Department of Energy Hosts 7th Annual Small Business Conference & Exposition
in Seattle , Washington

Wednesday, March 1, 2006

WASHINGTON , DC - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that its Office of Small and Disadvantage Business Utilization will host its Seventh Annual Small Business Conference & Exposition, June 27-30, 2006, at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington. This year's conference will include a matchmaking forum providing over $1 billion in potential subcontracting opportunities in 2006 as well as the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with procurement representatives from DOE's prime contractors.

"Small businesses are the driving force of this economy and we want to give them every opportunity to grow and increase productivity. This conference will allow small businesses from around the country to learn about our contracting rules, procedures and opportunities so that they can participate in the Energy Department's multi-million dollar contracting market," said Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman.

DOE is the second largest federal government purchaser, procuring approximately $23 million in goods and services annually. For the seventh consecutive year, the Small Business Conference will provide small and disadvantaged businesses, including women-owned, 8 (A), HUBZone, service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses, access to DOE contracting opportunities. This year's conference will include a business exposition where small businesses can showcase their products and services to hundreds of government and business attendees, as well as plenary sessions with prominent government, corporate, and business leaders.

For those interested in attending and obtaining more information on this year's Small Business Conference & Expo, visit http://www.smallbusiness-outreach.doe.gov or call 888-246-2460.

For information on contracting with Department of Energy, visit http://smallbusiness.doe.gov