for example, katie bigelow. president of metal ops, received her first contract with the air force for $80,000 after two years of trying. that contract created the past performance needed to win her most recent contract award for 9 bnt $1 million. women are unable to access basic tools we need, that we know work for them, they need training and coaching to grow their businesses and become job creators. it's important to modernize and grow a nationwide network of counselors for women entreprene entrepreneurs. great lakes wbc has experience to offer the committee these recommendations. first and foremost, we need to modernize the women's business center program. the house of representatives included the women's business center legislation as part of the fiscal year 18 national defense authorization act. which would increase the 30-year-old cap on grant levels. 30 years, we strongly urge the senate to keep this provision in the ndaa. we have over 500 wosb certified women in our center. finally, there should be a de