Dear Colleagues:

As we celebrate our successes through the year, it is important to remember our small business partners who have helped us achieve our goals—both in terms of fulfilling our mission and growing our financial base.  These firms, along with the many other small businesses across the nation, are truly the backbone of the American economy—providing jobs for over half of the nation’s private workforce and paying nearly 45 percent of the total U.S. private payroll. 

Since our founding in 1965, Abt has partnered with small businesses countrywide, not only to bolster economic growth among these companies but also because we have found many to be exceptional partners.  We have had the privilege of affiliating with all facets of the small business community, working with firms owned by women, able and disabled veterans, Alaska natives and Indian tribes, historically black universities and companies which are classified as socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, including HUBzone businesses. This year alone, Abt partnered with 1,667 small businesses and consultants.

Our commitment to the small business community is one we take seriously.  That is why we recently hosted the Abt Associates Small Business Opportunities Matchmaker event at our Cambridge, Massachusetts headquarters. Thirty-one small businesses participated in 15-minute matchmaking sessions—discussing opportunities one-on-one with five Vice Presidents from our U.S. Divisions and other senior staff members, all of whom are key decision makers and project stakeholders.  All in all, there were nine practices representing three of our divisions:  the Social and Economic Policy Division, U.S. Health Division and the Environment and Resources Division. Matchmaker was a huge success, confirmed by the feedback we received from participating small businesses expressing appreciation for being able to engage in dialogue with Abt’s decision makers.

Since our beginnings, we have steadfastly backed the Small Business Administration’s goal to build and expand contracting opportunities for these firms.  In FY 2014, we set a goal to increase Abt’s small business usage, and I am delighted to share that we have met that goal!  Our engagement of small firms this fiscal year rose from 26.4 percent to 29 percent, a 2.6 percent increase over last year.

 
As a company leader, I want to remind you that Abt requires your cooperation with, and support of, the efforts of Kathy Echols, our Small Business Program Manager.  In the coming weeks and months, Kathy will continue to reach out to you to engage you in gathering new opportunities to source with small businesses and provide training and to learn the status of your project’s small business performance. 

I appreciate all the work you do and your commitment to the owners of small businesses. Together we are improving the wellbeing of people worldwide and making a difference at home as well.

Sincerely,

Kathleen L. Flanagan

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