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Save the Date!

AFCEA Small Business Conference:

"Doing Business in the Government Marketplace -

Skills & Tools to Help You Thrive"

Join us October 15 -16, 2008 for this full day "plus" education and outreach event conveniently located just outside the Washington area in southeastern Pennsylvania at the historic Union League of Philadelphia.

Tentative Schedule:

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

                   (Pre-conference Networking Reception – 5-7 p.m.)

Thursday, October 16, 2008

                    (Full Day Conference – 8-4 p.m. )

Co-Sponsored by:

AFCEA International Small Business Committee

& AFCEA Philadelphia Chapter

Questions? Please contact Tammy Goehring via email or (703) 631-6119.

Navy Small Business Conference:

Join us June 17-19, 2008 for the

second annual Navy Blue Coast Conference!

"Utilizing your Toolkit for Today's Navy"

Join us for over two full days of this "conference within a conference" conveniently co-located with AFCEA's Joint Warfighting 2008 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This unique, inclusive format allows small businesses the opportunity to maximize their time by attending small business training sessions and participating in a larger conference and exhibition as well.

Register Today

Advance Registration: Industry $150.00 / Government $90.00

Onsite Registration: $225 (on a space available basis)

The purpose of this conference is to provide a forum to educate, guide and assist small businesses in working with the federal government on the East Coast. It is geared not only to those who currently do business directly with the government, but to all relevant businesses, including those interested in working with the Navy. Speakers and topics are specifically geared to be pertinent to companies interested in doing business with the government. Offerings are included for all experience levels, from novice to intermediate, and seasoned small businesses. A plenary session with guest speakers will be followed by a number of break-out sessions addressing an assortment of related topics. In addition, there were plenty of opportunities for networking including a roundtable style matchmaking event.

View Further Information and a Working Agenda

To view conference presentations from last year's conference, please visit the following link Navy Blue Coast 07 Presentations and scroll down to "Navy Blue Coast Conference" to view the slides.

Questions? For Attendee/Program/Registration Information,
contact Tammy Goehring via email or (703) 631-6119.

May 2008 Small Business Committee Meeting:

Alternative Frameworks for Process Improvement:

Which make sense for a small business? For your business?

Guest Speaker: Dr. Jim Kane, CEO & President

Software & Systems Consortium (SSCI)

AFCEA International Headquarters, Fairfax, VA

Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 3:00 pm EDT

What do CMMI and ISO 9000 mean for your business? What about ITIL and Six Sigma? Dr. Kane will address alternative frameworks for process improvement and the characteristics of each. He'll approach the topic with the perspective of which certifications make sense for a small business. This offering is aimed at small businesses involved in federal contracting and there is no need to have a highly technical background to benefit from Dr. Kane's presentation. He will focus his remarks more on the business aspects pertinent to evaluating which framework is right in different situations with less emphasis on the intricacies of each.

SSCI is a consortium focused on helping its members solve the complex challenges of large, software-intensive systems development. SSCI members include leading companies in the aerospace, defense, information technology, telecommunications, and financial industries, as well as key government agencies and universities. Dr. Kane oversees all activities of SSCI, including business operations and growth, the direction and development of technologies and solutions, financial management and, most importantly, the continuing satisfaction of members.

Dr. Kane has held leadership roles in the IT industry for nearly 30 years, including executive positions at Internet pioneer Bolt, Beranek & Newman (BBN Technologies), GTE Information Systems, GTE Spacenet and Federal Sources, Inc. Widely recognized as a leading analyst of how diverse technical, policy, and competitive forces converge, Dr. Kane is a frequent speaker at industry forums and conferences and in corporate boardrooms. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh and his B.S. from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y. For more information on SSCI, visit their website at www.software.org .

Please contact Tammy Goehring by email or 703-631-6119 to reserve your seat by COB on Thursday, May 8, 2008. Capacity is limited.

April 2008 Small Business Committee Meeting:

Title:

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

from a Small Business Perspective

Guest Speaker: Paul Luther

AFCEA International Headquarters, Fairfax, VA

Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 3:00 pm EDT

Keeping abreast of the relevant issues of export compliance under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) can be an intimidating task for small businesses working with the U. S. Department of Defense. In this afternoon session, Paul provided an overview of ITAR and the significance of these regulations to small business. He addressed how the regulations affect subcontracting, exporting and other issues related to going after international work.

Paul Luther's practice focuses on trade compliance and enforcement defense. He has extensive experience with respect to all aspects of export controls and economic sanctions, the U.S. Antiboycott Regulations, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Exon-Florio proceedings, and customs issues.Mr. Luther has successfully represented clients in the telecommunications, chemical, defense, petroleum, satellite, computer, and software industries in securing government authorization to export or re-export highly regulated products and technology to sensitive regions and countries, such as the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, and China. He also regularly advises clients as to whether specific transactions, business structures, and overseas ventures are consistent with applicable U.S. legal regimes. For more information on Paul and Baker Botts, LLP, visit their website at www.bakerbotts.com .

(Please note this presentation was not intended to present any legal advice,

but rather general information on the topic.)

Did you miss this event?

Presentation slides are available.

Please visit the SB File Repository and choose the "Committee Meetings" folder to view materials from all our prior meetings.

March 2008 Small Business Committee Meeting:

Title: Crouching Budget, Hidden Buyer - Turning Mystery to Mastery
Speaker: Ms. Judy Bradt

Today’s primes demand more than your capability – they want you to bring contracts and contacts, too.  Judy Bradt offered insight on how to find opportunities long before they get to FedBizOpps.

For over twenty years, Judy Bradt has been a champion for small businesses who want to win government contracts. Between 1988 and 2003, Judy Bradt was the top specialist in US government contracting at the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC, advising over 5000 clients to win contracts worth over $200 million. She loves de-bunking myths and revealing the insider secrets to finding opportunities, teaming, and succeeding in serving the world’s largest buyer. She’s now in her fifth year of running her own business, Summit Insight, here in Washington DC. As author, speaker and business strategist, she gives people the insight they need to win government contracts. She’s been covered by national media including ABC Radio, Fortune Small Business, CTV Television, the Financial Post, Canadian Business, and Entrepreneur Magazine. For more information on Summit Insight, visit their website at www.summitinsight.com

Did you miss this event?

A podcast and presentation slides are available.

Please visit the SB File Repository and choose the "Committee Meetings" folder to view materials from all our prior meetings.

2007 Holiday Networking Reception:

General Dynamics Information Technology Headquarters

December 11, 2007- 3:00 -5:00 pm

An annual Small Business Committee tradition!

Make plans now to join us for next year (scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2008). This gathering is always a great opportunity to network with our previous speakers (from both government and industry), our committee members and many guests as well!

Registration Fee: Members $15.00 / Non-members $25.00

This afternoon seminar will feature knowledgeable speakers
and a panel of experts who will:
•examine the essential components of successful capture
•share relevant lessons learned
•provide valuable insights into effective implementation of the process
•discuss the importance of capture planning to the growth of your business

Who should attend?
C-level Executives (CEO’s, COO’s, etc.) are highly encouraged to attend,
as well as others with an interest in:
•Focused opportunity development
•Resource Considerations, including price & cost factors
•Role of the Capture Manager in a Small Business

Ample opportunities for networking will be provided.

Questions? For Attendee/Program/Sponsorship Information
Contact Tammy Goehring via email or (703) 631-6119.

Did you miss this event?

Seminar presentations and audio recordings from this event are available. Please visit the SB File Repository and choose the "Capture Process" folder to view and/or listen.

For more, visit the event website: Capture Process 2007

Army Small Business Outreach Conference:

Achieving Success as a

Small Business with the Army

Women in Military Service For America Memorial

Wednesday, October 30, 2007

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Registration Fee: Advance $180.00 / On-site $210.00

FEATURED KEYNOTE LUNCHEON SPEAKER: Mr. Bryon Young, Director, HQ Army Contracting Agency(confirmed)

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE ARMY SMALL BUSINESS OUTREACH CONFERENCE: Small Business Owners, Business Development Professionals, Large Business Liaison Officers for Small Business.

WHY ATTEND THE ARMY SMALL BUSINESS OUTREACH CONFERENCE: Small Businesses have a number of challenges and unique requirements. Understanding defense customers, their organizations and requirements, and the issues surrounding federal contracts can be daunting.

LEARN MORE DURING THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM:
•The Army Opportunity – What’s available to businesses
•An Overview of the Army – how it’s organized and the money flows
•The Basics of Government Contracting – a Primer
•Bid Strategies – when to prime, when to sub, who should be on your team

DON’T MISS OUR EXCITING LINE UP OF SPEAKERS SHARING OPPORTUNITY INSIGHTS:
•Mr. Gregory Kee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategy & Concepts, Army Materiel Command
•Mr. Lee Harvey, Deputy Program Executive Officer, Enterprise Information Systems
•Ms. Michelina LaForgia, Project Director, Army Small Computer Program
•Mr. Lester Ingol, Lead Contract Specialist, Intelligence and Security Command

SIGN UP FOR ONE ON ONE DIRECT COUNSELING

AND ADVISEMENT SESSIONS

(An after event private chartered tour of Arlington National Cemetery including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,changing of the guard, and Kennedy Family Gravesite is included for all attendees.)

Did you miss this event?

Conference presentations are available.

Please visit the SB File Repository and choose the "Army Conference " folder to view.

September 2007 Small Business Committee Meeting:

Topic:  Financial Management in Company Growth

Speaker: Mr. Scott Gessay from FGM

Topics included transition issues and decisions related to staffing, technology, process and future planning.

As a founder of FGM, Mr. Gessay offered insights on financial transition in a small business through the many stages of company growth. In his current role as Chief Executive Officer & President, Scott Gessay guides the long-term strategic direction of FGM’s business, develops business strategy, manages the organization, and leads the corporate management team. Mr. Gessay leads company-wide business operations and is responsible for business performance, including program management oversight, customer relations, resource allocation, and subcontractor management. He is also responsible for developing FGM’s long-term financial strategy while overseeing financial, contractual, legal, and procurement operations. Mr. Gessay has over 20 years of executive experience and his vision and energy have propelled FGM from a small business to an information technology leader. FGM has been recognized both locally and nationally for its work environment, technical achievements, and revenue growth. The company headquarters is located in Reston, Virginia. Visit their website at www.fgm.com for more information on the company and its services.

Did you miss this event?

A podcast and presentation slides are available.

Please visit the SB File Repository and choose the "Committee Meetings" folder to view materials from all our prior meetings.

June 2007 Small Business Committee Meeting:

Topic:  Teaming Agreements - A Means to Secure Business Opportunities

Speaker: Mr. Kenneth Brody,  from David, Brody & Dondershire, LLP

How will teaming help my business? What are the key aspects of a teaming agreement?

Mr. Brody addressed the goals and objectives of teaming, choosing teammates and the key provisions of a teaming agreement. His presentation also included information on how to secure business opportunities by preparing and successfully negotiating teaming agreements from the perspective of small businesses. He graciously shared his insights on the large business perspective as well. Ken is a partner in the law firm of David, Brody & Dondershine, LLP, located in Reston, Virginia. He has twenty-eight years of experience in government contracts law, commercial litigation, and employment law. He is a 1978 graduate of the Georgetown Law Center and is licensed to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York. Ken's practice includes advising large and small national and local companies on all aspects of procurement law including issues relating to prime contract and subcontract award, performance and termination. In addition, he handles procurement protests before the Court of Federal Claims, GAO, SBA, and federal, state and local procurement agencies; and litigates claims before government agencies, arbitration panels, and state and federal courts. Visit their web site at www.dbd-law.com for more information on David, Brody & Dondershine, LLP.

Did you miss this event?

A podcast and presentation slides are available.

Please visit the SB File Repository and choose the "Committee Meetings" folder to view materials from all our prior meetings.

May 2007 Small Business Committee Meeting:

Topic:

Performance-Based Acquisition

It’s not in your rear-view mirror, it’s right in front of you!

Speaker:  Ms. Paula Franks from SAIC

Many organizations have embraced PBA, and others have been trying to stay clear of it…but, PBA has become a fact of life for almost every agency now. In order to help people understand PBA better, our guest speaker, Paula Franks, shared the definitions of PBA and the various terminologies used in the paradigm. She also talked about how PBA has evolved over time and what we we are seeing in actual practice today. Paula Franks has 27 years of experience in designing, developing, integrating, and deploying large systems. During her 15 years as a program manager, she led large systems development efforts in cost-plus and fixed-price environments. Ms. Franks has been with SAIC since 1995. During the last 6 years, she has served as SAIC’s corporate advocate on Performance-Based Acquisitions (PBA). In this position, she helps organizations transition their work to PBA, trains employees, conducts familiarization sessions for customers, and maintains the corporate PBA web site. In addition, she is the corporate lead trainer and maintains the content for proposal development classes. Ms. Franks has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia. Visit their web site at www.saic.com for more information on SAIC.

April 2007 Small Business Committee Meeting:

Topic: Federal Government Proposals 101 - Plan & Prepare to Win

Speaker: Ms. Tania Lester from EDS

What do you do before you get the RFP? How do you develop a winning proposal?

Ms. Lester provided the answers to these and other questions as she shared insights on how to successfully navigate the proposal process. Tania Lester is a Sales Support Manager for Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Herndon Virginia. She oversees the proposal/bid managers supporting EDS U.S. Government Solutions. Ms. Lester has 6 years supporting USGS sales as a proposal and bid manager herself. Prior to sales support, she supported contracts for building and managing LANs and WANs for the Department of State and for the US Navy. She has held certifications in application development, network engineering, and ITIL.

EDS is a leading global technology services company and a pioneer of the information technology outsourcing industry. EDS’ primary objective is to enable governments to focus on their core missions and become more agile. Frequently this goal is achieved in collaboration with small business. EDS engages small business, not only as a government contracting requirement, but also in the spirit of good citizenship and growing America's economy. The end result is a win-win situation for all involved, while adding value to government clients with innovative solutions. Visit their web site at www.eds.com for more information on EDS.

Did you miss this event?

Presentation slides are available.

Please visit the SB File Repository and choose the "Committee Meetings" folder to view materials from all our prior meetings.

March 2007 Small Business Committee Meeting:

Topic: Boosting Your Small Business with GovWorks

Speaker: Ms. Beth Owen of GovWorks

Where do agencies turn when their contracting office is over loaded? Is there competition even in government? Few realize that there are entrepreneurial organizations in the federal sector that provide administrative contracting services for a fee. GovWorks, established in 1996, is a Franchise Fund authorized by Congress and the Office of Management and Budget to offer acquisition services to Federal agencies. Beth Owen began her federal career at GovWorks nearly 6 years ago. Originally joining the organization as the lead 'branding agent' for an entrepreneurial business in the world of federal contracting, she now focuses almost exclusively on the contractor community. Beth has over 25 years experience working in both the public and private sectors, focused in the public affairs/communications field.

Did you miss this event?

Presentation slides are available.

Please visit the SB File Repository and choose the "Committee Meetings" folder to view materials from all our prior meetings.