The Small Business Program Army Office participated in the days of the AFCEA Belvoir industry on May 20, 2025, at Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The event brought together the government and industry leaders to explore how small businesses can play a greater role in the support of the Ministry of Defense. The office of the Small Business Program Army has joined a star round table entitled “Opportunity in partnership: Small company, JVS and DOD mission. “”
The panelists included Ms. Kimberly Buehler, director of the Small Business Program Army Office, and Ms. Allison Strong, small businesses at the Dahlgren Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Ms. Lane Copeland, vice-president of programs and operations at QBE LLC, led the discussion. Together, they have shared updates on the supply policy, the contracting trends and the stages that small businesses can take to align with the needs of the army.
Ms. Buehler addressed recent modifications to the federal objectives of small businesses, including the lowered objective of commercial prices. Although these objectives help shape planning, it has clearly indicated that the army focuses on significant results, not just figures. “We are constantly exceeding our objectives of small businesses,” she said. “But our goal is not only to achieve objectives. It brings the right capacities to support the mission. ”
She encouraged companies to get involved early by answering information requests (RFI) and following questions or comments. For new companies in federal contracts, she recommended subcontracting as a first practical step to create an experience. “If you have worked as a subcontractor, ask your upstream a performance note. This can open doors,” she said.
The panelists also discussed the change of the army in the way it approaches technology. Instead of relying solely on large personalized systems, the army is looking for commercial and ready -to -use solutions that can be tested and supplied quickly. This model creates more opportunities for small businesses that can react quickly and offer innovative and flexible capacities.
Ms. Buehler closed the session by encouraging small businesses to remain engaged with army priorities and upcoming events. She underlined the seminar and the ausa 2025 twinning sessions for small businesses as a key opportunity to meet army buyers and better understand the needs to come. “We want small businesses in the room, at the table and part of the solution,” she said.
While the army continues to modernize and strengthen its industrial base, the office of the army of small businesses remains determined to help small businesses develop, compete and deliver in favor of the mission.
