Kevin Boshears | Department of Homeland Security

Small Business Success Tips Podcast (episode 6)

Summary: Kevin Boshears of US Department of Homeland Security speaks in detail about the scope of DHS, the contract consideration process, and how small businesses can position themselves to become strategic contracting partners.

Guest Bio: Kevin Boshears is Director, DHS OSDBU at US Department of Homeland Security. is Kevin Boshears from the Department of Homeland Security, DHS. Prior to becoming Director of DHS Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization in 2003, he was OSBDU Director for Treasury. Kevin is a strong advocate for small businesses within the federal government, both in his role at DHS and as a member of the Small Business Procurement Advisory Council.

DHS's small business program is the largest agency to consistently earn an “A” grade or higher on the SBA’s annual scorecard for meeting overall small business contracting goals. Last fiscal year, DHS awarded 34.75 percent of total contracting dollars to small businesses, greatly exceeding the government-wide goal of 23 percent.

In this episode, Kevin Boshears discusses: 

• how DHS ties its small business contracting program to the DHS core mission
• the 'consideration process' (related to FAR 19.203) for procurements to exceed the $150,000 simplified acquisition threshold
• the socio-economic program considerations– (8 (a), HUBZone, Service Disabled, Veteran Owned and Women-Owned)
• how competitive small business can take the lead as prime contractors if they can demonstrate that they are able to perform the contract successfully
• DHS Mentor-Protege Program
• 8 major DHS buying activities, including
  • Coastguard
  • TSA, Transportation Security Administration
  • Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
  • Secret Service
  • Customs and Border Protection
  • ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • FEMA and
  • DHS Headquarters Office of Procurement Operations, which includes USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) and FPS, Federal Protective Service
• SBIR program, Small Business Innovation and Research Program
• DHS outreach to companies that traditionally haven't considered federal small business contracts
• successful small business contractors
  • conduct thorough market research on target agencies
  • understand the difference between contract vehicles
  • follow the process– ask questions, comment on RFPs, position yourself to participate
  • network constantly to exchange leads, clues, information and partnership opportunities with other businesses
  • understand all the various aspects of teaming strategies