United States Environmental Protection Agency Small and Disad\ aniagcd Business Utilization (1230 A) 180N01001 SPRING/SUMMER 200I Small Businesses - Making a Difference DIRECTOR'S NOTE Greetings! It is indeed a privilege for me to address you in this our first newsletter edition. Thanks to all of you who have supported the Agency's Small Business Program over the years. It has been more than four years now since I have been assigned to serve as the Di- rector of OSDBU. We have made many accomplishments together Jeanette L. Brown, Director as a team. Thanks! taged, small disadvantaged, service dis- abled veteran, hubzones, women- owned, tribally-owned, small businesses, HBCUs, minority colleges and univer- sities are included in the process. We want to ensure that our constituents are involved in EPA programs aimed at fos- tering and furthering economic devel- opment. Programs such as Brownfields and Superfund quickly come to mind. As the country is experiencing the biggest eco- nomic boom on record, it is my hope that all sectors of the economy benefit greatly in this prosperity. The focus is on economic develop- ment and sustainable development. The emer- gence of small business has created more op- portunities and collaborative efforts among lo- cal municipalities, economic and community development agencies, state governments, fi- nancial institutions as well as colleges, univer- sities and tribal entities. OSDBU's goal is to ensure that the socioeconomically disadvan- Although the small business programs are changing to comply with federal laws, they continue to be a viable source for growth and development for many small firms. We can achieve a safer, cleaner environ- ment with the participation of ALL. To date, the Agency has met or exceeded the major- ity of its FY 2001 goals. We have increased contract awards to women-owned businesses and met goals established by the SBA. None of this can happen with- out your continued support, so I again thank you. Welcome New EPA Administrator On December 22, 2000, Christine Todd Whitman, former Gov- ernor of New Jersey, was named by President George W. Bush as EPA Administrator. She grew up in Hunterdon County, N.J., and earned a bachelor's degree in government from Wheaton College in Massachusetts. Whitman was the first woman governor of New Jersey in 1993 and served two terms. Prior to becoming governor, she headed the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Somerset County Board of Freeholders. As governor, Christine Todd Whitman proposed the state's first stable source of funding for land preservation, a 10-year plan to save forever 1 million acres of open space and farm- land. By 2010, New Jersey will have permanently pre- served 40 percent of its total land mass, with more than half of it pledged or preserved during her ten- ure. INSIDE THIS ISSUE SmallBizMall.gov Page 2 Accomplishments Page 3 Women-Owned Businesses Page 4 Contract Opportunities Page 4 Alaskan Tribe Wins Contract Page 5 Superfund Contract Awarded by Region III Page 5 EPA/OSBDU Brown Bag Luncheons Page 6 Regional News Page 7 Small Business Training & Upcoming Events Page 8 Events Calendar Page 9 Region 5, Library (PL- 12J) 77 Wast Jackson Boulevard, 12th Flos* Chicago, II 60604-3590 ------- Mission of EPA OSDBU EPA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) performs the following func- tions: • Provides policy, procedures and oversight of the implementation of programs described under Sections 8 and 15 of the Small Business Act as amended and various Execu- tive Orders. # Develops programs to stimulate and improve involvement of socioeconomic businesses in the Agency's overall acquisition process. # Responsible for assuring small, small disad- vantaged, and women-owned firms are given their "fair share" of subagreement opportunities under grants and cooperative agreements awarded by the Agency. # Serves as advocate, counselor, trainer and liai- son to small business community. # Outreach activities include interagency spon- sored conferences, one-on-one counseling and group seminars. SmallBizMall.gov Celebrates 1st Anniversary April 3, 2001 marked the first anniversary of SmallBizMall.gov, the first government e-commerce portal dedicated to ordering from 8 (a) small and dis- advantaged information technology businesses. SmallBizMall.gov proves itself to be a mainstay in the federal e-commerce marketplace at a time when other e-commerce sites still struggle to survive. SmallBizMall.gov, was developed by CeKA Technolo- gies, Inc., a Vienna, Virginia 8(a) firm, along with their partner, Onlinesuppliers.com (OLS) and is the first government website that showcases 8 (a) small and disadvantaged businesses. Federal clients who do busi- ness on the mall may receive 8 (a) or small disadvan- taged credit for their purchases. The mall also fea- tures comparison shopping, quantity discounts, spe- cial pricing and safe, secure transaction processing. Government buyers can browse, shop and buy on line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additional information about SmallBizMall.gov or the SBSDC may be found on the web at www.fast.sdc.gsa.gov or by calling 1-877-327-8732. Rulemaking Draft Proposed DBE Rule EPA is in the process of promulgating regulations to implement its MBE/WBE Fair Share Policy. The Policy requires States, Indian Tribes, Trust Territories and other organizations, that will receive financial as- sistance from EPA, to make good faith efforts to award a portion of their procurement dollars to MBEs and WBEs. The Fair Share Policy applies to contracts and subcontracts for construction, equipment, supplies and services. OSDBU anticipates issuing a proposed rule this fis- cal year; and anticipates issuing a final rule by the end of calendar year 2002. To review the draft rule, visit our website at www.epa.gov/osdbu. For fur- ther information, call 202-564-4100. Public Hearings Schedule Philadelphia/New York Chicago/Kansas City Dallas San Francisco Atlanta Boston Denver Seattle 11/8-9/00 12/4/00 1/23-2/4/01 2/13-14/01 3/6/01 4/10/01 4/24/01 5/22/01 EPA's Small Business InnovationResearch(SBIR) Program EPA is one of ten Federal agencies that participates in the SBIR Program established by the Small Busi- ness Innovation Development Act of 1982. The SBIR Program is an important part of EPA's research and development efforts and helps the Agency to achieve its overall mission to protect human health and the environment. Through the SBIR Program, EPA makes awards to small, high-tech firms for research and de- velopment of cutting-edge technologies. EPA's Phase I Solicitation opened on March 29, 2001 and will close on May 24, 2001. The solicitation will be posted on the National Center for Environmental Research website at www.epa.gov/ncerqu/sbir^D www. epa.gov/osdbu ------- GOALS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS EPA FISCAL YEAR 2000 GOALS and ACCOMPLISHMENTS Estimated Obligations DIRECT PROCUREMENT DOLLAR VALUE Negotiated GOAL Small Business 8(a) Businesses* Small Disadvantaged Businesses* Women-Owned Businesses Hub Zones 23.5% 6.0% $282 M 72 M 42 M 3.5% 60 M 5.0% 12 M 1.5% *Since 8(a)s are SDBs: Accomplishments DOLLAR ACCOMPLISHMENT VALUE $287 M 26.2% 65 M 6.0% 88 M 8.0% 36 M 3.3% 600 K 0.1% EPA, in essence, has an SDB goal of 9.5% SUBCONTRACTOR Subcontractor Obligations n Small Businesses Small Disadvantaged Businesses Women-Owned Businesses DOLLAR GOAL VALUE DOLLAR ACCOMPLISHMENT VALUE $200 M 100M 40 M 12 M 50.0% 20.0% 6.0% $1610B 588 M 174 M 110 M 37.0% 11.0% 7.0% EPA FISCAL YEAR 2001 GOALS Based on estimated contract obligations of $1.2 billion DIRECT PROCUREMENT Small Business 8(a) Businesses* Small Disadvantaged Businesses* Women-Owned Businesses Hub Zones Service Disabled Veterans DOLLAR VALUE $282 M 72 M 42 M 60 M 30 M 12M GOAL 23.5% 6.0% 3.5% 5.0% 2.5% 1.0% 'Since 8(a)s are SDBs, EPA, in essence, has an SDB goal of 9.5 % SUBCONTRACTOR Subcontractor Obligations Small Businesses Small Disadvantaged Busineses Women-Owned Businesses Hub Zones Service Disabled Veterans DOLLAR VALUE $100 M 40 M 60 M 5M 12M GOAL 200 M 50.0% 20.0% 6.0% 2.5% 1.0% The Federal government purchases millions of dollars in goods and services each year that range from paper clips to complex space ve- hicles. It is the policy of the United States, as stated in the Small Business Act, that all businesses have the maxi- mum practicable opportu- nity to participate in provid- ing goods and services to the government. To ensure that small businesses get their fair share, the SBA negotiates an- nual procurement preference goals with each Federal agency and reviews each agency's results. The SBA is responsible for ensuring that the statutory government- wide goals are met in the ag- gregate. www.epa.gov/osdbu ------- WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES Congress Boosts Small Women-Owned Businesses We are pleased to inform you that Congress gave SBA the authority for a restricted competition program for women-owned small businesses (WOSB) just before the close of the last session.The legislative authority is in 8(m) of SBA's reauthorization bill and is now Pub. L. 106554. The Office of Federal Contract Assistance for Women Business Owners (CAWBO) in the Office of Gov- ernment Contracts (GC) is moving forward to imple- ment this legislation. SBA is developing a plan work- ing with their legal and policy offices to draft revi- sions to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The "competition restriction" is not mandatory, but is a tool agencies may use to help them award more of their contracts to WOSB. As you know, in FY 1999 WOSBs received 2.5 percent of the total fed- eral procurement. While some agencies far exceeded the 5 percent goal, SBA appreciates the assistance pro- vided by many to achieve this new program for WOSBs. SBA wants the implementation to be effec- tive and to reflect your insights. Therefore, SBA is requesting that you communicate any suggestions about implementation to Sheryl J. Swed, Assistant Ad- ministrator for the Office of Federal Contract Assis- tance for Women Business Owners (CSWBO). You may contact Ms. Swed at 202-205-6413 or sheryl.swed@sba.gov. Websites for Women Business Owners The National Foundation for Women Business Owners (NFWBO) the premier source of information on women business owners and their enterprises worldwide. www.nfwbo.org Business Women's Network Interactive (BWNI) "Providing women with the real tools for success" www.bwni.com www.epa.gov/osdbu ------- CONTRACT Alaskan Indian Tribe Awarded Largest 8(a) Tribal Contract Ever EPA, in concert with the U.S. Small Business Ad- ministration, announced the award of a $65 mil- lion contract to the Arctic Slope Regional Corpora- tion (ASCR) Aerospace, a small, disadvantaged busi- ness enterprise founded by Inupiat Eskimos. Under its new contract with EPA, ASRC Aerospace will provide information management, records manage- ment and library support services at EPA offices na- tionwide for up to five years. This is the largest con- tract ever awarded by EPA to an Indian tribe or an Alaskan Native Corporation. The contract was awarded under authority of the Business Opportu- nity Development Reform Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-656), which permits noncompetitive awards to small, disadvantaged tribal firms to provide busi- ness development opportunities. CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES •EPA is continuing to update its contracting strat- egy for the Superfund program.This program ad- dresses the clean up of abandoned hazardous waste sites. It is EPA's largest contracting program. Ex- cluding replacement contracts for site cleanup (which are still being reviewed) and laboratory analyses, implementation plans call for the award of 77 contracts, including 33 (about 43%) set-aside for small businesses and 8(a)s. Although most of these contracts have been awarded, approximately 15 remain to be awarded. Additional contracts are also planned for laboratory analyses.We commend the Superfund program for its efforts in increasing contracting opportunities for small businesses. Keep your eye on EPA's acquisition website (www.epa.gov/oam) for these and other contract- ing opportunities with EPA. In addition, review the "Forecast of Contracting Opportunities" at the same website. A Small Business Victory in Region IV Region IV is proud to have three 8 (a) contracts in areas once dominated by large umbrella type con- tracts and businesses. The most recent award is a one-of-a-kind contract for the acquisition of site as- sessment services and chemical safety audits. The fixed rate hybrid contract represents a significant commitment for this 8(a) certified contractor. In addition to these contracts, Region IV also has four other major program contracts which have been awarded to small businesses. WOSB Awarded Region IX Contract On September 29, 2000, Region IX awarded an ID/ IQ contract. The contract for Laboratory Analyti- cal Services for Organic and Inorganic Samples went to EMAX Laboratories, Inc., Torrance, CA, a small minority and woman-owned business. The contract was solicited as a 100% small business set-aside. •Mr. David Curtis, Acting Director, Office of Equal Opportunity for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announced in a meet- ing with the Metro Intergovernment Association of Equal Opportunity Officials (MIAEOO) that MARTA has many opportunities for MBEs/WBs. Interested contractors are encouraged to contact Mr. Curtis at 404-848-5114. www.epa.gov/osdbu ------- OSDBU's Small Business Outreach Center In its commitment to assure that small and disadvan- taged businesses have equal access to business oppor- tunities with the EPA, OSDBU has established an outreach center in concert with Howard University's Small Business Development Center. The services of the Outreach Center are designed to enable devel- oping, emerging and start-up firms to strengthen their competitive position in the EPA marketplace. A few of the services available are: One-On-One Business Counseling By calling Franklin H. Carpenter at 202-564-4584, you can obtain the kind of support necessary for your growth and business stability. Orientation Sessions About EPA Procurement and Grant Opportunities for MBE/DBE firms, Native American Tribes, Historically Black Colleges and Uni- versities and other institutions linked to the develop- ment of small business enterprises. Assistance in the Preparation of Competitive Pro- posals and Grant Applications commensurate with EPA purchasing and grant requirements. Wide Array of Specific Training Modules: # Business Plan Development # Loan Package Development and Submission # Business Management Practices # Marketing and Product Development # E-Commerce Issues and Answers # How To Start A Small Business # EPA Financial Assistance Agreements # Contract and Grant Management Tutorial H How To Complete a Grant Application # Business Legal Considerations and Their Importance #How to Get on the GSA Schedule EPA/OSDBU Launches Brown Bag Luncheon April 25th marked the beginning of a unique series of meetings for EPA officials and the business com- munity. Known as the Brown Bag Luncheon Initia- tive, vendors are presented an opportunity at lunch time to learn how they can sharpen their efforts to market their commodity or service to the EPA. Spon- sored by OSDBU and Howard University School of Business, the informal format allows vendors to in- teract with contract officers and procurement offi- cials face to face. Jeanette Brown, Director of OSDBU, in launching the once-per-month luncheons, stated "EPA's OSDBU's mission is to advocate the use of qualified small disadvantaged, hub zone, and women-owned businesses in assisting the agency in meeting its mis- sion. For this reason, VENDORS are encouraged to acquire VITAL information from our series of Brown Bag Luncheons." Franklin H. Carpenter, Director of the EPA/Howard University Outreach Center observes, "You will ex- perience in an informal environment the sharing of information with the EPA community, the business community and cameo appearances by notable per- sonalities. Conversation between presenter and lun- cheon guest is expected." The Brown Bag Luncheons will convene once per month from 12:00 p.m to 1:00 p.m. on the follow- ing dates: April 25th, May 23rd, June 20th, July 25th, August 22nd, September 20th, October 24th, No- vember 15th, and December 5th. The location for these luncheons is: 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20460 The Ariel Rios Building North Room 6402 Conference Room Attendance is free and participants are expected to bring their own lunch^D There will be ample food for thought. For more information, please call 202-564-4584 or fax inquiries to 202-501-0189. www.epa.gov/osdbu ------- NEWS Region VIII Loses Preferred 8(a) Firm ISSI, which held various EPA contracts, suffered fi- nancial and management difficulties that were un- able to be corrected. Unfortunately, this resulted in their losing several Region VIII contracts. Despite our efforts we were unable to place other 8(a) firms in some of the tasks because of time critical issues. However, we reacted positively and assisted the pro- gram staff with identifying suitable replacements. In one contract where ISSI was performing Superfund Community Relations Support services, we assisted in finding an 8(a) firm, Golden Rule, which we hope will eventually fill the void left by ISSI. Clyde Loasso, Mark Caban and Maureen Martin of our Regional contracting and procurement staff dem- onstrated outstanding customer service qualities dur- ing these extremely difficult times. EPA remains com- mitted to the 8(a) program. RETIREMENT Robert I. Richardson, retired on December 29, 2000, after 32 years of Federal Service. Mr. Richardson joined EPA in 1984 and served in Region V as MBE/WBE Coordinator. Prior to joining EPA, Mr. Richardson worked as a Mi- nority Business Development Specialist for the Minority Business Development Agency, U. S. Department of Commerce in Chicago, IL. EPAs NEW AGENCY COMPETITION ADVOCATE In November 2000, Ms. Corinne M. Sisneros joined EPA in the Office of Acquisition Man- agement as the new Agency Competition Ad- vocate. Ms. Sisneros works directly for the Agency's Procurement Executive to develop goals and plans for increasing competition in the agency through research, training ne- gotiation and innovation. Ms. Sisneros also serves as the Protest Control Officer and is responsible for the management and coordi- nation of the activities associated with all contract protests to the Agency or the Gen- eral Accounting Office. www. epa.gov/osdbu ------- SMALL BUSINESS TRAINING Contract Vendor Forum, Fair In October, Region IV hosted the 2000 Contract Vendor Forum and Fair in Atlanta, GA. The purpose of this annual event is to create network- ing opportunities between large and small/small disadvantaged businesses in areas where EPA requirements are procured. The event included special training sessions hosted by SBA and also provided opportunities for small/ Networking EPA/SBA Joint Training The EPA and SBA are currently plan- ning a joint training effort. This comprehensive overview will focus on Small Business Programs. The training is targeted at Contracting Officers, MBE/WBE Coordinators, Project Managers and Small Business personnel. The training is tentatively set for October 2001 in Washington, D.C. This training will also be pro- vided at EPA's other two buying cen- ters, Research Triangle Park and Cincinnati and sev- small disadvantaged businesses to share experiences eral of the agency>s regional offices please comact and successes. The highlight of the event was the con- tractor forum where businesses were given the oppor- tunity to ask the agency's program and contracting officials questions. Over 300 individuals attended this two-day event and more than 75 vendors were repre- sented. SBA Training On December 13, 2000, Region VIII hosted a three hour SBA training which covered HUB ZONES, PRONET and the 8(a) Program. The interactive training was held at the regional computer training facility. Attendees received hands-on-train- ing using the SBA PRONET system. Elaine Rice at 202-564-4100 for more information. Contractor Forum The EPA held a Contractors Forum on March 21, 2001 in Washington, D.C. The morning program focused on the changing procurement environment and future EPA requirements. In addition, a panel of EPA personnel addressed questions and concerns on doing business with EPA. The afternoon session fo- cused on EPA's mentor/protege program. Also another Contractors Forum was held in Chicago, Illinois, on June 19, 2001. Contact the at 202-564-4100 wvwv.epa.gov/osdbu ------- EVENTS JUNE EVENTS JULY DATE EVENT CONTACT SPONSOR/LOCATION June 4-6 June 6-9 June 8 June 12-14 June 13-17 June 18 June 19 June 20 June 2 1 June 21 -24 June 26 2001 Acquisition & Assistance Management Conference Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Alexandria, VA Alliance of HBCUs 2001 Eighth AnnualConference TN HBCUs Nashville Downtown Hotel-Nashville, TN Strategic Planning Meeting EPA Educational Center Muir Room SRMAC Meeting Boston, MA NAMC 32nd Annual Conference New York, NY Managerial Support Services Business Counseling Day OSDBU EPA - Auditorium Contractors Forum EPA OAM - Chicago, IL EPA/Howard University Brown BAg Luncheon US EPA/OSBDU Howard Univ. OSDBU Directors' Luncheon GSA Second Regional Procurement Fair, Conquistador Hotel Fajarado, Puerto Rico Interagency TA Conference USDA Murrow Conference Room National Press Club Washington, DC Loretta Sutton (202) 208-3493 Kathy Robinson (615) 963-5797 David Sutton (202) 564-4444 Len Britton (718) 246-8380 Myrna Mooney (202)564-4386 Corrine Sisneros (202)564-4321 Frank Carpenter (202)564-4584 Gilberto Marquez (787) 763-6811 Elaine Rice (202) 564-4141 DATE EVENT CONTACT SPONSOR/LOCATION July TBD July 17-19 July 19 July 23 July 25 July 28 - August 2 Prime /Subcontractor Roundtable EPA Cincinanati, OH Superfund PO/CO Training Conference San Diego, CA OSDBU Directors' Monthly Meeting - Interior IT Business Counseling Day OSDBU EPA - Auditorium EPA/Howard University Brown Bag Luncheon US EPA/OSBDU Howard Univ. Disabled American Veterans National Convention Miami, FL Norman White (513)487-2024 Patricia Hawkins (703) 603-8714 Myrna Mooney (202)564-4386 Frank Carpenter (202)564-4584 Lupe Saldana (202) 564-5353 AUGUST DATE EVENT CONTACT SPONSOR/LOCATION August 2 August 16 August 22 OSDBU Picnic - OSDBU (TBD) OSDBU Directors' Monthly Meeting - Treasury EPA/Howard University Brown Bag Luncheon US EPA/OSBDU Howard Univ. Frank Carpenter (202)564-4584 SEPTEMBER DATE EVENT CONTACT SPONSOR/LOCATION September 5-6 September 19-22 September 20 September 20 September 23-26 September 24-26 Women In Business 2001 Women's Business Development Center- Chicago Navy Pier USHCC National Convention & Business EXPO - Atlanta, GA OSDBU Directors' Monthly Meeting - TBD EPA/Howard University Brown BAg Luncheon US EPA/OSBDU Howard Univ. 19th National MEDWeek Conference MBDA- Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington, DC Brownsfields 2001 McMormick Place Convention Center- Chicago, IL Mia M. Delano (312) 853-3477 EXT 28 Lupe Saldana (202) 564-5353 Frank Carpenter (202)564-4584 Pamela Dessaso (757) 766-6379 WWW. brownsfields2001. org vwwv.epa.gov/osdbu ------- COMPANY REGISTRATION Fax to: Denean Jones (202)501-0756 Event: Company Name:. Contact: Title: Date: Address:. City: .State: Zip_ Phone No.: Email Address: Internet Address:. SlCCode(s): Capabilities: Fax No.: CLASSIFICATION a SDB Q Large Q Mid-Size a Small TRIBAL Q Federal Recognized Q State Recognized Q Small WOB a 8(a) Certified a HBCU/MI a SDV Q HubZone a IWOD a VSB a HACU ETHNICITY O African-American O Asian-Indian O Asian-Pacific OCAF O Hispanic O Native American O None O Other Minority www. epa.gov/osdbu ------- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. (1230A) Washington, B.C. 20460 (202) 564-4100 (202) 501-0756 (FAX) Request For publications NAME: FIRM: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP_ PHONE NO.: ( ) FAX NO.: ( ) EVENT ATTENDING:, DATE OF EVENT: ^ Q Doing Business with EPA 2 Q Mentor-Protege Program VI £ Q Forecast of Contract Opportunities ^ Q Finding Your Way Through EPA •o Q Contract Opportunities Under Superfund (Five Basic categories) i Q The 8(a) Program Q Suggested Resources for Identifying Small, Minority, and o =», Women-Owned Businesses ^ Q HUBZone Fact Sheet (D JQ C rt) (D Q. Visit EPA's OSDBU Homepage to view publications www.epa.gov/osdbu/pubs 11 www.epa.gov/osdbu ------- |