Navy Secretary Del Toro Boosts Small Business Alliances at San Francisco Fleet Week

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – October 10, 2024 – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro addressed small business leaders during the San Francisco Fleet Week, highlighting their crucial support for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

The gathering, “Breaking Barriers: A Department of the Navy & SBA Partnership for Small Business Success,” convened at the San Francisco SBA Business Office, included stakeholders from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, regional APEX Accelerators, and others.

Del Toro emphasized the Navy’s dedication to small business contracts, revealing $526 million has been awarded to businesses within 50 miles of San Francisco. Among them, Atomic in Pleasanton secured a $2.89 million deal for tactical atomic clocks, and Arize AI in Berkeley received $451,000 for AI technology enhancing underwater threat detection.

“A diverse industrial base founded by American entrepreneurs from all walks of life is essential to our Navy and Marine Corps’ success,” Del Toro stated.

He stressed small businesses’ role in delivering critical services globally, urging advancements in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems to bolster maritime dominance.

“Our global threats demand a whole-of-nation commitment for a robust Navy and Marine Corps,” he added.

Del Toro engaged with entrepreneurs and industry leaders in a roundtable discussion to explore defense sector collaboration and support small business needs. He urged connections with the Navy’s Office of Small Business Programs for procurement guidance.

Later, he attended the “Honor Our Fallen” concert at the Herbst Theater, hosted by The Center for Humanitarian Assistance, featuring the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Marine Division Band. It paid tribute to fallen service members from Afghanistan and Iraq, followed by a reception for Gold Star families.

About the U.S. Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs:

The Office maximizes small business opportunities in Navy contracts, integrating them into the Navy’s acquisition process.