FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 9, 2025

More than 200 participants across Rota, Tinian, and Saipan turned out for the 2025 CNMI Industry Day series, marking a pivotal moment for local businesses striving to enter the federal marketplace. 

Hosted by the Northern Marianas College and led by the CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network in partnership with the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), the Naval Facilities and Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC Marianas), and the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs (CBMA), the event highlighted the CNMI’s and Department of Defense’s commitment to driving economic growth and resilience—even in challenging times—through federal contracting opportunities.

The tri-island series brought together key representatives from the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), giving local entrepreneurs rare and direct access to federal decision-makers and procurement officers. Over 150 businesses were represented. 

Leading presentations and discussions were CNMI SBDC’s partners:

From PACAF:

1st Lt. Julieth Collazos

MSgt. Sheleen Cruz

Ms. Ailie Souriolle, Director of Small Business Programs

Ms. Christine Manglona, Director of Business Operations, 36th Contracting Squadron – Andersen AFB, Guam

Ms. Glenna Palacios, Contractor, PACAF Headquarters

From NAVFAC:

Lt. Jefferson Bobo

Attendees received live briefings on current and upcoming projects, while also learning about future opportunities with the CNMI SBDC on how to register in the SAM.gov federal database, apply for a CAGE Code, and craft a compelling Capabilities Statement—key steps to becoming a competitive federal contractor.

“Industry Day was exceptionally well-organized and well-attended, providing a great platform for engagement,” said Joe Rosario, Managing Partner for Blue Ocean H2, LLC. – who attended both Industry Days in Tinian and Saipan. “We truly appreciated the opportunity to connect with Department of Defense representatives, which we believe could lead to meaningful and future contracts, particularly for small businesses rooted in the Marianas like ours.”

Mario Valentino, Construction Operations Manager for Triple J, also commended the CNMI SBDC, “The SBDC did a fantastic job organizing a truly informative and engaging event. The guest speakers were excellent, and the content was incredibly valuable.”

In Saipan, participants also benefited from an added layer of expertise with a session from the CNMI State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) under the Department of Commerce. Kioshi Cody, STEP Project Coordinator, along with Chuck Lopez, Director of Southeast Asia at Global Risk Mitigation, presented “What to Expect When Exporting.” Their insights emphasized how export readiness and federal contracting often intersect—especially for businesses aiming to expand their reach beyond local markets.

The CNMI SBDC Network’s tri-island coordination of the event, with support from CBMA, ensured that even the most remote island entrepreneurs had the chance to engage, ask questions, and showcase their business readiness.

“We knew this event had to be more than just an information session,” said Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, CNMI SBDCN Network Director. “It had to be a true bridge between opportunity and action. The presence of our Department of Defense partners and the enthusiasm of our local business community gave us the sense that we are heading in the right direction.”

Within the past year, the CNMI SBDC Network partnered with PACAF, the Guam APEX Accelerator, Sherman Consulting, and Croix, LLC. to host 14 training events, equip over 200 clients and cover over 40 hours of in-person training to prepare our small businesses leading up to the CNMI Industry Day events across its Network. Throughout each Service Center’s location, the CNMI SBDC featured targeted training, one-on-one engagements with agency representatives, and a networking exhibition to solidify partnerships.

The CNMI SBDC Network extends its deepest thanks to its federal, local, and community partners, contractors and exhibitors, and to the many businesses that showed up ready to take the next step toward contract-readiness.e public on a non-disciplinary basis.

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1st Lt Julieth Collazos and MSgt Sheleena Cruz from the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) presenting to the Rota Industry Day attendees.

Ailie Souriolle, Director of Small Business Programs for Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) presents to the Tinian Industry Day attendees.

1st Lt Julieth Collazos and MSgt Sheleena Cruz meet with a CNMI-based company during the Saipan Industry Day Networking Session.