WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Walla Walla District hosted about 100 business owners and representatives at the Corps’ Industry Day, held Oct. 30 at Walla Walla Community College’s Water and Environment Center.
About 40 businesses from the mid-Columbia region were represented, with others from Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, California and Pennsylvania, Tennessee, South Carolina and Texas.
The free event focused on the topic of “What happens to your proposal after you turn it in?” and was open to those interested in learning about tools needed to do business with the Corps, future contracting opportunities, competing for contracts, or showcasing capabilities to Corps personnel.
The day-long conference ran from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. District staff presented informational briefings and interfaced with attendees during roundtable discussions. Topics included: where to find Corps contracting opportunities, how to respond to a sources-sought announcement, responding to solicitations and what happens to a proposal after it is submitted.
“The Walla Walla District is an economic driver in this region, and there are many opportunities for small business,” said Kay Baltz, Small Business Programs Manager for the Walla Walla District. “Competing for government contracts can be a confusing process, and we’re happy to help folks learn how to navigate the system.”
Baltz said the district’s Small Business Office plans to offer another Industry Day during the fall, next year. The Walla Walla District’s Contracting Facebook page www.facebook/com/wallawallacontracting is a great place to keep an eye out for future events.
The Walla Walla District awards contracts for construction projects, Architect-Engineering studies, and supplies and services needed to operate their facilities. These contracting opportunities total $90- $130 million annually. The district is one of 41 districts within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The district is responsible for managing environmental, hydroelectric, navigation, engineering, construction, emergency management and recreation services within a region covering 107,000 square miles and includes parts of six states. The district operates and maintains six hydroelectric power facilities and $2.5 billion of infrastructure. For more information about Walla Walla District, see the district website at www.nww.usace.army.mil.
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