During this past week, the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDS) has been working on identifying obstacles to local and small business participation with the impending military expansion including bonding, subcontracting plans, and achievement of statutory targets for small businesses which are being addressed now and recommendations will be provided at a later date. However, to achieve success, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and the Navy Office of Small Business Programs must actively involve Guam's small business advocates including the University of Guam Small Business Development Center, the Pacific Center for Economic Initiatives, the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Focus Group, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Govemment of Guam.

During a conference call on Feb. 21 with members of the IGIA Small Business Subcommittee, Office of Navy Small Business Programs indicated that General Bice is interested in knowing how small businesses can fit into the NavFac Execution Acquisition Plan in a way that minimizes risk (eg, performance, management costs to military, etc.) associated with having numerous small business contracts. The group decided to work on identifying the types of business services required by military growth to allow small businesses time to prepare. I have attached a copy of the highlights that were discussed during yesterday's conference call.

The membership of the EDS will continue to meet to discuss and recommend resolution on the challenges associated with the military expansion's impact to the local economy.

 

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