PORTLAND, ORE. - Businesses interested in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work have two opportunities to learn about future projects and how to compete for them.
The Corps will host two separate Industry Day events: April 26 and 27. Both events will be at the 911 Federal Building at 911 NE 11th Ave., Portland, Oregon. Seating is limited and registration is required. See details below.
The April 26 event is designed to introduce businesses to the government acquisition process, which has its nuances. The event will include information about the tools needed to do business with the Corps, the Best Value process, and how to improve project proposals.
The Corps is searching for businesses that provide everything from supplies and materials to construction services. The Portland District’s Small Business Office looks for companies that have the services and products the District needs to accomplish its missions.
“We understand businesses are exploring new technologies and innovative engineering methods,” said Col. Jose Aguilar, Portland District Commander. “It’s important for our project teams to meet with these businesses’ representatives and exchange information. That needs to happen in an environment that balances both parties’ needs while respecting fair contracting opportunities.”
The April 27 event is targeted at businesses that may be interested in the Corps’ jetty rehabilitation projects at the Mouth of the Columbia River, a huge undertaking that will rely on sub contractors, including small business owners, to provide some of the materials, such as thousands of tons of jetty stone that must meet specific quality thresholds.
“There’s much at stake for the Corps’ mission and for these businesses,” said Jerry Otto, MCR jetty rehabilitation project manager. “Our advertisement periods for the jetty projects typically range from 30 to 45 days, which require interested businesses to quickly gather the information they’ll need and prepare a well-developed proposal to compete.”
Providing information at the industry day workshops and forums such as FedBizOpps ahead of the contract bidding process, gives potential bidders time to conduct the required testing and obtain the permits they’ll need before the Corps can effectively evaluate the quality of the stone and reliability of the source.
“Industry days offer a sanctioned environment where Corps employees can share their project challenges and needs with the business owners who may have solutions,” said Carol McIntyre, deputy for Small Business for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District.
The Corps is dedicated to developing small businesses and maximizing their opportunities to take part in the federal procurement process. Business owners who want to compete for government contracts have an ally in the Corps, whose specialists will help them learn to navigate the labyrinth of rules and requirements that are the Federal Acquisition Regulations. Events like the April 26 and 27 industry days provide for a broad base of suppliers to support the mission and strengthen the nation’s economic development.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Industry Days
911 Federal Building, 911 NE 11th Ave., Portland, Oregon
April 26, 2016
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Doors open at 7 a.m.
Register at http://go.usa.gov/ct8WQ
April 27, 2016
9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Doors open at 7 a.m.
Register at http://go.usa.gov/ct8Zj
Building 911 is an easy walk from the Lloyd Center/NE 11th Avenue MAX stop which serves the Green, Red and Blue lines. Limited parking is available near the facility.