In an effort to engage the business community, the New York District held a Small Business Industry Day in Lower Manhattan attracting 60 representatives from over 40 companies around the region and informing them on requirements and how to do business with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers.
Importance of Small Business
Lt. Col. Richard Gussenhoven, Deputy Commander, during his introduction, emphasized the types of services the District contracts out and the need for more women-owned businesses and Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) firms.
HUBZone is a program administered by the Small Business Administration that creates incentives for the federal government to contract with businesses operating and creating jobs in communities with economic needs.
Contracting Process
This was followed by a series of presentations. Matthew Lubiak, District contracting officer, provided detailed guidance on navigating the contracting process. He spoke about how all bids must be received by the stated deadline, without exception; to carefully read the Request for Proposal (RFP); acknowledge all amendments; search for Army Corps opportunities listed at Federal Business Opportunities’ website https://www.fbo.gov, where all Army Corps proposals are posted; and an informative detailed PowerPoint presentation.
Staff Presentations
Other presenters provided Division-specific information including Robert Gerrits, chief, Engineering Management Branch, who spoke about opportunities for the architecture and engineering (A&E) community; David Gentile, project manager, who discussed coastal storm risk management projects in the Coastal Restoration Branch; and Brian Packowski, project manager, who spoke about a number of military construction (MILCON) projects at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Other District presenters included: Lisa Baron, project manager, Allen Roos, chief, Environmental Interagency and International Services Branch; Kenneth Durr, deputy chief, Construction Division; and Randall Hintz, chief, Operations Support Branch.
Audience Connections
Justin Helfman, Deputy for Small Business Programs, coordinated the event, responded to questions and furnished advice. He also provided recommendations on how the business community can best work with the Corps. Later in the program a networking session provided additional opportunities to speak directly with presenters and network with other businesses.
Helfman said: “Reaching out to the business community is an important aspect of the Small Business Program. The information exchanged will help small businesses better position themselves to compete for and secure contracting opportunities.”
Small Business Program
The District’s Small Business Program supports the development of and maximizes opportunities for small disadvantaged, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned and women-owned businesses, and those located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone businesses). The office also reaches out to the business community through conferences, workshops and at trade fairs.
Useful Resources for Vendors
System for Award Management (SAM) https://www.sam.gov
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) https://www.fbo.gov
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics
Small Business Size Standard http://www.sba.gov/contractingopportunities/officials/size/index.html