Deputy Agriculture Secretary Announces Event to Assist Southwest Small Business Owners as they Work to Contract with Federal Departments

WASHINGTON, August 2, 2011-- Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced that southwest small business owners will have an opportunity in September to learn how to grow and support their businesses by partnering with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI). The day-long conference, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, supports the White House Initiative on Small Business Contracting.

Conference attendees will have an opportunity to participate in workshops and panel discussions led by program and small business procurement officials. Topics include acquisition needs and opportunities, prime contracting and subcontracting opportunities, business development resources, and more. As part of a continuing effort to increase small business contracting participation by enhancing the competitive posture of small businesses and small farmer-owned cooperatives, there will also be a workshop dedicated to contracting opportunities in rural America. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to meet one-on-one with USDA and DOI small business contracting specialists during a half-day "matchmaking" event.

The conference, hosted by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Department of the Interior will be held Thursday, September 15, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 Second Street Albuquerque, NM 87102.

There is no conference fee. Pre-registration is preferred with onsite registration available. Please register at http://www.doi.gov/osdbu by September 2, 2011. For further information please call toll free: 1-877-375-9927.