This panel focused on the barriers for small businesses in contracting with the US DOE.  In 2012, the US DOE increased its small businesses contracting goal from 6% to 10%. The US DOE only receives credit as a prime contractor when subcontracting to these small businesses. During a declining US federal budget, with less contracting dollars and more going for base prime contractor services, these goals are challenging. This panel interacted extensively with the audience in listening and discussing methods to achieve these goals and barriers that need to be mitigated.

Panelists included: Jack Surash, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Project Management, US DOE; John Hale, Deputy Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, US DOE; Matt Moeller, President, Dade Moeller; and Steve Moore, President, Wastren Advantage, Inc.