Carderock’s Big Day: Small Business Symposium and Navy Collaboration with Capital Tech Bridge

WEST BETHESDA, Md. – The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division conducted its annual Industry Day virtually on October 9, 2024. Following this, the Navy Small Business Symposium took place in-person at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center on October 10.

This virtual Industry Day enabled Carderock’s technical experts to connect with industry peers, highlighting the division’s mission and technical areas of focus. Aimed at expanding collaborations, it served as a bridge between the Navy and private enterprises for fostering innovation.

Leading the virtual proceedings was Carlos Duran, Carderock’s Deputy of Small Business Programs, noted for his receipt of the Naval Sea Systems Command’s Excellence Award in Small Business this year. Duran stated that the initiative helps industries to better grasp Carderock’s missions and technical requirements, boosting the competition landscape for contracts.

The Navy Small Business Symposium created an in-person platform for small business engagement with the Navy. It featured representatives from Navy commands such as NAVSEA, NAVAIR, and NAVWAR. Attendees received insights into navigating business activities with the Navy, presented by organizations like Maryland APEX Accelerators and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.

The Department of the Navy’s Office of Small Business Programs is committed to diversifying participants through its SBIR and STTR programs, enhancing opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. Susie Drummond from Naval Sea Systems Command noted that the Navy is pivotal in transitioning innovations to commercialization within the Department of Defense.

Capital Tech Bridge, a key facilitator of the symposium, continues to seek opportunities for industry-Navy collaborations. This is reinforced by a Partnership Intermediary Agreement announced in July between Carderock and Pike District Partnership, promoting economic development in North Bethesda.

Eugene Cornelius, Director of Pike District Partnership, emphasized their role in advocating for local economic growth. He highlighted the need for technical guidance in government contracting within the small business community.

An ‘Ask Me Anything’ session at the symposium allowed for direct engagement, featuring insights from experts, including Lauren Hanyok from Capital Tech Bridge. Hanyok stressed the importance of partnerships and logistical support offered by organizations like Pike District Partnership to broaden outreach and enhance community engagement.

This collaborative effort aims to develop an innovative ecosystem benefiting the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the regional economy. For more details about the Capital Tech Bridge or future events, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Lauren “Tink” Hanyok via email.