99 -- SPECIALOPERATIONSFORCESINDUSTRYDAYCONFERENCE(SOFIC)20-22MAY08

The POC for this event is Mr. David Johnson, USSOCOM Technical Industrial Liaison Officer (TILO) at [email protected]. Mark your calendar for 20-22 May 2008!The Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will HOST a Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602. http://www.tampachamber.com/files/GTCC_Info_Web_Page.pdf http://www.tampagov.net/dept_Convention_Center/information_resources/guest_services/directions.asp Meeting Matters Plus is the Point of Contact for ALL Conference AgendaS, Registrations, lodging, and travel information. Please visit there website for any future postings and updates because the Agenda is subject to change. http://www.meetingmattersplus.com/pdfs/SOFIC_2008_Schedule_of_Events.pdf USSOCOM has a two-part mission that is clear: To Plan, Direct, and Execute the Global War on Terrorism as the lead combatant command and To Train and Equip Special Operations Forces. In support of that mission USSOCOM buys weapons, ammunition and explosives, aircraft components and accessories, ships and small crafts, engines and turbines, program support services, training support and computer maintenance and support. Today a Special Operations Forces (SOF) operator is better equipped than ever before because of the strong government-to-industry relationships that will continue to strengthen those relationships. For years, USSOCOM has been successful in bringing small businesses, large corporations and government agencies together in one place and this event will offer an excellent opportunity for the Government to interface with Industry. This event will result in interactions with SOF Senior Leadership and Seasoned Operators from the field; briefings on long range acquisition planning information; forums for industry to exhibit their products, services and technology;an opportunity to directly market and connect with our internal customers; and schedule one-on-one sessions with Program Executive Office (PEO) personnel. Briefings will be conducted by the USSOCOM Program Executive Officers (PEOs) to provide budget information on future projected and planned acquisition efforts, assisting potential USSOCOM contractors by identifying business opportunities and prepare for upcoming acquisitions. The exhibit halls will be open to all conference attendees; USSOCOM, CENTCOM and MacDill AFB personnel as well. Large businesses with federal contracts are continually seeking small business concerns for the following types: small business, 8(a),small disadvantaged business,service-disabled veteran-owned, veteran-owned, women-owned businesses, HUBZones, historically black colleges and universities, and minority serving institutions for subcontracting and Mentor Protege opportunities. The SOFIC offers the opportunity for these entities to connect with quality vendors and subcontractors who can help them seek federal acquisition and contracting business opportunities.