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Frequently Asked Questions
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last updated 4/21/2008
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Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program- Question: What is the role of the WOSB Advocate?
Answer: The WOSB Advocate acts as the agency’s liaison by developing policy and oversight to ensure that women-owned small businesses are provided the opportunity to participate in Army acquisitions.
- Question: What is the Army doing for WOSB outreach?
Answer: The Army has over 200 Small Business Specialists located at individual installations throughout the United States. These specialists:
· provide training and marketing assistance to firms through personal contacts, various procurement conferences, and trade shows; · meet periodically with prime contractors, procurement technical assistance representatives, and SBA representatives to discuss best practices and to initiate actions to increase awards to WOSBs; · ensure that acquisition strategies identify possible opportunities for small businesses.
The Director of the Office of Small Business Programs periodically visits commanders of installations and executives of the top defense prime contractors, to discuss their Small Business Program and to emphasize the Army’s commitment to maximize opportunities for WOSBs.
- Question: What is the current National goal for contracts awarded to WOSBs, and what is the Army doing to reach the goal?
Answer: The National goal for prime contract awards to WOSBs is 5%.
The Army was proud to be the first Federal agency to award more than $1B to WOSBs in fiscal year 2000. Since that time, we have increased our awards to over $3B in FY 2007. We continue to monitor our progress toward the 5% goal and encourage WOSBs to participate in Army procurement opportunities.
- Question: What should a WOSB do to get started contracting with the Army?
Answer: A firm should first determine if the Army buys their product or service. The Small Business Specialists located at our installations can assist firms in deciding if the Army has a requirement for the product that is being marketed. A firm should contact the installation located in their geographic area and visit the Small Business Specialist for that particular installation. Firms should also monitor http://www.fedbizopps.gov, the web site where solicitations and special announcements are made.
- Question: What tools or initiatives should WOSBs seek to take advantage of contracting opportunities with the Army?
Answer: WOSBs should take the following steps:
· Keep company’s profile current in the Central Contractor Registration; · Attend local and national procurement conferences, particularly those that are sponsored by Government Agencies; · Seek opportunities through the Army’s Mentor-Protégé Program;. · Monitor the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the Army web site for forecasts and special announcements..
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