Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the winners of the 2024 National Small Business Week's government contracting awards. The honorees include Action Manufacturing Company, Knowledge Based Systems, Inc., and Cetechs. Guzman highlighted the importance of small businesses in federal contracting, stating, "The federal government relies on small businesses to deliver innovative and competitive products and services to support critical agency functions."
Sean Gibbs, President/CEO of Action Manufacturing Company, was named Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year for the company's exceptional work in manufacturing defense products for the Department of Defense and domestic prime contractors. Dr. Richard John Mayer, President of Knowledge Based Systems, Inc., was recognized as the Small Business Subcontractor of the Year for developing technologies in engineering design, simulation modeling, forecasting, and cybersecurity for various government agencies.
Wilbert G. Johnson, CEO/President of Johnson's Consulting dba Cetechs, was awarded 8(a) Graduate Firm of the Year for the company's success in health care, program management, administration, and engineering services. Johnson's Consulting has received several awards for its achievements in the industry.
Other notable awardees include Ms. Felicia A. Bell from Bechtel Corporation, who received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence in the construction category, and Ms. Lauren Terry from JACOBS, who was recognized in the services category. Both individuals were commended for their efforts in utilizing small businesses as suppliers and subcontractors within their respective industries.
The U.S. Small Business Administration highlighted the significant impact of federal contracting on job creation and economic growth. In FY22, over $162.9 billion in federal contract dollars were awarded to small businesses, resulting in the creation of more than one million jobs. National Small Business Week celebrates the growth of entrepreneurship in the United States, with 16 million new business applications since the Biden-Harris Administration took office.
The SBA continues to support and champion the endeavors of small businesses, recognizing their vital role in driving economic prosperity across the nation.