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NEWS | Sept. 12, 2017

NSWC PHD connects with industry at Navy Gold Coast Conference

By Nichole Susanka, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) Small Business Deputy, Kimberly Barnard, attended the 2017 Department of the Navy Gold Coast Conference Aug. 22-23 at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego. 

With more than 1,500 in attendance, this year’s event marked the Navy’s 29th West Coast opportunity for industry personnel to speak directly with Department of Defense representatives and gain insight to the procurement process. Centered on “Supporting the Warfighter Mission in a Changing Acquisition Climate,” more than 200 informative exhibits were made available throughout the two-day period.

“During the event, Navy individuals met with large and small businesses to find out what they can do for us and what services we need,” said Barnard. “It’s a huge networking opportunity, not just for brand new companies, but for seasoned and larger companies as well who are matched with smaller businesses.”

In addition to networking, the forum featured presentations from senior federal leadership who shed light on the Navy’s future endeavors, specifying the type of support services anticipated. Break-out sessions were also available to encourage business match-making.

“Large businesses can match with small businesses,” explained Barnard. “Small businesses can match with the Navy—and not just our command—but Office of Naval Research, Missile Defense Agency, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Naval Air Systems Command, and all the other major echelons represented at the conference.”

One of the more popular sessions focused on the community’s upcoming departure from its current electronic acquisition platform known as SeaPort-e. In use since 2004, SeaPort-e serves as the primary means for acquiring support services for specific functional areas, including engineering, financial management, and program management. The Navy is in the process of analyzing alternative options that will be revealed before the end of 2017. 

“Naval Sea Systems Command uses SeaPort-e to do all of our contracting within 22 specialized services,” said Barnard. “The main procurement contracting officer from NSWC Dahlgren was there to lead a break out session discussing where we are headed. With more than 2,860 small businesses in SeaPort-e, it’s important for them to know what we are doing and if we are going to use something different.” 

A major function of NSWC PHD’s investment in small business is to foster increased competition for command procurements while accessing the innovation, creativity, agility and new efficiencies offered by small businesses. Specifically, the command strives to work with woman-owned businesses, companies located in historically under-utilized business zones, service-disabled veteran-owned business and other socially disadvantaged industry, in line with federal efforts.