Industry Outreach

Businesses (including non-profit organizations) interested in doing business with DoDEA may contact the Industry Outreach Coordinator via email. The e-mail should include the firm's business size status, CAGE Code, and a statement of capabilities (highly recommended) to ensure proper coordination within DoDEA.

The Industry Outreach Coordinator maintains information used to identify potential sources on future procurements. Inquiries are coordinated with internal customers. If there is any interest in the firm's capabilities, the Coordinator may request additional information or schedule a time with the firm to communicate with the internal customer.

Outreach meetings are for a general exchange of information and market research purposes only. DoDEA is dedicated to ensuring requirements for supplies and services are fairly competed to the maximum extent possible. A meeting will not be scheduled with firms presenting supplies or services currently identified on an active or open solicitation.

Competition

Promoting competition is one of the guiding principles of the Federal Acquisition System. Competition not only helps promote innovative ideas and leads to better pricing; it also encourages new business development by fostering a level playing field among vendors vying to do work for the Federal Government. As such, we take competition seriously and seek to promote full and open competition to the maximum extent possible.

The Competition Advocate is entrusted with promoting competition by ensuring that solicitations describe the desired performance, function to be performed or essential characteristics of the requirement, rather than describe a specific product; challenging unnecessarily restrictive or detailed performance specifications and burdensome contract clauses, which discourage competition; and, encouraging the acquisition of commercially available products, which often provide proven and cost effective solutions.

Small Business

DoDEA is committed to maximizing opportunities for small businesses in all acquisitions- a policy set forth by statute and encouraged by the Small Business Administration and the DoD's Office of Small Business Programs. DoDEA's Small Business Programs Office (SBPO) reviews acquisition strategies, subcontracting plans, and when appropriate, advises contracting officers to set aside requirements for small business concerns. Additionally, the SBPO acts as a liaison between small business entities and the requiring offices within DoDEA, enabling the requiring offices to learn about the capabilities and reach of small businesses. Finally, the SBPO stands ready to assist small businesses navigate the often-confusing world of government contracting.