WASHINGTON -- Between transportation, supply and maintenance, great prospects exist for small businesses, Army Materiel Command's top leader told attendees at an Army-hosted Small Business Seminar, Oct. 14.
"With $53 billion in contracts and $5.6 billion in research and development, we have tremendous opportunities," said Gen. Dennis L. Via.
AMC's commanding general added his comments to the two-day event during the Association for the Unites States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition. Panel discussions and presentations by Army Small Business leaders rounded out the seminar.
Via provided an overview of AMC and discussed the trials of doing business with an unpredictable budget and the threat of sequestration.
"It's challenging to run a multi-billion dollar organization when you can't see past December," Via said. "But in this environment of uncertainty, there remains opportunity."
Understanding both the needs and capabilities is key to doing business with the Army, Via said. He encouraged small businesses to visit the Army's facilities, particularly those that make up the Organic Industrial Base.
"I think there are opportunities small business has not tapped into yet," Via said, noting that those who visit the 23 facilities that make up the Organic Industrial Base usually come away surprised.
"We've got 14 ammunition plants, two arsenals and the depots," he said. "I think you'll see things you didn't know the Army is doing. There may be something you can tap into."
To date, the Army has more than 200 partnerships with industry at these locations and the number continues to grow. Via noted the facilities are well built, have been improved with capital investment and meet federal safety and ISO standards.
"We just need you to come partner with us," Via said.
He encouraged small businesses to build relationships and articulate their own unique capabilities.
"Get the information you need and find out how you can get in the game," he said.
To do that, Via said, small businesses don't need to get in to see the general. Instead, he encouraged them to reach out to the small business offices and contracting officers.
"Invest good time up front," he said. "Small business is big business at AMC, and we are proud to put our efforts behind our talk."
Social Sharing