Businesses encouraged to compete Published Aug. 4, 2010 81st Contracting Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE. Miss. -- The 81st Contracting Squadron encourages small businesses to compete on a number of solicitations that already have "hit the street." The squadron has been receiving competitive bids from Mississippi Gulf Coast small businesses. For example, the contracting squadron awarded five contracts totaling $147,854 in July to small businesses in Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and Pascagoula. Additionally, the contracting squadron performed 85 actions last month that added work to existing contracts among local small businesses, with additional work totaling $4,682,828. August and September represent the busiest months of the fiscal year in terms of awarding new contracts. Of note, the 81st CONS has solicited two construction projects valued between $1 million and $5 million. Small businesses designated within historically underutilized business zone areas may compete on these two particular solications. Other solicitations, with less competition restrictions, will hit the streets frequently throughout August and September. Representing Keesler to the small business community is one of the major mission areas for the 81st CONS. As part of the continuous outreach program, George Budz, the squadron's director of business operations, presented, "How to Do Business With Keesler" to local small businesses Friday at the 2010 Mississippi 8(a) Business Development's Procurement Summit and Economic Recovery Conference. These events foster awareness and contacts for both contractors and government personnel. Contractors and vendors interested in bidding on future projects should call Mr. Budz, 377-3131 for information.