Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Small Business Programs was honored with the 2025 Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence in Services by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) this week. Small Business Liaison Officer Lisa Tanner accepted the award on behalf of SRNS during the National Small Business Week ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The SBA recognizes excellence across small businesses and key resource partners to empower American job creators and drive economic growth in government contracting.
“This Dwight D. Eisenhower Award represents the highest honor for a contractor as a small business advocate,” said Jay Johnson, SRNS Deputy Senior Vice President of Business Services and Chief Contracting Officer. “I’m so proud of the SRNS Supply Chain Management Procurement team for their intentional actions to fully leverage the capability and expertise of our small businesses.”
Since 2018, SRNS’s small business commitments to procure site materials and services have created 15,700 local jobs and 82,800 regional positions. Over the last five years, SRNS has committed $2.6 billion—66% of total commitments—to small businesses. In fiscal year (FY) 2024 alone, SRNS set a record of $798 million in commitments to local, regional, and national small businesses. Additionally, SRNS continues to assist small businesses navigating contract award processes to ensure they are considered for subcontracting opportunities supporting the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
“Lisa Tanner, SRNS Small Business Liaison Officer pictured above, brings a level of excellence to small business programs that is second to none,” said Gary Lyttek, Senior Business Source Manager for the NNSA Office of Partnership and Acquisition Services. “Her hard work is a credit to herself, SRNS, and the National Nuclear Security Administration. Her efforts directly result in expanded economic growth in American companies – we couldn’t be prouder of her.”
Notable Contributions of the SRNS Small Business Program:
- Increased small business engagement by participating in 21 supplier outreach events in FY24.
- Increased the number of small businesses enrolled in the DOE Mentor-Protégé Program, with overall investment growing from $400,000 to $41 million since 2015.
- Implemented a supplier portal to foster a diverse supplier base and ensure adherence to relevant regulations.
- Maintained a supplier database that SRNS Buyers use as a sourcing tool.
“By championing small businesses, SRNS creates a more dynamic and resilient business ecosystem, contributing to the broader economic prosperity,” said Dave Dietz, SRNS Senior Director of Supply Chain Procurement. “Earning the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award emphasizes our unwavering commitment to small businesses. We look forward to continuing our partnerships with these invaluable enterprises as we drive innovation and growth at SRNS.”
