Members of the OrangeSlices AI team had the opportunity to attend last week’s event, hosted by the Digital WOSB Alliance titled Uplifting WOSBs in Digital + Government Services. Bringing together a panel of government small business experts, and the DWA Executive, the event was the first formal opportunity to connect, to hear from government small business representatives, and for the greater community to begin to think in new ways. Here we share some high-level takeaways from the event.
Who and Why
Officially formed within the past few months, but in the works for several years now, the Digital WOSB Alliance was formed by women-owned small businesses, strategizing about their own capture pursuits, and driven by a general understanding that awards to WOSBs were both infrequent, and largely outside of the IT realm. You can read more about the Alliance, its intent and momentum here.
Starting with an original list of 15 founding members, the Alliance has quickly grown to 25 members through a focused and strategic process that ensures all members are both women-owned and women-led.
Confluence in Policy and Programs
Along with a recent announcement by the White House around New Resources to Support Women Small Businesses Owners, and a Continued Commitment to Supporting America’s Entrepreneurs, and a 2021 Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, speakers shared that there is a growing understanding that modernization and transformation needs to consider the experiences of all American citizens, including in its resource participants and vendors. This confluence of policy, program and comprehension, presents an opportunity for small business to change the status quo, to influence the path forward in different ways.
Proactive Intervention
Speakers addressed the need for industry to get ahead of RFPs and even RFIs, to meet with agency OSDBU representatives about items on future forecasts, around noted trends in requirements so that discussions can happen early and often.
Recommendations included looking at upcoming or expiring contracts for portions of work that might reasonably serve as women-owned small business set asides. When evidence of core work can be demonstrated, where market research can back the dialogue, there is an opportunity to inform and educate, and change to the model of simply repeating what has been done in the past.
Another piece of advice: Look at expiring contracts previously awarded to WOSBs, even if they were not originally competed as set-side actions. Where past performance with a WOSB was successful, there may be an inclination to award in that direction again. And, these contracts provide an example to other agencies that can be referenced as to what is possible, providing evidence they may consider to inform their own decision-making.
One example that may provide understanding future direction and trends: The Department of Labor, in partnership with the Department of Energy and US Chief Information Officers Council is hosting a May 18 Federal Tech Day, open to government employees and contractors and providing an opportunity to strategically get ahead of the curve. Watch for other similar events within focus agencies to better understand short and long-term direction.
Better Together
Not surprising based on the intent behind this group, a common theme throughout the event was collaboration. Attendees were advised to look at each other as colleagues, rather than competitors, to realize that by banding together, they can do more.
Noting that sometimes delivering requirements to government takes an army, and that an army built through like-minded firms with complementary capabilities can move mountains, speakers encouraged listeners to embrace, rather than fear, partnerships and teaming opportunities, to come together to better serve and support the whole community.
An Engaged Audience
A Q&A session at the end of the event was not the only opportunity for those in attendance to share and get additional information.
Comments on the event chat thread provided advice including:
- If you’re just starting out, find a reliable small business Prime. They can be an unofficial mentor to you.
- Don’t be afraid of being a subcontractor. A Prime protects you from making bad decisions and gives you a chance to experience the client in an undemanding way.
- Don’t be afraid to take micro-purchases (those at/under $10K) procured and paid for with the Government Purchase Card. No competition is required for those purchases and it is a great way to build relationships and grow trust.
- WOSBs need to market hard and respond to RFIs. Ask for the meet and greet before the RFP comes out when agencies are doing their acquisition planning cycle (summer for the following FY). COs and Small Business Specialists EXPECT to hear from businesses.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out every quarter and check in with the CO / SB Specialist.
The energy from those in attendance, the inspiration from the words of Alliance founders and the insight shared by government speakers was contagious. We expect to see more from this group in the weeks and months ahead.
You can follow the Digital WOSB Alliance and its activities here.
Featured speakers at this event included:
Panel 1:
- Jessica Morris (Moderator) CEO, Pluribus Digital, President of the Digital WOSB Alliance
- Brandy Morrison, VP Strategic Growth, Pluribus Digital, Digital WOSB Alliance Founding Member
- Sharon Grimm, CEO, Snowbird Agility, Digital WOSB Alliance Founding Member
- Melissa Britton, CEO, Bracari, Treasurer of the Digital WOSB Alliance
Panel 2:
- Sara Thomas (Moderator) CEO & Founder, AWL Strategies, Digital WOSB Alliance Gov’t Relations Chair
- Alisa Sheard, Deputy Director, Government Contracting/WOSB Federal Contracting Program Director, U.S. Small Business Administration
- Calvin Mitchell, Director Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of Education
- Akanksha Sharma, Director, Digital Transformation, Department of Labor
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