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Congressman Bill Posey will host a Federal Contracting Conference at the Florida Tech’s Denius Student Center in Melbourne on August 5th and 6th. The event is a chance for government contractors to have one-on-one meetings with procurement representatives from Washington, D.C., and Central Florida to explore new contracting opportunities. It’s also an opportunity for local businesses that specialize in technology, innovation, defense contracting and services to learn how to navigate the federal procurement process.

“Many of our local businesses specialize in technology, innovation and services that are applicable to meeting the needs of federal agencies,” said Congressman Posey. “Learning how to navigate the federal procurement process and accessing decision makers within federal agencies helps Space Coast businesses and workers compete.”

“The federal government represents a key opportunity for Space Coast companies to tap into a funding source and client base that values innovation, precision and hard work – all hallmarks of the Space Coast’s increasingly vibrant economy,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “We thank Congressman Posey for hosting this important event and encourage our county’s strong base of defense and technology companies to participate.”

“The Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech is delighted to coordinate Congressman Posey’s 2nd Annual Federal Contracting Conference again this year,” said Beth Gitlin, Director of the Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech. “It’s a unique opportunity for small businesses in our community to network with leaders in key positions with the federal and local governments and defense contracting industry. Our clients are excited to engage in individual matchmaking appointments with these key procurement officials to discover further opportunities for growth.”

Christine Michaels, President and CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida said: “The Federal Contracting Conference is a great offering for our area. We thank Congressman Posey for this, and in fact, our Veterans Resource Committee will be promoting this to our veteran-owned business members of the Melbourne Regional Chamber as a way for them to gain knowledge about how to expand their business!”

“The Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce is pleased to participate again this year in Congressman Posey’s federal contracting conference. The Palm Bay business community continues to grow and having the opportunity for our city’s businesses to learn more about doing business with government entities is highly beneficial,” said Vicki Northrup President & CEO of the Greater Palm Bay Chamber.

“There isn’t a better resource available than Congressman Posey's Federal Contracting Conference for small business owners looking to learn how to initiate business with the government or for those already working on federal contracts to fine-tune their approach. The Space Coast receives a large impact from federal dollars so it’s critical that our local business owners understand the process. At no cost to these businesses, it’s an opportunity to add an important sector to their procurement efforts,” said Julie Song, Regional Manager, FL MEP and acting Chair Brevard Small Business Assistance Council (BSBAC).

“The Florida 8(a) Alliance is honored to participate in this event. We look forward to meeting small businesses who want to do business with the federal government and hope to provide educational solutions to the participants,” stated Stephanie Marquardt, Executive Director of Florida 8(a) Alliance, Inc.

Congressman Bill Posey is pleased to coordinate with the SBA, Women’s Business Center at Florida Institute of Technology, Space Florida, Brevard Workforce, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, Small Business Development Center at Brevard Community College and SCORE.

The agenda includes a keynote address by Congressman Bill Posey and presentations by key federal procurement officials. Other speakers include Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce, Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, FL MEP, Women In Defense, GCAT, Florida 8(a) Alliance and special presentations by local defense contractors.

When: August 5 and 6, 2013

Day 1 – For business leaders currently doing business with the federal government.

Day 2 – For business leaders who are NOT currently doing business with the federal government but want to learn about the procurement process.

Day 1 and 2 appointments with procurement officials for business leaders currently doing business with the Federal government. (Contact Pam Gillespie or David Jackson at 321-632-1776 for appointment)

Networking and a continental breakfast begins at 7:30 AM and the program begins at 8:00 AM on August 5 and 6.

Where: Florida Tech - Hartley Room of the Denius Student Center on the 2nd floor, Country Club Road, Melbourne, FL 32901

Coordinating Agencies: DOD, Air Force, Army, FAA, NASA, Dept. of Homeland Security, SBA, Women’s Business Center at Florida Institute of Technology, Space Florida, Brevard Workforce, Economic Development Commission of Florida’ Space Coast and Small Business Development Center at Brevard Community College and SCORE

The conference is free and open to business leaders who want to meet federal procurement representatives or to learn the federal procurement process.
Networking and a continental breakfast begins at 7:30 AM and the program begins at 8:00 AM each day. Please RSVP before July 30th at /RSVP/.