26-497DVA-QUINC-B-50274 Requester Comments.pdf

SOLE SOURCE HEARING – WRITTEN COMMENTS

JANUARY 14, 2026 AT 2 PM

1. Opening

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Pamela Frazier, President & CEO of All In One Management & Services, Inc., a certified small, minority-owned business providing high-quality linen and laundry services. As an 8(a) and HUBZone certified firm at the federal level, and a participant in the State’s Business Enterprise Program, we have demonstrated the capacity, compliance, and accountability needed to handle government work responsibly. I am here to ask that this procurement reflect a fair and equitable playing field for certified small businesses like ours.

2. Economic impact & fair competition

When a large incumbent vendor continues to receive awards—especially through emergency or sole source processes—the economic impact is concentrated in one place, and smaller certified firms are effectively locked out. That means fewer local jobs, less reinvestment, and missed opportunities for community stability.

By contrast, when agencies intentionally include small and BEP-certified businesses in planned procurements, even a modest share of work can be transformative. It allows firms like ours to hire more staff, invest in automation, and expand long-term capacity to serve the State. Treating small businesses as strategic partners, not backup options, strengthens the supply chain and reduces risk for the State.

3. Importance of BEP goals

The State’s BEP goals are not symbolic; they were created to ensure that minority-, women-and disability-owned businesses have real access to contracting opportunities. To honor that intent, procurements must be structured so certified firms can bid competitively, rather than defaulting to patterns that favor large non-BEP vendors.

Continuing and strengthening BEP participation in this contract ensures that public dollars reflect public values: inclusion, equity, and economic mobility for historically underrepresented businesses. As a certified firm, we are ready to help the agency meet and exceed its BEP targets while maintaining quality, reliability, and compliance.

4. Planning, PAR levels, and “emergencies”

Many justifications for emergency or sole source contracts in linen services trace back to planning and inventory decisions. If PAR levels are appropriately set and consistently maintained, preventable shortages—and the rush to emergency procurements—can be avoided.

With proper planning and replenishment, the agency has the time it needs to conduct a normal, competitive procurement open to qualified BEP and small business vendors. This approach reduces cost and risk, and it aligns with the State’s commitments to equity, transparency, and good stewardship of public funds.

5. Our qualifications & readiness

Our company has already undergone rigorous federal review through the 8(a) and HUBZone programs, in addition to State-level certification. These designations exist to identify firms that are ready for larger opportunities and give agencies confidence in our capability and controls.

Leveraging vendors that hold both federal and State certifications allows the agency to diversify its vendor base in a responsible, well-documented way. We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking that the State’s own goals and rules be applied consistently so small, certified businesses can compete fully on their merits.

6. Direct request to decision-makers

In closing, I respectfully ask that the agency:

• Avoid the use of emergency or sole source mechanisms where better planning and PAR management can support a timely, competitive process.

• Structure future linen service procurements to meaningfully include BEP-certified and small businesses as primes or substantial subcontractors.

• Affirm and uphold BEP goals in this contract, and recognize 8(a) and HUBZone status as evidence of readiness and capacity, including any federal Veterans Affairs appropriations.

Doing so will level the economic playing field, enhance transparency, and ensure that public funds support both excellent service and inclusive economic growth.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Pamela Frazier, President All In One Management & Services, Inc.