Small business and environmental cleanup at Fort Ord, California

Abstract

This thesis examines the problems facing small businesses in the Monterey, California area, that are preventing them from receiving a greater share of the Government's environmental cleanup contracting dollars. The closure of military installations has increased the emphasis on environmental cleanup, which in turn has created many opportunities for small businesses. The Army plans on spending at least $240 million in the next 10 years on environmental cleanup of Fort Ord. This amount could very well increase as the environmental cleanup progresses and additional problems are encountered. An analysis of the current contracting process and the actions of contractors and small businesses associated with the clean-up of Fort Ord, was conducted to determine the barriers to entry into Government contracting. Data was collected utilizing personal interviews with experienced professionals at the Corps of Engineers, District Headquarters and field office, numerous public meetings relating to Government contracting and the environmental cleanup at Fort Ord, and interviews with small business owners. Conclusions were drawn from the analysis of the data, and recommendations for the resolution of the problems were presented in an attempt to improve small businesses' opportunity to receive Government contracts or subcontracts.