Carderock Hosts Small Business Industry Day and Navy Small Business Symposium with Capital Tech Bridge
By NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs
In an effort to strengthen ties between the Navy and the small business community, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division recently hosted its annual Industry Day and the Navy Small Business Symposium. These events, held on October 9 and 10, 2024, respectively, aimed to foster innovation and collaboration between the Navy and private sector enterprises.
Virtual Industry Day: Connecting Experts and Innovators
The first event, a virtual Industry Day, took place on October 9, providing a platform for Carderock’s technical experts to engage with industry members. This year’s focus was on expanding the pool of small business partners, showcasing Carderock’s mission, focus areas, and technical capabilities. Carlos Duran, Carderock’s Deputy of Small Business Programs, played a pivotal role in facilitating the virtual program in collaboration with the Capital Tech Bridge. Duran’s leadership in small business initiatives was recognized when he received the 2024 Excellence Award in Small Business from the Naval Sea Systems Command.
“The intent of Carderock’s Annual Industry Day is to share technical information with industry, so they have a better understanding of our mission and needs,” Duran explained. “This approach augments the ecosystem of technically available small business concerns that can compete for our contracts.”
In-Person Navy Small Business Symposium: A Forum for Collaboration
Following the virtual event, the Navy Small Business Symposium was held in person at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center on October 10. This symposium provided a unique opportunity for small businesses to connect directly with representatives from key Navy commands, including the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), and Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR).
The Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) played a crucial role in the symposium, providing valuable insights on how small businesses can engage with the Navy. Presenters from organizations such as Maryland APEX Accelerators and the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) shared resources and strategies to help small businesses navigate the complexities of government contracting.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Business
A significant highlight of the symposium was the emphasis on diversity and inclusion within the Navy’s contracting processes. Susie Drummond from NAVSEA shared that the Navy is committed to including businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, with 21% of businesses in this category participating in contracts. Furthermore, 41% of businesses involved in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are new to the Navy, showcasing the Navy’s dedication to fostering a diverse and innovative business environment.
Strengthening Local Economic Development
The collaboration between Carderock, Capital Tech Bridge, and the Pike District Partnership aims to enhance local economic development. Eugene Cornelius, Director of the Pike District Partnership, emphasized the importance of providing technical assistance to small businesses seeking to engage with government contracts. “We are the advocate for economic development here in the North Bethesda area,” Cornelius stated. “A lot of those in this city and at this symposium will need technical assistance, and we are learning as we go to provide valuable information.”
Networking and Knowledge Sharing Opportunities
The symposium also featured an “Ask Me Anything” panel, where attendees could engage with experts and discuss challenges and opportunities in the small business landscape. Panelists included Lauren Hanyok, Carderock’s Capital Tech Bridge director, Eugene Cornelius, and Susie Drummond. They provided insights into emerging technologies and new applications, encouraging small businesses to leverage existing capabilities to meet the Navy’s needs.
Hanyok highlighted the importance of Partnering Intermediary Agreements (PIAs) in facilitating connections between small businesses and Navy labs. “Not a lot of people in Montgomery County know what Carderock is, so partnering with a hyper-local PIA helps us better engage with the community,” she noted. This collaboration aims to create a welcoming business environment that supports both the Navy and the local economy.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
By fostering innovation and technological advancement, the Capital Tech Bridge aims to strengthen partnerships that drive progress benefiting both the Navy and the surrounding region. The Capital Tech Bridge serves as a vibrant innovation ecosystem, collaborating with naval warfare centers and national labs to address complex challenges faced by Sailors and Marines.
For those interested in learning more about the Capital Tech Bridge or upcoming events, Lauren “Tink” Hanyok can be contacted at lauren.w.hanyok.civ@us.navy.mil. The commitment to collaboration and innovation demonstrated at these events signals a promising future for small businesses looking to engage with the Navy and contribute to national defense efforts.