The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) named Scottsdale-based WW Associates Management & Consulting, LLC (WWA) the 2022 Pacific Region Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year. The firm was nominated by the contracting office at Ft. Huachuca in recognition of their exceptional results in contract performance, customer support and innovation. The recognition is part of the SBA’s award program during National Small Business Week, observed May 1-7, 2022.
WWA is a service-disabled veteran owned small business (SDVOSB) and 8(a)-certified federal contractor specializing in construction and environmental services. Founded in 1994, the company has offices in three states serving multiple federal and military customers with as many as 28 full-time employees. WWA is the prime contractor on 95% of their projects, including nearly $16 million on over 60 contracts at Ft. Huachuca in the last 5 years.
WWA self-performs the majority of their projects with in-house biologists, environmental scientists, superintendents, carpenters, painters, welders, and laborers, so they are agile and responsive to customer needs. WWA’s innovative approach to historic restoration minimized cost while maximizing the historic exterior integrity of several properties at Ft. Huachuca now preserved for future generations. The same innovation was demonstrated in their environmental work as the company provided critical continuity of water sampling and testing at Ft. Huachuca even at the height of pandemic related closures and disruptions.
Founder and CEO Edward O. Willis is a Vietnam War Veteran, awarded four air medals while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Willis prioritizes employing veterans and mentors fellow veteran entrepreneurs. He is a guest instructor for the SBA Boots to Business program for transitioning military members and was named by SBA as the 2020 Arizona Small Business Veteran Champion of the Year.
“I am honored to congratulate WW Associates Management & Consulting, LLC named as the Pacific Region Prime Contractor of the Year,” said Robert J. Blaney, Arizona SBA District Director. “Through their commitment and leadership, entrepreneurs like CEO Edward Willis are at the forefront of driving our state’s economic growth and recovery. In celebrating his accomplishments we also extend our gratitude for his dedication to creating employment and opportunity for Arizona’s veterans.”
National Small Business Week is observed May 1-7, 2022. This year’s theme, “Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship,” highlights the resilience, ingenuity, and creativity of these award winners who, like millions of small businesses, have navigated challenges from the pandemic and contributed to our nation’s economic comeback. It will celebrate our small businesses, provide critical resources and recognize SBA partners for their support in providing startups and small business owners with counseling and advice, skills development, disaster preparedness and recovery, as well as access to capital, government contracting, and market opportunities to start, grow and build resilient businesses.
About National Small Business Week
For more than 60 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.
Register for National Small Business Week and for other event information here.
