The Military Engineer L No. 66381 How You Can Help DOD Improve Innovation in Acquisitions The Panel on Defense Acquisition Re- form, a special panel of the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, held a hearing in October 2009 to examine whether the Depart- ment of Defense (DOD) can better uti- lize small business to improve innova- tion and competition in acquisition. The consensus was that DOD can and should better utilize small business to assess new, innovative technologies and to enhance the discipline that competi- tion brings to acquisition. Rep. Robert E. Andrews, the panel chairman, stated, In an era when DOD is hoping to ac- quire innovative technologies faster and cheaper, it seems highly likely that small businesses will need to play a sig- ni?cant role. Linda Oliver, Acting Director of the DOD Of?ce of Small Business Programs, addressed the panel, stating, Since small businesses are commonly rec- ognized as a particularly rich source of innovation, DOD frequently relies on small businesses to power innovative initiatives. Oliver cited the Small Busi- ness Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program and the DOD Mentor Protégé Program as examples. SBIR and STTR are formal programs established to promote innovation and commercialization from small busi- nesses through research and develop- ment. The Mentor Protégé Program seeks to encourage major DOD prime contractors to assist disadvantaged small business concerns and enhance small business capabilities. While these formal programs are in place and are making important con- tributions to DOD, there is an informal process that small businesses often overlook. The Federal Acquisition Reg- ulation requires agencies to conduct market research on all new acquisi- tions. This research involves obtaining information speci?c to the item be- ing acquired, and the results are used to determine many things, including whether sources exist to satisfy the re- quirement; whether commercial items are available to satisfy the requirement; what the acquisition strategy should be (full and open competitions or set- aside competitions); whether bundling is necessary and justi?ed; customary practices, including warranty; contract type, considering the nature and risk or the requirement; requirements of any laws and regulations unique to the item being acquired; the distribution and support capabilities of potential suppli- ers, including teaming arrangements; and the size and status of potential sources. Techniques used to conduct market research include reviewing the results A wholly owned subsidiary of Ahtna, Incorporated, an Alaska Native Regional Corporation, and a Small Disadvantaged Business A wholly owned subsidiary of Ahtna, Incorporated, an Alaska Native Regional Corporation, and SBA Certified 8(a) Small Business Michael W. Carter, PE Director, Business Development 916.257.2631 HTNA Government Services CorpA www.ahtnagov.com www.ahtnaes.com Providing Services Worldwide Construction Engineering Environmental Project/Construction Management Construction & Environmental Services - Engineering - Remediation - Homeland Security - Military Base Improvements Professional Services - Records Management - Language & Interpretation - Staff Augmentation Small Business News Bay West provides environmental & military munitions response services. www.baywest.com 1-800-279-0456 A DoD-Recognized Patriotic Employer, supporting employee participation in Americas National Guard and Reserve Force 20 Yrs Federal Experience HTRW and MMRP contracts with USACE, AFCEE, EPA, Navy, and GSA NAICS 562910 Small Business We are seeking qualified individuals to support our Federal contracts. See our website for an application and more information. A Certified SB/DVBE Company SafeCon is the complete solutions provider for the construction industry. We maximize returns and minimize risk with the most proactive management programs and techniques available. To put our experi- ence to work for you call 866. 443.1549. Consulting Group Inc. A SB and DVBE CERTIFIED COMPANY THE NEW CONSTRUCTION ECONOMY CALLSFOR NEW SOLUTIONS. Project Management Safety/SSHO | Quality - CQM/CQI Environmental – SWPPP safecon.net
If you would like to view publication without flash plugin, please click on link below
