Joint Base Charleston. The unique aspect of a JOC is that the contract enables a large number of repair, maintenance and minor construction projects to be completed under a single contract rather than forcing the District to issue individual contracts for small projects. This results in work starting between 75-85 percent faster than traditional contracting methods. The JOC with Northcon includes various task orders for maintenance work including repairing overhead lighting, replacing a roof, repairing a building foundation, renovating restrooms, resurfacing floors and more. “We have to look for creative ways to get work done for our customers,” said Mr. Anthony Josey, Charleston District’s

“The JOC is a great way of meeting the customer’s needs on time and it really speaks to our versatility as a district,” added Josey. “We can be as creative as the project is when it comes to contracting.” The Charleston District is proud to show off its capabilities of awarding different contract types for different projects within five mission areas. The rapid transition of the Charleston District from a primarily civil works district to a versatile district with military construction projects showcases the capabilities this entrepreneurial district brings to the USACE community. ■ Submitted by:

Mr. Sean McBride Assistant Director, Small Business Programs Mission and Installation Contract Command Fort Rucker, AL

Ms. Simone Jackson, Chief of Small Business Policy, USACE, and Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette, Chief of Small Business Programs, USACE, listen to a presentation on information technology capabilities from Mr. Timothy Goodrich, President & CEO, Timitron Corporation (a Service-Disabled VeteranOwned Small Business).

tarting a business can be rewarding but learning to navigate through the federal procurement process can be challenging. Each week, small business firms across the country receive counseling and training on how to do business with the Army from over 50 dedicated US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Small Business Leaders. USACE understands how small businesses play a vital role in rebuilding our Nation’s economy and strengthening the industrial base of suppliers ready to respond to our Warfighter’s needs. USACE has a robust commitment to utilizing small businesses and achieved every assigned small business goal for the past two years in a row. With an overall small business goal of 43.3% of all U.S. contract dollars, it is essential for USACE to maintain the ability to continually find and utilize capable and agile small business firms.

Access to counseling and training is essential for the success of small business owners seeking to do business with the Army. Counseling simplifies the process and can reduce unnecessary wasted time – time lost between a customer in need of services and a capable small business firm that has yet to gain an understanding of how to find and respond to contract opportunities. It is important for firms to first do their homework and enter the door understanding the mission and vision of the organization with whom they want to do business. Firms must be prepared to explain how the USACE organization can benefit from their service. Counseling does not lead to contracts, but it starts the relationship between the small business and the government, and gives small business owners the information needed to ensure a more focused quest for contract award. Prior to contacting

a small business advocate, business owners should first research the Federal Business Opportunities website www. fbo.gov to find current and open contract opportunities to discuss with the small business advocate. A comprehensive list of Army and USACE small business advocates offering counseling and training to small businesses can be found at http:// www.sellingtoarmy.info/User/Misc/ SearchASBS.aspx ■ Submitted by: Ms. Jackie Robinson-Burnette Chief, USACE Small Business Program

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Command Focus

MICC OSBP Uses SharePoint to Convey Achievements

nd-of-year small business achievement reporting just got a lot easier at the Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC). Beginning with the fourth quarter of FY12, MICC Headquarters Office of Small Business Programs began reporting yearly small business achievements to MICC leadership on a daily basis. Through the use of a bar chart posted to its SharePoint site, an internal web site through which information is shared, the MICC OSBP communicates

achievements against the goals easily across the contracting enterprise. This tool has helped reduce the number of data calls from the Command and each of its 40 contracting activities, and increased transparency to the field. “This tool is helping to create a shared interest in MICC small business successes across the enterprise in a way that makes goal achievement more likely,” remarked Ms. Sandy Spiess, Associate Director, MICC Small Business Programs.

“It’s useful for the contracting personnel to watch the percentages rise at the end of the year and feel as though each award, each modification, or each set-aside decision makes a difference in meeting and exceeding the MICC small business goals.” ■ Submitted by:

Mr. Peter Hunter Assistant Director MICC HQ Fort Sam Houston

MICC Small Business Achievements FY10, FY11, FY12 (YTD) Source: FPDS-NG (Achievements current to 13 August, 2012)

USACE Honolulu District Supports the DoD Hawaii Small Business Forum

ORT SHAFTER, HI -- DoD small business advocates on Oahu participated in the 10th Annual DOD Hawaii Small Business Forum at the Honolulu Country Club on Thursday, 12 July. The event was sponsored by the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center at the University of Hawaii and provided an interactive forum for industry representatives to network with acquisition professionals from the U.S. Army Regional Contracting Office; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Tripler Army Medical Center; Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor; Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii; Pacific Air Forces Headquarters; Marine Corps Base Hawaii; U.S. Coast Guard; Defense IT Contracting Organization Pacific; Defense Logistics Agency; and the Small Business Administration. After opening remarks and a presentation by the Minority Business Development Agency, a panel of DoD professionals shared upcoming contracting opportunities as well as advice for working with their respective organizations. Mr. Tony Paresa, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management, represented Honolulu District and stressed the importance of open communication. “Success is based upon everyone going in the same direction – when everyone understands what the goal is,” Paresa said. “If you are unsure, ask questions. Don’t assume; ensure we have a common understanding. Listen to what we are telling you; we will commit to listen to what you are telling us. Read and understand the contract. And let’s work together to build a trusting working relationship. We commit to you…we will keep the communication flowing. We commit to being very honest with you.” In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to attend breakout workshops covering Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOCs); Safety Success on Navy Contracts; How to Obtain GSA Federal Supply Schedules; and

Newsletter | October 2012

Ms. Cathy Yoza, Deputy for Small Business Programs, USACE Honolulu District meets with small business representatives to discuss opportunities with the Corps during the 10th Annual DoD Hawaii Small Business Forum.

How to Do Business with the Veterans Administration. Mr. Lou Muzzarini, Chief, Honolulu District Construction Branch, and Mr. Kent Tamai, Contracting Officer presented “The ABC’s of Multiple Award Task Order Construction Contracts” to approximately 30 workshop attendees. Tamai provided guidance on submitting proposals for the MATOCs. “MATOCs are how we get to the finish line,” Tamai said, referring to the process of choosing multiple awardees to provide services within a pre-defined dollar amount. He urged small business owners to use their best asset, the Honolulu District Deputy for Small Business Programs, Cathy Yoza. “She is your interface to the Corps,” Tamai said. Muzzarini followed up with how contractors can better succeed by diligently complying with submission of all the preliminary requirements of their respective task orders to get them to the point where they can actually “turn dirt”(start construction). Understanding

and following contract requirements will allow contractors to stand out and better qualify when submitting proposals for MATOCs in the future. The best piece of advice Muzzarini said he could give was to read the contract carefully and in its entirety, and above all else, emphasize safety. “Safety is very important to us and I think we all have a moral responsibility to get our employees home to their families in the same way they came to work. I want to help you learn to work better with the Corps so that we can work together to build higher quality projects…done on time, safely and within budget so we can turn them over to our customers on the day we said we would,” he said. ■ Submitted by:

Mr. Michael J. Faire Assistant Director, Small Business Programs Mission and Installation Contract Command Fort Rucker, AL

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Command Focus

AMC HQ Commander Presents Achievement Medals for Civilian Service in Support of Small Business

Fort Sill Small Business Specialist Attends NCMA World Congress 2012

n 20 July, GEN Ann E. Dunwoody, Commander, AMC, hosted the AMC Town Hall and Employee Recognition Day at Redstone Arsenal, AL. During the awards ceremony, GEN Dunwoody presented a Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service to each of the following individuals for their outstanding support and contributions to the AMC Small Business Program: Ms. Phyllis Pond received the Award for Small Business Specialist of the Year, Ms. Lisa Slagle received the Award for Contracting Officer of the Year, and Mr. Louis Beaufait received the Award for the Program Manager of the Year. Congratulations to all for your exceptional service! ■

s. Annette Arkeketa-Rendon, Small Business Specialist, Fort Sill, OK, joined other Department of Defense contracting professionals at the National Contract Management Association World Congress 2012 Conference 30-31 July at the Hynes Convention Center, in Boston. The morning sessions provided participants an opportunity to hear from nationally recognized speakers, high level officials from DoD, and procurement academics who speak the procurement language and understand the complex nature of the procurement process. They discussed current issues (policy, funding, Government Accountability Office decisions, etc.) affecting the government procurement process. There was also an opportunity for questions and answers

Submitted by:

Ms. Amanda Linville Program Manager, OSBP U.S. Army Materiel Command

This event, hosted by the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition (PNDC), was geared to those businesses already working with the military who are interested in program updates and

Newsletter | October 2012

GAO topics relevant to the respective complex contract issue. It was difficult to make a decision on which break-out sessions to attend because each session appeared interesting and informative.

During lunch, participants had an opportunity to network with contracting personnel from other agencies. After the networking lunch each day, participants chose among three sessions that lasted an hour and 15 minutes. Each session had 20 contracting topics from which to choose and included Understanding Government Contracts Audits, The Art of Meaningful Discussions, Consent to Subcontract. The moderators of break-out sessions were federal and private sector contracting professionals who provided practical application, advice, and current

Vendor booths at the conference included federal agencies recruiting contracting personnel, publishers selling books on federal contracting practices, and educational institutions seeking contracting students to obtain Continuous Learning Points in their core. ■ Submitted by:

Ms. Annette Arkeketa-Rendon Assistant Director, Small Business Programs Fort Sill, Oklahoma

Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody; Ms. Phyllis Pond, Small Business Specialist, AMC; and Command Sergeant Major Ronald T. Riling, at the AMC awards ceremony.

Pacific Northwest Clean Technology Defense Symposium Mission and Installation Contracting Command Small Business Specialist was among the many federal participants at the Annual Clean Technology Defense Symposium 26 April in Tacoma, WA. The overall purpose of this symposium was to provide stakeholders in the clean technology industry an opportunity to engage in their shared interests. Sponsors for this event included Business Leaders for Climate Solutions, Cleantech West Sound, Washington Clean Technology Alliance, and the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center. Retired Vice Adm. Dennis V. McGinn, president of American Council on Renewable Energy, was the keynote.

from the audience which addressed participants’ concerns, ranging from current budget issues to how Small Business Specialists can do a better job and get high level support to do it.

clean technology firms seeking to expand their opportunities. PNDC is a memberfunded industry association dedicated to improving the defense industry climate across the Pacific Northwest. Victoria Ghent, a small business specialist at MICC-Joint Base Lewis McChord, participated on the Department of Defense small business representatives’ panel. This panel provided an overview of the Department of Defense Small Business Programs, instructional guidance on utilizing federal procurement systems, and reviewed common mistakes firms make when pursuing contracts with the Department of Defense. Panel members also fielded questions directly from the audience. Presentations were given by the Navy Region/Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Army Corps of Engineers-

Seattle District, and District 13 of the Coast Guard. Each of these presenters briefed on their current efforts to become more sustainable in the areas of energy, waste and water. Other topics covered during this event included learning how to do business with the military and oral briefs from industry experts on clean technology initiatives. At the conclusion of the event, participants were given the opportunity to submit information about their ideas, products or services. All participants were encouraged to take advantage of the exchange of information that was distributed to each of the military services, potentially leading to further contact from the Department of Defense. ■ Submitted by:

Ms. Victoria Ghent Assistant Director Office of Small Business Programs

Colorado Springs Annual Chamber of Commerce 2012 Small Business Outreach Conference: “Gateway to Government Contracting”

s. Barbara Gutow, Small Business Specialist, MICCFort Carson, was among more than 125 representatives from various federal agencies and the Small Business Administration participating in the Colorado Springs Annual Chamber of Commerce 2012 Small Business Outreach Conference. The 2012 small business outreach event began acquisition briefings presented by the regional Department of Defense small business specialists and concluded with a question and answer period. The main schedule of events began with opening remarks by Mr. Brian Binn, President of Military Affairs for the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Center. Afterwards, attendees were released to attend the many educational seminars offered. A range of topics were presented by subject matter experts,

including source selections, finding government opportunities, General Services Administration small business set-aside changes, bond underwriting, navigating electronic opportunities, price proposal preparation, Small Business Administration resources to small businesses, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction opportunities, SBA certifications, government contract compliance, and writing winning government proposals. Fort Carson small business specialist Ms. Barbara Gutow presented a briefing on doing business with the MICC. An open forum panel was also convened by the regional DoD small business specialists, allowing the opportunity for one-on-one interaction and an opportunity to address specific questions to gain further insight into upcoming acquisitions. Mr. Joseph M. McDade Jr., Director, Air Force OSBP gave a keynote speech

Ms. Barbara Gutow, Small Business Specialist, MICC-Fort Carson, shares outreach information with Mr. Reggie Selby, Peterson AFB Small Business Specialist.

addressing the administration’s concerns and recent improvements to the Small Business Program. Mr. McDade participated in the presentation of awards to local area small businesses. ■ Submitted by:

Ms. Barbara Gutow Assistant Director Small Business Specialist, MICC