2023 ACC-RI Industry Day

The Office of Small Business Rock Island (OSBP-RI), in coordination with the Army Contracting Command Rock Island (ACC-RI), is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) for public review, comments, and recommendations on relevant topics regarding Small Business. This is not a Request for Quote (RFQ), does not bind the Government in any way, and will not result in any contract award.

This RFI is issued with the intent to assist the Government in the planning and development of a high-quality and beneficial Industry Day with ACC-RI. The Industry Day is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 25, 2023. Interested vendors are invited and encouraged to comment on all aspects of the acquisition process relating to Small Businesses navigating through Federal Government procurements. The purpose is to identify areas that are unclear, ambiguous, warrant additional information or clarification, and/or can be enhanced or improved for efficiency and effectiveness.

The desired end state is to have a focused and relevant Industry Day in which the Government can effectively and efficiently inform, educate, assist, and socialize with industry members that have Small Business interests, whether that be as a small business or other than small business with small business relationships. In addition, we are looking for ideas, best practices, and ways to do business in a manner that makes the most sense. To support the development of a high-quality Industry Day, some topics to aid the brainstorming process are identified below. This list is not all-encompassing of what is planned for discussion at the Industry Day and is only intended to spark dialogue as to what type of content would be most impactful to industry in the context of small business knowledge and application. All ideas are welcome. However, there may be limitations regarding the topics/level of detail that can be provided during the actual event. Additionally, due to the anticipated volume of inquiries/topics and time limitations there is no guarantee that a topic or question will be addressed at this upcoming Industry Day.

Potential Topics of Discussion:

1. DD 2579s Small Business Coordination Records:
   • How does the OSPB-RI interact with ACC-RI on upcoming requirements to advocate for Small Businesses?
   • What information is reviewed and what circumstances require a Small Business Professional to receive a DD 2579 for review?
2. Capability Statements/Presentation:
   • How can my company gain exposure to the buying community?
   • What tools are used by the Government to store capability information?
   • What data elements are most impactful?
   • How is company information used to support acquisition decisions?
   • Does providing this information increase the chances of my company receiving a contract?
   • What is the process for providing or scheduling Capability Statements/Presentations?
3. Subcontracting Opportunities and Plans:
   • Is it best to start with subcontracts or to be a prime contractor?
   • Can past performance as a subcontractor be considered in RFPs?
   • What resources are available for subcontracting opportunities?
   • Are subcontracting plans enforced post award?
4. Procurement Technical Assistance Centers/APEX Accelerators:
   • Where do PTAC/APEX roles fit within the Small Business Administration and Office of Small Business Programs?
   • Where do I find my local PTAC/APEX?
   • We've heard good things about PTACs/APEX that are not my local PTAC/APEX, is my company confined to my local PTAC/APEX?
5. Small Business Agency Goals:
   • How are the small business agency goals developed?
   • Are the goals considered prior to making an acquisition decision?
   • Is the real-time status of the agency goals publicly available?
6. Joint Ventures:
   • Does a Joint Venture require its own Facility Clearance or can it rely on the individual companies' Facility Clearance in order to compete?
   • Can a Joint Venture rely on the past performance of the individual companies that make up the Joint Venture?

Other Areas of Concern:

1. Format Preference (In-Person, Virtual, Hybrid)?
2. Do you plan to attend? If so, how many representatives do you anticipate sending?
3. Based on your previous Industry Day experiences (with any Federal entity), what types of information do you feel are most beneficial for you to receive? Least beneficial?
4. Are there any speakers that you would like to hear from?

Interested parties may submit their questions, comments, and responses to OSPB-RI, usarmy.ria.asc.mbx.sb@army.mil, using the provided Industry Day RFI Suggestion Form, prior to 12:00 PM CST on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Additional questions/comments/concerns may be provided in the body of your response email.

***At a minimum, please indicate whether your company is likely to attend and, if so, how many attendees if you have no other comments/suggestions, the attendance info can simply be sent in the body of an email (vs. filling out the form) to usarmy.ria.asc.mbx.sb@army.mil. This will help us estimate headcount.***

Submissions by interested parties shall not contain proprietary markings or information. Be advised that any information provided in your responses may be included in a subsequent Q&A posting; however, the anonymity of each respondent will be maintained. The Government may not respond to all questions; however, all questions received prior to the due date and time will be considered and may be incorporated into the upcoming Industry Day, as deemed appropriate.

Any subsequent Industry Day information will be announced on the SAM.gov website. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor the website for the issuance of any information pertaining to any Industry Day event.

Thank you for your interest and participation.