MidSize Firms

1
Mid-Size Firms

• Freddie S. Rush, Co-Chairman
• Issue Resolution Committee

2
Issue Resolution Committee (IRC) Members

• Mike McGaugh, Co-Chairman, ABMB Engineers
• Freddie Rush, Co-Chairman, Miss. Valley Div.
• Clarence Thomas, Miss. Valley Div.
• Dale Hunn, Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix Hixson
• Richard Spencer, Daily Associates
• Shirley Wilson, Vicksburg District
• Timothy Black, New Orleans District

3
Issue

• Does the current Corps AE contracting process
  favor small-size firms through set-asides and
  large-size firms through broad-scope,
  multi-discipline ID contracts and limit the
  ability of mid-size firms to obtain Corps work?

4
IRC 2002 Conclusions

• No reliable data to verify actual problem
• Perception of problem is apparent
• IRC offered following recommendations to
• Make selection process more fair
• Maintain levels of flexibility and costs at
  Districts as much as possible

5
Recommendation No. 1- Better Define Scope of Work

• Scope should define, as specifically as possible,
  application of each discipline required
• Permits AE to fabricate response that matches
  design requirements
• Helps AE to team with other firms that have the
  required specific skills and experience

6
Recommendation No. 2 Maintain Consistency on SB
Set Asides

• MVD Districts should be consistent on application
  of guidance (2 SB firms) for SB set asides
• MVD HQ will address any inconsistency through
  quality assurance visits

7
Recommendation No. 3 Be Aware of SB Designation
Rules

• Check SB Self-Designation
• Firm may have recently exceeded SB threshold
• Misrepresentation as SB could be a problem
• SB designation may be challenged by offeror,
  interested party, or KO who has reason to
  question designation
• Challenges referred to SBA
• Involve SBA person at District

8
Recommendation No. 4 Use More Regional Contracts

• Utilize for special AE services such as value
  engineering, cost engineering, physical and
  electronic security, etc., as well as minor work
  and contingency work
• Develop MVD-wide acquisition strategy for
  procuring such AE services
• Develop efficient process to procure and
  administer MVD-wide contracts (PMBP)

9
Recommendation No. 5 Actions Mid-Size Firms Can
Take

• Place more emphasis on marketing and selling the
  firm and its capabilities
• Place more emphasis on providing an up-to-date
  and accurate SF 255
• Place more emphasis on teaming with other firms
• Place more emphasis on matching the SF 255 with
  the FedBizOpps announcement

10
Charge from St. Louis Meeting

• Monitor contracts of MVD districts in FY2003
• Develop baseline information on awards to
  mid-size firms

11
Definition of Mid-Size Firm

• 50 200 employees
• Annual receipts between 4M and 25M

12
FY 2003 MVD Awards
13
FY03 Award Percentages

• Small Business Firms
• 41 of Contracts 27 of Dollars
• Mid-Size Firms
• 20 of Contracts 25 of Dollars
• Large Firms
• 39 of Contracts 48 of Dollars

14
QUESTIONS?