WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Director of the Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Theresa Speake, last week hosted its first of many monthly Business Opportunity Sessions (BOS) to encourage small business contracting and further the Department’s mission.  The sessions provide a forum for federal acquisition officials to meet, in-person, with small businesses that may not be familiar with DOE’s contracting opportunities, and that DOE might not necessarily identify through traditional market research.  BOS aims to further President Bush’s Small Business Agenda by increasing small business participation in the Department’s contracting opportunities.

“The Department of Energy strongly supports contracting with small businesses to help drive economic growth, and to advance our mission,” Director Speake said.  “Small businesses have played and will continue to play a key role in DOE’s many successes.  Encouraging DOE’s program officials to meet with small business representatives, in-person, allows the Department to continue to bring cutting-edge technology and improved business practices to our entire complex.”

Business Opportunity Sessions begin with an overview on “How to Work with DOE,” followed by presentations from program experts seeking to develop small business participation through current or pending contract opportunities.  The next Business Opportunity Sessions will be he held at DOE’s Forrestal Building, and are scheduled for Tuesday, August 28, and Wednesday, September 26, 2007.

Last month, Secretary Bodman issued a policy statement on DOE’s small business priorities, reiterating the Department’s commitment to pursue contracting opportunities with small businesses.

In Fiscal Year 2006, DOE awarded approximately $1.2 billion in prime contracts to small businesses. Additionally, through its Management and Operating contractors, $3.5 billion in subcontracts were awarded to small business.  DOE strives to maximize its commitment to small businesses in 2007 and in subsequent years.  Read more information on contracting with DOE.

Media contact(s):
Julie Ruggiero, (202) 586-4940