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 Quarterly Newsletter (Q3)
July 14, 2026
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From the Director
It is my pleasure to share updates on the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) small business activities and achievements. We continue to take big steps forward in carrying out the DOE Small Business Strategic Plan.
As part of the first pillar, Modernizing Industry Engagement, we recently partnered with the Energy, Technology and Environmental Business Association (ETEBA) on the National Small Business Summit on May 26-28 in Aurora, CO. With over 700 attendees, the Summit featured insightful remarks and presentations, powerful networking opportunities, and impactful Matchmaking sessions to increase DOE and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) small business contracting opportunities. A special thanks to ETEBA and we look forward to the continued partnership!
At the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), we are building on the momentum to bring new small business entrants into the DOE marketplace and increase access to opportunities to all qualified small businesses in support of the Department’s growing missions. As we reach new milestones, we will share further updates on the progress.
The Newsletter also highlights recent DOE small business contracting achievements, legislative updates, and a success story from the Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). We hope you enjoy the coverage of important small business initiatives across the DOE enterprise.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting DOE’s missions through small business excellence.
Warm regards,
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 Charlie Smith
Director, Office of Small Business Programs
U.S. Department of Energy
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Small Business Achievement
The Department continues to increase small business contracting opportunities. DOE is projected to meet its overall small business goal of 17.4%. Below is a list of the Top 10 DOE Small Business North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes Fiscal Year (FY) to-date. The list represents the total dollar amount of action obligations for the top small business products and services across the DOE enterprise as of May 31, 2026. Please note that the data has not been finalized.
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DOE Small Business Success Story
 We are excited to share a recent DOE small business success story. OLH Inc. is a woman-owned project management firm specializing in project, program, and construction management services, currently supporting the Central Plateau Cleanup Company LLC. (CPCCo) at the Hanford site. OLH is participating in the DOE Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) that develops long-term partnerships between small businesses and the Department’s prime contractors.
Over the past six months, OLH's participation in the Mentor-Protégé relationship with CPCCo has demonstrated that the program's success depends on active engagement from both the mentor and the protégé. As the protégé, OLH strongly believes that success for this program is a two-way street. This collaborative approach has strengthened OLH’s capabilities while supporting the Hanford Site mission. OLH’s work in the DOE MPP covers three important areas: 1) targeted training 2) guidance and support from the Small Business Program Liaison, and 3) collaborative support from the Contracts organization.
CPCCo has provided focused, practical training to enhance OLH’s technical and business capabilities. Additionally, CPCCo has welcomed OLH feedback and suggestions, creating an open dialogue that has improved the effectiveness of the program. OLH has incorporated many of these lessons throughout its organization, extending its value beyond individual participants and fostering continuous improvement across the company.
The other key areas for OLH have been maintaining regular communication with the Small Business Program Liaison and the guidance provided by CPCCo's Contracts Specialist. The combination of meaningful training, open communication, and dedicated mentorship has positioned OLH for continued growth while ensuring it remains aligned with the objectives and requirements of the DOE Mentor-Protégé Program to advance Agency missions.
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Legislative Updates
Below are recent updates from the Small Business Procurement Advisory Council regarding government contracting programs:
1. S. 3971 (Chair Ernst) - Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act - Reauthorizes SBIR/STTR programs (Signed April 13, 2026)
More information can be found here.
2. Executive Order (EO) 14398 - Promoting Efficiency, Accountability, and Performance in Federal Contracting [(91 FR 24325) April 30, 2026]
- Prioritize Fixed-Price Contracts over Cost Reimbursement Contracts
- Non-fixed-price contracting types, including cost-reimbursement, time and materials or labor-hour contracts under FAR Part 16 must be justified in writing by the agency head if the amount exceeds:
- $100 million for DoW
- $35 million for NASA
- $25 million for DHS
- $10 million for all other contracts not with DoW, DHS, or NASA
- This does not apply to contracts for:
- Emergencies or major disasters
- R&D or pre-production development for major systems
- Agency heads must consider modifying their 10 largest non-fixed-price contracts
- Each agency shall send a semi-annual report to OMB detailing the number of non-fixed price contracts approved and the justification
- We can expect OMB guidance, changes in the FAR, and DAU training in the next few months
More information can be found here.
3. H.R.2066 (Meuser) - Investing in All of America Act of 2025 (Signed May 19, 2026)
More information can be found here.
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Small Business Events Updates
 On May 26-28, OSBP partnered with ETEBA on the National Small Business Summit in Aurora, CO. With over 700 attendees, the Summit connected small businesses with large primes, federal partners, and industry leaders who are supporting DOE and NNSA missions. The agenda included remarks from OSBP Director Charlie Smith and the Department’s two Senior Procurement Executives: Derek Passarelli, DOE and BJ Quigley, NNSA. Additionally, there was a special Breakout Session discussing small business contracting opportunities and the collaborative ecosystem to support the Genesis Mission. Check out this video for more highlights!
 On June 1-4, OSBP took part in the VETS26 conference hosted by the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) in New Orleans. Nearly 2000 attendees and 25 Federal agencies participated in the conference covering business development, industry insight, and network-building opportunities for the veteran small business community. OSBP provided in-depth presentations on DOE Small Business Programs, including the Mentor-Protégé Program, in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Savanah River Nuclear Solutions.
 On June 11, DOE’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), OSBP and other Office of Management (MA) Team Members took part in the 35th Government Procurement Conference (GPC) in Washington, D.C. to foster DOE small business partnerships. The GPC included educational conference sessions, procurement matchmaking and a dynamic Government and Prime Contractor exhibitor showcase.
📅Mark Your Calendars
Below are upcoming small business events and training. Please visit the Small Business Events Calendar on the OSBP website for more information.
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