Annual DOE Small Business Awards Program

1. Federal Small Business Program Manager of the Year:

This award recognizes an individual who embodies the many facets of an energetic, forward-thinking, DOE small business program manager. His or her efforts far exceed expectations in working with, advocating for, and assisting to increase utilization of small businesses. 

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Award Recipient: Kenneth Johnson, Small Business Program Manager, Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

Awardee Description: Throughout FY 2024, Ken worked with nine Environmental Management (EM) procurement offices across the DOE complex to implement strategies to increase the value of contracts awarded to small businesses. With a procurement base of $7.8 billion in FY 2024, EM exceeded its small business goal of 5% to prime small business contracts by more than 40% (actual achievement of more than 7%). For a complex-wide focus, Ken required quarterly small business targets and achievements from each EM site for prime and subcontract awards. Ken routinely reported EM's small business and socio-economic goal progress to EM leadership, demonstrating Ken's advocacy/obtainment of top-level agency commitment to small business.

Ken's leadership for the EM small business program included substantive engagement at significant events to increase small business participation in the procurement process and to educate small businesses on the mission of EM and how to do business with EM. 

Of significance, Ken led the extensive DOE planning efforts for a relatively new and growing significant small business outreach event: Small Business Thursday (Year Three). The event includes engagement opportunities between EM and small businesses; panel sessions led by senior EM leadership for upcoming opportunities; and substantive matchmaking.

Ken plans training for contracting staff/managers to better execute small business/socioeconomic procurements. On a monthly basis, Ken provides small business updates and training opportunities during the Office of Contracting Huddle meetings. Ken created a Small Business Dashboard to provide ready access to small business information, goals, capability statements and more for EM Contracting Officers.

Ken provides outcome-focused initiatives through outreach and training to small businesses, focusing on enhancing the competencies and capabilities of the small business supplier base in the areas of matchmaking, capability statement development, and coaching sessions on doing business with EM. Ken's tireless efforts and commitment to DOE's critical small business efforts are impactful. 

2. Federal Contracting Officer of the Year:

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding small business achievements as a contracting officer; demonstrated ability to identify and overcome challenges; and continuously seeks self-development and leadership opportunities to promote socioeconomic programs.

Award Recipient: Michael Forsgren, Contracting Officer, Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

Awardee Description: 

Michael Forsgren demonstrated skillful acquisition support and expertise as the Contracting Officer for the Moab UMTRA Project's Remedial Action Contract (RAC) and Technical Assistance Contract (TAC). Both contracts strategically utilize the End-State Contracting Model (ESCM) with 8(a) certified small businesses, effectively leveraging discrete scopes of work. His proactive approach and dedicated efforts significantly contributed to both projects' success in FY 2024.

In FY 2024, Michael managed the $600M Moab UMTRA Project's Remedial Action Contract (RAC) End State contract. He successfully completed 7 task order and contract modifications, ensuring the smooth continuation of critical rail car shipments of soils. These modifications totaled $4.8M, while his astute negotiation skills resulted in $714K in savings for the government. Michael's comprehensive understanding of the contract's incentive fee structure enabled him to effectively motivate the contractor to maintain both safety and efficiency. As a direct result, the contractor is on track to surpass their ambitious 1M ton goal, with an impressive 933,735 tons of soil already shipped.

Michael also skillfully administered all task orders under the Moab Technical Assistance Contract (TAC), ensuring the effective operation of technical assistance activities. He actively supported partnering sessions, fostering valuable collaboration and open communication. Furthermore, Michael consistently held the contractor accountable on performance incentives, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the project remained on track. These actions directly supported the DOE's vital mission of remediating the Moab site, demonstrating the tangible effectiveness of the End-State Contracting Model (ESCM) model in facilitating small business success and achieving critical environmental objectives.

Michael consistently delivers timely, high-quality work, proactively identifying and resolving potential issues with efficiency. As a testament to his commitment, he completed 3 out of 3 CPARS evaluations on time in FY24, surpassing the 80% standard. Recognizing the importance of knowledge sharing, Michael presented on contracting with the ESCM during a Lunch and Learn session for contracting staff, supporting the professional development of his colleagues. Michael fully supports safety and quality concerns, championing a culture of accountability.

Michael Forsgren's unwavering dedication to the Moab UMTRA Project, his exceptional contract management skills, and his steadfast commitment to the End-State Contracting Model, have been integral contributions to the project's success.

3. Facility Management Contractor (FMC) Small Business Program Manager of the Year:

This award recognizes an individual within a DOE facility who embodies the many facets of an energetic, forward-thinking small business program manager. His or her efforts far exceed expectations in working with, advocating for, and assisting in the increased utilization of small businesses.

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Award Recipient: Lisa Tanner, Small Business Program Manager, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Aiken, South Carolina

Awardee Description: Lisa Tanner's leadership and unwavering commitment to small business development at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) have driven remarkable achievements in FY 2024. Through her strategic initiatives and advocacy, Lisa has significantly expanded small business participation, fostered supplier diversity, and strengthened SRNS's commitment to small business utilization. 

Under Lisa's leadership, SRNS achieved $798 million in small business commitments, representing 66.4% of total procurements exceeding DOE's 50% goal. She championed a 9% increase in small business utilization, ensuring funds were redirected from large businesses, resulting in $65 million in additional small business awards. 

Socioeconomic category achievements include:

• Women-Owned Small Business: Up 66% to $367 million 
• HUBZone Small Business: Up 63% to $124 million
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business: Up 85% to $141 million

Lisa partnered with the information systems team to develop a real-time small business reporting dashboard, providing advanced analytics to track trends, optimize strategies, and enhance decision-making. Lisa worked closely with SRNS leadership, OSDBU, and SCMC, ensuring small businesses were prioritized in procurement strategies. She led regular town hall meetings, reinforcing the value of small business partnerships and their contributions to SRNS's mission. Lisa led the expansion of SRNS's DOE Mentor-Protégé Program from 5 to 12 protégés, increasing commitments by $39 million. This included the addition of five new construction protégés, directly supporting NNSA's growing mission at SRNS. 

Lisa Tanner's leadership, dedication, and results-driven approach have solidified SRNS's reputation as a leader in small business advocacy. 

4. FMC Contracting Officer of the Year:

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding small business achievements as a contracting officer; demonstrated ability to identify and overcome challenges; and continuously seeks self-development and leadership opportunities to promote socioeconomic programs.

Award Recipient: Cherida Loder, Procurement Construction Group Manager, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California

Awardee Description: Cher is a manager of the Construction Group in Procurement at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) that demonstrated outstanding small business achievements in FY 2024. She excelled in building robust partnerships with key customer stakeholders at LLNL, which led to her team's achievement in awarding all of LLNS' new construction subcontracts to small businesses in FY 2024. 

Her strategic collaboration with the LLNS Small Business Program Manager and the local small business community has been pivotal in her strategy for prioritizing small businesses. These partnerships culminated in the awarding of five three-year Master Task Agreements (MTAs) to small businesses, totaling $45 million for infrastructure craft services. By expanding the scope of these agreements to include both Davis-Bacon and Service Contract Act work, Cher has not only enhanced flexibility for LLNL but has also opened new avenues for multiple small businesses.

Cher's foresight in pre-award actions is evident in her innovative procurement strategy for the MTAs, which transitioned from a restrictive single subcontractor model to a dynamic multi-partner approach. This strategic shift has empowered numerous small businesses, allowing them to thrive in a competitive environment. Within just two months of awarding the MTAs in August 2024, LLNS issued eight task orders valued at over $800,000. This rapid execution underscores Cher's effectiveness in not only meeting but exceeding the DOE's mission and objectives.

Cher is a passionate advocate for the Small Business First Policy, consistently championing the inclusion of small businesses in her team's procurement strategies. Her efforts have led to an impressive 65% of her team's new awards being competed as small business set-asides, resulting in approximately $44 million in obligations dedicated exclusively to small businesses.

Since FY 2021, Cher's continuous advocacy has led to a remarkable increase in small business participation, with new awards rising from 61 in FY 2021 to an impressive 97 in FY 2024. This growth not only reflects her dedication but also the effectiveness of her strategies in creating a more inclusive procurement environment.

5. FMC Procurement Director of the Year:

This award recognizes an individual who holds the position of managing the operations of a federal procurement organization for an operations office or program office (title such as procurement director, purchasing director, Head of Contracting Activity, etc.). The successful candidate has displayed leadership and commitment to maximizing small businesses utilization through policies, procedures, outreach, and creating an atmosphere of “small business first” throughout his or her organization. Candidate selection criteria will be based on a balance of objective results-oriented measures and created/implemented policies, programs and practices promoting small business.

Award Recipient: Mark Ashby, Senior Director, Government Contracts, FLUOR-BWXT Portsmouth, LLC, Piketon, Ohio

Awardee Description: Mark demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to maximizing small business, specifically throughout FY 2024. Under Mark's guidance, the Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth (FBP) organization successfully expanded small business participation in non-traditional functional areas-particularly within a highly underutilized segment-resulting in significant, tangible benefits for both the small business community and the local four county commitment area surrounding the Portsmouth DOE reservation in Piketon, Ohio. From the onset of the project, but specifically within FY 2024, Mark developed a clear vision to bolster the FBP's engagement with small businesses.

Mark established measurable goals and key performance indicators aimed at increasing participation by service-disabled veteran-owned, women-owned, and HUBZone small businesses in new and emerging functional areas. Through regular outreach sessions with small business subcontractors program offices, contract administrators, and vendors, Mark ensured alignment of goals, buy-in from leadership, and deepened collaboration to the Portsmouth Decontamination & Demolition (D&D) across multiple layers of the Southern Ohio area.

Under Mark's leadership, the FBP surpassed its FY 2024 small business utilization goal by over 30% percent, representing a continued focus of prior years. 

CATEGORY DOLLARS PERCENT
Small Business $233,258,419 80.7%
Small Disadvantaged $59,174,321 20.5%
Woman Owned $43,293,484 15%
HUBZone $85,455,718 15%
SDVO $26,625,374 9.3%

FBP stimulates local economic development by maximizing the subcontracting of site work to area businesses. FBP leverages site funding to keep the maximum amount of dollars possible in the community. FBP has committed over $576 million in materials and services to businesses with a presence in the four counties (Pike, Scioto, Jackson, Ross). FBP's partnership with the Joint Economic Diversification Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO) continued with the following economic investments of $238K to local businesses. FBP has provided approximately $6 million in economic development grants to JEDISO helping create and/or retain 3,000 jobs in Jackson, Pike, Ross, and Scioto counties.

Through Mark's innovative leadership, strategic vision, and results-oriented execution, of the Portsmouth D&D Project, FBP has significantly advanced the DOE's commitment to maximizing small business utilization-especially in underutilized business area of southeastern Ohio during FY 2024. Mark has exemplified the dedication, collaboration, and strategic foresight necessary to ensure small businesses remain an integral part of FBP's procurement landscape.

6. Mentor of the Year:

This award recognizes the efforts of a DOE Mentor that has exceeded the requirements of their Mentor-Protégé agreement. These results have enhanced the protégés ability to successfully compete for federal contracts.

Award Recipient: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Aiken, South Carolina

Awardee Description: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) has demonstrated exceptional commitment to exceeding the expectations of the DOE Mentor Protégé Program. Through innovative approaches, dedicated mentorship, and tangible results, SRNS has cultivated protégé growth and empowered small businesses to achieve remarkable success in FY 2024.

Since its inception in 2015, the SRNS Mentor Protégé Program has grown from $400,000 in commitments to $39 million. In FY 2024 alone, SRNS expanded the program's network from 5 to 12 protégés and celebrated the graduation of three businesses: US&S Facility Services, CRC Technologies, and Strativia LLC. CRC Technologies, a woman-owned small business, was awarded $98 million in subcontracts during its tenure in the program. SRNS hosted quarterly Mentor Protégé meetings through its Center of Excellence, including a collaboration with the Small Business Administration (SBA). These meetings featured workshops such as "Contracting 101" and SBA platform enhancing protégé capabilities.

Through SRNS mentorship, CRC grew from 32 to 46 full-time employees, improved employee retention, and increased contract durations from six months to three years. These changes have enhanced CRC's stability and ability to attract high-quality talent. CTI grew its workforce at SRNS from six employees to 18, adding critical roles such as project managers, safety representatives, and quality control staff. This growth reflects their ability to handle more complex projects effectively. SRNS facilitated innovative cost-saving practices for US&S, reducing the average cost of mechanic labor by approximately $20 per hour compared to full-service SRNS employees. With SRNS' guidance, CRC implemented advanced estimating and risk assessment tools critical to supporting major projects, including SPD, TFF, and SRPPF capital projects. By incorporating the assessment tools, SRNS was able to optimize budgeting and improve project security. The tool ensures proactive risk mitigation and smoother project execution.

SRNS exemplifies the highest standards of mentorship, empowering small businesses to achieve growth, innovation, and sustainability. 

7. Protégé of the Year:

This award recognizes the significant development of a DOE Protégé that has enhanced its ability to successfully compete for federal contracts through its participation in the DOE Mentor/Protégé program.

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Award Recipient: Strategic Industry, Inc., Kingsburg, California

Awardee Description: Strategic Industry is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business who is a general contractor specializing in electrical and low-voltage trades. Strategic Industry is in their final year of their Mentor Protégé agreement but have remained steadfast in their commitment to fostering alignment with Sandia National Laboratories' mission requirements.

Strategic Industry has been successfully awarded a range of projects in 2024 on the Sandia California campus, including a lab renovation, electrical services, and security installations with a total PO amount of nearly $2M. Eager to expand its footprint within Sandia Strategic Industry decided to pursue a Construction Partnership Opportunity at Sandia's New Mexico campus. Strategic Industry was awarded the Partnership Opportunity and a $25M CPA. The company is now leveraging its experience gained from MPP awarded projects in California to prepare for upcoming work in New Mexico. Strategic Industry has successfully obtained its GB98 (General Construction) and EE98 (Electrical) contractor licenses in New Mexico and has opened an office in Albuquerque, positioning itself to contribute to Sandia National Laboratories mission. They plan to use these licenses to pursue work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the WIPP site, and New Mexico VA facilities.

Strategic Industry has also leveraged their position as a Sandia Protégé to grow within the DOE complex. Strategic Industry has been proactive in attending events at other DOE Labs, meeting with SBPMs, and quoting competitive opportunities. In 2024 Strategic Industry was awarded a $500K project with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. They also responded to 5 opportunities and are in consideration for 2 projects at SLAC. They have also made significant contacts at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and are planning to bid on major upcoming construction work at LLNL. Strategic Industry also has taken time to have meaningful conversations with DOE MPP leadership to address challenges that construction contractors will face when pursuing work across the DOE regarding state licensure processes. The daily actions of Strategic Industry demonstrate self-empowerment, pursuit of growth within the DOE complex, a commitment to long lasting partnerships with numerous labs to meet mission needs. 

Strategic Industry has applied the insights gained from the Mentor-Protégé Program and its current projects in California to enhance its operations in New Mexico and across the DOE complex. Additionally, Strategic Industry is in the process of upgrading its facility security clearance from L to Q, expected to be completed in 2025. This enhanced security privilege will enable the team to work in secure locations allowing them to meet specialized mission needs. 

With a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence, Strategic Industry is poised to make a lasting impact on future construction work at multiple DOE sites.

8. 8(a)/Small Disadvantaged Business of the Year:

This award recognizes the outstanding performance of a small business, certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) and/or Small Disadvantaged Business programs, for their exceptional performance in activities contributing to core DOE mission accomplishments.

Award Recipient: North Wind Dynamics, LLC, Piketon, Ohio

Awardee Description: North Wind Dynamics (NWD) provides infrastructure support services supporting the DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) Portsmouth Paducah Project Office (PPPO) mission. NWD incorporated safety, quality, and sustainability into performance of work, resulting in sustained safety performance, uninterrupted services, an improved infrastructure, support to the site mission goals, and cost savings all while promoting and maintaining a strong safety culture. NWD accomplishments include the following:

Creative or Unique Solutions to DOE Requirements

• Initiated and completed a project to provide the PORTS site a secondary phone service trunk establishing a contingency for the single point failure legacy concern.
• Installed equipment and fiber providing connectivity between onsite data centers enhancing telecommunications and internet redundancy/capacity at PORTS.
• Completed culvert inlet/outlet GIS mapping utilizing GPS to identify historically unmapped culvert coordinates/attributes to readily support site projects and minimize inspection time. 

Extraordinary Customer Service, and/or Significant Value (Schedule and Budget Related)

• NWD Security provided design for reduction of 145 acres from the current limited area to more efficiently support the next phase of the D&D mission. Also supports the reduction of costly clearances by allowing uncleared personnel to perform work.
• Mitigated over 10k vulnerabilities in a rolling 90-day period, reaching 0 Known Exploitable Vulnerabilities (KEVs).
• Deployed agent scanners to all network devices for more timely network vulnerability scans.
• CrowdStrike Global Incident - All remediation measures completed day of incident.
• Lowered carbon footprint of operations utilizing energy efficiencies in electronics management (e.g., active power management, printing/copying defaults to increase efficiency, procurement of EPEAT/Energy Star equipment), reducing habits and practices that create unnecessary waste/recycling materials and utilized energy efficient materials for maintenance and construction products.
• Reduced hazardous material storage inventory by 8.67%.

Productivity and Efficiency Gains

• Developed new badge certification process that allows Visitor Control Personnel to run a script that reads HSPD-12 certificate information and sends an email to Helpdesk. Prior to this process personnel had to commute to another facility with their new badge for IT to provide logical computer access. The new process decreases employees' non-productive time and potential incidents related to travel.
• Utilized energy efficiencies in electronics management (e.g., active power management, printing/copying defaults to increase efficiency, procurement of EPEAT/Energy Star equipment).

Innovative Ideas to the Specific Project and/or Task Being Performed

• NWD United Steel Workers (USW) Worker-Trainers developed a Facility Hazard Identification Training curriculum which covers topics such as hazard identification, risk assessment, regulatory compliance and effective communication strategies. The comprehensive training course addresses specific needs and requirements of facility inspections. The collaborative approach ensures the training course is practical, relevant and tailored to unique needs of PORTS employees.
• Implemented digitization of paper legacy historical records to innovative stand-alone systems expediting inventory reduction to meet facility D&D schedule.

Cost, Time, and Manpower Savings for the Department

• NWD electrical design in a DOE administrative building avoided cost $250,000+ by removing the requirement a transformer purchase.
• North Wind facilitated the Portsmouth Site receiving the FY24 3-Star EPEAT Purchasing Award (Computers and displays, imaging equipment, and mobile phones), a voluntary program demonstrating NWD's commitment to excellence in green procurement of electronics ~$17,000 cost savings.
• Obtained Ohio BWC Safety Intervention Grant that allowed procurement of equipment that greatly reduced, and in some cases eliminated, work scope hazards for $40,000 cost savings.

9. Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year:

This award recognizes the exceptional performance of a Woman-Owned small business directly contributing to the accomplishments of core DOE mission objectives and requirements.

Award Recipient: Management Solutions, LLC, Knoxville, Tennessee

Awardee Description: Management Solutions accomplished the following:

Creative or Unique Solutions to DOE Requirements

In response to new geopolitical challenges, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) was tasked with delivering an expanded capital projects mandate (up to $17B annually) with a flat year-over-year budget. Management Solutions LLC (MSLLC) was contracted to design, develop, and implement a strategic workforce development. solution for its 700+ project management personnel to ensu ensure they they could deliver their expanded mission with its existing workforce. To accomplish this, MSLLC designed and administered a proprietary, cloud-based workforce development. on solution, Project3608, to assess LANL's organizational maturity and measure each project team's project management maturity, operating environment, and procedural compliance across 30 project management competencies as well as environmental and procedural factors. This enabled LANL to develop an organizational maturity roadmap to deliver on its mission. 

Extraordinary Customer Service, and/or Significant Value (Schedule and Budget Related) 

MSLLC leveraged the 3.4M data points collected through Project3608 assessment to develop a propriety workforce management algorithm that can predict up to 40% of the variance in project outcomes, based on changes in workforce knowledge and experience. LANL was able to use the model to develop its future state workforce strategy, create targeted human capital interventions based on predicted outcomes, and estimate the cost and time savings of each intervention. Ultimately, LANL realized over $10M in cost savings in less than 180 days due to a 47% reduction in training time through individualized training plans, improved retention, decreased reliance. subcontractors, and enhanced processes and procedures. 

Productivity and Efficiency Gains

LANL was able to use the maturity heat map created by Project360 to develop discipline-specific benchmarks and knowledge requirements across its entire organization. LANL used the assessment results to validate subcontractor knowledge and experience, significantly reducing the percentage of underqualified subcontractors. Additionally, LANL was able to leverage Project3608 assessment and stackable, case-based training program to decrease reliance on outsourced subcontractors and recruit, train, and retain local talent in northern New Mexico, saving $2 million annually. 

Innovative Ideas to the Specific Project and/or Task Being Performed

Traditionally, models for capital projects based their predictions on historical project performance, ignoring the variance caused by the project management teams staffed to their projects. MSLLC's analysis demonstrated that project team makeup can account for up to 40% of the variance in project outcomes. By including personnel competency data, the model accounts for that variance and can deliver much more accurate predictions than traditional capital project forecasts. LANL has now adopted the working model to conduct oversight and assess its capacity to execute its capital project portfolio due to its relatively higher accuracy and applicability compared to traditional forecasting models. 

Cost, Time, and Manpower Savings for the Department

MSLLC's predictive workload staffing model realized $10M in training cost savings for LANL within 6 months of implementation. LANL was able to reduce training time by 47% for its project management staff because it could validate their knowledge and experience through Project3608. Ultimately, LANL had a drastic reduction in training time through individualized training plans, improved retention, decreased reliance on subcontractors, and enhanced processes and procedures. Additionally, LANL was able to use the maturity heat map created by Project360 to develop discipline-specific benchmarks and knowledge requirements across its entire organization. LANL used the assessment results to validate subcontractor knowledge and experience. significantly reducing the percentage of underqualified subcontractors.

10. HUBZone Small Business of the Year:

This award recognizes the excellence of a small business, certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration as located and operating within a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone), directly contributing to core DOE mission accomplishments.

Award Recipient: GovSmart, Inc., Charlottesville, Virginia

11. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year:

This award recognizes the exceptional performance of a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned small business directly facilitating the advancement of core DOE mission objectives and requirements.

Award Recipient: Sierra Services LLC, Grandview, Missouri

12. SBIR/STTR Small Business of the Year:

This award recognizes a U.S. small business that exemplifies the spirit of DOE’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs by strengthening and expanding its high-technology research and development (R&D) competitiveness at the Department and/or in the marketplace. SBIR/STTR small business nominations will be evaluated using demonstrated exceptional performance from time of SBIR/STTR award to the present.

Award Recipient: Peak Engineering LLC, Ames, Iowa

Awardee Description: Peak Engineering LLC (PEAK) demonstrated exceptional technical and commercialization progress in executing Phase I of its DOE SBIR/STTR Fast-Track award for developing a Flexible Oscillating Water Column (FlexOWC) Integrated Breakwater with Advanced Controls. The United States has tremendous wave energy resources, equivalent to approximately 34% of all U.S. power generation. Even if only a small portion of this technical resource potential is captured, wave energy technologies would make significant contributions to the nation's energy needs.
The goal of PEAK's project is to create a multifunctional wave barrier that protects coastlines while generating electric power from waves, making it cost-effective by sharing infrastructure costs. This system enhances energy absorption, reduces maintenance costs, and integrates seamlessly into coastal structures. PEAK successfully completed Phase I, exceeding all performance targets. PEAK accomplished the following:

Stimulating U.S. Technological Innovation & Enhancing DOE Investment Return 

During Phase I in 2024, PEAK demonstrated via numerical simulations that its novel technology increases power output by 16% under regular waves, compared to conventional OWCs. Both medium- and high-fidelity numerical simulators for the FlexOWC were developed in Phase I. The company also developed an advanced control strategy, improving power extraction. PEAK developed automated design tools for hydrodynamic optimization, ensuring scalability. These advancements align with DOE's goal of reducing wave energy costs and improving efficiency.

Providing DOE & Research Partners with Commercial Applications 

Leveraging DOE-funded research, PEAK is accelerating the transition of marine energy technology to market adoption. Commercialization of its technology is an integral part of PEAK's vision and plan as evidenced in its detailed commercialization plan. The company is discussing potential sites to deploy a full-scale FlexOWC in Hawaii or Alaska, as well as with breakwater concrete companies. PEAK partners with the lowa Institute of Hydraulic Research (IIHR) at The University of Iowa. The IIHR fabricated and tested PEAK's design of a 1:20-scale FlexOWC mode as part of a long-term partnership that will continue in Phase II. In addition, PEAK received technical support through the Testing Expertise and Access for Marine Energy Research program, collaborating with Sandia National Laboratories and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on technology performance level assessments.

Stimulating U.S. Economic Growth & Private-Sector Commercialization 

PEAK is filing a patent of its technology as a result of its Phase I R&D. It engaged with over 30 stakeholders in Phase I including:

• Regulatory & Research Agencies: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, NREL, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, and Washington State Department of Ecology.
• Industry Partners: Utilities, coastal developers, and engineering firms exploring wave-integrated infrastructure solutions.
  These discussions revealed interest in dual-purpose coastal structures that integrate wave energy generation and shoreline protection, reinforcing FlexOWC's commercial potential.

Scaling & Phase II Readiness

As PEAK transitions into Phase II, key focus areas include:

• 1:10-scale model testing in a towing tank, incorporating force measurements and extreme conditions modeling.
• Advancing coastal structure integrated wave energy converter design computation tools to accelerate deployment in coastal infrastructure projects.

By delivering on its Phase I commitments and transitioning toward large-scale validation, PEAK exemplifies the spirit of the SBIR/STTR program while advancing marine energy innovation, fostering commercialization, and contributing to U.S. economic growth.

13. Small Business of the Year:

This award recognizes the creative, unique, and extraordinary performance of a small business which has significantly and directly impacted core DOE mission objectives and requirements.

Award Recipient: Westfield Electroplating Company, Westfield, Massachusetts

14. Large Business Subcontracting Excellence Award:

This award recognizes a large business contractor for exceptional performance in advancing small business subcontracting excellence, with a focus on providing significant opportunities to socioeconomic small businesses. The award highlights successful partnerships that empower small businesses, including women-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and HUBZone small businesses to contribute meaningfully to DOE’s mission objectives and requirements.

Karen West, Purchasing Program Manager (Contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Kansas City National Security Campus managed and operated by Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies)

Award Recipient: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, Kansas City, Missouri

15. OSDBU Director’s Excellence Award:

This is awarded at the discretion of the OSDBU Director. 

Award Recipient: Royina Lopez, Mentor-Protégé Program Lead & Supplier Relations Specialist, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Awardee Description: Royina Lopez serves as the Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) Lead at Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) and manages one of the largest and most robust MPPs across the entire U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex. Her leadership and commitment to advancing small business engagement have positioned Sandia as a model for mentor-protégé collaboration and innovation. As a key member of the DOE MPP Working Group, she has contributed significantly by leading and co-leading multiple sub-teams focused on improving program execution and expanding its impact. One of her most notable achievements includes the development of a comprehensive Mentor Program Guide, an essential resource now used agency-wide to establish consistency and enhance the quality of mentor-protégé relationships.

In a first-of-its-kind effort, she successfully conceptualized, organized, and led the inaugural DOE MPP Forum in August 2024, bringing together mentors, protégés, and aspiring participants from across the DOE enterprise. The event fostered knowledge-sharing, unveiled new program enhancements, and encouraged broader participation from small and disadvantaged businesses. Her efforts have significantly elevated awareness of the MPP and demonstrated its value as a strategic small business development tool.

Through her visionary leadership, collaborative spirit, and tireless advocacy, Royina has strengthened the DOE's small business mission and empowered the next generation of government contractors. She is a respected leader, a passionate advocate for small business inclusion, and an indispensable asset to the DOE small business community.

16. OSDBU Director’s Excellence Award:

This is awarded at the discretion of the OSDBU Director. 

Award Recipient: Stacey Francis, Small Business Program Manager, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho  

Awardee Description: Stacey Francis has served with distinction as the Small Business Program Manager (SBPM) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), where her leadership, innovation, and unwavering advocacy have left a lasting legacy. Under her guidance, INL consistently exceeded its small business goals across every socioeconomic category year after year, including Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB), and HUBZone firms. Her results-driven approach and passion for inclusion helped elevate INL as a benchmark for small business success across the DOE complex.

As a proactive and forward-thinking SBPM, Stacey both strengthened INL’s supplier resiliency, and also generously shared her expertise across the DOE enterprise. She regularly volunteered her time to assist other SBPMs, offering best practices and tools such as proactive reporting techniques to enhance program performance. Her spirit of collaboration and commitment to DOE’s small business mission earned her deep respect and appreciation among her peers.

As she enters retirement, Stacey leaves behind a thriving small business program at INL and a legacy of excellence, service, and mentorship. She has been a tireless advocate, an innovative leader, and an invaluable asset to the Department of Energy.

17. OSDBU Director’s Excellence Award:

This is awarded at the discretion of the OSDBU Director.

Award Recipient: Hekima Qualls, Chief Procurement Officer & Small Business Program Manager, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey

Awardee Description: Hekima Qualls serves as the Chief Procurement Officer and Small Business Program Manager at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), where she has distinguished herself as an innovative and passionate leader dedicated to maximizing opportunities for small businesses. Her commitment to supplier resiliency is evident in her proactive efforts to elevate PPPL’s small business program.

A standout achievement under her leadership was the execution of a highly successful Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) outreach event in April 2024, which attracted nearly 75 WOSBs and other small businesses. The event’s forward-thinking agenda, designed to provide targeted insight and opportunity, received high praise from attendees for its value, relevance, and depth. It served as a model for how DOE laboratories and other sites can engage meaningfully with the small business community.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to parity and education, she also played a key role in facilitating a unique mentor arrangement between PPPL and a Small Disadvantaged Business aimed to develop strategic pathways for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their students to collaborate with the laboratory. This initiative both supports workforce development and reinforces the importance of inclusive partnerships.

Through her strategic vision, dedication to collaboration, and steadfast advocacy for small businesses, Hekima has elevated PPPL’s procurement practices and contributed meaningfully to the DOE’s broader mission. She is a respected leader, a champion of opportunity, and an invaluable asset to the Department of Energy.

18. OSDBU Director’s Excellence Award:

This is awarded at the discretion of the OSDBU Director.

Award Recipient: Trenescia Briggman, Small Business Program Manager & Senior Procurement Analyst, DOE, Procurement Operations Division, MA-64

Awardee Description: Trenescia Briggman serves as a Senior Procurement Analyst and Small Business Program Manager within the Department of Energy (DOE) Headquarters Procurement Operations Office, where she has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing small business engagement across the DOE enterprise. A passionate advocate and trusted resource, she has repeatedly volunteered her time and expertise to support OSDBU-hosted outreach events, serving as a knowledgeable and engaging representative of DOE procurement.

At the 2024 DOE Small Business Forum and Expo, Trenescia led a highly interactive and informative breakout session focused on helping attendees understand how to do business with the Department. Her unique ability to simplify the complex DOE procurement process into clear, actionable steps, including tips for success and common pitfalls to avoid earning her enthusiastic praise from participants. Her presentation was both informative, and empowering, helping small business owners navigate the federal acquisition landscape with greater confidence.

Always embodying a “can-do” spirit, Trenescia is known for stepping up when it matters most. She has repeatedly volunteered to support OSDBU stakeholder actions, including last-minute requests to assist with events held at DOE Headquarters, particularly those focused on Veteran-Owned small businesses. Whether behind the scenes or front and center, she is always ready to roll up her sleeves and ensure DOE OSDBU events run smoothly, professionally, and effectively.

Her dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit have made her a go-to leader within the DOE procurement and small business communities. Through her proactive outreach, educational efforts, and unwavering support for small business inclusion, Trenescia has made a lasting impact and continues to be an invaluable asset to the Department of Energy.