Contracting offices from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps delivered presentations concerning needs that could be met by Okinawa community businesses ranging from construction to office supply requirements.

“This fair is a collaborative effort between the 18th Wing on Kadena Air Base, the U.S. Consulate, local chambers of commerce with contracting offices and the Okinawa prefectural government,” said U.S. Consul General Raymond F. Greene. “This gives us a chance to deepen the relationship between the local communities and the military installations.”

Representatives from Marine Corps Community Services, Defense Commissary Agency, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Marine Corps regional contracting office, the 18th Wing contracting office, 18th Force Support Squadron, the Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Far East and the General Services Administration answered questions regarding goods and services that could be provided by locally-owned businesses.

“The Okinawa Industry Promotion Public Corporation, the chambers of commerce and our own people suggested we make changes to the setup and the venue for this year,” said Heather Dresser, economic officer at the U.S. Consulate in Naha. “The only agency that was not here last year is the Defense Commissary Agency.”

The OIPPC played a huge role in this year’s event, said Dresser. It is supported by the prefectural government and is a perfect venue for the small and medium businesses in Okinawa to learn about and compete for U.S. contracts.

“The prefectural government was fully supportive of this effort,” said Greene.

The contracting offices want the best deal for every yen and dollar they spend, said Dresser. The U.S. armed forces want the best value possible for their contracts.

The fair provided valuable insight into military contracting for attendees.