90 Area Companies Seek Sales To Big Military Contractor
WARREN -- The Detroit Regional Chamber gathered 90 businesses at Macomb Community College Friday to boost Michigan's sales to the Virginia defense contractor ManTech International Corp.
The chamber's Connection Point Program, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corp.'s Business Connect program, the Michigan Defense Center, and the Macomb County Procurement Technical Assistance Center sponsored the event.
Keynoter Michael Finney, president and CEO of the MEDC, opened the event with a keynote, saying Michigan's new flat business profits tax had improved Michigan's tax standing from 47th to seventh among the states, according to the Tax Foundation.
Now, Finney said, the MEDC is focused on talent -- technical, professional and vocational. "We have relationships on a national and international basis to get you the talent you need," Finney said, referring to the mitalent.org Web site.
MEDC is also focused on getting Michigan firms to do more business with each other, prompting large companies like DTE Energy and Consumers Energy to pledge to buy more from Michigan suppliers. For every $200,000 in new revenue, a business adds another job, Finney said.
Army Staff Sgt. Jeff Moke also emphasized to the crowd just how important working in mine-resistant vehicles is.
"The survivability of the soldier is everywhere in this vehicle, so anything you build for these vehicles, take pride in, and do the best you can," Moke said to applause. "And wherever you can, hire a veteran."
ManTech was awarded the Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) Contractor Logistics Sustainment and Support (CLSS) services contract by the U.S. Army's Tank-Automotive Command Contracting Center. Under this contract, ManTech will continue to provide services to rapidly assess and repair battle-damaged MRAP systems and mechanical failures, insert technology, integrate systems, and perform upgrades and modifications to enhance and sustain fleet operational readiness. This five year contract has a ceiling total of $2.85 billion.
ManTech is looking for transportation services, ammunition handling, fuel management, environmental expertise, medical supply management and depot support experience. It's also searching for maintenance systems, spare parts manufacturing, maintenance innovations and welding expertise.
