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 15, 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 (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.”
