Seoul: The Public Procurement Service (PPS) announced that it hosted a significant meeting between United States Forces Korea (USFK) acquisition entities and potential South Korean suppliers earlier this week. The meeting, known as “Joint Industry Day with PPS and the USFK Acquisition Partners,” took place at the Seoul Regional Public Procurement Service and attracted over 150 Korean suppliers along with four USFK acquisition entities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the event was a collaborative effort by the PPS and USFK aimed at supporting Korean companies interested in entering the relatively stable USFK procurement market amid current global trade challenges. This gathering was notable for being the first of its kind, organized in close cooperation with multiple procurement entities within the USFK.

The event featured key participants responsible for USFK procurement, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the 411th Contracting Support Brigade, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the Non-Appropriat
ed Funds Contracting. These entities provided insights into the USFK’s procurement processes and highlighted each partner’s crucial demand items.

The PPS emphasized that the event was designed to foster interactive communication, offering more than just a basic introduction to the bidding process. It included one-on-one consultations between USFK acquisition partners and Korean suppliers. Participating companies had the opportunity to present their products and services directly to USFK contracting officers and discuss potential strategies for successful delivery.

Kim Hye-kyeong, director of International Cooperation at the PPS, highlighted the attractiveness of the USFK procurement market as a potential stepping stone for domestic companies aiming to enter U.S. military bases abroad or even the U.S. mainland. Kim stated that the PPS plans to institutionalize the ‘Joint Industry Day’ event and provide ongoing support, including guidance on the bidding process and vendor registration, to assist qualified sma
ll and medium-sized businesses in accessing the USFK market.