Receiving a multi-million dollar contract from a federal government agency was like a dream come true for Thomas Saia.
Saia, the president of Iroquois Bar Corp., a Lackawanna-based full service construction company credits the U.S. Small Business Administration for his company’s recent growth.
In 2007, Saia, a Native American and his company received certification to participate in SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program. The program is designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to government contracting opportunities through the federal government.
In August 2010, approximately 3 years after receiving certification from the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program, Iroquois Bar was awarded a $3.8 million Design/Build contract from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to provide roughly 23,000 yards of embankment fill material for future construction at the site. Another major portion of the project was the building of a new utility infrastructure used to support future development at the USCG site.
According to Saia, the largest element of the project was the construction of a 3,800 square foot LEED Silver certified building and installation of an Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (ATFP) security fence and chain link fence. In addition, a public park with access to the waterfront was created. Iroquois Bar self-performed about one-third of the project with its own resources.
“Government contracts can play a key role in helping small businesses turn the corner in terms of expansion and job creation,” said Franklin Sciortino, district director of the SBA Buffalo district office. “SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program has a way of leveling the playing field for small disadvantaged business owners like Thomas Saia who are seeking federal contracts. When contract dollars get into the hands of small business owners, it’s a win-win for the agencies, the small businesses and the nation’s economy.”
According to Sciortino, this particular project was an 8(a) competitive bid that was based on the qualifications and experience of the firm. The project award was based on the quality of the firm’s proposal rather than the lowest price, which is a testament to Iroquois Bar’s strong business offering.
Started by Saia in 1999, Iroquois Bar Corp. initially provided its customers installation, fabrication and supply of reinforcing steel (primarily for concrete). The company specializes in tying rebar for bridge decks, retaining walls, roadways, piers, caissons and building foundations in the Western New York Area.
Today, Iroquois Bar has grown into an industry leader that provides a complete set of construction-related services, such as trucking services for hauling construction materials, supplying redi-mix concrete and general contracting to its customer base.
“The SBA 8(a) certification has enabled our firm to seek not only regional, but national opportunities, “said Saia. “It has also allowed us to partner and/or enter into partnerships with other businesses to further develop and expand our scope of work in the government sector.”
In addition to their Coast Guard project, Iroquois Bar was asked by the U.S. Navy to work on a dredging project. Through the 8(a) program, the company was awarded their first dredging project as a prime contractor. The NAVY’s Facilities Engineering & Acquisition Division awarded the company a contract worth $388,280.
“On July 14, 2011, we mobilized to the site and started the construction of two barge systems that could support the weight of an excavator and dredged spoils containers, said Saia. “Before we could
begin the actual dredging process, we hired an independent surveying company to verify the underwater elevations and conditions. After completion of the survey, we began the dredging process.”
Thanks to their SBA 8(a) certification, Iroquois Bar anticipates winning and self-performing many more multi-million dollar government contracts in the future.
For more information, please contact your local SBA Buffalo district office at (716) 551-4301.