National IGE Report: November-December 2023

SAME’s 100 Posts are critical drivers of industry-government engagement, bringing together members at the local and regional levels to advance the Society’s mission and vision, complementing the impacts the organization makes through IGE projects and other national efforts.

From organizing collaborative panels and presentations that address timely topics of interest, to building relationships by connecting stakeholders through larger-scale forums and conferences, Posts are continuing to deliver value where it matters most.

Addressing Local Issues

SAME Posts are strategically positioned to be the platform of choice for collaboration. For example, the Korea Post held an industry-government engagement social earlier this year with Mike McAndrew, SES, Deputy Assistance Secretary of Defense for Construction, on how SAME can best support bi-lateral efforts in Korea. The event gathered over 70 participants from across industry and defense agencies throughout the Korean Peninsula. The engagement was even referenced as a beneficial way to connect with defense leaders on business trips they already are scheduled to make.

In August, the Atlanta Post hosted a Small Business IGE Program that discussed sources sought notices with a panel that included a diversity of A/E/C firms, including several small businesses, and representatives from USACE South Atlantic Division. Topics covered included the pros and cons associated with responding (or not responding) to sources sought notices and the reasons why they are important for agencies and industry, including why it is advantageous for small business to respond.

Platforms for Sharing

Posts regularly lead the charge on keeping the engineering base in their community up to date on federal programs, efforts, and initiatives. An example of this took place at the New Jersey Post and Philadelphia Post, which jointly held a joint Small Business Roundtable and Industry Day in October at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Over 90 attendees heard from several regional stakeholders: 787th Civil Engineer Squadron and 87th Contracting Squadron; USACE New York District; General Services Administration; and New Jersey Institute of Technology Procurement Technical Assistance Center. There also was a message from Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), who provided an update on current legislative efforts and accepted questions and concerns from small businesses to bring back to Congress.

The Omaha Post similarly held a record-breaking Industry Day in May, drawing more than 500 attendees.  Participants heard presentations from Lily Wang, Ph.D., University of Nebraska, College of Engineering; as well as Col. Mark Himes, USA, Commander, USACE Omaha District; and other agencies including the General Services Administration, Small Business Administration, and Offutt AFB, Neb.

The Sacramento Post’s recent Sustaining Members Forum, at Travis AFB, Calif., brought together over 180 attendees, representing more than 100 different organizations, as well as representation from seven government agencies.

On the opposite coast, the MEGA Maryland Forum, hosted by the Mid-Maryland Post, along with strong participation from other Posts in the area and SAME Strategic Partners, featured insights from multiple federal and municipal agencies.

Building Trust & Understanding

Posts are crucial in helping build trust and understanding between members. Through working on committees, attending monthly meetings, or in social activities and networking events, Posts are where members meet and build the connections that more effective project delivery depends on.

For example, look to the Northern Virginia Post and its 8th Annual Business-2-Business Event, which was held in October. This annual forum provides a space for A/E/C firms to showcase their capabilities, what they are looking for in teaming partners, and what agencies or type of firms they want to increase working with. Government speakers also share details on upcoming contract opportunities. This year, attendees heard from USACE Norfolk District, USACE Baltimore District, and NAVFAC Washington.

Whether events draw participation from multiple agencies, or enable the one-on-one relationship-building that happens through committees, work groups, or volunteer activities, SAME Posts remain key platforms for advancing industry-government engagement—just as they have been more over 100 years.