SRS Conducts Workshop in Recognition of National Black Business Month

Savannah River Mission Completion Small Business Program Manager Ashley Hannah conducted a special small business workshop for local black-owned businesses around Savannah River Site via a live video conference.

AIKEN, S.C. - A U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management contractor at the Savannah River Site (SRS) held a special small business workshop for local black-owned businesses around SRS.

August is recognized as National Black Business Month and Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), the SRS liquid waste contractor, partnered with the local Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce (GABC) in Georgia to inform local black-owned small businesses about existing and upcoming business opportunities at SRS.

SRMC is a GABC member and offered to conduct the workshop for chamber members who want to work with SRMC. Recognizing that becoming a vendor at SRS can be daunting for some small businesses, SRMC is helping small businesses navigate the procurement process.

The workshop also provided information about the DOE Mentor-Protégé Program. That program increases participation and maximizes opportunities for small businesses to work with the Department, and SRMC supports and participates in the program. Other topics discussed included upcoming opportunities for materials, services and construction, and strategic agreements.

SRMC Small Business Program Manager Ashley Hannah presented the information via a live video conference. Hannah said as a part of its community commitment, SRMC is committed to subcontracting at least 50% of all purchases to small business.

"SRMC has a small-business-first approach to subcontracting," Hannah said. "Since contract inception in 2022, nearly $400 million has been awarded to small business suppliers supporting all SRMC facilities and missions. Anticipated small business procurements include pumps, concrete, general construction, rental equipment, pipes and valves, and chemicals."

She added that chamber members are encouraged to register with SRMC to become a supplier for the contractor.

GABC President Ronic West said chamber members received a wealth of helpful information during the workshop.

"SRMC offered to be a resource for our chamber members, guiding them through the process of doing business with them," West said. "The chamber partnered with SRMC on this initiative because of our mutual interest in making chamber businesses aware of potential business opportunities that exist for them, not only as black-owned businesses, but also as local small business vendors."

-Contributor: Dara Glass