With small businesses a key contract component across the EM complex, prime contractors at the Hanford Site are collaborating to connect with potential subcontractors and offer firsthand assistance to small businesses. Small business program managers are hosting quarterly online forums to connect with local and regional small businesses and share best practices for doing business at the site.
“The feedback has been really positive,” said Robin Whitney, small-business program manager for the Richland Operations Office. “A lot has changed over the past few years, and vendors appreciate the updated information and helpful tips on how to do business at Hanford.”
The highlight of each forum happens when prime contractors preview potential business opportunities over the next three to six months.
“The look ahead helps small businesses know what opportunities are coming up, determine which would be a good fit with their business models and make plans to submit proposals,” said Haley Taylor, small business program manager with Hanford prime contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions.
The first forum in June 2021 focused on Hanford’s 5-Year Plan and included an overview of each prime contractor and how to do business with them. Forums held in October 2021 and January 2022 focused on insurance requirements for subcontractors working at Hanford, along with helpful hints on putting together a successful contract proposal. Each virtual event attracted around 150 participants representing 40-70 potential subcontractors.
Forums will continue to be held virtually, with the next scheduled for April.
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