Battelle is a big name in science and tech. They work on tough problems for the country and beyond. At the heart of their work are battelle’s small business specialists. These experts help small companies join in on big ideas. They make sure small businesses get a fair shot at working with Battelle. This article dives into who they are, what they do, and how you can connect with them. If you’re a small business owner looking to grow, this is for you.
Battelle started back in 1929. It’s a nonprofit that focuses on research and development. They manage labs for the government and create new tech. But they know small businesses bring fresh ideas. That’s why they have a special office for them. The Small Business Programs Office is where the magic happens. Here, battelle’s small business specialists guide small firms through partnerships.
Why does this matter? Small businesses make up a huge part of the economy. They create jobs and spark innovation. Battelle wants to team up with them to solve big challenges like energy, health, and security. In this piece, we’ll cover the background, achievements, and tips on how to work with these specialists. We’ll use simple lists and examples to make it easy to follow.
What is Battelle and Why Small Businesses Matter
Battelle Memorial Institute is based in Columbus, Ohio. They employ thousands of smart people. Their work touches many fields. Think health, environment, national security, and more. They run national labs like Pacific Northwest National Lab and Oak Ridge National Lab. These places do cutting-edge research.
Small businesses are key to Battelle’s success. Why? Because small firms are quick and creative. They can try new things big companies might not. Battelle sees this value. They commit to working with small and diverse businesses. This includes women-owned, veteran-owned, and minority-owned firms.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) sets rules for this. Battelle follows them closely. They aim to give a big chunk of their work to small suppliers. For example, in older reports, they gave over 40% of subcontracts to small firms. That’s a lot! It shows their real dedication.
Battelle’s approach is active. They don’t just wait for small businesses to come to them. They reach out. They host events and offer advice. This helps small companies understand how to bid on projects. It’s all about building strong ties.
The Role of Battelle’s Small Business Programs Office
This office is the hub for small business support. It’s part of how Battelle does business with suppliers. The goal? To create partnerships that boost innovation. They focus on science and tech advances.
The office supports many types of small businesses. Here’s a list:
- Small and Disadvantaged Businesses: Firms that need extra help to compete.
- Women-owned Businesses: Companies run by women, bringing diverse views.
- HUBZone Companies: Businesses in areas that need economic boost.
- Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran-owned: Honoring those who served.
- Alaska Native/Native American/Minority-owned: Supporting underrepresented groups.
They follow federal rules like FAR 52.219. This ensures fair play in contracts.
What do they do day-to-day? They build long-term relationships. They connect Battelle’s project teams with small suppliers. This includes outreach, briefings, and including small firms in proposals.
One key way is through mentor-protégé relationships. Big firms like Battelle mentor smaller ones. This teaches skills and opens doors.
Meet Battelle’s Small Business Specialists
Who Are Battelle’s Small Business Specialists?
Battelle’s small business specialists are the go-to experts. They offer one-on-one counseling. This helps small businesses navigate the system. Think of them as guides in a complex world.
In past years, people like Lynn Livengood led these efforts. She was the manager of supplier diversity. She stressed finding small firms with new ideas. Today, the team continues this work. They help with everything from registration to finding opportunities.
These specialists know the ins and outs of government contracts. They understand SBA programs. They can explain how to get certified as a small business. They also link you to resources like the System for Award Management (SAM).
Why seek them out? They make the process less scary. Many small business owners feel lost in big bids. These specialists break it down. They review your company’s strengths and match them to Battelle’s needs.
What Services Do They Provide?
The specialists provide hands-on help. Here’s what you can expect:
- Counseling Sessions: Talk one-on-one about your business. Get advice on how to approach Battelle.
- Capability Briefings: Share what your company does best. They help present it to Battelle teams.
- Outreach Events: Attend meetings where you meet Battelle staff. These happen across the country.
- Teaming Opportunities: Learn how to join forces with Battelle on projects.
- Mentor-Protégé Guidance: Get into programs where Battelle teaches you the ropes.
They also help with registration. Go to the Battelle Supplier Portal to start. It’s free and boosts your visibility.
Background and History of Support for Small Businesses
Battelle’s commitment goes back years. In 2007, they highlighted small companies as sources of new ideas. An article in Washington Technology noted this. They said small firms bring speed and innovation.
Back then, Battelle increased work with small businesses by 60% in one year. They aimed for balance in tech, price, and quality.
Today, this continues. In 2024, Battelle honored American Power Systems as Small Business Supplier of the Year. This firm helped with armored vehicles. It shows real partnerships pay off.
Battelle manages eight national labs. Each has small business programs. For example, at Pacific Northwest National Lab, they have a manager focused on this.
The office partners with groups like the National APEX Accelerator Alliance. This helps small firms win government contracts.
Achievements and Success Stories
Battelle has many wins with small businesses. Let’s look at some.
First, subcontracting stats. Over 40% to small firms in past years. This means millions in contracts.
Examples of collaborations:
- XMCO Inc.: A woman-owned firm in Michigan. They worked on Army projects. Battelle mentored them in armoring and fuel cells.
- Federated Information Technology Inc.: Service-disabled veteran-owned. They did IT for Homeland Security. Learned about business planning.
These stories show impact. Small firms gain skills and grow. Battelle gets fresh tech.
Another achievement: Their database has over 600 small partners. More than 200 are disadvantaged or women-owned.
In recent news, Battelle won a contract for environmental research. They tap small businesses for data and biology expertise.
At national labs, small businesses drive discovery. For instance, in energy and biodefense.
How Small Businesses Can Engage with Battelle
Ready to connect? It’s straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Register Your Company: Use the Supplier Registration Form. This puts you in their database.
- Prepare Your Pitch: Create a Statement of Qualifications. Highlight your strengths.
- Seek Counseling: Contact battelle’s small business specialists for advice.
- Attend Events: Watch for Battelle-sponsored meetings.
- Look for Opportunities: Check for teaming on projects in IT, health, energy.
Battelle looks for suppliers in many areas. Like logistics, security, biomedical. They need competitive edges.
Tip: Check your financial stability. They use Dun and Bradstreet reports.
For GSA-related work, see their schedule. It covers IT services. Small businesses can sub-contract here. Details at GSA Advantage.
Resources and Tools for Small Businesses
Battelle offers many resources. Here’s a bulleted list:
- SBA Federal Contracting: Learn basics at sba.gov.
- NAPEX: Get training on bids.
- SAM.gov: Register for government work.
- DCMA Small Business: Defense contract help.
- HUBZone Council: For zone-certified firms.
- VA OSDBU: Veteran business support.
- FAR: Rules for acquisitions.
- NAICS: Classify your business.
- Project Spectrum: Cyber security tools.
For more business tools, check UltraPanda.
These help you prepare. Use them to build your skills.
Statistics and Data on Impact
Numbers tell the story. In 2006, Battelle saw a 60% jump in small business performance.
They aim for 40%+ in subcontracts. This supports jobs and growth.
Small businesses in the U.S. create 1.5 million jobs yearly. Battelle contributes by partnering.
At national labs, small firms help with renewable energy. For example, National Renewable Energy Lab works on clean tech.
In health, they tackle endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Small experts add value.
Challenges and Solutions for Small Businesses
Small firms face hurdles. Like complex bids or lack of contacts.
Solutions from Battelle:
- Early Involvement: Join 12-18 months before proposals.
- Mentoring: Learn from pros.
- Database Access: Get seen by managers.
This levels the field.
Case Studies: Real-World Examples
Take XMCO. They got mentoring in tech. Now, they handle big Army contracts.
Federated IT improved financials. They won Homeland Security work.
Another: American Power Systems. Honored in 2024 for supply chain smarts.
These show how battelle’s small business specialists make a difference.
Future Outlook for Partnerships
Battelle keeps growing. With new contracts in environment and defense.
Small businesses will play bigger roles. In AI, cyber, and green tech.
The office plans more outreach. Like regional meetings.
Stay tuned for events.
FAQs
What are battelle’s small business specialists?
They are experts who counsel small firms on partnering with Battelle.
How do I contact them?
Use the Small Business Programs Office page for info.
What types of businesses qualify?
Small, disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran, etc.
Do I need certification?
Yes, like SBA or HUBZone.
What projects can I work on?
IT, energy, health, security.
Conclusion
In summary, battelle’s small business specialists are vital for linking small firms to big opportunities. They offer counseling, resources, and partnerships that fuel innovation. Battelle’s commitment shows in stats, stories, and ongoing support. Small businesses gain growth, while the nation gets better tech.
What challenges have you faced as a small business owner, and how might partnering with Battelle help?
References
- Battelle Small Business Programs Office – Provides details on partnerships, resources, and how small businesses can engage. Ideal for suppliers seeking opportunities in science and tech.
- Washington Technology Article (2007) – Discusses Battelle’s focus on small companies for new ideas, including subcontracting stats and examples. Useful for understanding historical commitments.
- GSA Advantage Contract Text – Outlines IT services and functional roles, relevant for small businesses interested in government subcontracts.
