With the release of the Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Strategy, the acquisition community is looking to find ways to address the challenges facing the industrial base and to improve engagement with small businesses. Despite their significance to the defense mission, the Department of Defense has yet to utilize the full potential of small businesses,” writes Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The strategy outlines three strategic objectives

• Implement a Unified Management Approach for Small Business Programs and Activities
• Ensure the Department’s Small Business Activities Align with National Security Priorities
• Strengthen the Department’s Engagement and Support of Small Businesses

DAU is specifically tasked in the strategy to “ensure that DAU content and other training on small business programs, authorities and tools are easily accessible for all members of the acquisition workforce” as part of implementing the first strategic objective. Likewise, DAU will develop intellectual property (IP) training resources in coordination with the small business community and the DoD IP Cadre in support of implementing the third strategic objective.

While those efforts will involve the development of more resources and increased interactions with the small business community, DAU already offers Defense acquisition professionals a number of resources to address the strategy’s strategic objectives.

Small Business Content and Training

Acquisition professionals seeking a thorough understanding of DoD’s relationships with small businesses throughout the acquisition lifecycle should consider the Small Business Professional Credential (CSBP 001). Students will learn what DoD expects of Small Business Professionals and will learn to apply basic and intermediate knowledge of the legislation, policies, acquisition process and market research techniques required to advise stakeholders effectively, advocate for small business participation in defense acquisitions and to educate small businesses on doing business with DoD.

DAU Media includes a channel dedicated to Small Business topics, including past episodes of All Things Small Business Podcast and recordings of web events such as Summer Law Series and the Summer Small Business Pricing Series.

For 2023, DAU will host a variety of small business focused content. DAU kicks off the Spring 2023 Small Business Series focusing on innovation.

• The first video on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) programs is available now.
• The March 8 event will discuss SBIRs and how they relate to Other Transaction Agreements.
• The April 19 event will be a review of the DoD Small Business Strategy with Mr. Farooq Mitha, Director, DoD Office of Small Business Programs.
• The May 17 event will discuss business intelligence.

DAU has a suite of resources available for small businesses interested in learning more about doing business with DoD. For acquisition professionals interested in registering for the Spring Small Business Series or other events, register online at DAU Events.

Intellectual Property

The Small Business Strategy cites a need for an increased emphasis on IP and data rights. DAU will continue to offer training programs on these topics while expanding resources to better address this ongoing need.

DAU also offers a Foundational Intellectual Property Credential (CACQ 008). This cross-functional, general-purpose credential covers basic IP and data rights concepts and skills. These allow students to effectively acquire, license and manage IPs according to DoD policy. Students will gain an understanding of how to integrate IP planning fully into acquisition strategies and product support strategies to protect core DoD interests over the entire life cycle.

Currently, DAU and the OSD IP Cadre Office are developing a video addressing IP and Data Rights issues; the video is expected to be deployed later in Fiscal Year 2023. This video is in addition to webinars, workshops and other learning assets that address GAO Report “Defense Acquisitions, DoD Should Take Additional Actions to Improve How it Approaches Intellectual Property.”

For acquisition professionals seeking to learn more about IP and data rights, Vicki Allums, Learning Director IP and Data Rights, has created a thorough list of DAU IP and Data Rights Resources. An example of DAU’s work on IP is a Government-Industry video series project available on the IP Community of Practice.