(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) – Owners of small businesses can learn how to secure government contracts and network with potential contractors at the annual Procurement Conference Thursday, May 28, at the University of Central Missouri’s Elliott Student Union.
The conference is hosted by U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers and the Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Center at UCM.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. followed by a welcome from UCM President Charles Ambrose and Whiteman Air Force Base officials. Following comments by McCaskill at 9 a.m., Janet Wilson, chief financial officer of The Wilson Group Inc., will speak on successful government contracting. Harry P. Hallock, deputy assistant secretary of the Army, will speak on government procurement at 9:30 a.m.
The featured speaker for the noon luncheon for the conference is Vice Admiral William Hunter Hilarides, commander of Naval Sea Systems Command.
Hilarides oversees a global workforce of more than 56,000 military and civilian personnel responsible for the development, delivery and maintenance of the U.S. Navy’s ships, submarines and systems. He has served as director of Advanced Submarine Research and Development and program manager of the SSGN Program.
Hilarides received a master’s degree in engineering management from the Catholic University of American, completed Air Force Command and Staff College, the MIT Seminar XXI Program in International Security Affairs, and numerous acquisition schools.
A 10:30 a.m. panel discussion will discuss “Selling to the Government: Just Big is the Market and What Can Your Business Handle?” focusing on how to assess business potential in the government market and how to determine if a business is financially ready to move to that market.
At 1:30 p.m., a panel will present the topic “I Won’t Do That Again: Best Practices from Businesses in the Know.” Business owners who have done business with the government will discuss how they overcame challenges to become successful in this market.
“Government Contracts Seem Overwhelming? What About Subcontracts? Is There a Difference?” is the topic of a third panel discussion planned for 2:45 p.m. Panelists will discuss and provide information on subcontracting and what prime contractors require in qualified subcontractors.
Exhibits by government purchasing offices and contractors will be available throughout the conference in the Elliott Student Union ballroom.
The conference is open to business owners and interested individuals. A fee of $60 per person is required and includes lunch. Registration prior to May 22 is encouraged. Individuals who want to attend may register online at ucmo.edu/sbtdc, or by contacting the Small Business and Technology Development Center at UCM at 660-543-4402, email [email protected].