U.S. General Services Administration
GSA OSDBU programs, fed contracts help small businesses move to the next level
Post filed in: Small Business
The U.S. General Services Administration devotes resources specifically to qualified small businesses, so they can take advantage of federal contracting opportunities.
A small disadvantaged HUBZone federal government contractor credits GSA's small business programs and support for his business' growth. Joe C. Vazquez, president and CEO of Vazquez Commercial Contracting, LLC told the Kansas City District of the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2015 that he "went to every possible meeting he could — GSA breakfast meetings, industry lunches, dinners, workshops."
Vazquez attended meetings and workshops GSA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization offers to increase access to GSA's nationwide procurement opportunities and network with contracting officers, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, SBA reps, and other small and large business owners.
"GSA is committed to helping all small businesses move to the next level," said GSA Heartland Region Small Business Technical Advisor Bill Strobel.
In 2011, Vazquez's business received its first contract from GSA to install doors at the Richard Bolling Federal Building. "It was a $28,000 contract," Vazquez told the SBA.
In fiscal year 2020, VCC was awarded an estimated $7.86 million in federal contracts, including more than $475,000 with GSA, according to data from the Federal Procurement Data System.
Vazquez's 2010 certification into SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program provides participating firms management and technical assistance as well as access to government contracting opportunities.
The company currently performs work in 16 states, employs 136 people in 5 states, and participates in 15 joint ventures.
And his story doesn't end there.
"They are joint venturing and subcontracting with other small businesses," Strobel said. "These results, and benefits of just one small business generate a lot of jobs, support a lot of families, and help other small businesses."
In FY20, GSA awarded more than 49% of all contract dollars to qualified small businesses. For more information about GSA's small business programs, visit gsa.gov/small-business.