Fresquez named DOE Small Business Program Manager of the Year

Los Alamos small business program manager recognized for forward-thinking efforts

June 7, 2017

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Chris Fresquez (center), Los Alamos National Laboratory Small Business Program Manager, is the recipient of the 2016 Small Business Program Manager of the Year Award given annually by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

Chris Fresquez, Los Alamos National Laboratory’s small business program manager, is the recipient of the 2016 Small Business Program Manager of the Year Award given annually by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

“Chris’s leadership and his team’s work are essential in ensuring that the Laboratory effectively partners with our New Mexico community members” said Craig Leasure, Principal Associate Director for Operations and Business. “I congratulate Chris on this accomplishment.”

Fresquez and his team support businesses within northern New Mexico, including those in area pueblos, by providing tools and resources for obtaining contracts from Los Alamos and other government entities.

One of the ways Fresquez and his team excelled in 2016 was through co-sponsoring the first ChallengeHER conference held in New Mexico. At this event, small business owners, most of them women, learned how to navigate the sometimes complex process of competing for federal and management and operating contracts.

“It is a great feeling to know that through the dedication and hard work done by the staff in the Small Business Program Office and the efforts of many others that this recognition and prestigious award has become a reality,” Fresquez said. He won the award in the Facility Management Contractor category; Los Alamos is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, for the Department of Energy.

A full list of this year’s winners is available online.

By the Numbers: Economic Impact on New Mexico

The Laboratory’s Regional Purchasing Program provides substantive preferences to northern New Mexico businesses through a variety of ongoing initiatives. Of the $776 million in goods and services that the Laboratory purchased during fiscal year 2016, $318 million were bought from New Mexico businesses and $196 million from companies in northern New Mexico.

About Fresquez

Fresquez has been the Laboratory’s small business program manager since 2013. In addition to his experience gained during 26 years at the Laboratory supporting procurement across many different divisions, he also brings retail and small-business experience. He has a business degree from New Mexico State University and has attained purchasing manager certification.

About the Award

The Small Business Program Manager of the Year Award recognizes individuals who embody the many facets of energetic, forward-thinking DOE small business program managers and their efforts to exceed expectations in working with, advocating for and assisting in the increased utilization of small businesses.

The selection for the award was based on a competitive evaluation of DOE small business program managers from DOE Facility Management Contractor sites located throughout the United States.  Two small business advocates within the Los Alamos program nominated Fresquez.