OC-ALC’s Small Business Office has big responsibility in forming partnerships

Published May 19, 2009
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Think small ... small business that is. After all, it's the heart and soul of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center's Small Business Office.

Manned by three people in Bldg. 3001, the small business office solicits and helps small businesses contract work with Tinker, to ultimately ensure a fair proportion of contract dollars go to small businesses. Additionally, the team advises large-business contractors to sub contract with smaller companies.

"The backbone of this economy rests with small business," said Joanne Davis, OC-ALC/SB director. "If we, the government, don't take care of the foundation of our economy, then we're lost. Everything is driven and connected with the small business."

The small business office's goals are set by Air Force Materiel Command. The companies which the office aids are typically defined as self-certified small businesses, "Small Business Disadvantaged," women-owned small companies and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. The small business office works with the requirements and contractor personnel to ensure Tinker meets the goals and ultimately go beyond them.

Ms. Davis said there are several benefits to hiring a small business versus a large corporation. Small businesses may be more flexible than a large corporation, have lower overheads and are more customer-oriented.

"For the most part, small businesses out there are going to work doubly hard for you," she said. Whether the small business office is soliciting work or a company approaches the office, the first steps to contracting with Tinker are fairly routine.

Small business personnel brief a company on the ALC's mission and possible requirements. Following an introduction, office personnel listen to the company's qualifications and capabilities. The small business office then tries to match the company's capabilities with Tinker's current or future requirements.

Joe Roop, OC-ALC/SB source development specialist, said success of any small business is determined by their performance, even as it relates to sub-contractor work with large businesses. Ms. Davis agreed.

"I tell them all the time, 'I'm your best advocate, but your worst critic,'" Ms. Davis said. "My philosophy is 'our mission is to ensure these planes stay flying and your part or service has to be to help them stay flying.' That's why it's critical that the qualifications and performance of a small business is the best.

"Now, somebody's baby is on that aircraft and just like you want your baby to get from point A to point B safely, so does everyone else in the world," Ms. Davis said. "It's crucial your part or service is going to help me maintain the mission of this base and this Air Force."

Ms. Davis said in a given year, at least 500 companies meet with Tinker's small business office team and ask about contracting with the base. That number does not include phone call or e-mail inquiries.