Introduction
Aerospace Drones, a rapidly evolving digital firm, has earned superb imagery due to building high-quality drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for photography and filming equipped with advanced performance features and premium cameras. Despite being a preferred vendor for private security firms, it is considering bidding for potential government contracts with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This action plan follows a trusted partner’s recommendation that provides essential development opportunities.
Analysis of how federal acts favor smaller businesses
A substantial benefit for Aerospace Drones depends on existing federal acts that favor smaller enterprises over larger multinational firms designed to promote innovation and enhance competition in the drone manufacturing industry. For instance, by investing in Federal research funds, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) initiatives promote economic growth and technological innovation in small US businesses. Furthermore, the program aims to assist private industries in commercializing innovations and encourage economically and socially disadvantaged individuals to participate in entrepreneurship through development funding (Agencies,2014). As opposed to larger enterprises such as Boeing, General Atomics, North Grumman, and Lockheed Martin, Congress has exercised broad authority by adopting mechanisms that facilitate subcontracting and contracting between federal agencies and small enterprises. These measures are developed to ensure fairness in awarding federal contract dollars to small businesses and to design an annual SmalBusiness Goaling Report (SBGR) to measure progress in accomplishing these goals. Furthermore, under specified conditions, the mechanisms require federal agencies to reserve contracts with a projected more excellent value to smaller businesses than the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. Additionally, the HUBZone program fuels the growth of small enterprises by offering certification that enables them to access federal contracts and bid contracts intended for HUBZone firms (Dilger & Blackford, 2010).
Small Business Programs Designated by Congress
Congress has designed various business programs attributed to small businesses to encourage innovation and competition in the aerospace sector; hence, Aerospace Drones can significantly benefit from these initiatives in many ways. For instance, STTR and SBIR programs allocate some federal funds to small businesses participating in entrepreneurship and innovation. Aerospace Drone firm aligns well with the goals of these programs due to its effortless focus on building drones with premium cameras, advanced performance features, and a wider variety of automated flight mode features. Furthermore, engaging in social economic programs, including HUBZone, can improve Aerospace Drone’s ability to compete for different federal contracts. Being a petite enterprise, the firm qualifies for the HUBZone program as it meets all the SBA needs, including the smaller size, and US citizens own 51%. Additionally, Best (2013) reveals that Congress offers the service–disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSBs) program that provides opportunities for contracting among businesses controlled and owned by service-disabled veterans. Therefore, Aerospace Drones can utilize these programs to secure contracts, particularly in technology-based areas, by taking advantage of the funds set aside to maintain, manufacture, and develop drones, raising its chances of securing contracts with the DHS.
Essential Positions for Interacting with Government Agency
Aerospace Drones will design critical positions, including the procurement manager, contract specialist, and government relations manager, to effectively explore the process of winning DHS contracts. This position will critically ensure that the firm can interact with government purchasing agencies and secure agreements that would benefit the firm. The procurement manager will be responsible for overseeing the procurement process, such as developing strategies, identifying needs, and managing procurement-related activities. Consequently, the contract specialist must negotiate and draft contracts with the purchasing federal agency and ensure the firm accomplishes the agreements per the terms and conditions. Regconditionshe relations manager, this post would be responsible for maintaining and building relationships with government agencies and officials as well as effectively monitoring the regulatory and legislative developments that could affect Aerospace Drones.
Conclusion
In summation, the Aerospace Drone’s move to secure contracts with DHS is a crucial opportunity for business expansion and enhancement of the country’s security through high-quality drones. The firm can position itself as a reliable and competitive partner by utilizing existing federal statutory acts such as SBIR, STTR, and programs designated for smaller businesses.
References
Agencies, P. (2014). The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Interagency Policy Committee Report to Congress (Doctoral dissertation, Environmental Protection Agency).
Dilger, R. J., & Blackford, R. C. (2019). An overview of small business contracting.
Best, N. A. (2013). SAFEGUARDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR AMERICA’S WOUNDED WARRIORS: A PROPOSED SOLUTION TO SUBCONTRACTING ABUSE IN THE SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM AND THE VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM. Public Contract Law Journal, 347-368.