SAIPAN — More than 60 small business owners and entrepreneurs on Saipan and Tinian received federal contracting training this month through a partnership between the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces’ 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
The training series concluded March 23 on Tinian and March 25 on Saipan, covering SAM.gov registration, capabilities statement development and the bidding process for Department of Defense contracts. More than 20 participants also took advantage of one-on-one advising sessions with contracting officers for individualized guidance on proposal development, compliance and procurement strategy.
Trainers included MSgt. Sheleena M. Cruz, Director of Acquisitions for the 356th ETSG, and SSgt. Miriam Martinez, a contracting officer with the 35th Contracting Squadron out of Misawa Air Base, Japan. TSgt. Rachel Kinsella of the Guam Air Guard and Airman Anayeli Ramirez-Ramirez, Operations Manager of the 356th ETSG Prime BEEF Squadron, also provided contracting support.
Raquel Santos of Galaad Healthcare Solutions said the training gave her practical tools she could apply immediately. “One of my biggest takeaways was learning how to navigate SAM.gov and access contracting opportunities for small businesses,” she said. “I would absolutely recommend SBDC’s trainings and services.”
Kylie Hasegawa, owner of Marianas Oceanic Solutions, said the support available through SBDC exceeded her expectations. “I truly appreciate that these services are offered at no cost, which makes a huge difference as I navigate building my business,” she said.
CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol said the training is part of a broader effort to prepare local businesses for federal contracting opportunities tied to the ongoing military buildup in the region. “This training series demonstrates a broader commitment by the U.S. Pacific Air Forces and the Northern Marianas College to ensure small businesses in the CNMI are not left behind when economic opportunities rise as a result of the military buildup,” she said.
The training feeds into the CNMI Industry Day events hosted annually by the SBDC Network, NMC and its military partners, connecting local businesses with federal agencies, military contractors and prime vendors across construction, logistics, professional services and disaster recovery.
