The St. Louis District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers participated in the 2015 Saint Louis Small Business Symposium themed, "Doing Business with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers" at the Engineering Center of St. Louis today.
The sold-out event brought contractors from the Missouri area together to hear about the resources available to help them work with the government from the Corps of Engineers, St. Louis Minority Business Council, Procurement Technical Assistant Center and the Small Business Administration.
Contractors are crucial to the success of the Corps as the vast majority of construction performed on Corps projects is executed by contractors; helping fuel the economy and create jobs.
“The resources and shared knowledge presented today will help small businesses be ready to work with the Corps of Engineers to achieve our missions together,” said Col. Anthony Mitchell, St. Louis District commander.
Mike Feldmann, St. Louis District Project Management chief, opened the symposium with an overview of the St. Louis District, its missions, and contracting opportunities for 2016.
"Everything we do depends on contractors in some manner,” said Feldmann. “We are successful because of our great relationships with contractors."
Glenn Chatman, St. Louis District Small Business Program manager, wrapped up the symposium with a presentation titled, “Are You Prepared?” that highlighted the process of doing business with the Corps of Engineers.
“It was clear that our goal for the symposium was achieved,” said Chatman. “The contractors in attendance were encouraged by the information provided. This will open up a lot of contracting opportunities for them and the Corps.”
The symposium was hosted by the Society of American Military Engineers St. Louis Post, in partnership with the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center, the Small Business Administration, and the St. Louis Minority Business Council.
“The Corps has a longstanding history of commitment to utilizing small businesses,” Mitchell said. “We are improving access to procurement forecasts and continuing to teach firms how to do business with us. It is our job to educate the small business industry and provide access to contract opportunities.”