By Ann Roosevelt
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is planning a Special Operations Forces (SOF) industry conference next month in Tampa, Fla.
The Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is hosting the May 20-22 conference at the Tampa Convention Center.
SOCOM is the lead combatant command that plans, directs and executes the war on terror and additionally trains and equips SOF.
As part of its train and equip mission, SOCOM buys weapons, ammunition and explosives, aircraft components and accessories, ships and small craft, engines and turbines, program support services, training support and computer maintenance support.
Today, a SOF operator is better equipped than ever before because of the strong government-to-industry relationships that will continue to strengthen those relationships, an April 1 FBO Daily notice states.
For years, SOCOM has successfully brought small businesses, large corporations and government agencies together in one place. This conference offers an opportunity for government to interface with industry.
The event is expected to result in interactions with SOF senior leaders and operators from the field, briefings on long range acquisition planning information, forums for industry to exhibit their products, services and technology, an opportunity to directly market and connect with SOCOM customers, and schedule one-on-one sessions with program executive office (PEO) personnel.
Briefings will be conducted by SOCOM PEOs to provide budget information on future projected and planned acquisition efforts, assisting potential SOCOM contractors by identifying business opportunities and prepare for upcoming acquisitions.
Meeting Matters Plus is the point of contact for all conference agendas, registrations, lodging, and travel information: http://www.meetingmattersplus.com/pdfs/SOFIC_2008_Schedule_of_Events.pdf .