Seminar aims to
help isle firms
gain fed contracts

Electronic bidding will be
the rule starting next March

Star-Bulletin staff

Small businesses in Hawaii may be missing out on millions of dollars worth of business with the Department of Defense because they don't understand electronic commerce, say the organizers of a seminar on the subject set for Dec. 1.

Federal rules require all bidding to be done electronically -- through the Internet or direct computer links with the agencies that are buying the goods and services. "They have postponed the deadline twice," said Hector Venegas, a spokesman for the local chapter of the National Contract Management Association, sponsor of the seminar.

But after March 1999 there will be no way around it. Businesses simply won't be able to learn about possible contracts for goods or services, bid on them or get paid for what they supply unless they do it by computer, Venegas said.

The daylong seminar at the Pagoda Hotel will feature buyers from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and other federal offices, as well as people experienced in selling to them. The workshop is aimed at small business operators who have no experience of swapping bid data and bids electronically. The fee is $40 per person up to noon Friday or $50 at the door. Space is limited. For reservations, contact Hector Venegas, 523-2931.