Two U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command employees were presented with Army Office of Small Business Awards during a Sept. 16 awards ceremony for their outstanding support of the Department of Defense Small Business Programs.

Brian E. Martin, U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity director of contracting and USAMRMC principal assistant responsible for contracting, and Prasanthi Tipparaju, an acquisition management liaison officer at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, were presented their awards by Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein, commander of the USAMRMC and Fort Detrick.

Martin received the 2014 Army Contracting Professional of the Year Award for his leadership and collaboration with the Office of Small Business Programs.

"The award was presented to me; however, the award would not have been possible without the outstanding efforts of the USAMRAA staff going above and beyond to seek small business opportunities," said Martin of his award. "Also, another huge contributing factor that led to this award was the outstanding coordination between the USAMRAA staff and the USAMRMC/U.S. Army Medical Command Office of Small Business Programs."

Tipparaju was awarded the Program Manager of the Year Award. In fiscal year 2014, 34 new awards totaling $16.7 million were made to small business firms in support of the WRAIR.

"It is a great honor to receive this award," said Tipparaju. "I would like to thank my co-workers at the WRAIR, the USAMRAA and the Office of Small Business Programs. With their support, I am positive that we will exceed 2014's success."

Martin and Tipparaju were originally recognized in July during the 2015 Department of Defense Small Business Innovations training week in Phoenix, Arizona. Jerome Maultsby, USAMRMC/U.S Army Medical Command assistant director of the Office of Small Business Programs, who attended the conference, accepted the award on their behalf.

"These prestigious Department of Army awards reflect the diligent efforts within the USAMRMC acquisition workforce, which translate into maximizing opportunities for small business firms whose relevant products, services and business solutions coincide with our mission requirements," said Maultsby. "The USAMRMC remains committed to supporting the Army Small Business Program and recognizing team members for their extraordinary accomplishments."