A Fireside Chat with BAE Systems, SAIC, Alion Science, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman

Subcontracting is the act of one party (prime contractor) hiring a second party (minority-owned supplier) to perform work for them. These minority-owned suppliers are often small businesses and agencies that tend to be underrepresented in the industry. The number of subcontracting opportunities available from prime contractors has increased over the past few years, especially with legislation from the political class.

Prime contractors work directly with the government. They manage any subcontractors and are responsible for ensuring that the work is completed as defined in the contract. Prime contractors perform a contract that is expected to exceed $700,000 ($1.5 million for construction), and that have subcontracting possibilities are required to submit an acceptable subcontracting plan that includes small businesses. Hear from Top Federal Prime contractors about subcontracting opportunities and potential teaming arrangements.

Join this conversation and learn more of these strategies you can use to get contracting opportunities; Target market, do your registration, know your capabilities, focus on what the company is interested in, and track for opportunities.

Featuring Panelists are:

• Diane Dempsey- Director, Small Business Programs BAE Systems Inc. 
• Rita Brooks-  Director, Small Business and Utilization Office, SAIC
• Clairesse Jackson- Small Business Liason Officer, Alion Science, and Technology
• Robyn H. Snyder- Supplier Diversity Program Manager, Lockheed Martin
• Voltaire Walker- Sector Manager, Global Supplier Diversity Programs, Northrop Grumman

Tune in!

Here’s What You’ll Get In This Episode

[00:01] A warm welcome by the moderator; Sharon Pinder

[01:34] This webinar’s agenda and introduction to the team

[05:34] Fireside chat with the Panelists

[05:44] Meet Rita Brooks, director at SAIC

[08:16] Clairesse Jackson, Small Business Liason Officer at Alion Science and Tech

[10:59] Robyn, Supplier Diversity Program Manager at Lockheed Martin

[14:31] Voltaire Walker, Sector Manager at Northrop Grumman

[22:00] Identifying subcontracting gaps and opportunities that minority suppliers can tap into

[25:02] Meeting the requirements of subcontracting

[29:14] Importance of CMMC certification  in supply programs

[36:35] How you can reach out and connect with companies associated with the panelists

[41:30] Key nuggets on how small businesses can be ready for opportunities

[47:18] How Covid-19 has impacted their capabilities to bring in subcontractors

[51:44] Can a non-profit get a teaming agreement with these prime contractors?

[52:23] How you can get a list of subcontracting opportunities in these companies

[01:01:49] Open Chat questions

[01:10:33] Wrap-up and call to action

Notable Quotes

• Just because you are doing business in one sector of a company does not automatically guarantee you’ll get business in another sector until you meet that sector’s onboarding requirements.
• It’s a requirement by the federal government to have a CMMC certification. Lest, you’ll not be allowed to work with any DoD, government agency, or prime contractor.
• Maintain a disability of persistence. If you don’t give up, an opportunity will come at the right time.