Not everyone in Colorado Springs sold on military contracts

Not all companies are chomping at the bit to enter the military contracting or "MilCon" maze.

Given the long hours of filling out forms, interpreting government requirements and compiling pounds of paperwork necessary to bid on military jobs, they don't see the military housing construction projects at Peterson Air Force Base and Schriever Air Force Base as a fit for their organizations.

Several questioned the value of working on government jobs, citing the necessity to "low ball" and "hope for volume," and then not get paid for weeks after a job is completed.

An ABC Plumbing & Heating service manager said his company has never pursued military contracts.

"We're small and work mostly with homeowners," he said. "On a contract, you have to be available when they need you -- and need a bigger crew."

Herman's Plumbing's spokes woman agreed.

"We only have two to four plumbers on hand at any given time and prefer to work for individual homeowners," she said.

Peter Carroll, third generation owner of Carroll's Home Maintenance, said he wasn't interested in getting his name on the list of vendors based on past experience.

"A lot of times property management companies are more interested in getting the cheapest work they can," he said. "They want you to do it for the volume and just want you to 'freshen things up.' They're not as interested in quality."

Unseth Painting and Windows field supervisor Matt Gantner was equally nonplussed.

"Property management companies usually want a low ball price, and it takes a while to get paid," he said. "Ninety-five to 98 percent of our business is for private homeowners. We might look at the Peterson and Schriever opportunity, but that's not typically our clientele."

'Carpe diem!'

But other business owners were not only excited to hear about the opportunity, they wanted details and contact information.

Gary Sherp, owner of The Blind Connection, said he has worked on military projects at the Air Force Academy, Fort Carson and at NORAD since 1991.

"I've never had a problem working with the military," he said. "They're not always looking for a low bid. Most of the time, they've been pretty reasonable on price. They just want to know we're trying to get them the best deal and the best quality."

B&B Countertops and Cabinets also hopes to be selected as a subcontractor.

"This guy -- Steve Kirkwood -- just walked into our showroom one day a few months ago and asked us for a bid on laminate counters and some cabinets," said sales representative Tammy Reid. "He just asked for a per-unit cost and said he would use a multiplier to come up with a total cost. We're waiting to hear from them -- it's been several months."

Tina Fink, owner of Patina's Painting is another entrepreneur who might consider checking with TVC's property management division.

"I've done some work in the past at Fort Carson and Peterson," she said. "It's not too hard to get on base as long as you have a letter of introduction and your driver's license or I.D. -- but I'd only be interested in a long-term relationship."

AAA Carpets Unlimited owner Doug Kelley has done jobs for a number of property managers as well as at Fort Carson.

"We are often called directly by military personnel -- usually for carpet cleaning and repair," he said. "But I'd definitely be interested in working at Peterson and Schriever. That's right up our alley."

Business community endorsements

Brian Binn, president of the Military Affairs Council at the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, sees the Actus-Tierra Vista vendor program as a great way for small businesspeople to make the leap into a new market.

"They're making it easy to do business, and are getting involved in a broader way with our community," he said.

TVC has joined the chamber and also will likely get involved with the Pikes Peak Apartment Association and the Colorado Springs Housing and Building Association, Mullen said.

Embassy Lawn and Landscaping's Jason Sheldon said he'd encourage local firms to investigate working with the privatization company, even if it's outside their comfort level.

"My advice is to keep good records and supply plenty of good references -- generals and airmen, if possible," he said. "Bottom line, we've had less paperwork since the change from contracting with the military to working for a private company. And we won't be laying any people off this winter."

Copyright 2007 Dolan Media Newswires
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