Small Business Office (SBO): FAA SBO hosted the Small Business Vendor Day at the William J. Hughes Technical Center on January 24, 2024

On January 24, 2024, the FAA Small Business Office (SBO) conducted the first in-person outreach event since the COVID pandemic. The FAA SBO hosted the Small Business Vendor Day at the William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC), from 8:30 AM until 1:00 PM. This event provided contracting opportunity and acquisition information to the small business community, with emphasis on Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), Small Disadvantaged Businesses (including 8(a)), Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), and HUBZone companies. The businesses in attendance possessed core capabilities in the areas of software development, computer programming, engineering services, and computer systems design services.

With over 400 business representatives in attendance, this event provided companies with an opportunity to showcase their corporate capabilities at display tables, while directly interacting with FAA program officials and government procurement decision-makers. Various large businesses were in attendance to engage with the small business community regarding topics such as subcontracting opportunities, partnering, best practices, Mentor Protégé, and Joint Venture opportunities.

Dr. Neiderman delivering the welcoming remarks.

The WJHTC Small Business advocate, Deborah Hemphill, was the emcee for this event. The robust speaking Agenda featured Dr. Eric Neiderman, the Deputy Director of the William J. Hughes Technical Center delivering the Welcoming remarks, followed by U.S. Congressman Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey 2nd District Representative, who delivered the Opening remarks. Both highlighted the economic impact the WJHTC has on the surrounding local community, as well as the WJHTC’s annual accomplishment data. This WJHTC accomplishment data included a total of $507 million in annual obligations to contracts in fiscal year 2023, of which 57% ($287 million) was awarded to the small business community. In addition, 38% ($190 million) was awarded to socially and economically disadvantaged companies (including 8(a) certified firms), 9% ($45 million) was awarded to Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), and 5% ($26 million) was awarded to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB).

The remainder of the morning speakers highlighted the WJHTC’s Test and Evaluation services (Annie Augustin, Manager, Air Traffic System T&E Services Division), Aviation Research (Mike Paglione, Manager, Aviation Research Division), eFAST Contracts (Tim Spencer, Manager, eFAST Contracts Branch), and a small business success story (IntegriSys, LLC). This event then featured a networking break in which all attendees participated in discussion and connected with one another, bringing together companies who shared common business capabilities, past performance, and complementary services, all while formulating business marketing strategies and partnerships.

The above speakers were followed by presenters discussing a buying perspective of Information Technology (IT) and technical support services. Speakers highlighted the Systems Engineering & Technical Innovative Solutions (SETIS) contract (Tim Fitzick, Technical Services Contracts Branch), the Office of Information Technology Strategy & Performance (Sylvia Greaux-Bagley, Director, Strategy & Performance), and IT Acquisition Strategy (Harry Lutz, WJHTC/AIT Acquisition Services Division). In addition, the Small Business Administration (SBA) New Jersey District Director (John Blackstock) spoke to event attendees regarding SBA resources, federal contracting, small business certifications, access to capital, and funding innovations. To close out this exciting event, Allen Bresley (Manager, FAA Small Business Office) delivered closing remarks.

Many government organizations were also in attendance to engage with industry representatives regarding business resources. These organizations include the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC), the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), FAA Small Business Office (SBO) representatives, and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Community organizations such as the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), National Aviation Research & Technology Park, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) also attended Small Business Vendor Day.

View the small business goals and accomplishment data for the entire FAA, please visit the SBO Website.

Download the Power Point Presentations from the Small Business Vendor Day: