The Chamber of Commerce held a 90-minute seminar on January 12, 2011 for local businesses who would like to do business with the Naval Submarine Base at Kings Bay.  Featured speakers were Nelson Smith, Small Business Advocate at NAVFAC SE, and Barbara English, NCMA Member and consultant who guides small businesses to optimize their ability to win contracts with federal and other government agencies.  Mr. Smith provided information on how to learn about Government contracts and how to submit a proposal.  Ms. English, President of English Solutions, Inc. provided guidance in how to learn about various set-aside programs and subcontracting opportunities.  Natalie Covert, another NCMA member and the Supervisory Contract Specialist for Public Works at Kings Bay, provided specific information on the types of contracts that are awarded at the field office in Kings Bay and what is awarded at the NAVFAC SE headquarters in Jacksonville.

Ms. English explained the importance of obtaining business certifications such as 8(a), HUBZone and Disabled Veteran Owned Business.  She also explained the advantage of networking by becoming a member of associations such as NCMA and Chamber of Commerce.  She gave useful hints about how to conduct market research on the types of goods and services purchased by the various Government agencies, including exploring https://www.fpds.gov to learn what is being purchased, who is purchasing it, who is getting the contracts, and what prices are being paid.