History was made on February 12th at the 2020 National 8(a) Association Small Business Conference in New Orleans, LA! This conference is known as the premier supplier diversity event for small businesses, offering educational sessions, matchmaking, networking, and resources for all small businesses, including minority, aspiring, current and graduate 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOB, VOSB, SDB, WOSB, DBE, and teaming partnerships.
Chenega Corporation’s Military, Intelligence, and Operations Support (MIOS) Strategic Business Unit (SBU) was proud to sponsor at the Bronze level and have a booth in the exhibitor hall. Of the 18 active Chenega subsidiaries under the Chenega MIOS umbrella, we had representatives from five in attendance to participate in matchmaking and network with other 8(a)s.
MIOS Business Development Intelligence Analyst, Ernest Bush, was on-site representing the newest of the MIOS subsidiaries, Chenega Defense and Aerospace Solutions, LLC (CDAS), who at the time was waiting for its 8(a) certification. While walking the show floor, Ernest took the initiative to visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) booth to check on the status of the 8(a) application. SBA’s Director of the Office of Certification Eligibility, Van Tran, was on-site and was extremely helpful in looking up the application. Low and behold, it was waiting for her approval! Ms. Tran informed Ernest that she would approve on her end and that CDAS would need just one more approval, and should be 8(a) certified in the next few days! Ernest thanked her for the assistance and continued to attend one of the education sessions provided by the National 8(a) Association. Little did he know, the SBA representatives on-site were working diligently to get CDAS certified that afternoon. Within the next 20 minutes, Ernest got a phone call to return to the SBA booth for some good news. CDAS was the first-ever company granted it’s 8(a) certification in person! The picture above was taken just moments after receiving the great news. Pictured from left to right are Van Tran, Director of the Office of Certification Eligibility, SBA; Dr. Donna L. Peebles, Associate Administrator, Business Development, SBA; Ernest Bush, Business Development Intelligence Analyst, Chenega Corporation, and Otis D. Turner, Business Opportunity Specialist, SBA.
We want to thank not only the Small Business Administration but also the National 8(a) Association for hosting such an impactful event. We look forward to participating again in years to come!
About Chenega Defense & Aerospace Solutions
As one of the newest Chenega companies, Chenega Defense & Aerospace Solutions (CDAS) provides quality-based deliverables across multiple disciplines and technical support areas. From identifying needs, researching and developing solutions to communicating and implementing a solution design or service, the Quality of our deliverables is our number one priority.
About U.S. Small Business Administration
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
About National 8(a) Association
The National 8(a) Association is a non-profit who’s mission is to provide education and guidance for all aspiring, current and graduate 8(a) businesses. We are also proud to work with HUBZone, SDVOB, SDB, WOSB, DBE, 8(a) Joint Venture, Federal Agencies, Prime Contractors, Industry Professionals, and Business Vendors.