DVIDS – News – 2025 Small Business Summit Forces in stronger partnership

Joint base Andrews, MD. – Small local businesses, contract professionals and community managers met at Joint base Andrews on May 30 for the Small Enterprises Summit 2025, an annual event aimed at establishing lasting relationships between small businesses and installation.
Hosted by the 316th contractual squadron, the summit provided participants of ideas, tools and face -to -face access to help them navigate the federal acquisition process and compete with government contracts.
“Today is not only a summit; it is the forge of partnerships that will shape the future of the common base Andrews and the surrounding community,” said Colonel Jun S. Oh, commander of 316th wing and installation commander. “Small businesses are absolutely essential to our success at the American aerodrome.”
Colonel OH stressed that, during the year 2024 only, the 316th contracting squadron granted nearly $ 100 million in small businesses.
The summit of a day presented highlighting remarks, sessions in small groups on construction and service requirements and presentations of key partners, in particular the accelerator of the Maryland Apex, the Chamber of Commerce of Prince George and the Military and Federal Bureau of the Maryland Commercial Department.
The 1st lieutenant Gabe Downing, head of theft of the infrastructure in charge and in chief event, said that the main objectives of the summit were to “educate, connect and empower”.
“By granting contracts to small businesses, we often invest directly in the livelihoods of families and entrepreneurs surrounding the Andrews common bases,” said Downing. “We want each participant today by feeling more confident and equipped to engage in the process of federal acquisition.”
Participants learned to register in SAM.GOV – The official website to do business with the US government, explored current and future contract opportunities and received targeted advice from experts in the matter in the sectors.
“The partnership with Joint Base Andrews gives companies a rare opportunity to work with one of the most famous customers, the US government,” said Downing. “But we know that the process can be overwhelming, especially for the first timers. This summit is our way of breaking these obstacles. ”
The speakers included Tara Scott of the APEX Maryland Accelerator, who highlighted the importance of before and post-awakened support, and Amy Duray of Maryland Department of Commerce, who spoke of the role of small businesses in defense innovation and economic resilience.
The summit also presented a mission thesis, networking sessions and resource cabins with contractual officers and acquisition professionals.
“We are actively looking for new suppliers to provide everything, from construction and childcare work to medical equipment and IT support,” said Colonel OH. “We want to see more local businesses participate in our mission.”
The most common contracts awarded to Andrews Cover Construction, Engineering, Environmental Services, Professional Support, Education, Food Services and an installation of radio / television equipment.
Colonel OH closed the event by encouraging participants to connect with the contractual teams of Andrews and to use resources such as the accelerator of Maryland Apex, the administration programs of small businesses and the government’s contract mentoring opportunities.
“Our goal is to make sure that everyone is going here with the knowledge and relationships they need to succeed,” said Oh. “Together, we can build a stronger community and a more resilient base.”