Arkansas APEX Accelerator Success Story: AMT66, LLC

PAST PERFORMANCE MATTERS!

Sometimes life can take us on unexpected journeys! Margaret (April) Christensen's journey to founding AMT66, LLC reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in government contracting. In 2009, during the peak of the U.S. housing and economic downturn, Arizona faced significant housing and economic hardship. As April's marketing business struggled due to clients' inability to pay, she ultimately lost her home.

Faced with these challenges, April reassessed her future, selling her marketing company, relocating, and enrolling in college to complete a Business Management degree with a minor in Project Management. Simultaneously, she worked full-time and established AMT66, LLC in 2010.

Upon graduating in 2014, April proactively sought opportunities to apply her skills. Her first subcontract as a project manager involved upgrading telecommunications infrastructure and communication towers located at an Army base in Utah. This required careful coordination to ensure sections of the communications center could be taken offline and restored without compromising overall functionality. The management of the towers stipulated strict safety regulations to be implemented, and managed. April's meticulous project management earned recognition from the contracting officer, resulting in a recommendation for similar work at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where she led fiber network upgrades supporting metering systems.

In 2015, the Arizona Small Business Administration (SBA) Director advised April to pursue certification as an Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) and apply for the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. The SBA 8(a) program is available to socially and economically disadvantaged business to equip and empower them over a 9-year term to successfully compete for government contracts. Despite the rigorous application process, April's perseverance paid off, positioning AMT66, LLC for 8(a) set aside, prime contracting opportunities. Her first prime contract involved fiber optic installations for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) facilities, expanding the company’s footprint in the federal sector. The business was accepted into the 8(a) program in May of 2016.

April strategically diversified AMT66, LLC to encompass Program, Operations, and Logistics Management, IT, Facility Maintenance Support Services, Cybersecurity, Telecom, and Janitorial services. This facilitated the business to hold contracts with multiple federal agencies including the Army, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Defense Intelligence Services Agency (DISA), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the Air Force. April prioritized direct engagement with federal agency personnel, regularly conducted site visits to accurately scope work, and recruited top-tier talent to ensure quality performance aligned with government expectations.

Relocating to Arkansas in 2023, April engaged with the Arkansas APEX Accelerator through a referral from Arkansas Tech University's Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC). She collaborated with procurement counselor Kimberly Randle, to assist her with understanding the new eligibility requirements of the SBA’s 8(a) program’s additional social narrative requirement. Later they worked together on cybersecurity compliance and positioning the business to compete for forthcoming contracts. These efforts helped to facilitate AMT66, LLC in pursuing contracts at Ebbing Air Force Base tied to the Foreign Fighter Pilots Training Mission. April's participation in Arkansas APEX training and networking events, as well as utilization of the APEX bid-matching service, has reinforced her readiness for new contracting opportunities.

A notable demonstration of April’s dedication to ensuring the government’s satisfaction was attained, occurred during a contract with the FAA in Roswell, New Mexico. Upon discovering performance issues within her own team while understanding the FAA’s budget’s limitations, April spent a month on-site to oversee staff replacement and retraining. In compliance with FAA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) clearance requirements, she escorted personnel daily until new clearances were secured by her team. Despite economic and logistical challenges exacerbated by a city-wide flood, April ensured project completion exceeded government expectations, leading the FAA’s regional office to recommend her for the awarding of additional contracts.

“Kimberly knew how emotionally stressful this process was for me.  She was instrumental in guiding me through the 8(a) social narrative process in order for me to not only communicate myself professionally, but personally as well.  I do not think that I could have done it without her”, said April Christensen.

April’s business acumen exemplifies that doing the right thing for your customers, along with vigilance and proactive management is essential for long-term success in government contracting. Her example underscores the importance of thorough contract fulfillment, reinforcing Arkansas APEX Accelerator's message that winning contracts is just the beginning in successful government contracting, as how a contract is fulfilled will follow a business over the course of its government contracting endeavors. The ongoing performance and adaptability of small businesses like AMT66, LLC shape future opportunities, strengthen relationships with federal agencies, and help the government agencies successfully fulfill their missions.

To learn more about how Arkansas APEX Accelerator can assist your business in securing and performing government contracts, or for more information on our services provided at no cost, please reach out to us at [[email protected]]