Military Meets With Rota Businesses Amid Proposed Expansion

Rota hosted its first Industry Day on Tuesday meant to unlock opportunities in federal contracting for local businesses.

"This is your space to step forward, to be seen by contractors and federal agencies not just as small businesses, but as qualified, capable, and competitive players in the Marianas economy," Director and Business Advisor for the Rota Small Business Development Center Charlene Ogo said.

Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog welcomed the future opportunities as officials from the Pacific Air Forces and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command presented potential economic opportunities.

Hocog said, "Please use this platform to network, exchange information, and expand your business to be eligible for federal contracts. This is greatly needed to stimulate our local economy. When our businesses thrives, our island community thrives. This will hopefully ignite a spark to welcome our people to return home to contribute and partake in helping us build a better Rota."

That build-up also includes plans for military projects at the Rota airport. Lt. Jefferson Bobo, representing NAVFAC, said, "Those proposed improvements include airfield parking repair, increased aircraft parking area, warehousing, and fuel storage. A public hearing about the “military’s footprint on Rota” is set for April 30th at 5 p.m. at the Rota mayor’s conference hall."

Marianas Press asked some participating businesses for comment about the increased activity.

Anita Myers is the President and CEO of NMI Asset Acquisition Incorporated. She told MP, "I foresee a lot of opportunities for the local community…We are definitely going to look into how we can benefit as a corporation as well…I think the mayor is really having discussions with the military to make sure environmental impacts are taken into account. That would be my only concern, but I am pretty sure the delegates and the mayor are taking care of that factor."

DFS Enterprises’ Abelina Mendiola said, "The military being here is a great opportunity for the local community and we are really looking forward to their presence here so that way it will help our business here in Rota."

Industry Day was hosted and sponsored by the CNMI SBDC Network & the Northern Marianas College in partnership with the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs, PACAF & NAVFAC.