Small business outreach attracts record number of registrants

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (May 2, 2024) — Small business officials from the command wrapped up the Mission and Installation Contracting Command Advanced Planning Briefing for Industry last week, attracting a record more than 2,700 registrants.

The fourth annual APBI is the single, command-wide effort allowing small business and large industry representatives to hear forecasted requirements in support of varied Army mission partners from the MICC’s senior contracting officials.

Maj. Gen. Doug Lowrey, the MICC commanding general, thanked participants for their virtual attendance and support for Army Soldiers, civilians and family members during his opening remarks for the APBI.

“It truly is remarkable the effort and the professionalism that our industry partners put into the mission of the United States Army. Here at the Mission and Installation Contracting Command is really where the rubber meets the road,” Lowrey said, adding that the command is responsible for a number Army contracting buys from minor construction and supplies to dining facility services. “That is really what sustains our Army and makes them the best in the world.”

The MICC commanding general went on to identify two key takeaways of the APBI as building or strengthening relationships with small businesses and a plan by registrants to be aware of contracting opportunities to compete in the Defense marketplace.

Luis Trinidad, the director of the MICC Office of Small Business Programs, said the event addressed a variety of topics helping prepare American small businesses to compete for Army contracting opportunities. In addition to fielding questions posted to the event’s live chat throughout the week, additional questions were captured for response and will be posted to SAM.gov APBI event post along with an updated three-year acquisition forecast in the coming weeks.

“The Army and MICC bear a significant responsibility to foster economic diversity and promote equitable opportunities within the American small business community. Contracting with small businesses is not merely an option but an imperative component of this obligation,” Trinidad said. “Because small businesses are the lifeblood of local economies, embracing a robust small business procurement policy not only aligns with the principles of fairness but also yields long-term dividends in economic growth. Thus, it’s incumbent upon the MICC to prioritize small business efforts to include this vital outreach.”

Small business representatives registering for the APBI received slide presentations for each day of briefings. Those unable to register for the APBI still have the opportunity to view video recordings from the virtual event at the following links.

• APBI Day 1, April 22, 2024: video
• APBI Day 2, April 23, 2024: video
• APBI Day 3, April 24, 2024: video
• APBI Day 4, April 25, 2024: video

Forecast slide presentations will be available by the end of May on SAM.gov. Small business officials added that these forecasts serve as valuable tools for industry strategic planning enabling business representatives to make informed decisions and enhance their competitiveness in government contracting.

In fiscal 2023, the MICC executed more than 24,000 contract actions valued at more than $5.5 billion. That included approximately $2.98 billion to American small businesses across the socioeconomic spectrum.

About the MICC

Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the Mission and Installation Contracting Command consists of about 1,500 military and civilian members who are responsible for contracting goods and services in support of Soldiers as well as readying trained contracting units for the operating force and contingency environment when called upon. As part of its mission, MICC contracts are vital in feeding more than 200,000 Soldiers every day, providing many daily base operations support services at installations, facilitate training in the preparation of more than 100,000 conventional force members annually, training more than 500,000 students each year, and maintaining more than 14.4 million acres of land and 170,000 structures.