American Indian business ‘proud provider’ to Uncle Sam
by Martie Cenkci
Air Force Outreach Program Office
11/3/2004 - BROOKS CITY-BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- During the War of 1812, a group of American Indians living in Alabama supported the United States in that war against Great Britain. Today, Poarch Creek Indians in Atmore, Ala., own and work in a company whose products find their way to Air Force warfighters.
The tribal-owned small business, whose motto is “proud provider to Uncle Sam,” specializes in metal fabrication, electronics and cable assemblies. The company makes products ranging from handrails for the F-16 Fighting Falcon to ground support for the C-17 Globemaster III and power generator kits for the C-5 Galaxy.
“We are very proud to provide support to the Air Force,” said Mal McGhee, the company’s general manager. “Now, in addition to expanding our business base, we feel that we are making a vital contribution to our nation.”
The company was established in 1992. It was already a successful manufacturing business when it was selected to participate in the Air Force’s manufacturing technical assistance production program.
The program assists selected small business manufacturers in meeting critical Air Force and Department of Defense supply needs, said Dave Jackson, program manager.
Program officials conducted a study to identify critical items needed on the logistics side of the house, Mr. Jackson said. These items were needed to sustain aging weapons platforms. Then, the officials identified small business manufacturers who had the potential to fill those needs.
Once a small business is identified and brought into the program, Air Force officials establish contracts for technical assistance or consultants to work with that company.
This step represents an Air Force “investment” in that company and begins with an in-depth assessment of capabilities. Once officials identify the gaps, they provide technical assistance on suggested improvements to make the company more competitive. Also, program officials advocate for member businesses, both within DOD and to Air Force major prime contractors.
Muskogee Metalworks showed a 40-to-1 return on investment in a special Air Force small business program. This measure is based on awarded contracts after program assistance compared to contracts awarded before assistance.
“The program has helped us develop our business planning and government sales visibility so that we are a more competitive and productive company,” Mr. McGhee said. “In return, we manufacture items that help provide affordable, effective and sustainable warfighting capabilities to the U.S. Air Force.”
The program helps create more jobs, establish a stronger industrial base and further socio-economic goals by using small and disadvantaged businesses, officials said. These efforts directly support both the U.S. economy and a diverse America.
“This is a good example of the Air Force contributing to America’s economic stability through drawing on the small businesses that fuel our economy,” said Joseph Diamond, director of the Air Force office of small and disadvantaged business utilization in Washington.
“This success story also reflects the diversity of small business in America, the diversity that makes America great,” he said.
“The history and contributions of Native Americans are interwoven into the tapestry of our country, and their many contributions to our economy and enduring support to the defense of our nation is a story that needs to be told,” Mr. Diamond said. “They speak of their proud support to ‘Uncle Sam.’ Uncle Sam is proud to have them as a part of our American family.” |
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