The Small Business community plays a vital role in fueling innovation, economic resilience, and job creation across the United States. Within the federal government, numerous agencies have dedicated offices and initiatives to support and collaborate with small businesses. One such key player is the SSC Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). At the forefront of this initiative is Tameika Wanzo, whose leadership and vision continue to empower entrepreneurs and ensure equitable access to federal contracting opportunities.
This article delves into the role and mission of the SSC Office of Small Business Programs, Tameika Wanzo’s impact as a leader, and the broader importance of federal small business advocacy in strengthening America’s economic landscape.
Understanding the SSC and Its Office of Small Business Programs
The SSC, or Space Systems Command, is a U.S. military organization operating under the U.S. Space Force. It plays a crucial role in acquiring and developing space capabilities such as satellites, ground systems, and communication infrastructure critical to national security.
To ensure that small businesses have a fair opportunity to contribute to these efforts, the SSC established the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). This office exists to serve as a bridge between the command’s procurement needs and the diverse and dynamic small business sector.
The primary objectives of the SSC OSBP include:
- Ensuring Inclusion: Helping small, disadvantaged, veteran-owned, women-owned, and HUBZone businesses compete effectively for SSC contracts.
- Enhancing Innovation: Partnering with startups and small tech firms to bring novel ideas and capabilities to space systems.
- Compliance and Advocacy: Ensuring SSC meets or exceeds small business participation goals mandated by federal regulations.
- Engagement and Outreach: Conducting matchmaking events, training, and conferences to connect SSC program offices with small business stakeholders.
The SSC OSBP aligns with broader Department of Defense (DoD) and federal goals to increase small business engagement in defense acquisition, thereby expanding the industrial base and reducing reliance on a limited number of large contractors.
Who is Tameika Wanzo?
Tameika Wanzo is a highly respected advocate for small businesses and serves as a prominent leader within the Department of Defense’s small business ecosystem. With years of experience in acquisition, program management, and supplier diversity, Wanzo brings both technical expertise and strategic insight to her role at the SSC Office of Small Business Programs.
As Director or Program Manager (PM) within the OSBP at SSC (depending on the formal title held at the time), Tameika Wanzo has demonstrated a strong commitment to enabling small businesses to thrive within one of the most high-tech and competitive domains—space operations.
Tameika Wanzo’s Leadership Vision
Wanzo’s approach to small business advocacy is rooted in empowerment, education, and proactive engagement. She has consistently championed efforts that open new pathways for small companies, particularly those owned by historically underrepresented groups.
Some of the hallmark strategies she has implemented or supported include:
- Mentorship and Capacity Building: Understanding that many small businesses lack familiarity with federal procurement processes, Wanzo has prioritized educational outreach. This includes training sessions, webinars, and workshops that demystify contracting procedures.
- Supplier Diversity Integration: She has worked to ensure that diversity is not a checkbox but an integrated part of the procurement culture at SSC. This includes establishing performance benchmarks and collaborating with acquisition officials to identify suitable small business partners early in the procurement cycle.
- Data-Driven Advocacy: Under her leadership, the OSBP uses data analytics to track performance metrics, identify trends in small business utilization, and pinpoint areas for improvement.
- Partnership Expansion: Wanzo has facilitated relationships with industry associations, chambers of commerce, and academic institutions to broaden the reach of the SSC’s small business programs.
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Engagement: Recognizing the value of R&D-centric small businesses, she has supported initiatives that guide companies through the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) processes—helping them scale from research to production.
Success Stories and Impact
Thanks in part to Wanzo’s leadership, the SSC OSBP has seen an increase in small business participation in areas such as satellite communications, cybersecurity, software development, and ground support infrastructure.
For instance, small firms specializing in advanced propulsion systems, AI-based satellite data analytics, and resilient supply chains have secured SSC contracts—often after engaging with the OSBP through matchmaking events or technical assistance programs.
Moreover, under her watch, SSC has routinely met or exceeded small business contracting goals set by the SBA and DoD, reinforcing the idea that large-scale, cutting-edge defense projects can—and should—include small business collaborators.
The Importance of Small Business Inclusion in Space Defense
Space is rapidly becoming a contested domain, with technological advances and geopolitical competition intensifying the need for cutting-edge solutions. Small businesses, with their agility, innovation, and niche expertise, are uniquely positioned to respond to the fast-changing demands of the defense space sector.
The SSC OSBP, guided by leaders like Tameika Wanzo, plays an essential role in ensuring that America’s defense space architecture is not only robust but inclusive. Including small businesses expands the talent pool, drives competition, and injects fresh thinking into mission-critical projects.
Moreover, many small businesses operate at the intersection of academia and industry, translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions. SSC’s ability to leverage these partnerships can lead to technological breakthroughs with both defense and civilian applications.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the progress made, there are challenges ahead:
- Procurement Complexity: Federal acquisition regulations (FAR) can still be difficult for small businesses to navigate.
- Sustained Funding: Small firms often need better access to capital to scale their operations once awarded contracts.
- Security and Compliance: Meeting cybersecurity requirements such as CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) can be daunting for small firms without robust IT departments.
Wanzo and her team have been instrumental in addressing these challenges through education, advocacy, and continuous dialogue between SSC stakeholders and small business communities.
Conclusion
The SSC Office of Small Business Programs is a pivotal part of the U.S. Space Force’s mission to maintain superiority in the space domain, and under the stewardship of Tameika Wanzo, it has become a beacon of opportunity and inclusion. Her forward-thinking leadership has helped create an environment where small businesses can not only survive but thrive—bringing their innovation, creativity, and drive to the forefront of national defense.
As the world of space operations continues to evolve, so too must the ecosystem of contractors and innovators that support it. With champions like Tameika Wanzo at the helm, the future looks promising for small businesses eager to make their mark among the stars.
