Working with small businesses is a priority for the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD), key representatives said at a recent meeting at the Fathom Works Institute in Port Hueneme, California. told small businesses that attended the Fathom Works Summit.
The message at the September 14-15 event was clear. The Department of the Navy (DON) is looking to small businesses for innovative technology to help them evolve critical capabilities and transition to warfighters.
A partner in the offsite innovation and collaboration space known as the Fathomwerx Lab, NSWC PHD is also looking to expand its small business partnerships to meet both federal government requirements and fighter jet needs.
“Growing the SME industrial base, including local SMEs, is critical to the continued success of NSWC PHD,” said Dan Mahan, Command’s Deputy Small Business Officer, who attended the two-day summit. said. “This growth is a never-ending pursuit, as some of our small business contractors are likely to become financially successful enough to rise to corporate status in the near future.
“[My]participation in the Fathomwerx Summit was especially helpful in finding small businesses to add to my e-Rolodex,” added Mahan. “Several of the vendors I interviewed expressed an interest and ability to be successful contractors for the NSWC PHD. Expanding our industrial base is a marathon, not a sprint, so time You’ll know in time.”
summit connection
Over 340 people from all over the country attended the summit. The summit included technology demonstrations and daily breakout sessions to help small businesses navigate his deals with DON.
The Naval Agility (NavalX) Office, under the operational guidance of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, hosted briefings including topics such as the DON Small Business Engagement Program and navigating from product to contract. . Don.
NavalX operates 18 international and U.S.-based Tech Bridges, creating a network of partners to bring technology innovators from the private sector, the Department of Defense and academia together with naval and naval forces with problems to solve. Bridging the gap between soldiers and mission owners. Fathomwerx Lab was designated a Ventura Tech Bridge in May 2020.
Alan Jaeger, director of the Ventura Tech Bridge, told summit attendees: Having a strong industrial base will be very important in the future. It will also be important to have an economic partner that can engage the SME side.
“We speak different languages, whether in government, academia or industry,” added Jaeger. “We need to understand how we can work together to make everyone stronger.”
He advised small businesses to attend events such as the Fathomwerx Summit and other government-sponsored industry days to learn about available funding opportunities, including government grants and venture capital funds for small businesses. .
fund connection
The Silicon Valley Defense Group (SVDG) hosted a panel discussion at the summit that also touched on small business financing and the barriers that may prevent small businesses from succeeding in the highly competitive DON contract environment. SVDG is a non-profit organization based in Arlington, Virginia, founded just over two years ago to connect technology start-ups with investors, the federal government, and the defense industry.
Panelist Nate Douglas, Director of Enterprise Future Systems for the US Space Force, said: You need a holistic solution that combines government and private funding, including venture capital, to deliver front-to-end migration.
“We are changing our funding model to find the features we need,” he explained. “We’re changing the rules a bit to try to close that gap and get the funding to get the product into the hands of end users. We want to get everyone to the table soon.”
James Cross, co-founder of SVDG and co-head of private investments at mutual fund firm Franklin Templeton, agrees that it’s important to “get the right people in the room as quickly as possible.” did.
Mr. Cross, who is also managing partner of Franklin Venture Partners, Franklin Templeton’s venture capital fund, said, “We represent traditional and new industrial bases, policy makers, funding sources and potential end-users. With the people, starting at the local level: “In the early stages of a startup, government involvement can be huge to help early-stage companies reach a minimum viable product.”
Connecting needs, solutions and funding is also the role of one of Fathomwerx’s founding partners, the Ventura County Economic Development Collaborative (EDC).
“Our role in this partnership is to ensure that we do everything we can to facilitate communication and conflict between the public and private sectors. will contribute to the security, growth and prosperity of the country, said EDC’s CEO during the first day’s session.
In April, Fathomwerx was designated an Inclusive Innovation Hub (iHub2) by the California Office of Small Business Advocacy, a division within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). EDC manages iHub2 in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
The state designation will allow Fathomwerx to seek venture capital funding from outside investors for individual projects that promote inclusiveness and a diverse network of innovators, Stenslie said. I’m here.
Mahan also continues to independently explore ways to connect with local businesses to meet the needs of the NSWC PHD contract.
“We publish long-term acquisition forecasts on our public website and host monthly small business roundtables at the Small Business Development Center in Camarillo. Companies can also come together and hear the latest information, based on their requirements,” he said. “It is also a great opportunity to network and team up with other contractors in hopes of winning a contract from NSWC PHD.
“NSWC PHD encourages local SMEs to participate in requirements that they can perform to a satisfactory level,” he added.
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