The Business & Enterprise Systems (BES) Small Business Office (SBO) is hosting its 4^th Annual BES Vendor Exchange Forum (VEF) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This year’s hybrid event will offer both in-person attendance at the BES Auditorium on Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex, AL, and virtual participation via Microsoft Live.

This event provides Industry partners with an opportunity to engage with BES leadership and program offices, gain insight into mission priorities and challenges, and awareness of innovative initiatives across the Directorate. Selected vendors will have an opportunity to present their company’s unique capabilities and engage with Government personnel in individual settings.

The Forum has two (2) sessions: 

1. Session 1: BES Government Presentations: 8:30 – 10:45 am (open to all).
2. Session 2: Selected Vendor Presentations: 1:30 - 5:00 pm (open to Government and support personnel only). 8-10 selected vendors will have 25 minutes to present capabilities and dialogue. Vendors selected for Session 2 will receive separate notifications of selection along with additional details on the session.

Registration for VEF is now open. Please use the following link to register: https://vendorexchangeforum.com/

A DRAFT Agenda can be accessed here

Registration for Vendor presentations will close by noon on Friday, February 6, 2026. You must select “Vendor Presentations” and upload your company’s capability statement during registration to be considered for selection to present. Only companies selected to present will be notified by email and provided additional details no later than close of business on Monday, February 9, 2026.  For vendors opting to register for presentations, please note selected vendors will have 24 hours to accept the invitation to present and presentation slides will be due by noon on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

General registration will remain open through the day of the event.

Questions regarding VEF should be emailed to the BES Strategic Communications Team at besstratcomm@us.af.mil with a copy to Ms. Yolanda B. McCain, Director, BES Small Business Programs at yolanda.mccain@us.af.mil.
 

SBA Small Business Research (SBS) portal is live! 

Background: Transition from DSBS to SBS

• The Small Business Search (SBS) portal is the SBA’s new, modernized platform for locating small businesses eligible for federal contracting opportunities.
• SBS replaces and improves upon the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) database, which had been in use for many years.
• Key enhancements of SBS over DSBS include:
  •   A more intuitive and user-friendly interface for both government and industry users.
  •   Improved search filters and data accuracy, making it easier to identify qualified small businesses.
  •   Enhanced integration with SAM.gov, ensuring up-to-date business profiles and certifications.

• •   Streamlined access to business information, supporting market research and acquisition planning.
• SBS continues to serve as the official source for federal agencies to locate SBA-certified and self-certified small businesses for set-aside and other contracting opportunities.