Archive for April, 2010

The NCMBC announces the First North Carolina Federal IT Symposium to be held at the William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education, Chapel Hill, NC on Thursday, June 17, 2010 from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm.  The purpose of the Symposium is to provide information to North Carolina businesses about federal technology (IT) opportunities, federal contracting processes for IT goods and services, and subcontracting opportunities with major contractors providing IT services to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. 

In short, participants will learn how the federal government really buys IT.

 For detailed information on the agenda and to register, click here: http://www.ncmbc.us/NCFederalITSymposium061710.php

There are a limited number of seats available at the Friday Center for this event so early registration is strongly encouraged.

1. AGRR CORPORATION, Brevard, NC, Transylvania County, won a contract worth $289,731.50 from the Department of Agriculture for *RECOVERY* Roan Mnt Trail & Observation Deck Rehab. – NC.

2. CURTISS-WRIGHT CONTROLS INC., Shelby, NC, Cleveland County, has won a contract worth $3,869,500.00 from the Defense Logistics Agency for Msl Aircraft Accessories and Components.

3. WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION & CABINETRY, INC., Robbinsville, NC, Graham County, has won a contract worth $45,690.00 from the Department of Agriculture for *RECOVERY* Wellhouse construction and building removal – Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina.

4. BRYANT’S LAND AND DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRIES, INC., Burnsville, NC, Yancey County, has won a contract worth $3,462,355.50 from the Department of Transportation for Blue Ridge Parkway, PRA-BLRI 2S18.

5. SCOTT TECHNOLOGIES, INC., Monroe, NC, Union County, has won a contract worth $57,696.38 from the Defense Logistics Agency for BREATHING APPARATUS, SELF CONTAINED.

6. B & H CONTRACTING COMPANY INC., Shannon, NC, Robeson County, has won a contract worth $1,056,120.62 from the Department of the Army for RECOVERY–Z–PROJECT NUMBER 34728, Renovate Bldg 2-1246.

7. B & H CONTRACTING COMPANY INC., Shannon, NC, Robeson County, has won a contract worth $688,877.90 from the Department of the Army for RECOVERY–Z–PROJECT NUMBER 34729, Renovate Bldg 2-1249.

8. KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES INC., Wilson, NC, Wilson County, has won a contract worth $36,787.95 from the Defense Logistics Agency for CABLE ASSEMBLY,SPECIAL PURPOSE,ELECTRICAL.

9. GROUP III MANAGEMENT, INC., Kinston, NC, Lenoir County, has won a contract worth $3,692,000.00 from the Department of Labor for RECOVERY – Schenck New Cafeteria in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina.

10. LK BUILDING, LLC, Wake Forest, NC, Wake County, has won a contract worth 174,900.00 from the Department of Labor for WELLNESSEXPANSION.

11.CAPE FEAR SITE WORKS,D/B/A ICAN, Fayetteville, NC, Cumberland County, has won a contract worth $32,881.51 from the Department of the Air Force for RECOVERY -Demolition, Removal and disposal of two concrete buildings.

12. LGS INNOVATIONS LLC, McLeansville, NC, Guilford County, has won a contract worth $2,351,927.31 from the Department of the Army for ADP Telecommunications & Transmission Services.

13. ALLIED PARTNERING, INC., Raleigh, NC, Wake County, has won a contract worth $32,940.80 from the Department of the Army for Wheeled Tuff Boxes.

14. ALLIED PARTNERING, INC., Raleigh, NC, Wake County, has won a contract worth $10,383.70 from the Department of the Army for Darn Tough Wool Socks.

15. ANDRITZ HYDRO CORP., Charlotte, NC, Mecklenburg County, has won a contract worth $3,404,380.00 from the Department of the Interior for Wide Head Turbine Runners, Hoover Dam Units A1, N5, N6 and N8, Hoover Dam and Powerplants, Boulder Canyon Project, AZ-NV.

1. WAYNE’S BACKHOE SERVICE INC., CALABASH, NC, Brunswick County, has won a contract worth $174,474.32 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for RECOVERY–Z–PROJECT NUMBER 010020, Lockwoods Folly River, NC, PROJECT NUMBER 074622, Shallotte River, NC Clearing and Spillway System Maintenance, Southern Disposal Area 284 & 300, Brunswick County, NC.

2. DIVERSIFIED SERVICE CONTRACTING, INC., Dunn, NC, Harnett County, has won a contract worth $423,968.54 from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command for Maintain, Repair & Alter VTE MCAS Cherry Point.

3. KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES INC., Wilson, NC, Wilson County, has won a contract worth $60,314.32 from the Defense Logistics Agency for 1SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, PHOTO.

4. GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC., has won a contract worth $76,563.63 from the Department of the Navy for ELECTRICAL CABLES.

5. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, Raleigh, NC, Wake County, has won a contract worth $164,664.00 from the Department of the Army for Investigation of Burn Threats at the Finger Scale Using an Instrumented Manikin and the Impact of Design of Protective Gloves for the Soldier.

6. GREENSBORO OFFICE INVESTMENT, LLC, Charlotte, NC, Mecklenburg County, has won a contract worth $957,315.60 from the General Services Administration for a Lease Contract for 3,885 Rentable Square Feet of office and related space.

7. GEORGIA APPLIED ENERGY MANAGEMENT INC., Huntersville, NC, Mecklenburg  County, has won a contract worth a maximum value of $9,500,000.00 from the United States Postal Service for Indefinite Quantity Energy Conservation Const Project Contract.

8. GEORGIA EATON CORPORATON. Raleigh, NC, Wake County, has won a contract worth a maximum value of $9,500,000.00 from the General Services Administration for Indefinite Quantity Energy Conservation Const Project Contract.

9. RLCB, INC., Raleigh, NC, Wake County, has won a contract worth $27,893.76 from the Defense Logistics Agency for INSULATION TAPE, ELECTRICAL.

10. QRP, INC., Leland, NC,  Brunswick County, has won a contract worth $44,527.50 from the Defense Logistics Agency for PIN, AIRCRAFT GROUND SAFETY.

11. HIGHWOODS REALTY LIMID PARTNERSHIP, Raleigh, NC, Wake County, has won a contract worth    $1,369,010.00 from the General Services Administration for Lease Contract for 5,565 Rentable Square Feet of office and related space.

1. MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC., Canton, NC, Haywood County has won a contract worth $37,893.00 from the Department of the Interior for BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, PISGAH INN, UST SITE REMEDIATION IMPLEMENT CAP.

2. PERRY BARTSCH JR. CONSTRUCTION CO., Asheville, NC, Buncombe County, has won a contract worth $4,388,841.00 from the National Park Service for RECOVERY TAS::14 1041::TAS MACA PMIS #114336 – Rehabilitate Visitor Center (Phase 2), Mammoth Cave National Park.

3. MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION, Morganton, NC, Burke County, has won a contract worth $49,305.00 from the Defense Logistics Agency for PARTS KIT, DECK DRAIN.

4. EASTERN CAROLINA VOCATIONAL, Greenville, NC, Pitt County, has won a contract worth $52,075.00 from the Defense Logistics Agency for BATTERY, STORAGE.

5. WYATTS CLEANING SERVICES, Hot Springs, NC, Madison County, has won a contract worth $7,680.00 from the Department of Agriculture for JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR HANGING DOG CAMP GROUND.

6. SOUTHEAST MARINE & RESCUE INC., Randleman, NC, Randolph County, has won a contract worth $82,687.92 from the Defense Logistics Agency for TANK, FUEL, ENGINE. 18 GALLON, US MEASURE.

7. PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, INC., High Point, NC, Guilford County, has won a contract worth $638,520.49 from the Department of the Army for LARGE PART PRIME AND PAINT BOOTH SYSTEM.

8. KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES INC., Wilson, NC, Wilson County, has won a contract worth $53,599.20 from the Defense Logistics Agency for SENSOR, LEFT HAND,LOWER FAN.

9. TEST EQUIPMENT REMARKETERS INC DBA TER., Henderson, NC, Macon County, has won a contract worth $21,626.70 from the Department of Homeland Security for 800Mhtz Radio Package.

10. SIGNAL INNOVATIONS GROUP INC., Durham, NC, Durham County, has won a contract worth $2,549,080.00 from the Department of the Air Force for Agile CEM.

11. HALL CONTRACTING CORPORATION, Charlotte, NC, Mecklenburg County, has won a contract worth $434,096.00 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for RECOVERY–Z–PROJECT #012410, B. EVERETT JORDAN DAM AND LAKE, NC – WATER QUALITY CONTROL GATES REHABILITATION.

12. ARGAS NATIONAL WELDERS, Charlotte, NC, Mecklenburg County, has won a contract worth $3,741,162.92 from the United States Marine Corps for Commercial and Industrial Gases.

 NAVFAC Atlantic 2010 Industry Forum to be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM (ET) Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

 This forum offers a chance to network with NAVFAC Atlantic’s top leaders and provides information you need on the latest policies, workload, standards, and initiatives within NAVFAC. Attendees will hear from NAVFAC leaders in the areas of acquisition, small business, environmental issues, engineering, energy, design and construction, facilities support, and safety. The forum will also provide interactive discussion of issues important to NAVFAC and industry. To read more go to: http://navfacforum2010.eventbrite.com/

The Strategic Alliance of Business Resources for Entrepreneurs is a coalition of government supported, not-for-profit organizations whose mission is to help you create and grow a successful business in the area.  This innovative and exciting program will help you gain valuable information on:  Business Plans, Government Contracting, Business Loans, Doing Business with the City, and Marketing & Networking Opportunities.  For more information visit WWW.SABRE-CC.COM.
When: Thursday, April 22, 2010 
Time:  10:00 a.m.
Where:  Fayetteville Technical Community College, Tony Rand Center
To Pre-register, please contact Tamara Bryant with the FTCC Small Business Center at:  bryantt@faytechcc.edu or call 910-678-8462

The NC Military Business Center is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual NC Roundtable that will be held in conjunction with the NAVFAC Atlantic 2010 Industry Forum on June 22, 2010 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia.  The NC Roundtable is a unique opportunity for North Carolina construction, architectural and engineering firms that are attending the NAVFAC Atlantic 2010 Industry Forum to meet and engage in facilitated discussion with NAVFAC command and acquisition representatives.  Topics will include opportunities and issues pertinent to North Carolina business.   If you are attending the NAVFAC Atlantic 2010 Industry Forum and would also like to attend the NC Roundtable, please email attendee name, company name, address, phone, and email address for all attendees to Jennifer Burrell-Willson at burrellj@ncmbc.us no later than June 1, 2010. The NC Roundtable will be held in a room adjacent to the NAVFAC Atlantic 2010 Industry Forum.  NCMBC has no affiliation with the NAVFAC Atlantic 2010 Industry Forum, which is hosted by others.  Please see http://navfacforum2010.eventbrite.com/ for further information and registration instructions.  NCMBC will take questions in advance by email to burrellj@ncmbc.us so that firms may ask questions and initiate topics of conversation anonymously.
When:  June 22, 2010
Where:  Virginia Beach Convention Center
Register by 1 June 2010.

April 2010 

By Sandra I. Erwin 

The Pentagon’s new industrial policy guidelines call for the Defense Department to tap the commercial sector and niche small businesses for new technologies. 

“Although innovations unique to national security often occur within the ‘pure-play’ defense industrial base, the vast majority of innovative and revolutionary components, systems, and approaches that enable and sustain our technological advantage reside in the commercial marketplace, in small defense companies, or in America’s universities,” said the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.

The QDR calls for establishing “requirements and pursuing specific programs that take full advantage of the entire spectrum of the industrial base at our disposal: defense firms, purely commercial firms, and the increasingly important sector of those innovative and technologically advanced firms and institutions that fall somewhere in between.”

Those “in between” companies offer many of the niche products and services that the Pentagon needs to counter the enemy’s rapidly changing tactics and technologies. At an AFCEA industry conference in February, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James Cartwright, USMC, lamented that current conflicts “have a duty cycle of about 30 days.” The Pentagon’s lethargic procurement cycle cannot keep up. “That’s part of the frustration that you’ll hear day in and day out both from myself and the Secretary of Defense [Robert Gates] as we try and move this department to a footing and a risk calculus that is commensurate with the war that we’re actually in, not the war we’d like to be in,” Cartwright said.

But it is not clear how the Pentagon plans to go about changing the status quo. Small businesses and commercial firms typically have been skeptical of the Pentagon’s rhetoric because the procurement system remains stacked against those “in between” firms cited in the QDR.

“The reality is that the procurement process cannot be changed so dramatically as expressed in the QDR … The utility and innovation of this unique sector of the defense industry must be better understood and incorporated in the short-term strategy,” said Muriel Jérôme O’Keeffe, president of JTG inc., a small woman-owned company based in Vienna, Va., that specializes in multilingual services and cultural analysis for intelligence and homeland security agencies.

There are potentially hundreds of firms fall in the “in between” category, but as a rule these companies are not able to score defense contracts unless they are subcontractors to the large primes, said O’Keeffe in a recent interview. “If you’re providing a niche service or product, it’s hard for small businesses to get contracts,” she said. “We depend on large companies for our survival.”

If the Defense Department is serious about recruiting agile small companies, it needs to change its business model so that it compensates contractors for performance, not for labor hours, O’Keeffe said. The government would get more bang for the buck if contracts were awarded for a specific product or service, to be delivered as soon as possible, as opposed to the government agreeing to pay for labor hours regardless of what is accomplished during those hours, she said.
 
But changing contracting methods so that the government pays for deliverables, instead of labor hours is not likely to happen overnight, she said. “It is going to be a big shift.” Government officials talk about their desire for better contractor performance but are not taking action to incentivize suppliers to produce faster. In areas such as information technology, companies sell labor hours, which is very different from selling a finished product, said O’Keeffe. 

“At the moment, the procurement process doesn’t reward agility,” she added. “For certain high-tech products, the government should look at a different way of procuring the service.”

Another problem for small IT or analysis firms is that many of the niche services they offer have been bundled into larger intelligence or logistics contracts, so the Defense Department may not be able to draw on their talents unless it hires the prime contractor to do the work.
“After 9/11, anything dealing with cultural and language shifted into larger procurements and that expertise is now with large companies that provide larger services,” said O’Keeffe. That may not be the best deal for the government.

Information technology consultant Anand Datla offered similar observations in a recent article in National Defense. He said government contracts that pay for labor hours instead of performance are stifling innovation and hindering progress in areas such as cybersecurity. “The traditional acquisition economy is not giving the government the best value for taxpayer dollars,” he said.

http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2010/April/Pages/DefenseContractingMethodsStifleInnovation.aspx

The United Minority Contractors of North Carolina (UMCNC) will host its Annual Event at Grandover Resorts, April 29, 2010.  The event will run from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and will include a Luncheon and Board of Directors Reception.  For more information, contact Patricia Smith at 919-878-5816 or psmith@thelacgroup.com or visit the UMCNC website at www.umcnc.org.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce will host its third annual Aerospace Executive Forum on May 20 (reception) and May 21 (business meetings) at the New Bern Convention Center.  Focus on the economic development community, the Forum offers developers and business leaders in the aerospace sector the opportunity to network and discuss workforce issues, military-related business development and R&D opportunities.  For more information, contact Liz Dobbins at the NC Department of Commerce at 919-733-4947 or edobbins@nccommerce.com.