Businesses Learn How to Work With Hill Air Force Base

Pete CodellaArticles

Weber State University recently hosted an industry outreach day. The event was sponsored jointly by the Air Force Base’s 748th Supply Chain Management Group (SCMG) and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). More than 100 contractors interested in doing business with Hill Air Force Base participated.

Hill Air Force Base supports small businesses in the community by offering competitive acquisitions. It draws on the capability and flexibility of small businesses for low quantity and high demand types of items in addition to the base’s regular recurring requirements.

“Working these types of events is at the core of what SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) does,” said Orren J. Hirschi, Supplier Relationship Management Office, 748th SCMG. “It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our mission and to reach out to industry, seeking their expertise in helping us solve some of the challenges that affect our supply chain.”

Col. Kieran Keelty, commander of the 748th SCMG, started the event by informing attendees about the mission, challenges and opportunities available to contractors at Hill Air Force Base. Afterward, a question and answer discussion led to conversations about the aging weapon systems, the need for change, international impacts and the power of competition.

“PTAC’s long-standing relationship with Hill Air Force Base allows PTAC’s small business clients to become part of the supply chain and help meet their requirements,” said Chuck Spence, PTAC program director. “Utah’s small business community has the expertise and sophistication needed for Hill Air Force Base to fulfill its mission.” 

The outreach event concluded with the five squadrons meeting independently with Utah businesses to further discuss the requirements presented during the briefings. Attendees gained insight on how to become a contractor and established valuable relationships.  

“The PTAC industry day provided our organization the opportunity to share our essential mission and some of our supply challenges,” said Layne Williams, lead logistics management specialist, 414th/ICBM Supply Chain Management Squadron. “Several vendors who attended the event provided initial feedback and solutions.”