National Coalition Requests That the Small Business Administration Stop Fabricating Small Business Contracting Numbers ...

PETALUMA, CA--(Marketwire -06/07/12)- The following is a statement by the American Small Business League:

A coalition of small business advocates, trade organizations, businesses and non-profit organizations led by the American Small Business League (ASBL) has sent letters to the Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requesting greater transparency in federal small business contracting. This precedes the release of the SBA's annual Small Business Procurement Scorecard, which is due out this summer and known for overstating the percentage of contract dollars awarded to small businesses.
www.asbl.com/karenmills.pdf
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"The government must ensure that small business data is accurate and timely -- small businesses and the public deserve to know whether the government is actually close to small business contracting goals," said Scott Amey, General Counsel at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO). "Moreover, enhanced competition and small business opportunities are good for taxpayers and great for the economy."

The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding 23 percent of the total value of all prime contract dollars to legitimate small businesses, but has never accomplished this goal. To make matters worse, the SBA overstates the percentage of federal contracts awarded to small businesses by including contracts awarded to large businesses. The SBA also overstates the percentage of contracts awarded to small businesses by dramatically understating the federal acquisitions budget, including classified and unclassified contracts.

"It is important to accurately report federal agencies' priorities and performance levels in meeting the 23 percent small business goal set by Congress in 1997 that goes unmet year after year," said Roger A. Campos, President & CEO of the Minority Business RoundTable. "Failing to meet these goals has cost America's small and minority businesses billions in lost opportunities."

Since 2003, more than a dozen federal investigations have found billions of dollars in federal small business contracts flowing into the hands of corporate giants. Following fiscal year 2011, which ended in September, the SBA Office of Inspector General named the fact that procurement flaws allow large firms to obtain small business awards and agencies to count contracts performed by large firms towards their small business goals as the SBA's top management challenge for the seventh consecutive year.

"During his campaign, President Obama promised to end the diversion of federal small business contracts to corporate giants," said Lloyd Chapman, President of the ASBL. "It is time for President Obama to force the SBA to stop fabricating these numbers. They need to tell the truth, which is that small businesses get a small fraction of what the SBA says they do."

The undersigned individuals and organizations have endorsed this effort:

American Small Business League (ASBL)
Project on Government Oversight (POGO)
Minority Business Round Table (MBRT)
Fairness in Procurement Alliance (FPA)
Charles Tiefer, Professor of Government Contracting, University of Baltimore Law School
Oregon State Chamber of Commerce
Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce
North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce
Leadville/Lake County Chamber of Commerce
Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce
Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce
The Blount Partnership
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota
Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Southern California)
Business Coalition for Fair Competition (BCFC)
Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA)
African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania
Queens Chamber of Commerce
Eyes Cream Shades
Public Citizen
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio
Washington (Il) Chamber of Commerce
Ayden Chamber of Commerce
Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida

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SBA contracting process provides opportunities (McMahan) - Everything Alabama Blog

The U.S. Small Business Administration serves as the federal government's gate-keeper for small business access to federal contracts. Small business owners who want sell to Uncle Sam must ask three questions: Are they small? What is the size standard for their type business? And, does your business fall under a certain certification? After answering these questions, the business owner must follow eight steps.

Remember: Any business can sell to the federal government. Alabama firms received over $1.23 billion in federal contracts in the 2011 fiscal year. But Congress gives special categories of small or disadvantaged businesses certain preferences in federal contracts for goods and services, including even what are called "set-asides" These are percentage goals for qualified disadvantaged small business types.

First, identify and obtain a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number. Second, identify Employer Identification Number (or EIN) - see www.irs.gov. Third, owners must identify their NAICS (North American Industry Classification System).

Fourth, each small business owner must register with the US Government's Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. Creating a profile and keeping it current gives access to federal contracting opportunities. ¶

Fifth, small business owners must use the federal ORCA (Online Representations and Certifications Application), an online resource for completing paperwork. ¶

Sixth, small businesses should register with the US General Services Administration's (GSA) schedule, also known as the federal supply schedule. Be sure your business has the resources, financial and otherwise, to meet the contract's provisions. ¶

Seventh, search the federal website for contracting opportunities - federal business opportunities or "FedBizOpps" for short. Here the federal agencies post product and service needs they want filled. ¶

Lastly, (eighth) market your business. Get to know the federal agencies that want what you make or provide. Know the agencies' procedures and focus on your niche. Use other resources via SBA and the GSA for help. The SBA district office in Alabama can be reached at 205-290-7101. Good luck! ¶

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Small Business Executives Learn to Align Capabilities with Navy Missions through Upcoming Contracting Opportunities - Southern Maryland Online

By Mike Welding, NSWC Indian Head Division Public Affairs, and John Joyce, NSWC Dahlgren Division Public Affairs
Lt. Col. James Bachinsky, Joint Staff Comptroller Acquisition Management Branch Chief, briefs more than 250 executives representing over 100 companies at the 20th Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) "Small Business Opportunities Fair and Conference" held at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) Dahlgren campus May 8.
DAHLGREN, Va. -- A capacity crowd of small business executives discovered a myriad of partnering and prospective contracting opportunities at the first joint "Small Business Opportunities Fair and Conference" featuring two Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Divisions at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) Dahlgren campus May 8.

Top NSWC Indian Head Division and NSWC Dahlgren Division leaders representing command, technical, small business and contracts offices shared their knowledge and expertise with businessmen and women interested in becoming a partner or expanding their current partnership with NSWC.

"With the increased emphasis on competition in the current business environment, keeping an eye on small businesses and small business participation is critical," said Kris Parker, NSWCDD Deputy for Small Business. "Events such as this, help us (NSWCDD & NSWCIHD) determine who's out there from a partnering standpoint, and help small businesses determine what efforts are coming up and where they should apply their limited resources."

What's more, the Navy's current and potential small business partners learned precisely how they could align with the capabilities of the two warfare center divisions.

"I am extremely encouraged and optimistic about the future," said Earnest King, Chief Marketing Officer, II Corps Consultants, Inc. "Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of the conference was the open lines of communication and willingness of the small business advocates at both NSWC Dahlgren Division and NSWC Indian Head Division to assist small businesses with insight and forecasted opportunities to evaluate."

King was among approximately 250 executives representing more than 100 companies who enjoyed a series of "firsts" at the event, including:

-- A combined overview of both the NSWC Dahlgren Division and NSWC Indian Head Division Warfare Centers (NSWCIHD).

-- In-depth technical and business overviews presented by command staff from both NSWC Divisions.

-- A new UMW Dahlgren Campus location to allow for easier access and greater participation.

The businessmen and women also networked with professionals from other small businesses, large businesses and academia - furthering their opportunities for teaming and partnerships.

They listened to NSWCIHD Commander Capt. Andrew Buduo and NSWCIHD Technical Director Dennis McLaughlin as well as NSWCDD Commander Capt. Michael Smith and NSWCDD Technical Director Carl Siel present command technical and business overviews geared to helping small and large business executives and entrepreneurs guide their business decisions.

"The warfare centers complement one another," said Smith, pointing out that every Navy warfare center division has its own niche and collaborates closely. "For instance, Dahlgren Division tests products developed at Indian Head."

The event promoted service contract opportunities for small businesses with the Pentagon-based Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Maryland-based NSWC Indian Head Division and Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division as well as NSWC Dahlgren Division, headquartered in Virginia.

"Indian Head is a good place to do business," Buduo said. "Our work is projected to grow over the next several years."

It may seem counterintuitive during a time of declining defense budgets to expect growth, but it has a lot to do with Indian Head Division's mission beyond service contracts, explained McLaughlin.

"Developing energetics weapons systems is a very unique business," he added. "For instance, we are the only site that conducts substantive work in all phases of weapon energetics."

Chiefs of Contracts from NSWCDD and NSWCIHD - Pat Canciglia and Penny Kennedy respectively - provided procurement forecasts and explained how they handle changes in the procurement environment while focusing on small business.

"We are looking at our initiatives to improve our small business contracting," Kennedy said. "This is one reason we are doing things like industry days, to reach out to small businesses and educate them about what we do."

Both warfare centers partner with industry to bring innovative solutions and performance improvements to the warfighter at a reduced cost.

"NSWC Dahlgren is recognized for its leadership in systems integration," said Siel. "We rely on you to augment that leadership. The complex systems we develop and support require quick and ready access to new technology and unique skills in order to meet the needs of our warfighters. Sometimes the response time can be very short. Readiness is everything."

The capabilities of small businesses to provide rapid and cost-effective technological solutions are considered an invaluable resource by the event's leaders faced with challenges associated with reducing total ownership costs across the Navy.

"Without question, budget constraints are having an impact," said Smith. "But we continue to deliver critical technology and products and are recognized for our leadership in surface warfare and systems engineering."

NSWC Indian Head is planning to have another industry outreach day in January, 2013, one that will focus on the command's 144 technical areas. "We expect an uptick in work due to our unique technical capabilities," said McLaughlin. "Our manufacturing workload is already increasing and may offer an opportunity for contractor surge support."

The warfare centers' parent command, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), has also embarked on a larger initiative to promote competition on contracts. According to NAVSEA's Head of Contracts, Jerry Punderson, NAVSEA contract work totaled $36 billion last year, with much of it going to single competitive bid contracts.

NAVSEA wants to reduce the number of single competitive bid contracts for several reasons, particularly to improve buying power.

"From a total ownership cost perspective, hosting the event at the University of Mary Washington allowed Dahlgren to realize a savings of approximately $15,000," said Parker.

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March 28 Expo to Help Small Businesses Explore Contracting Opportunities - Bradenton Herald

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 21, 2012 — /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The state departments of General Services and Public Welfare will team up with the City of Harrisburg and the Naval Supply Systems Command for the Second Annual Small Business Expo, an event to help business owners navigate the procedures and processes for government contracting.

The expo, slated for March 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Farm Show Complex, 2301 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, will aid smaller firms in their efforts to compete for government contracts. It will explain local, state and federal processes for construction, procurement and certification, as well as where and how to identify contracting opportunities.

Department of General Services Secretary Sheri Phillips, Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson, Department of Public Welfare Deputy Secretary for Administration Karen Deklinski and Naval Supply Systems Command Vice Commander John Goodhart will kick off the expo, which will feature more than 50 government and private exhibitors on-site for networking and information on contracting needs.

Information regarding certification process and the procedures for construction, information technology and products/services contracting will be covered during morning workshops, while an afternoon panel will discuss the various contracting opportunities available at the local, state and federal levels by industry. The day will end with construction diversity session and time to visit exhibitors.

While there will be on-site registration from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. the day of the event, advance registration is encouraged. For information on registration fees, and to register, visit:

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/events___workshops_calendar/1469/small_business_minority___women_business_expo/827367.

Media contact: Troy Thompson, 717-787-3197

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of General Services

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