Base reaches out to small businesses

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KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  "Speed dating" it's not, but applying the concept to meeting with New Mexico small business associates is part of Kirtland Air Force Base's larger effort to enhance those relationships. Sponsored by the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, beginning July10, and continuing every second Tuesday of the month, Kirtland AFB Small Business Office Director

Scott Cook will meet with local business associates informally in 15-minute blocks, to provide information about contracting with the base.

"Small business is the backbone of American enterprise, responsible for half of all jobs in America. They are nimble, innovative and great partners in accomplishing multi-layered tasks," said Cook. He said the main priority of the Small Business Office is to increase small business participation in government contracts.

By doing business directly with the local community, economic activity increases, providing more opportunity for New Mexicans. It also improves Kirtland's ability to recruit locally for positions on base, further enhancing Kirtland's relationship with the community as a good neighbor, said Cook.

While Kirtland has successfully conducted business with the community for as long as the base has existed, overall Air Force expenditures with small enterprises has slipped recently. Declining military budgets are a factor, as well as the success of small businesses graduating to larger business status, said Cook. Kirtland's parent command, Air Force Materiel Command, and the rest of the Air Force are determined to reverse the trend, officials have said.

To accomplish this, Cook has begun instituting a number of efforts to improve outreach to the local business community.

"Doing business with the government is quite different from the private sector. My goal is to assist them in connecting with on-base entities needing their services," said Cook.

In addition to the monthly meetings, Cook attends local business-oriented forums to network with business operators.

On August 23, Cook will co-host a small-business seminar, sponsored by the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. The Air Force, along with other New Mexico-based government agencies, will be on hand. This daylong event will begin with a morning session to inform interested small business operators on the needs of the agencies, followed by one-on-one breakouts, allowing individuals to meet directly with agency representatives.

Other innovative opportunities to enhance interaction with local small-business associates are being planned.

"We want to ramp up the contact between the two and tap into the outstanding small-business talent New Mexico offers," said Cook.

For more information about the Air Force small business program, go to www.airforcessmallbiz.org or call the Kirtland AFB Small Business Office at 505-846-8515.