In order to compete in the future, innovative ideas to improve fleet readiness must reach the warfighter quickly.

In order to do just that, the 6th Contracting Squadron hosted its first-ever Pitch Day Aug. 1, at MacDill Air Force Base, where local small businesses proposed innovative ideas to help increase overall base efficiency and mission effectiveness.

“Small business tech start-ups and non-traditional defense contractors represent a critical sector of the market the Department of Defense is struggling to tap into,” said Lt. Col. Brian Sheehan, the 6th Contracting Squadron commander. “Pitch Day brought small business into help meet the MacDill (AFB) mission and they opened our eyes to problems that were unknown to us.”

MacDill AFB’s Aug. 1 event follows the framework of the recent inaugural Air Force Pitch Day and other initiatives to break down the barriers to entry for small businesses to acquire government contracts. According to the recent posture statement released by the Air Force, “America’s small businesses and start-ups are engines of innovation and we are developing creative ways to employ their talents.”

This comes after the Air Force awarded 51 contracts, with some awards reaching up to $158,000 within 15 minutes of their proposals.

The 6th Contracting Squadron followed suit and was able to bridge the gap between Air Mobility Command and local Tampa, Fla. businesses.

“The first MacDill Pitch Day was a tremendous success that resulted in three contracts being awarded to small businesses for a combined $100,000. All three contracts will enhance mission effectiveness to various units on base,” said Mr. Jace Anders, 6th Contracting Squadron flight chief.

With the success of its first Pitch Day, MacDill AFB showcased how partnerships with local businesses are an integral part of advancing innovation to improve warfighting capabilities. Even further, Pitch Day was a testament to the base’s efforts to open their doors even more to small businesses in the community.