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St. Elizabeths Proposed Master Plan
Pulling the U.S. economy out of the depths of recession can not be done without providing substantial support to America’s small businesses. Makes sense right? After all how many times have you heard the cliches about small businesses being the engine to the economy?
Yet so far the only companies that have received direct financial assistance are the large ones; some of whom are partly responsible for the economic crisis. What’s more, there is little to no discussion about how minority businesses can help to mitigate the downward spiral of unemployment and despair in underserved communities.
There is tremendous opportunity for improved economic development if the federal government would provide the same economic support to small businesses as it does to large business. A perfect example is the pending development of the new home for the Department of Homeland Security in the Anacostia section of Washington, D.C. You can be a part of the groundbreaking ceremony by viewing the video.
Over 1,000 people attended an Industry Day last month to see first hand what business opportunities awaited them at what will be the new Department of Homeland Security headquarters at the 157-year old St. Elizabeth’s mental institution complex in Washington, D.C. There was a great deal of energy and synergy around what will be a $3.4 billion dollar project, and what an investment of this magnitude could mean for the people of the 8th ward in economic development. Although there has only been one major award of $435 million to Clark Design Build; LLC a subsidiary of the Bethesda based Clark Construction Company – a Washington metro area company, to lead in the design of the U.S. Coast Guard facility, there will certainly be more opportunities.
Minority firms interested in working on contracts like the DHS construction project who have never done business with the Federal government must first learn how to do business with the Department by visiting its website. If the firms are specifically interested in this construction project they should visit GSA's website for more information about the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters Consolidation. Businesses should carefully review the many statements of work tthat will be made public to ensure they have the capacity and the technological expertise to perform. This knowledge can be achieved by carefully reviewing the statement of work for the projects available on FEDBIZOPPS when they are released. They should also request through the freedom of information act historical acquisition data on similar projects if available. While you will not be able to obtain proprietary information like pricing, you should be able to obtain work statements and task orders outlining the type of specific tasks required. Once you compare your firms capabilities to those needed by the government, you then go about the task of packaging your firm’s capabilities in a format that is marketable.
While there are a host of firms who have the expertise to assist your firm market to the Federal Government, marketing to the Federal government is something businesses owners can learn to do for themselves - however it does take time.
Lastly you must be diligent but not too patient. Delegate Eleanor Homes Norton stated she will fight for what promises to be an effort that “will stimulate the economy” of the area east of the Anacostia River. Minority-owned firms in the D.C. metro area and beyond are in the unique position of not only contributing to the development of this historic part of the city but they can also improve the economic condition for the people who live there.
A collective strategy is needed to “encourage” the administration to use tools available to it through the 8(a) program,Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZONE) program and Disadvantage Business Plans to assist minority owned firms obtain business opportunities with this project as well as countless others right here in the D.C. metro area. Minority business owners through their associations and collective efforts must remind the decision makers that the engine needs fuel to run. Small business especially minority owned businesses are the engine. federal procurements are the fuel. To learn more about this project and other business opportunities with the federal government, contact your local small business administration’s business opportunity specialist.
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