WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host its Sixth Annual Small Business Conference & Expo, June 12-15, 2005, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn.  The conference is held to reach out to small businesses, including Small Disadvantaged, Women-Owned, 8 (A), HUBZone and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses, to assist them in contracting with DOE.  To support this effort, Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman has directed DOE managers to increase contracting opportunities for small businesses. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, accounting for two-thirds of new jobs created in America, and employ more than half of all workers.   I am proud to support President Bush’s Small Business Agenda through this important effort, so small businesses can continue to grow and create jobs.” Secretary Bodman said.  “This conference will allow small businesses from around the country to learn about our contracting rules, procedures and opportunities so that they can participate in DOE’s multi-million dollar contracting market.”

This year’s theme, Securing Our Economic Freedom--Empowering Small Business, will set the tone for the small business participants attending the conference.  Small business owners, business organizations, exhibitors and individuals interested in attending may register for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Small Business Conference online at http://www.smallbizconference.com/.

 DOE is the second largest purchaser in the federal government, procuring $19 billion in goods and services annually.  For the sixth year, the Small Business Conference will provide small and disadvantaged businesses direct access to DOE contracting opportunities.

Highlights of this year’s conference include:

• Plenary sessions with prominent government, corporate, and business leaders;
• Business exposition where small businesses can showcase their products and services to hundreds of government and business attendees; and,
• Matchmaking Forum that will provide the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with procurement representatives from DOE’s prime contractors and share in over $1 billion in potential subcontracting opportunities in 2005.

For more Small Business Conference & Expo information, please visit our conference website or call 888-246-2460.  For information on contracting with the Energy Department, go to the main website http://www.energy.gov/  and click on “Doing Business with DOE” and “Small Business.”

Media contacts:
Jason Van Buren, 202/586-4940
Jacqueline Johnson, 202/586-5806