MISSION: 

Build collaboration between CFM – OSDBU for excellence in Veteran health and service delivery while enabling WVOSBs and WOSBs to be part of the delivery of healthcare facilities.  CFM and OSDBU will host a virtual engagement for Women Veteran entrepreneurs interested in doing business with VA and prime contractors in the construction arena. These FY 2022 events seek to provide attendees with resources and access to economic opportunities. It will be a valuable networking opportunity for the Women Veteran-Owned Small Business Initiative (WVOSBI). 

APPROACH:

Issue: CFM seeks to increase its success towards the WOSB goal of 5% thru a focused effort that encourages more WOSBs and WVOSBs to respond to solicitations.  A series of OSDBU - CFM collaborative engagements seek to create economic opportunities that directly support the President's Executive Order (EO) 13985.  This EO aims to increase procurement opportunities to under-served communities.  Women Veterans have been designated as an underserved and underrepresented community. Further, this will: 

• Facilitate meaningful engagement with WVOSBs and: 
• Explore barriers to the utilization of WVOSBs and WOSBs in design, construction, and related support services and gain insight into stakeholder thoughts and perceptions 
• Discuss barriers and solutions in contract opportunities and promote modern vendor engagement practices

OUTCOME: 

Engage WVOSBs and WOSBs in economic opportunities by offering resources and solutions to Women business stakeholders.  Increase Women-Owned Small Business participation in CFM opportunities by implementing new industry engagements and approaches to promote competition.  Initiate successful focused community engagements in support of President’s EO 13985 and the VA’s mission of delivering world class infrastructure for Veteran’s healthcare and memorial. 

Primes and large businesses welcome.