Mae Mathieu | Small Business Programs | Marine Corps Base Quantico

Small Business Success Tips Podcast (episode 3)

Summary: Mae Mathieu, Deputy for Small Business Programs on the Marine Corps' Base Quantico, discusses how small businesses can effectively engage government representatives using accurate capability statements, database listings, and NAICS codes.

Guest Bio: Mae Mathieu is the Deputy for Small Business Programs, Marine Corps Base Quantico and has over 20 years contracting experience as a GS 1102. In 2017, small businesses received 40% of Marine Corps Base Quantico regional contracting.

Mae has worked at Mission and Installation Contracting Command and USDA Forrest Service and has been a Contracting Officer for USDA Forrest Service and NASA. Mae is also an adjunct Professor for Florida Institute of Technology in Hampton Roads, Virginia teaching the contracting core courses for the Masters Degree program.

In this episode, Mae Mathieu discusses: 

• How effective relationships require positive attitudes and openness
• Including marketing statements when registering in the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) database
• Key regional contact names on the various Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) websites
• How effective business cards avoid distracting designs and allow for notation
• Key business card components, contact details, Ability One / 8A designations, NAICS codes, logos
• Benefits of Industry Days for industry representatives held prior to Request for Proposals (RFPs)
• How a Capability Statement makes the first impression
• Key capability statement elements, format, font, length, content, CAGE codes, contact and qualifications
• Importance of keyword searchable capability statements (graphics are not searchable!)

Host:  Neil McDonnell is an experienced small business owner and seasoned entrepreneur. An Army veteran and the founder HUBZone Chamber of Commerce, Neil is a government contracting subject expert and HUBZone advocate for media and conferences.

His podcast series offers key information and tips to help small businesses gain insight into government agencies and large prime contractors and develop strategies to effectively present services.