Small Business Division reviews first year.

• Author: Taylor, Tyrone
• Position: Government policy notes

A year ago, the National Defense Industrial Association refocused its efforts to represent the interests of its small business members by creating the Small Business Division. Its mission is to focus specifically on issues affecting small business defense contractors. During its first year, the division concentrated its efforts on:

* Identifying and solidifying a core group of active small businesses within NDIA's membership.

* Assisting in the development of programs and activities that provide information on and access to contracting opportunities.

* Advocating sound business-utilization policies within the federal government.

During that period, the division has developed a Web site that describes current and past events, related action items (such as NDIA letters and positions on regulatory and legislative initiatives), useful links and contact information.

Each year, NDIA publishes its top issues, identifying policy areas important to the continued health of the defense industrial base. In both 2003 and 2004, NDIA's top issues have included policy recommendations specific to the small business community.

In 2003, NDIA supported the administration's strategy for increasing small-business contracting opportunities in the Department of Defense through improvements to proven vehicles, such as the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Research programs, as well as new programs, such as the Army Venture Capital Demonstration Program.

In 2004, the association will continue to advocate balanced acquisition policies and programs that focus on increasing small-business access to contracts. A significant hurdle to small businesses, for example, is commercialization of technology and issues dealing with intellectual property. NDIA continues to support efforts within DOD and the Department of Homeland Security to address these issues and to incentivize industry to support small business innovation and participation in the federal marketplace.

In 2003, the division initiated a series of breakfast meetings, bringing together small businesses, prime contractors and the government purchaser. Each event was designed to provide NDIA small-business members with information on existing contracting opportunities; prime contractors with access to a captive audience of subcontractors, and the government purchaser with a more complete product or service.

The first event--held in February 2003--focused on opportunities with...