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Looking to navigate federal procurement waters?

Smaller contractors and subcontractors next week will have an opportunity to meet a federal procurement officer from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At the “Meet the Buyer” workshop, on May 16, in Vancouver, Wash., industry professionals will be able to ask questions and build relationships that could help land future contracts, said Kelly Love-Parker, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.

“I don’t expect that we’re going to see the Kiewits and Skanskas at the event,” she said. “But we could see some of the folks that want to work with Kiewit and Skanska and get that $3 million to $5 million job.”

Attendees will start the workshop by learning new ways to improve their small business profile. Carol McIntyre, small business program manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will then discuss ways to get federal contracts, Love-Parker said.

Contractors and subcontractors are encouraged to bring to the event questions about the procurement process as well as a one-page synopsis, or marketing sheet, to hand out, she said.

“It’s always appropriate to leave behind a calling card, especially when dealing with the government,” she said.

The free event will take place at Riverview Community Bank, at 17205 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., from 2-5 p.m.

For more information, call Carroll Bernard, business counselor for the Southwest Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center, at 360-567-1092, or visit .