The first joint Small Business Collider took place on December 15, 2023 with attendance virtually and in-person at both Chantilly, VA and St. Louis, MO locations.  This collider strengthened the ever-growing relationship between the Federal Government and Small Businesses interested in working with government. The event was co-hosted by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) Moonshot Labs and the National Reconnaissance Office’s (NRO) CASTLE and represents a whole of government approach to provide broader reach and networking within geographically dispersed locations. 

 There are many requirements a small business must meet in order to quality for work with Federal government.  The focus of this collider was centered on how Small Businesses can protect their IP and mitigate foreign capital and influence.  With speakers from the FBI, Defense Innovation Unit, NGA and NRO, the information shared provided an overview of threats targeting US based companies followed by actionable steps a small business can take to assist in building resilience and mitigation.  Presentations provided potential opportunities to include investment, incentive, or contracting vehicles which aim to bring commercial, dual-use, or emerging technologies into the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.  Key contacts were provided from Federal industry engagement teams and small business programs, providing business with a front door to NGA and NRO.  Attendees were also provided resources and discussion on free assistance to aid small business in navigating Federal Contracting and SBA Certification.  

"This was my first time attending a Small Business Collider Event, and I was just blown away by all the information that was packed into the presentation. I didn't realize that I would qualify for government contracting!"

                 --Alicia Collier, Small Business Owner

Having the collider take place in two separate locations was made possible through the use of partnership intermediary agreements (PIAs). .NGA’s PIA Partner T-REX and NRO’s BRICC PIA  provided attendees with the opportunity to share a similar experience regardless of where they attended.  The ability for business owners to participate online was also accommodated through each respective facility’s advanced hybrid capabilities. Across the three options for attendance, over 100 business owners benefitted from multiple organizations and concepts.

 “The use of a Hybrid Collider event provided my office with a unique opportunity to engage with Small Businesses while exposing them to information that will guide them through the challenges of working with government agencies.  Truly lowering the barrier of entry into the Federal government.” 

                                   --Rick Myllenbeck, NGA Chief of Industry Engagement & Discovery

 The success of this event serves as a testament to what can happen when two Agency’s work together toward a common goal and use PIAs to achieve those goals.  Through effective collaboration, T-REX and the BRICC PIAs were able to support an immersive experience that the NRO and NGA hoped to provide. Those who attended have a far greater understanding of how to work with the Federal Government. This event helps to facilitate a mutually beneficial relationship between government and small business where the opportunities are limitless!

Originally Published: January 29, 2024