Overview:
Palauan businesses are taking steps to access new economic opportunities through federal contracting. A recent procurement readiness workshop in Koror equipped local entrepreneurs and vendors with practical knowledge on federal procurement requirements, registration processes and strategies to compete for U.S. government contracts.
KOROR, Palau (June 4, 2026) — Twenty-six local business owners, entrepreneurs and vendors participated in the opening day of the “Unlock Federal Contracting Opportunities & Get Procurement Ready” workshop hosted by the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development (MHRCTD), the Palau Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group (356 ETSG).
Held June 3-4 at the Civic Hall in Koror, the two-day workshop was designed to help Palauan businesses understand federal procurement requirements and prepare for opportunities to compete for federal government contracts. Sixteen participants returned for the second day of training, which focused on capability statements, solicitation reviews and one-on-one technical assistance.
The workshop brought together contracting professionals from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, who shared their expertise and practical knowledge of the federal acquisition process. Presenters included Lt. Col. Conan Alailima, deputy commander of the 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group; Master Sgt. Sheleena Cruz, acquisitions senior leader; Tech. Sgt. Nathaniel Grodrian, contracting officer lead; and Staff Sgt. Miriam Martinez, contracting officer.
The two-day training emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships between government agencies, military contracting offices and the local business community. The training also encouraged participants to take advantage of available resources and position themselves to compete for procurement opportunities.
The first day focused on federal contracting fundamentals, including registration through SAM.gov, an essential requirement for businesses seeking to do business with the U.S. federal government. Participants also received an overview of the Government Purchase Card (GPC) program and learned about key compliance and registration requirements.
On the second day, attendees were guided through the development of effective capability statements and gained a better understanding of how to interpret and respond to federal solicitations. Individual consultation sessions allowed participants to receive tailored feedback and discuss specific questions related to their businesses and industries.
The workshop represents a continuing effort by Palau SBDC and its partners to expand economic opportunities for local businesses by increasing awareness of government procurement pathways and strengthening business competitiveness.
“Providing Palauan businesses with access to federal contracting knowledge is an important step toward creating new economic opportunities and building long-term capacity within our private sector,” said Eustoria Borja, executive director of Palau SBDC. “We are grateful to our partners from the 356 ETSG Contracting Team for sharing their expertise and helping our businesses better understand what it takes to become procurement-ready.”
The training reflects the shared commitment of MHRCTD, Palau SBDC and the 356 ETSG Contracting Team to support business development, foster economic growth and increase participation by local businesses in government procurement opportunities.
Through initiatives such as this workshop, Palau SBDC continues to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools, training and technical assistance needed to grow their businesses and contribute to the economic development of the Republic of Palau. ( By: Eustoria Marie Borja, Director, SBDC – Palau)
