The Small Business Alliance of Government Contracts Announces 2023 Excellence in Small Business Contracting Awards
WASHINGTON, October 10, 2023 – The Small Business Alliance of Government Contractors™ (SBAGC) (http://www.sbagc.org/), a joint council of The American Small Business Chamber of Commerce (ASBCC) and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) proudly announces the SBAGC 2023 Excellence in Small Business Contractoring Award Winners to the firms who have achieved outstanding success in the federal contracting arena.
“Small Business Contractors are very active and competitive in the federal supplier
marketplace,” says Charmagne Manning, Vice Preident of Gov’t Affairs for The American Small Business Chamber of
Commerce. The Small Business Alliance of Government Contractors is proud to honor the growth and achievements of our awardees by recognizing the firms for their outstanding success as suppliers in the federal contracting arena. By honoring the achievements of these firms we lay the foundation for greater success and opportunity for the future,” adds Manning.
This year’s award categories are as follows:
GROWTH PRO: Awarded to contractors who have achieved significant growth in the government sector over the last three years.
INNOVATION & PERFORMANCE: Awarded to contractors who exhibit outstanding innovation and/or performance on a key contract that will significantly bolster their ability to secure future opportunities.
RISING STAR – Awarded to contractors who received their first government contract award within the last two years.
SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION: Awarded to Agency Representatives who work everyday behind the scene to demonstrated their support for small business success resulting in contracts being awarded to qualified small businesses and aiding in the growth of the federal supplier community.
We extend our congratulations to the following exceptional contractors for the success of
their firms and their contributions to support the small business federal supplier community.
GROWTH PRO: Loyne Ford | Arlo Solutions
Serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Arlo Solutions, Lonye Ford is responsible for the recruitment of specialized Top Secret cleared, senior-level experts, business development, and the company’s strategic planning. Ford builds key strategic business relationships and teaming agreements. She also develops networks and collaboration across boundaries, finding common ground with a diverse range of affiliations to increase revenue and contracting opportunities. Her career in cybersecurity classifies her as a Subject Matter Expert allowing her to take a technical lead in Arlo pushing the company into new frontiers to capture significant market shares as a small business. An alum of Hampton University, Ford then earned her M.B.A. from Strayer University. Also, she is a proud veteran having served her country for over a decade.
Reference Remarks
"She operates with an unmatched level of integrity and professionalism. Unlike most companies, Lonye runs her business with the employees in mind.
"Her commitment to others stands out most. She pushes you to be your best, but also supports whatever you need in order to be your best."
"Lonye is an incredible human being. She has inspired me as a female leader, and I consider her a strong mentor and role model."
INNOVATION & PERFORMANCE: Jo-Anne Dressendofer | Slice Wireless Solutions
Ms. Dressendofer, has been a serial technology entrepreneur for nearly 30 years, starting her career as an intern at AT&T. She had a vision of creating a more personalized and flexible wireless service that could be controlled by the user. By far her biggest accomplishment, Jo-Anne founded Slice Wireless Solutions (SLICE). She is responsible for delivering a patent-pending wireless technology infrastructure. WiSNET changes the way wireless communications are delivered. Under her leadership, in three short years, SLICE has successfully implemented WiSNET at BWI, SQR and is in the process of installing at PHL bringing the total count to 100M users on her FREE Wi-FI network service.
Jo-Anne Dressendofer is not only a visionary entrepreneur, but also a respected leader and mentor. She leads her team with passion, creativity, and integrity. In 2022, her team won IT Team of the Year led by a Woman by the Woman in IT Organization.
Reference Remarks
“Josie has always shown the highest level of professionalism and support. I am proud to count her as both a colleague and friend.”
"Josie is extremely knowledgeable about her field. She is a true trailblazer.“
"Josie is a visionary that has developed a culture of innovation and continual improvement within her firm and industry."
INNOVATION & PERFORMANCE: Jose Feliciano | JNJ Rebar, LLC
The JNJ team strives to manage all projects efficiently by coordinating with design teams, detailers and project managers in order to ensure that project expectations are always exceeded. JNJ is extremely proud of its innovative team and the enthusiasm they bring to every project. The culture at JNJ encompasses setting unattainable goals and then vigorously working toward achieving those goals by outworking the competition every minute of every day.
Jose along with his JNJ family are committed to delivering both professionalism and reliability while ensuring that their customers feel well informed, well involved and most importantly well respected.
Jose volunteers his time as a Graduation Coach at Yonkers Partners in Education.
Reference Remarks
“Jose has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality, professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and client satisfaction."
"Jose approaches each project by setting an impossible goal and then working extremely hard to achieve it. Aside from his work ethic, he cares to emphasize being approachable, flexible, and treating everyone with respect. “
"Jose is the epitome of perfection; his attention to detail and precision is exactly what the industry needs more of. Jose delivers on time, professionally, and with Pride."
RISING STAR: Vernon Wyllie-James | Vested Solutions
Vested Solutions was founded in 2015 and led by Vernon Wyllie-James, CEO. It consist of a professional well equipped staff providing over 10 years of business experience to non-profits, governmental agencies and entrepreneurs in the following areas: HR, Benefits Administration, Accounting, credit repair, credit building, business funding, personal budgeting, and tax preparation.
Vested Solutions is a disadvantaged minority owned business who has been endowed with the skill, and provided the opportunity to provide quality services for small businesses looking to grow and entrepreneurs trying to take that leap into ownership.
Vested Solutions truly believes in progressing, accelerating and amplifying creativity, and customizing business strategies that meet your specific needs by providing a solution that will grow, expand, and organize your business structure allowing you to focus on capital gain.
Reference Remarks
"Vernon provided sub-contracting services to other small businesses consistently outsourcing a minimum of 20% of the firm's contract."
"His attention to detail and passion for the job is incredible. “
"Even as an owner he is always involved and always shows up to the job before everyone else. Ill tell you he’s one of the best guys I know."
SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION: Sam Le | Small Business Administration
Sam Le directs the SBA’s size standards, small-business scorecard, and regulatory development programs.
Sam has been a member of the Federal government’s senior executive service (SES) since 2021. As part of SBA’s leadership team, he leads negotiations on small-business goals with all 24 CFO Act agencies and collaborates with them to diversify their spending with disadvantaged, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and HUBZone small businesses. He chairs the Small Business Procurement Advisory Council, which is composed of all the SES small-business heads in the Federal government.
He holds a law degree from the University of Virginia, where he won the school’s moot court competition. He is a co-chair of the American Bar Association’s small business committee and a fellow in the American Bar Foundation.
Reference Remarks
"Sam's dedication and contributions to the Small Business community are unwavering. Sam routinely answers the call to provide support and education USWCC & ASBCC members on important and impacting topics."
"Sam's depth of policy and regulatory knowledge coupled with his compassion for the challenges faced by the small business community mark his exceptional and unwavering dedication."