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Mark Backus, left, of Information Technology and Services (SUP-9) is greeted by Hector Barreto of the federal Small Business Administration and Spencer Abraham, right, Department of Energy secretary, at a Minority Enterprise Development week awards ceremony in Albuquerque. Backus was recognized as an exceptional minority procurement specialist. Photo by Bill Doty, Sandia National Laboratories

Major Lab subcontractors recognized for business efforts

Backus also lauded for procurement efforts

KSL Services and Protection Technology Los Alamos, the Laboratory's two largest subcontract companies, recently were recognized at statewide award ceremonies.

As part of national Minority Enterprise Development week, the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) named KSL Services, the Lab's site-support services subcontract company, as a New Mexico Minority Business Advocate.

The selection committee commended Ed Burckle, KSL's general manager, and Jim Thalmann, KSL's director of supply chain management, for KSL's unstinting outreach to local small and minority-owned businesses.

Burckle noted that receiving the award was gratifying because it was in-line with KSL's strategy of maximizing its use of small and minority-owned businesses. "These small businesses are vital to New Mexico's economy, and we place great value in partnering with them," Burckle said. "In fact, KSL recently awarded a five-year contract for $9 million annually to Sparkle Maintenance, a minority-owned Albuquerque business that provides all of the Lab's custodial services."

Thalmann credited the award to the members of KSL's procurement department, saying that they "work hard to find New Mexico small business sources that provide high-quality and best-value supplies and services. It's only through their hard work and professionalism that 80 percent of all KSL purchases went to small business." Additionally, Thalmann commended procurement groups within Supply Chain Management (SUP) Division for supporting KSL's overall buying strategy.

The MBDA event also honored Mark Backus, a Lab senior contract administrator, as an exceptional minority procurement specialist. "It's an honor and pleasure to receive this award," said Backus of Information Technology and Services (SUP-9), who was praised by the awards committee for his efforts in supporting New Mexico minority businesses, especially during his tenure buying for the Lab.

"The Laboratory's commitment to community outreach means that we should collaborate with small and disadvantaged business to the greatest extent possible," said Backus. "That's the logical extension of being a good neighbor to Northern New Mexico." Backus has won several small-business-promotion awards, including the Allen Johnston Advocacy Award in 2002 and the Socioeconomic Recognition Award in 2003.

In a separate ceremony, the Association of Commerce and Industry of New Mexico recognized PTLA, the Lab's contracted security provider, as a 2004 VIVA award nominee.

The VIVA award is presented to the New Mexico businesses that demonstrate outstanding vision, innovation, vitality and action. The nomination cited PTLA's extensive community outreach, especially its gifts since 1997 of $150,000 to area students through scholarships and programs, and $120,000 to local charities and civic organizations.

"Being nominated for this award is an honor," said Ken Freeman, PTLA's general manager. "PTLA has committed itself to good corporate citizenship, and we look forward to partnering with Northern New Mexico communities for many years to come."

-- Brooke Kent

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