Every year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District hosts a Business Opportunity Open House to outline upcoming federally funded projects that prospective contractors may want to bid on.
This year was no different. What was different this year, however, was the attendance.
More than 340 prospective contractors convened in Downtown Sacramento on March 5, 2024, to learn about the latest USACE contracting opportunities or gain a better understanding of how the federal government contracting process works.
This year’s attendance represents a 55 percent increase from last year.
“A lot more people are interested,” said Vernon Simpkins, deputy procurement analyst for the Sacramento District. “We are seeing a lot of fresh new small businesses who are looking to learn how they can win a government contract.”
In addition to the opportunity to discuss future business opportunities, the annual event allows participants to network, make face-to-face connections, and take advantage of a one-stop shop for all their questions.
“We do not execute our missions without our contractors,” said Lt. Col. Dianna Lively, deputy commander of USACE Sacramento District. “The BOOH allows us to develop partnerships for a wide variety of contracts that support our nation.”
Prospective contractors could also meet with officials from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Lively believes the open house provides a real benefit for companies looking to do business with the federal government.
“Many small businesses and contractors find it hard to get their foot in the door on federal projects, “she said. “This allows them to understand how to find those opportunities and what they need to do in order to successfully bid on our projects.”
To learn more about how to do business with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, visit: https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/smallbusiness/