Empowering the mission: Laughlin hosts third annual Industry Day Published April 24, 2026 By Capt Christine Del Aguila 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Laughlin hosted its third Industry Day April 21 2026. The 47th Contracting Squadron hosted the event at XL Landings on base, drawing 50 local businesspeople to attend and 25 companies seeking to expand their business with Laughlin. Karina Gloria, 47th CONS contracting specialist, kicked off the event by introducing leadership for opening statements and outlining event topics which included goals, the four phase acquisition overview, bidding on federal contracts, and upcoming construction and service projects. “We want to seek out long-term partnerships, not one-time transactions,” said Col. Peter Joo, 47th Mission Support Group commander. “We want to help foster your business’s growth.” The goals of the 47th CONS Industry Day were to connect with local contractors, reduce procurement lead time, show upcoming opportunities, and increase overall competition. “We have a lot on the horizon here at Laughlin Air Force Base, and that’s big news for any contractor that wants to do business here,” continued Joo. “We are forecasting a good amount of funding coming our way the next couple of years, and this is why this year’s Industry Day is that much more important.” Industry Day, hosted in partnership with organizations like the Northwest Texas APEX Accelerator, serves as a critical bridge between the Department of War's operational needs and the dynamic capabilities of the private sector. “Every student that is trained, every sortie that is launched is a part of a chain that reaches far beyond Del Rio,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Thorne, 47th CONS commander. “When you deliver on a contract by providing equipment, services, and support, it is a part of that chain that reaches globally and contributes to the readiness of the United States Air Force.” By demystifying the complexities of defense contracting, 47th CONS actively cultivates a broader, more robust industrial base right in its own backyard of Del Rio, Texas. “We’re not looking for vendors, we’re looking for partners who are reliable and trustworthy,” said Thorne. “Today is all about access to both people and processes, and to understand how to do business with us the right way.” Laughlin AFB awards approximately $35 million to $45 million to businesses every year. “By you coming here to Industry Day and using resources here like APEX Accelerator, the maze starts to look more like a map,” said Jesus Perez, 47th Contracting Squadron director of business operations. “Once you win that first contract, the second and the third only get easier.” There was an even split in participation, with roughly 50% returning businesses and 50% new attendees. “Our first two Industry Days focused heavily on the initial registration phase, but this year’s event shifted focus to the post-registration phase,” said Perez. “We provided deep dives into how to effectively respond to solicitations and successfully bid on government contracts.” The highlight from the day came from a returning contractor who shared that during the inaugural Industry Day two years ago, he had no idea how to navigate government contracting. Since attending all three of our events, he has successfully transitioned from a newcomer to a frequent partner, winning multiple contracts across various sectors, including fitness center and medical projects. If you would like to be considered for future Industry Days at Laughlin AFB, please contact Mr. Jesus Perez, Director of Business Operations for Laughlin AFB at (830) 298-5641.