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A Primer on Build America, Buy America – Strategies for Success in Compliance

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Attorney Cara Wulf, partner at McCarter & English, LLP, for a webinar on the Build America Buy America Act (BABA). Discover BABA requirements, implementation guidance, and best practices for compliance as a prime contractor or subcontractor. Learn about BABA compliance certifications, pitfalls to avoid, and how BABA differs from existing Buy American requirements.

Welcome to the CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab, powered by Alliant Energy

 Publications Growth Technology

Details: The CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab, powered by Alliant Energy is located at the Iowa State University Research Park in Ames, Iowa. The Lab is home to numerous advanced Industry 4.0 technologies that are used to help Iowa companies de-risk technology adoption. Featured Technologies: Wearable Sensors Robotic Automation 3D Printers 3D Scanners Contact CIRAS to schedule your Digital Lab Tour: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/contact-us/

CIRAS- Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Highlight: Deaf Services Unlimited

 Publications Government Contracting Growth

Details: The CIRAS Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) helps Iowa businesses identify, compete for, and win government contracts. Our no-cost and nominal cost assistance comes in the form of teaching, mentoring, and coaching. We also provide clients with a complete set of tools to research and identify opportunities for selling their products or services to the government. CIRAS government contracting specialists work with Iowa companies to understand the market potential of government procurement, reduce the barriers inherent to government contracting, and assist existing government contractors with market expansion. To be contacted by your regional government contracting specialist, submit a PTAC Request for Counseling: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/ptac-request-for-counseling/

CIRAS Workforce Strategies

 Publications Workforce

Details: Iowa has a low unemployment rate, due largely to the state’s slow growth and pronounced young-adult outmigration. Rural Iowa is particularly distressed. Of Iowa’s 99 counties, 71 have lost population since the 2010 census. CIRAS has non-traditional workforce solutions needed in order for businesses to better compete in a global market.

Bioeconomy Vision and Roadmap (2002)

 Publications Food Industry Growth

Details: A vision for converting agricultural crops and residues into biobased products and bioenergy is highlighted, together with a roadmap for achieving this vision. The project was a collaborative effort among a diverse group of stakeholders, including producers, commodity groups, private industry, financial institutions, state agencies, environmental advocates, and university researchers. The U.S. Department of Energy and Iowa State University/CIRAS funded the cost of organizing this effort, bringing together stakeholders and assimilating the input from these many groups.

Motor Vehicle Electrification: Implications for Iowa

 Publications Growth Leadership Workforce

Details: As the automotive industry transitions from internal combustion engines to battery electric and hybrid engines, we will see significant changes to the market and supply chain, creating risks and opportunities for manufacturers. This report provides an overview of the current automotive industry in Iowa, technology trends, areas of risk and opportunity, and workforce considerations.

Identifying Successful Capstone Projects

 Publications Growth Productivity

Details: This one-page document describes what the ISU capstone program is, what clients might expect to get from a project, which departments commonly host capstone projects, how to identify a valuable capstone project, and who you can contact within CIRAS to discuss capstone projects in greater detail.

Understanding the new Federal COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

 Virtual Training Leadership Workforce

Details: As a follow-up to CIRAS' Covid-19 Roundtables, this webinar provided updates on the new Federal COVID-19 vaccination requirements and their impacts on Iowa manufacturers. Updates were provided on what is currently known and where to go for further information. Updates were given by the CIRAS PTAC government contracting team, ISU's Occupational Safety Program, and from a legal perspective.

How Small Manufacturers Can Develop Risk Management Strategies for their Supply Chains

 Publications Leadership

Details: Small- to Medium-sized manufacturers continue to be more vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions than larger companies. Having to pay more is a difficult dynamic, but cost becomes less important if you can’t deliver a product. As uncertainty has been magnified, it is now essential for you to manage risk by preparing for and adapting to unexpected disruptions in order to increase your resilience and be responsive to customers.

Doing Business with the Iowa DOT and Understanding its DBE Certification

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: The Iowa Department of Transportation has multiple ways that Iowa companies can interact with the agency to obtain government contracts. Topics covered will include how to register and find opportunities in the Iowa DOT’s Purchasing Section, how to get prequalified in the DOT’s Contracts Bureau, and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification - how to qualify, and the advantages that it provides. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

How to do Business with Iowa State University

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Iowa State has diverse procurement requirements – they often say they are like a "city within a city" and they need EVERYTHING! Find out WHAT ISU buys and HOW they buy it. Topics will include: Registration The bid process Insurance Requirements The invoicing and payment process Conflict of Interest Trademarks Information available to suppliers online This will be presented by Lisa Thomas, Program Coordinator, in the Office of Procurement Services at ISU. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Introduction to SBIR-STTR Programs: America’s Seed Fund

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Do you have a breakthrough business but lack the resources necessary to develop it? This one-hour webinar will explain the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs - two highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in research and development with the potential for commercialization. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Iowa Emergency Management Response – How Do I Sign Up as a Vendor?

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: This webinar is provided in partnership with the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD). The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) will share its new online form for vendors interested in registering with HSEMD to become part of their emergency response database. Although no purchase is guaranteed, registration though this form will bring your information to the attention of staff in the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) who may need to purchase and deploy your product/service in response to an emergency. The goal of the database is to quickly connect responders and vendors so that the needed items can be purchased and delivered in a more efficient manner. Ms. Cate Brehmer, Purchasing Agent, will give an overview of HSEMD's procurement procedures and how the form will be used in the event of an emergency. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Doing Business with General Services Administration in Region 6

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: ​Landing government contracts requires knowing where to look for potential sales and understanding the landscape once you find a buyer who needs what you sell. Wouldn't it be nice to know where to find that kind of information? B This 60-minute webinar is designed to help Iowa businesses learn how to use the beta.SAM.gov website in pursuit of federal government sales. We'll show you how to use the site to find potential bidding opportunities, how to search it for data on past contracts issued, and how to generate email alerts when the government is preparing to purchase your item or service. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Go & No-Go Decisions

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Are you bogged down in weeding through the wrong choices? How do you know which work opportunity is the best for your company? This two-hour webinar is designed to teach you how to qualify opportunities, weigh them appropriately, and make milestone decisions for your company based on the resources available. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Doing Business with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Growing in government contracting requires understanding the marketplace and building relationships with the people who purchase for government agencies. Are you stymied by who to call or what you should do? This webinar is designed to help you learn the best way to pursue work on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Michelle Street and Karisma Horne, from the HHS Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), will provide an overview of their agency's mission, programs, and structure, as well as discuss various procurement needs and opportunities for Iowa businesses. The OSDBU manages the development and implementation of HHS outreach programs aimed at making small businesses more aware of opportunities to contract with the department. This interactive session will include an open discussion where businesses will be able to ask questions and get direction on how to handle the pursuit of HHS contracts.​ For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Is the GSA Schedule Right for Your Company?

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: ​Ever since you registered in the Schedule for Award Management (SAM) database to be able to do work with the federal government, you've been receiving telemarketing by people who insist that you need GSA Schedule – the so-called magic bullet to selling to the federal government. Is it really that valuable? This webinar is designed to give your business insight into the General Services administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. This program can be an important tool for selling to government buyers, but the benefits aren't there for every business. We'll discuss the program in its entirety. You'll learn whether you qualify for a GSA schedule, as well as what will be necessary to keep the contract long-term and actually generate revenue. By the end of this discussion, you should have a better idea if the program is a good fit for your company. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

The SBA’s Mentor Programs: What You Need to Know

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Are you a small company hoping to learn from a more experienced government contractor? Is your large firm in need of a smaller partner to meet some of your contractual obligations? Iowa companies of all sizes may be able to benefit from the federal All-Small Mentor-Protégé Program. This webinar will feature Matthew Schoonover, an attorney from Koprince Law, explaining the key factors to consider when entering the Mentor-Protégé program. Participants will learn how small companies can benefit from the expertise and longer track record of a larger firm, while big companies can use smaller partners to open up new business opportunities. The event will include a presentation by Schoonover, as well as an opportunity for questions and answers.​ For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

How to do Business with the Iowa Department of Transportation

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Did you know that the Iowa DOT has two totally different offices for companies to do business? The Purchasing Section and the Office of Contracts both exist within the Iowa DOT, but do not intersect. They each have their own registrations and bidding process. When you attend this webinar, you will hear about how to do business with 1. The Purchasing Section - Responsible for the procurement of equipment, materials, supplies, and services the Iowa DOT's operations. The purchasing section annually procures $70 million worth of goods and services for all six agency divisions including the central warehouse in Ames, which stocks more than 6,000 different items for use by agency and political subdivisions. 2. The Office of Contracts - Focuses on highway and bridge construction lettings which typically include interstate, primary and secondary road work, and maintenance projects. Their responsibilities also include lettings from some local projects that involve federal aid. Both fulfill the agency's transportation mission. Learn about the separate registration and solicitation opportunities to a wide variety of suppliers, contractors, or service providers. This will be presented by Mary Zimmerman, CIRAS, and Danny Stokes, Management Analyst with the Office of Contracts at the Iowa Department of Transportation​ For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Teaming, Joint Venturing, and the SBA’s Mentor Protégé Programs!

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Sometimes, one plus one equals a lot more than two. Teaming, Joint Venturing and the SBA's Mentor-Protégé programs all are popular trends in government contracting because they make companies stronger together than they are individually – whether you're a large business looking to leverage small business partner's eligibility, or a small business looking to supplement your own performance and competitive edge. Partnering strategies can greatly increase your access to contracts. But are they really right for you? Join experienced government contracting attorney Maria Panichelli for this webinar detailing how to properly implement these partnering tools. She will explain the difference between teaming and joint ventures, how to determine whether they fit your business, and how to avoid the serious problems that could come if you violate the strict legal requirements governing how these partnerships can be used. Maria will provide strategies for forming a successful team or a joint venture, as well as tips on how to draft enforceable and compliant teaming or joint venture agreements. The webinar will also include a primer on the SBA Mentor-Protégé programs. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Affiliations

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Presented by Koprince Law This one-hour webinar will demystify the concept of “affiliation” in government contracting and explain what you need to know if you want to sell to the government as a small business. We’ll use plain English and specific examples to explain U.S. Small Business Administration rules surrounding common ownership and common management, as well as commonly-misunderstood affiliation rules like those involving affiliation based on familiar relationships and economic dependence. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Debriefings and Bid Protests

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Presented by Matthew Schoonover This one-hour webinar is designed to help contractors understand how government agencies measure past performance and how to address any concerns in their past. Attendees will learn how to leverage their past performance to enhance their competitiveness and what strategies to use in addressing any less-than-glowing past performance evaluations. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Changes: The Most Important Clause in Federal Construction Contracts

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Presented by Maria Panichelli If you do business with the federal government, the Changes clause just may be the most important clause in your contract. This 90-minute webinar will walk you through the steps necessary to address changes in government contracts and how to take steps to ensure that you get paid for them. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Regulatory Updates Affecting Government Contracting

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: This one-hour webinar will cover some of 2020’s most substantive changes to the rules and regulations that impact small business government contractors. The list includes changes to the SBA’s mentor/protégé, joint venture, and 8(a) regulations; changes for size calculations; and upcoming changes to the service-disabled, veteran-owned small business program. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Developing Indirect Rates: How to Ensure You’re Profitable

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: Understanding indirect costs is key to turning a profit on a government contract. Indirect cost are your overhead costs that are not directly attributed to a specific contract, such as insurance, space rental, or administrative staff salaries. This is one-hour webinar features experts from the Barclay Group explaining the fundamental concepts of indirect costs and how to handle them when planning for government contracts. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Mentor-Protégés, Joint Ventures, and Teaming

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: This one-hour webinar is designed to help government contractors understand how government agencies measure past performance and how to address any concerns in their past. Attendees will learn how to leverage their past performance to enhance their competitiveness and what strategies to use in addressing any less-than-glowing past performance evaluations. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Buy American and Trade Agreements Act Compliance for Federal Procurement

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: The United States government has complex country of origin requirements for the products it procures. The Buy American Act applies to some contracts, and the Trade Agreements Act to others, and each has its own specific provisions. Compliance is mandatory under the FAR and DFARS and the flow-down clauses required in government contracts. This 2-hour webinar will address the requirements of both statutes: when they apply, how to determine product eligibility, and recommended compliance measures. We also will discuss the effects of the Federal Circuit's 2020 Acetris Health decision, along with the Court of International Trade's Energizer Battery standard for assembly operations, as well as new changes to the Buy American regulations. For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

Creating Your Government Marketing Strategy

 Virtual Training Government Contracting Growth

Details: ​This webinar will provide information on the overall value of initial and ongoing market research for companies pursuing Government sales. We'll discuss resources available for conducting market research, and will give companies a meaningful starting point for a one-on-one discussion with their counselor for specific market research assistance. This session will provide a framework for companies to locate and define their top targets and what they are buying, and also assist in their marketing and pursuit of government customers. Prerequisite: It is recommended that you participate in GovCon 101, or have had a one-on-one meeting with a CIRAS Government Contracting Specialist prior to attending this session​ For more information: https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/government-contracting/

ISU Capstone Program Flyer

 Publications Technology Workforce

Details: Skilled engineers are essential at innovative companies when it comes to applying new technologies to solve complex problems, develop new product concepts, and create new manufacturing processes. The College of Engineering at Iowa State University offers companies the opportunity to do these things via capstone projects.

Support Structure Development and Initial Results for Metal Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing System

 Publications Technology

Details: Metal additive manufacturing (3D Printing) is a powerful tool brought to realization by modern technology. With metal additive manufacturing, an entire new manufacturing tool is now available to companies. One challenge with this tool is the creation of needed support structures for given part geometries. This paper outlines considerations for various support structure options to utilize for different part geometries to reduce build failures.