The New York District recently held Small Business Industry Day where nearly 100 representatives from 50 companies in the greater New York-New Jersey area gathered to learn more about requirements for doing business with the District.
Maximizing Business Opportunities
When small business ― numbering 28 million and accounting for 54 percent of all sales in the U.S. ― look for opportunities, the New York District’s Small Business Program is one place they can turn. The program supports the development of and maximizes opportunities for small disadvantaged, Veteran-owned, service-disabled Veteran-owned, women-owned businesses, and businesses located in historically underutilized business zones (HUB Zone businesses).
At the event, Mr. Rippert Roberts, deputy, Small Business Programs, and Mr. Matt Lubiak, contracting officer, delivered a detailed presentation outlining processes required to do business with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Networking & Feedback
"The Small Business Industry Day provided an opportunity for businesses to network with other businesses, obtain feedback on requirements for working with the Corps, and answering questions and concerns," said Rippert Roberts, deputy, Small Business Programs, adding, “Attendees submitted capability statements which is a condensed technical and management proposal that clearly illustrates a company’s experience and capabilities to perform certain types of projects."
The District obtains a variety of supplies and construction and engineering services, including engineering studies, real estate proposals, dredging, surveying and mapping, petroleum products, and electronic gear, to name a few.
Bids & Proposals
Mr. Lubiak spoke about submitting bids and proposals, and the differences between the acquisition processes and advised attendees about the solicitation procedure to fully understand the requirements.
“Ensure you give us exactly what we’re looking for, in terms of paying attention to important details and submitting all information that was requested in the solicitation,” said Lubiak, adding, “For example, bids are awarded based on price, whereas proposals are awarded based on price and a technical evaluation."
He then presented a slide detailing the U.S. Army’s rating system for technical proposals which uses adjectival ratings (evaluating factors other than cost or price), and corresponding colors: blue (outstanding); purple (good); green (acceptable); yellow (marginal); and red (unacceptable). He also gave an example of evaluation factors, stating, “Evaluation may include qualifications of the offeror’s team, specialized experience, past performance and price.”
Lubiak emphasized the importance of details when submitting bids, i.e., following instructions, acknowledging amendments, signing bids and timely submissions (late bids cannot be considered).
Staff Presentations
After a short break, a team of eight District staff discussed their work and potential opportunities.
- Robert Gerrits, chief, Engineering Management Branch, Engineering Division, discussed contracting opportunities;
- Nancy Brighton, chief, Environmental Analysis Branch, Watershed Section, spoke about services through the Biological, Environmental, and Cultural Resource Services Contract (BECR);
- Anthony Ciorra, chief, Coastal Restoration Branch, discussed the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Program;
- Paul Tumminello, chief, Civil Works Projects Branch spoke about flood-control in New Jersey;
- Stella Marco, chief, Military Programs Branch elaborated about construction at District installations;
- Anthony DelVecchio, project manager, Environmental Inter-Agency International Services Branch, about initiatives at the Department of Veterans Affairs and National Cemetery Administration;
- Ken Durr, chief, Construction Services Branch, discussed lessons learned – project management; and
- Randall Hintz, chief, Operations Support Branch, talked about dredging construction.
Business Conferences
In addition to Industry Day, District personnel also attend business opportunity conferences, trade fairs and other federally-sponsored meetings. At these venues, they provide further opportunity for businesses to connect with the Corps by meeting with procurement and small business specialists that can assist with products and services. Overall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is committed to the success of small business across the country.
“Seeking greater inclusion of small disadvantaged business promotes greater opportunity for success that, in turn, grows the U.S. economy and keeps the nation strong, said Rippert Roberts, deputy, Small Business Programs.
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