November 27 this year. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice hosted entrepreneurs from the Silesian Voivodeship during a unique training course entitled. “How to become a U.S. Army supplier?”. The event, organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Development and Technology, Atlantic Contract and the Katowice City Hall, provided a unique opportunity to learn how to establish cooperation with the U.S. Army stationed in Poland.
An opportunity for Polish companies
The U.S. Army is one of the largest customers in the world, offering a wide range of contracts, in sectors such as:
- IT and artificial intelligence,
- medicine and modern materials,
- nanotechnology and textiles,
- construction and security products,
- food industry and logistics.
Cooperation with the U.S. armed forces not only opens up the possibility of significant growth for Polish companies, but also provides an opportunity to enter the international market.
Intensive training program
During the event, participants received a comprehensive understanding of the application processes and requirements of the US Army.
The training program included:
- Registering a company as a supplier – an introduction to the SAM.gov platform, which is crucial for all entrepreneurs wishing to compete for contracts with the US administration.
- Steps in registering with bidding systems – a detailed discussion of procedures and tips on how to avoid the most common mistakes.
- Legal considerations for cooperation- covering tax issues, exemptions and international regulations.
- Types of tenders and documentation requirements – understanding the specifics of tender documentation and formal requirements.
- Tender search and practical tools – how to effectively find contract bids that fit your company’s capabilities.
- Contract settlement and implementation – a step-by-step description of the financing and reporting process after winning a tender.
- Statistics and prospects for cooperation in Poland – which sectors have the greatest opportunities and why it is worthwhile to engage in projects with the army.
Exceptional speakers
The training was led by experts from Atlantic Contract, with many years of experience working in international markets:
- Maciej Winnicki, Director of International Operations, who specializes in developing cooperation between markets and simplifying contract processes.
- Adam Durka, Director of Trade and Marketing, an expert in optimizing sales structures and selecting effective distribution channels.
The speakers not only presented the most important issues, but also shared examples from their own experience in implementing contracts for the US Army.
Practical examples
The event discussed the operation of the first permanent U.S. garrison in Poland – U.S. Army Garrison Poland (“Camp Kosciuszko”) in Poznan, where 140 civilian employees are stationed. The garrison is responsible for supporting U.S. units in Poland, as well as for implementing contracts in the areas of construction, logistics and administration.
One example was a planned contract for building repairs, road repairs and environmental work in various locations in Poland. The value of this contract is $35 million, and it is scheduled to run for five years.
This is a huge growth opportunity for Polish companies, especially since the contracts cover a wide range of services – from small repairs to complex construction projects.
Key benefits for participants
Participation in the training brought many benefits to the participants:
- Direct networking – the opportunity to establish contacts with Atlantic Contract representatives.
- Access to information on tenders – participants learned about the US Army’s plans and needs in Poland.
Enhancement of qualifications – knowledge gained during the training allows the company to be better prepared for international contracts.
Why cooperate with the US Army?
The US Army is not only a stable, but also a demanding partner, whose cooperation guarantees development and prestige in the market. Thanks to such events, Polish entrepreneurs can build their competencies and win contracts that will further develop their business.
The training in Katowice showed that cooperation with the U.S. military is a real opportunity, which, however, requires adequate preparation and knowledge of international standards.
We thank all participants and speakers for their active participation and involvement. This is just the beginning of new opportunities for Polish companies!
Oliwia Chmiel
Specialist for International Cooperation
RIG in Katowice