More than 250 attendees learned what it takes for small businesses to do business with the federal government at the third annual Dynamic Networking for Small Business (DyNet) event, held today in Fairmont at the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center. Conference organizers brought together federal agencies, prime contractors and support organizations to help small businesses from seven states learn about growth opportunities through federal contracting programs.
“We wanted to offer small businesses a means to match their capabilities with the federal government’s needs,” said U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia Director Judy McCauley. “The event gave small businesses a better understanding of the requirements when it comes to contracting and subcontracting opportunities with the federal government and prime contractors.”
“Winning a government contract can be a daunting prospect, but small business owners are not in it alone,” said Regional Administrator Bridget Bean. “SBA continues to help small businesses become federal contractors by giving them the training and the level playing field they need to compete. Small businesses who attended the DyNet Conference should be better positioned to take advantage of contracting opportunities so that they can grow, innovate and create jobs.”
Workshops presented during the day provided insights into the various levels of government contracting, regardless of their stage of development. The workshops included: Architectural & Engineering Selection Tidbits; How to Write Effective Capability Statements and Elevator Speeches; NaVOBA Information for Vet and SDVet Owned Businesses; Government Contracting 101; SBA 8(a), Woman-owned, HUBZone programs; WV Disadvantage Business Enterprise; and Facility Security Clearance.
The event was sponsored by the I-79 Development Council and made possible by a concerted effort on the part of the SBA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Other federal agencies were in attendance including the Louis A. Johnson Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Veterans Health Administration, and the General Services Administration. The event attracted businesses and prime contractors from seven states.
In addition to the I-79 Development Council, SBA, and USACE, supporting organizations include Northern WV Chapter of the National Contract Management Association, Regional Contracting Assistance Center, WV SCORE, Pitt University Small Business Development Center, West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation, and California University Government Contracting Assistance Center.
“Federal contracting is a good source to consider for businesses looking for ways to expand their business,” added McCauley. “Federal agencies are required to make at least 23 percent of all their purchases through small businesses. DyNet provided the small businesses in attendance a way to get their ‘foot in the door’ on contracting opportunities and to put a face on federal contracting. The relationships and networking accomplished today will pay huge dividends in the near future.
