NAVSEA, PEOs Reach Out to Small Business Owners in Florida

From Program Executive Office Littoral and Mine Warfare Public Affairs

MIAMI (NNS) -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and five, affiliated Program Executive Offices (PEO) hosted a Small Business Conference at Florida International University Feb. 1 to promote psrtnerships and technological exchanges.

The NAVSEA conference encouraged small business owners in the area to submit ideas for innovative products and services to support current fleet, as well as the next generation, of ships and combat systems.

"The purpose of this conference was to develop successful partnerships, so that NAVSEA can better harness the power of small businesses," said PEO Littoral & Mine Warfare Executive Director Victor Gavin. "Our outreach efforts also directly support the Secretary of the Navy's call to develop those small businesses that support the current and future Navy-Marine Corps force through outreach, training and counseling."

In addition to informational sessions that provided participants with useful resources for marketing their products and services, the conference also provided small business representatives a networking forum to converse one-on-one with senior Navy leaders, prime contractors, and other small businesses owners who have successfully partnered with the Navy.

John Venables, president of Naiad Dynamics, attributed his company's success in part to the knowledge he gained participating in previous NAVSEA Small Business conferences.

"NAVSEA Small Business conferences are excellent. They highlight the Navy's priorities and direction; give useful insight on conducting business with the Navy; and provide exceptional networking opportunities and access to NAVSEA leaders," said Venables.

Naiad Dynamics received its first Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award with its first SBIR proposal, and is competing to continue work for the Navy in the field of high-speed combatant craft automated ride control through a following Phase II award.

"We recognize the significant contributions small businesses can bring to the table," said Gavin. "That's why we go out into communities and offer training. Outreach efforts such as these are a testament of our organization's commitment to mentoring and developing these valuable partnerships."

NAVSEA, its field activities, and the five affiliated PEOs contract for the design and integration; maintenance and repair; modernization and conversion; technical, industrial and logistical support of ships, shipboard weapons and combat systems; as well as professional services, such as engineering, finance and program management.

For additional small business information and resources, visit the Web sites for Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs, the Navy's Office of Small Business Programs or NAVSEA Business Opportunities.