DVIDS – News – Nashville District emphasizes contractual options at Small Business Event

Nashville, Tenn. (May 20, 2025) – Small businesses from all over the state gathered on Tuesday at Tennessee State University for Bizgov Connect, a networking event with which entrepreneurs should help to collapse into the government's contract department.

The event sponsors included Tennessee Valley Post of the Society of American Military Engineers (same), Tennessee Apex Accelerator and the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC). It brought together a wide range of federal, state and local procurement agencies together with large industry leaders.

The district of Nashville, the district of the US Army Corps of Engineers, known for its critical construction work, infrastructure and environmental projects, served as important participants. The district organized a breakout meeting, offered direct access to the contractual officer and informed updates for upcoming inquiries.

“The USASCE Nashville District is still obliged to set up and maintain strong partnerships in our local community,” said EULanda Scott-Sngleton, deputy program for small companies. “We are proud of the collaborative relationships that we have built up with APEX, TSBDC and the same structure. These engagements give us the opportunity to grow, improve and support the small companies that are of crucial importance for our mission.”

From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the district organized a breakout session, which was about how small companies can carry out federal contracting options. District contract officers answered questions and shared the current inquiries to Sam.gov, the official location of the Federal Government, for contractual options.

“As a contractual officer, I know how important it is to make myself available to small business owners,” said Bridget Passatore, a contracting officer from the Nashville district. “Small companies are the backbone of our country. In many cases, I am the link that helps you get a foot in the door. That's why I'm grateful for events like Bizgov Connect.”

The participants went more than just brochures – many have achieved feasible steps to land the government contracts.

More than 20 organizations took part, including the US Small Business Administration, the Metro Nashville Procurement, Nashville International Airport Authority, Fort Campbell, Turner Construction, Messer Construction, Tennessee Valley Authority and the Procurement Office of the University of Tennessee.

Everyone stood offered potential partnerships and important information. In a nearby auditorium, representatives of the participating agencies gave advice and insights into the navigation of the state procurement process.

“According to the law, 23% of all federal contract funds are planned for small companies,” said Susan Liza, representative of the SBA. “In this sense, specific percentages for programs such as Small Business (WOSB), lifting zone and service binders in women are reserved for women.

Not visited? Here you can find out how to start:
1. Research the current possibilities at Sam.gov.
2. Register your company on Sam.Gov to receive contracts.
3. Things of your local APEX accelerator or your SBA office to get instructions.

The public can receive messages, updates and information from the district of the district on Facebook on the website of the district at www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on X (formerly Twitter) at www.x.com/ashvillecorps. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest employment and contractual opportunities in Nashville District