Little Rock District Industry Forum brings together contractors and government contracting represent

By James WoodsDecember 8, 2015

$1.8 Billion Meet-UP
The Little Rock District and several federal agencies from around the region host an industry day event to learn more about regional contractor capabilities and likewise for contractors to present their capabilities to the Corps and other industries ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - About 110 contractors representing 84 companies attended a recent industry forum hosted by the Little Rock District to network and learn more about the $1.8 billion in contracting opportunities available in the district for fiscal year 2016.

This two day, semi-annual event draws contractors from all over the country as well as government entities such as the Corps' Memphis District, Little Rock Air Force Base, General Services Administration and the Arkansas Procurement Assistance Center.

The industry forum informs contractors about the Corps' authorities that are used to accomplish the contracting mission.

"As an example, the authority of the Corps of Engineers is different than that of the Small Business Administration," said Col. Courtney W. Paul, commander, Little Rock District. "They can do things we can't do and we can do things they can't do, by law."

On the first day of the industry forum the government talked to the contractors about possible projects available for FY16, about the program portfolios and the district commander provided contracting guidance.

The second day of the forum lets businesses, both large and small, talk to representatives from government offices in attendance giving them the opportunity to present capability briefings. Overall, there were 101 capability briefings presented during the forum.

The highlight for the contractors in attendance was the announcement about the upcoming three year, $900 million Air Force medical facility renovation multiple task order contract funded by the Air Force Medical Support Agency.

The Air Force Medical Support Agency is looking very closely at maximizing its dollars to see how many medical and dental clinics can be renovated.

If the results of this forum turns out like the previous ones, the district and specifically the contracting office will be extremely happy.

"What we hope to accomplish is to have a group of competitive contractors that can provide best value acquisitions or provide best value contracts on our behalf," said Sandra Easter, chief of contracting, Little Rock District.

If the enthusiasm shown at this forum is any indication of what is to come next, the Little Rock District should be very happy.