DoD releases small biz strategy

The Department of Defense (DoD) released its Small Business Strategy on Jan. 26 to promote a strong and robust small business industrial base by focusing on reducing barriers, increasing set-aside competitions and leveraging programs to grow the base. From manufacturers providing critical parts needed "for our arsenal" to innovative technology firms, small businesses are "vital along the entire spectrum of the Department’s needs,” Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks said. Reducing barriers and creating additional opportunities will "allow us to expand, innovate, and diversify, increasing our warfighter advantage ...(and) strengthening our supply chains ... and growing our economy here at home.” Small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and 73 percent of in the defense industrial base. In 2022, small businesses were awarded over 25% of all DoD prime contracts. DoD's strategy has three objectives: Implement a unified management approach for small business programs and activities; ensure the department’s small business activities align with national security priorities; and strengthen its engagement and support of small businesses. DoD’s efforts will include providing more tools and resources. The effort will be facilitated by the Department’s 96 APEX Accelerators located across the country, formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, which serve as a resource for small businesses.The Office of Small Business Programs encourages those interested in working with DoD to read a “Guide to Marketing to DoD” on https://business.defense.gov  Gulf Coast Note: 

Regional state APEX Accelerators are located in Jackson, Miss.; and Lafayette, La. 

SIDEBAR - Mississippi small biz center at Ole Miss

OXFORD, Miss. – The Mississippi Small Business Development Center at the University of Mississippi is supporting small-business owners and budding entrepreneurs across the state through a system of Virtual Access Centers. The Mississippi SBDC has partnered with Regions Bank and with Mississippi community colleges through its Rural Development Initiative to establish 27 VACs. Each location was strategically selected to reach all corners of the state. “These centers will bring opportunity through state-of-the-art technology and function as access points for clients who have barriers to service, such as reliable internet access or transportation issues,” said Sharon Nichols, Mississippi SBDC state director. To increase accessibility and reach all corners of the state, the Mississippi SBDC is establishing 27 virtual centers across Mississippi at partner community colleges.  The centers will provide a private area with a secure internet connection for individuals to connect to the Mississippi SBDC network and receive one-on-one business counseling. (UM 01/26/23) Small Business Development Center Offers Statewide Virtual Access - Ole Miss News