IT services firm, Offise Solutions Inc, receives SBA 8(a) designation.
Offise Solutions Inc (OSI), based in Manassas Park, Virginia, has enjoyed a series of successes. Their most recent success was the official designation as a Small and Disadvantaged business by the United States Small Business Administration.
(PRWEB) July 27, 2005 -- Offise Solutions Inc (OSI), recently received
official designation as a Small and Disadvantaged business by the United States
Small Business Administration. The database development and services firm, with
offices in Manassas Park and Alexandria, VA, recently converted over 250,000
paper records to digital format for the Arlington National Cemetery. This
project was among the four information technology (IT) services contracts
awarded to OSI over the past fifteen months.
Offise Solutions was founded
in 2002 by its president, Richard Greaux, an Air Force veteran with fifteen
years of database development and IT project management experience at EDS and
other firms. Mr. Greaux, whose work history includes assignments at the White
House Communications Agency, developing software applications for AT&T and
the Department of Veterans Affairs, saw a need for targeted IT services.
When asked the significance of the newest designation, Mr. Greaux,
responded, “We consider this a blessing, among many. Our company is seeking to
streamline the engagement process for our customers. This motivated us to seek
the official designation as an 8(a) firm. We felt it was important for our
business’ long-term success, to deliver on contracts, won in the open small
business marketplace, before seeking the 8(a) designation. This assures our
clients that they are engaging a proven firm focused on serving their needs as
well as growing along an established path."
The SBA’s 8(a) program is
designed “to assist eligible small disadvantaged business concerns compete in
the American economy through business development.” Firms participating in the
program may receive sole source contract awards of up to $3 million for goods
and services. Currently, over 25 federal agencies have signed memoranda with the
SBA which allow them to directly contract 8(a) firms. Program designees have a
nine-year development and transition period during which they may participate in
the program. New changes to the program encourage 8(a) designees to engage in
joint venture contracts with other firms in order to better prepare themselves
for open competition in a marketplace often dominated by large, international
firms. The Federal Government’s acquisition policies encourage agencies to set
aside a small percentage of their contracted business for 8(a) designated firms.
The SBA provides a variety of services to participating firms including
management and technical assistance, as well as, low-interest loans for upgraded
or new equipment, site acquisition, or construction. OSI found the SBA’s
Richmond District Office to be very helpful in clarifying the 8(a) application
process and through its swift approval of the company’s business plan.
While the 8(a) program is a business development plan, it is not
expected that an 8(a) firm will solely market that vehicle. According to Mr.
Greaux, OSI will remain true to the spirit of the program, by seeking both 8(a)
and open market opportunities and working toward a 65/35 distribution of
non-8(a) to 8(a) work. OSI will pursue this strategy by promoting its network,
infrastructure design, and technical support services to existing and potential
clients. “Our company is also increasing its presence in the public health
arenas by supporting new notable federal clients with analytical and database
management services.”
Offise Solutions expects to announce the 8(a)
designation through its Web site, http://www.offise.com, and all of its marketing materials to
ensure existing and prospective clients consider the program as possible
contracting vehicle. OSI’s president considers the 8(a) designation a
significant milestone for the company. “We are proud of participation in the
program and hope to use it to further develop our ability to better compete
against larger firms in the open marketplace.”
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/7/prweb261447.htm