Jesse Scharlow, Louisville district contracting officer, was awarded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s Office of Small Business Programs Contracting Professional of the Year Award at the small business conference Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, in New Orleans.
“It was an honor to be selected as the Small Business Contract Professional of the Year,” Scharlow said. “America’s small businesses are an essential part of the economy, and their success is essential to economic growth and prosperity because of the unmatched potential to create jobs and put money back into communities.”
Scharlow made significant contributions and participated in special programs and public relations that resulted in continued improvement of the small business program by leading an industry day and pre-proposal conference events.
Scharlow also deployed as a contract specialist at the onset of Hurricane Irma and Maria in the U.S. Virgin Islands in October 2017. He coordinated with Corps Headquarters and the chiefs of contracting with Jacksonville District, Wilmington District and New Orleans District to find a suitable small business contractor that could handle the size and scope of the debris removal mission.
“Jesse is a great asset to any team and is especially supportive of the Small Business Program,” Crystal Harbin, small business deputy said. “He truly understands the role small businesses play in federal acquisition. Knowledge and dedication, like his, are what make Louisville District a success.”
Scharlow demonstrated initiatives that consistently resulted in increased contract awards and opportunities for small businesses by being an advocate for the small business program.
“I really owe the best deputy for small business in the country, Crystal Harbin, a big thank you for all of her support,” Scharlow said. “Her knowledge and passion for small business is unmatched, and she’s dedicated to ensuring the Louisville District has the tools and data necessary to make the best possible acquisition decisions.”
The Louisville District was also recognized as the Top District by dollar for HUBZONE and the 9th District for Top Dollars in the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business category at the event.