BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Within the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, members of the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Contracting team recently concluded a specialized training session on small business.
A contingent of hazardous waste and operational contracting officers gathered to discuss specific aspects of small business to include subcontracting plans and its various elements.
“Today we were very focused on compliance,” said Erin Clore the disposition services associate director of small business. “The goal of the training was to familiarize our contracting specialists with subcontracting requirements and regulations that pertain to the compliant execution of contracts.”
Due to the complex nature of certain contracts, the team has a host of resources at their disposal to ensure compliance. One of the many resources available is APEX Accelerators. This congressionally authorized program began in 1985 – formally known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program. Its’ purpose is to expand the number of businesses that can participate in government contracts and to assist in the overall expansion of small business opportunities. Training participants were briefed on ways to use this program and other resources as they develop subcontracting plans.
“The purpose of striving for total compliance is so we’re effectively supporting small businesses,” said Clore. “After this training I hope [the team] understand the basics of small business subcontracting and know where to find the resources should they need more details on how to be compliant.”
The continued success of small business is something that benefits the entire country. Strengthening and increasing the diversity of the country’s small business base in turn helps to create a more resilient U.S. supply chain. Another training topic covered was subcontractor payment and its importance to small business.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy,” said Clore. “If we are not paying them on time and supporting them it hurts the entire nation.”
Clore has overseen the small business division since April of 2022 and is working on ensuring members of her team, as well as those outside the Disposition Services framework, understand the importance of small business within the U.S. The next agency small business training session is slated for May 2024 along with the Michigan APEX Accelerator Alliance.