Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center

Chris Downing, vice president and director of Enterprise Innovation Institute, announces retirement

By

Chris Downing, VP of EI2

Chris Downing, who has led the Georgia Institute of Technology’s economic development efforts as vice president and director of the Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2), is retiring after 31 years of service.

Downing, who has led EI2 since 2016, leaves behind a decades-long legacy of leadership experience at Georgia Tech in technology-based economic development, university outreach and technical assistance, entrepreneurship and start-up support, and program management.

His retirement is effective June 1, 2019.

“I feel very fortunate for such a diverse and challenging career and to have shared so many good years with the Georgia Tech family, and I am very appreciative of the many faculty, staff, and students who have made my time at Georgia Tech so interesting and inspiring,” Downing said. “Although I am leaving my full-time duties, I look forward to staying connected to Georgia Tech and supporting its mission of progress and service.”

After leaving IBM where he was a mechanical facilities engineer, Downing joined Georgia Tech in 1988 as a senior research engineer with the Georgia Tech Research Institute.

In 1996, he joined EI2 — then called the Economic Development Institute (EDI) — as the Griffin regional office manager and provided industrial extension and economic development services to the south metro Atlanta region.

Two years later, he was named group manager of technology services for the Economic Development Institute, where he was charged with overall management of technology deployment and information technology services to more than 200 EDI staff and associates located both on campus and in 12 regional offices across the state. In addition, this group provided technical research services for EDI clients in industry, business, and community economic development organizations.

In 2005, he was tapped to lead EI2’s Industry Services group, which included several key outreach programs: the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP), the Energy and Environmental Management Center, the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC), the Southeast Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (SETAAC), and the Georgia Tech Regional Office Network.

Downing was named EI2’s associate vice president in 2013 and vice president in 2016.

In that time, he spearheaded the three-fold expansion of the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) and created the Venture Center space that has helped to attract several Fortune 100 corporate innovation centers to Technology Square.

His technology-based economic development efforts helped Georgia Tech and the EI2 win the prestigious “2014 Innovation Award” from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the “2014 Outstanding Research Park Award” from the Association of Research Parks.

Most recently, Downing led the feasibility study for the expansion of Georgia Tech’s second research park, Technology Enterprise Park, into a broader life sciences and technology innovation district.

“Chris has been a tireless champion and supporter of our economic development initiatives, working to maintain strong partnerships across the state while creating new collaborations,” said Georgia Tech President G. P. “Bud” Peterson. “We appreciate his leadership role as Georgia Tech partners with the state to strengthen Georgia’s economy.”

Downing is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering.

10 tips for contractors who need to renew ISO 9001 certification by September deadline

By

In today’s contracting environment, government customers require the assurance that offerors can provide high quality products and services. International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001 certifications provide evidence to that point, proving to government program managers and contracting officers that a contractor sustains quality processes and methods.

In fact, government program managers and contracting officers are now establishing ISO certifications as requirements to be eligible to bid on services contracts. ISO updated their 9001 requirements in 2015, from 2008, changing what it meant to be ISO 9001 certified. Come September, if a company has not updated to the 2015 requirements it will lose the certification altogether.

Because of this, the ISO 9001:2015 transition process is causing angst among ISO management representatives, process managers and owners in the more than 1 million ISO 9001 certified organizations around the world. Some of these organizations may well be in “panic mode” to meet the re-certification deadline.

Here are 10 tips to make the transition easier: https://federalnewsradio.com/commentary/2018/08/10-tips-for-contractors-need-to-renew-their-iso-9001-certification-before-september-deadline/

Download Georgia Tech’s ISO 9001 Implementation Flyer – click here: ISO-9001-Implementation-Flyer-GaMEP.

Learn more about how the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) can help your business at: https://gamep.org/quality/

GTPAC’s cybersecurity initiative recognized with national ‘Outstanding Project Award’

By

GTPAC received the Outstanding Project Award at APTAC’s annual training conference on Mar. 7, 2018.

The Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) was honored this week by the Association of Procurement Assistance Centers (APTAC), the organization which represents 98 procurement technical assistance centers (PTACs) across the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico.

GTPAC was presented with APTAC’s Outstanding Project Award which annually recognizes an accomplishment that stands out from the day-to-day activities that all PTACs organize and undertake.

The project recognized by APTAC is GTPAC’s instructional video that provides step-by-step guidance to government contractors on how they can achieve compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity requirements  designed to safeguard DoD information and report on cyber incidents.

GTPAC’s video and accompanying resources – including a template which contractors may use – are made available free of charge on the GTPAC web site at: http://gtpac.org/cybersecurity-training-video.

The video and template have been heralded both by PTACs, who counsel businesses, and by businesses themselves as valuable one-stop resources for existing contractors and aspiring DoD contractors alike.  Since the launch of these training tools at the end of last year, 1,284 persons have viewed the video and downloaded the template 1,508 times.

Specifically, the video explains Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clause 252.204-7012, including its key definitions and cyber obligations, including its primary requirement that defense contractors which process, store or transmit “covered defense information” must address 110 individual cybersecurity controls outlined in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171.

The 20-minute video not only provides information on these requirements, but also provides specific guidance on how government contractors can achieve compliance with the DFARS clause and the NIST standards.  The video guides government contractors on how they can perform a “self-assessment” of their information system using NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Handbook.

One of the most creative and innovative aspects of the project is the 127-page cybersecurity template GTPAC created in conjunction with the video.  The template provides step-by-step instructions on how government contractors can create a “Systems Security Plan” and “Plan of Action” – documentation necessary to achieve compliance.

The resources GTPAC created are very timely in light of recent warnings from DoD that it plans to request and evaluate cyber plans from businesses as a part of the contract award decision-making process.   If the video is carefully reviewed and the template is fully completed and properly filled out, contractors will be in a position to document their compliance with the DFARS cybersecurity requirements.

Members of the GTPAC team proudly show off the national award they received.

GTPAC program manager Joe Beaulieu points out that “by providing the video and cybersecurity template, GTPAC’s objective is to make the process of achieving compliance much easier, especially for small defense contractors who may not have the resources necessary to develop such plans from scratch.”  Indeed, the template makes the process of drafting the required documentation easier, as contractors merely have to fill in the blanks and answer specific questions, rather than work from a blank slate.  While it is ultimately up to the contractor to meet the requirements and to provide accurate information, GTPAC’s video and template provide contractors with an excellent starting point for assessing, achieving and documenting compliance.

In honoring GTPAC with the Outstanding Project Award, APTAC encouraged other PTACs to make use of the video, template, and resource materials posted at http://gtpac.org/cybersecurity-training-video.  NIST recently provided similar encouragement to their nationwide network of MEPs in their work with U.S. manufacturers.  GTPAC coordinated the creation of the cybersecurity materials with the Georgia MEP (GaMEP) which, like GTPAC, is a part of the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2).

EI2 is Georgia Tech’s business outreach organization which serves as the primary vehicle to achieve Georgia Tech’s goal of expanded local, regional, and global outreach.  EI2 is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive university-based program of business and industry assistance, technology commercialization, and economic development.

GTPAC is a state-wide program operated by EI2 under a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).   In 2017, Georgia businesses won more than 5,000 government contracts – worth more than $1 billion – with GTPAC’s help.  All totalled, GTPAC provided counseling, instruction, and bid opportunities to 2,548 Georgia businesses during the past year.

Disaster preparedness help available to manufacturers on Georgia’s coast

By

The Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) is seeking eligible manufacturers to participate in a disaster assistance program designed to help companies that are located in the state’s coastal areas assess their preparedness and develop operational solutions to minimize the impact of future hurricanes and other natural disasters.

The $173,859 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) funds the GaMEP’s Manufacturing Disaster Assistance Program (MDAP), which was developed to address the needs of Georgia manufacturers.

The funds for the two-year effort are specifically designated toward assisting manufacturers with operations in Coastal Georgia in Camden, Chatham, Charlton, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh counties. It also includes Coffee County, which is not on the coast, but was also severely impacted by flooding during 2017’s Hurricane Irma.

The counties are home to 408 manufacturing facilities that employ 23,000.

The MDAP creation follows a devastating 2017 hurricane season in which Hurricane Irma led to a mandatory evacuation of the coast’s nearly 540,000 residents and business owners, and resulted in estimated damages of more than $670 million. That’s on top of a 2016 evacuation of the Georgia coast following Hurricane Matthew, which caused more than $500 million in damages.

The goal with this tailored approach to help manufacturers on the Georgia Coast is two-pronged, said Ben Cheeks, GaMEP’s coastal region manager.

“First, we want to assist as many manufacturers as possible and get them operating at pre-Hurricane Irma levels — that includes employment and fully contributing to the regional and state economies,” Cheeks said. “The second part of this effort is to help them develop plans that they will already have in place to address future hurricanes and other natural disasters so they will positioned for as little disruption as possible in resuming operations.”

As part of the offering, GaMEP will leverage its expertise and resources at Georgia Tech, as well as its local, state, and federal economic development partners, including the Technical College System of Georgia and the MEP network, among other organizations, Cheeks said. Pooling resources at all levels ensures maximum impact for the affected companies and communities, he added.

The MDAP initiative will include assessments of the manufacturers’ needs, helping prioritize opportunities for sustainability and growth. It also will incorporate the development of pre and post-natural disaster protocols that address challenges manufacturers will face following hurricanes and other natural disasters, such as supply chain and infrastructure disruption, labor displacement, and financial constraints.

“We’re taking a 360-degree approach with this effort,” Cheeks said. “It’s designed to help position our coastal manufacturers proactively and ahead of the likely after-effects we will see in future storms that will affect the Georgia Coast.”

Eligible manufacturers are encouraged to email Ben Cheeks, GaMEP’s coastal region manager at ben.cheeks@innovate.gatech.edu.

Source: http://www.news.gatech.edu/2018/01/30/manufacturing-disaster-assistance-program-help-georgia-companies-prepare-natural 

Automotive and aerospace supplier conference to be held March 6-8 in Macon

By

For the 3rd year, the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) at Georgia Tech is partnering with other organizations across the state to host the annual Supplier Opportunities for Aerospace & Automotive Resources (SOAR) Conference.

The conference provides opportunities for Aerospace, Automotive, and Defense Suppliers to meet with large Aerospace and Automotive OEMs to pitch your products and services.

By attending this conference and having one-on-one meetings with these large OEMs, you will have the chance to:

  • Meet with multiple companies within your industry
  • Pitch your product/service to large OEMs
  • Grow your business through new customers through these 15-minute Fast Pitch sessions
  • Hear from large OEMs on what they are looking for in suppliers
  • Attend development sessions to gain tips and tools to improve your business
Conference Details
  • Date: March 6 & 7 (Automotive Portion) / March 7 & 8 (Aerospace Portion)
  • Cost: Early Bird Registration is through Jan. 24. Cost is $125 to attend one portion (either Auto or Aero) or $225 to attend all 3 days
  • Location: Middle Georgia State University in Macon, GA
  • Register: http://bit.ly/2CSivSl   (If you would like to attend the one-on-one Fast Pitch sessions, on your registration form, mark “Yes” for that question.)

Don’t forget to register for this unique opportunity to meet with multiple OEMs in one day.

Cybersecurity training video and template released

By

The Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) has produced a 20-minute instructional video designed to assist contractors comply with Defense Department (DoD) cybersecurity requirements.

Click image above to view video and access resource documents.

Accompanying the video is a 127-page template that can be used by contractors to create a Security Assessment Report, a System Security Plan, and a Plan of Action.

The video and template, along with related resources, can be found at: http://gtpac.org/cybersecurity-training-video.

Background

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) prescribes that DFARS clause 252.204-7012 (“Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting”)  be inserted in many DoD contracts.

In general, the clause requires that contractors provide adequate security on all applicable contractor information systems – and investigate and report on any compromises of such systems.  The DFARS clause also requires contractors to:

  • isolate malicious software,
  • preserve and protect all media involved in a cyber incident,
  • provide DoD with access to information or equipment for purposes of forensic analysis,
  • assess damage as a result of a cyber incident, and
  • “flow down” the clause in any subcontracts involving information covered by the requirements.
Click on the graphic above to see the government’s complete list of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) covered by the regulation.
Impact

If you are a DoD contractor, it is very likely that your contract incorporates DFARS clause 252.204-7012.  The clause is required in all solicitations and contracts, including solicitations and contracts issued under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 procedures for the acquisition of commercial items.  (Note: The clause is not required for solicitations and contracts solely for the acquisition of Commercial Off the Shelf – or COTS – items.)

To provide adequate security, DoD contractors covered by the DFARS clause are expected, at a minimum and effective immediately, to implement the standards set forth in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171 (Revision 1).

In general terms, to meet the government’s cybersecurity standards, contractors must assess their information systems, develop a security plan, and create an action plan.  GTPAC’s template – available for download as a Word document on the same webpage where the video appears – provides a step-by-step process by which each of these tasks can be completed and documentation can be compiled.

Information and Assistance

The video and template were funded through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency, and created with the support of the Georgia Institute of Technology.  The content of the video presentation does not necessarily reflect the official views of or imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Defense Logistics Agency, or Georgia Tech.

For further assistance with complying with DoD’s contractual cybersecurity requirements, please feel free to contact a GTPAC Procurement Counselor.  A list of Counselors, their locations, and contact information can be found at: http://gtpac.org/team-directory.

Companies located outside the state of Georgia may contact their nearest Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for assistance with government contracting matters.  PTACs are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.  Find a directory of PTACs at: http://www.aptac-us.org/find-a-ptac.

GTPAC is a part of the Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2), Georgia Tech’s business outreach organization which serves as the primary vehicle to achieve Georgia Tech’s goal of expanded local, regional, and global outreach.  EI2 is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive university-based program of business and industry assistance, technology commercialization, and economic development.

 

 

 

Transit supply chain forum to be held Oct. 11th

By

On Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, a Transit Industry Supply Chain Connectivity Forum is being held for the purpose of bringing large transit original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) together with smaller, qualified and interested U.S. manufacturers in an effort to facilitate the use of a higher percentage of domestic suppliers in transit products and systems.

The Forum offers a venue for smaller manufacturers to learn what products are needed and find out more about investments they need to consider when entering the transit industry.

As part of the Forum, time will be allocated for ten-minute introductory, private meetings between participating OEMs and prospective suppliers. Participating suppliers can include both current transit industry suppliers, and potential new suppliers.

OEMs currently confirmed to participate include: Alexander Dennis, Kiepe Electric Inc., Siemens, and United Rail, Inc.   Others may be added at a later date.

Some of the products the OEMs will be sourcing include:  Wiring Harnesses, Driver’s Display, Wiper System, Variable Frequency Drives, DC-DC Converter, Switches, Suspension Components, Steering Column, Brakes & Brake Valves, Brake Pedals, Stanchions, Overhead Lighting Panels, Flooring, Passenger and Drivers Seating, Destination Signs, ADA Ramp, HVAC Systems, Bike Rack, Fire Suppression, High and Low Voltage Cable, Connectors, Terminals, Plugs, Sensors, Lugs, Relays, Latches, Hinges, Springs Filters, Headlights, Paint, and Design Services.

This event is held in conjunction with the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Annual Meeting and Expo, October 8-11, 2017 which will take place in the Georgia World Congress Center, Building C, Rooms C205 & C206, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Partners for this event include the National Institute of Standards in Technology (NIST), Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

The Forum will be held between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.  There is a $25 registration fee, and breakfast and lunch will be provided.  Register at: http://ow.ly/KIW730fpvpe

Questions?  Contact Tim Israel, GaMEP Associate Director, at Tim.Israel@innovate.gatech.edu or 770-354-3809.

Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership launches outreach initiative for food processing manufacturers

By

Georgia is a one of the nation’s leading agriculture states, with the industry contributing about $74.9 billion to the state economy each year.

Damon Nix (left), senior project manager at the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, discusses ergonomic solutions for lifting bags of malt with Bobby Epperson, operations training and safety manager at Terrapin Brewery in Athens, Georgia. (Photo credit: Caley Landau)

A related sector — food processing — is a strong and growing component of the Georgia economy, and accounts for $11 billion to $12 billion each year of the state’s gross domestic product. Food processing also employs 69,000 across the state, with 10,000 of those jobs being created since 2010, according to Georgia Power’s 2016 Food Processing Industry Report.

It’s that strength in food processing, which comprises the largest segment of Georgia’s manufacturing sector, that led to the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s (GaMEP) new initiative focused on those manufacturers’ unique needs.

GaMEP, a federally funded economic development program at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, works with manufacturers across Georgia to help them remain viable and economically competitive.

“Food processing comprises many different products and sizes of manufacturers and it is important to assure their viability and growth,” said GaMEP Director Karen Fite. “This effort is in recognition of where the growth is occurring in the manufacturing sector and we want to make sure we’re applying our resources and expertise, as well as cutting edge research coming out of Georgia Tech, that can help our manufacturers.”

Damon C. Nix, GaMEP’s senior project manager, is leading the food manufacturing programming, which includes coaching, analysis, and consulting in:

  • Food Safety
    • Compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements.
    • Management system implementation and audit team support.
  • Energy Management
    • Energy assessments to identify cost reduction and performance improvement opportunities.
    • Companies with fewer than 500 employees at a plant site may qualify for a free energy assessment through Georgia Tech’s Industrial Assessment Center program.
  • Environmental Services
    • Environmental compliance services and management system (ISO 14001) support.
    • Environmental Protection Agency P2 grant-funded projects that support pollution prevention through reduced greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and hazardous materials generation.
  • Worker Safety and Health
    • Implement lean/process improvement approaches to safety problem solving.
    • Partner with the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Food Processing Technology Division to support Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules compliance, applied research, and technology solutions.
  • Workforce Development
    • Operational Leader and Frontline Supervisor Training.

“Georgia’s food processing GDP ranks it sixth in the country and we rank sixth in employment,” Nix said, noting the state has roughly 680 food processing manufacturers, including the 127 that either relocated to Georgia or built new facilities here since 2010.

“The GaMEP has created significant results serving manufacturers overall,” Nix said. “We want to continue that momentum in food processing. Georgia’s manufacturing industry remains competitive and continues to grow because the food processing industry is expanding. We want food processors to know that the GaMEP is a resource to support their continued growth.”

About the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP):

The Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) is an economic development program of the Enterprise Innovation Institute at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The GaMEP is a member of the National MEP network supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. With offices in nine regions across the state, the GaMEP has been serving Georgia manufacturers since 1960. It offers a solution-based approach to manufacturers through coaching and education designed to increase top line growth and reduce bottom line cost.

Source: http://www.news.gatech.edu/2017/08/23/georgia-manufacturing-extension-partnership-launches-outreach-initiative-food-processing

Federal cybersecurity requirements seminar now available on video

By

Video coverage of the August 9th seminar on Cybersecurity Requirements for Federal Contractors is now available for viewing, along with pertinent printed resources.

The Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) co-hosted the recent event, along with the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Program (GaMEP).

At the end of this year — if you are a Department of Defense (DoD) contractor or hope to be one — there are new cybersecurity requirements that will be in your contract that will require you to limit access to your information systems, identify system users, and take measures to safeguard federal contract information (FCI).  Your compliance with these rules, among others, require documented processes and procedures.  And, similar requirements are expected to be included in other federal contracts in the near future.

Access to the video is right here.  Following introductory remarks, details on the cyber requirements begin at the 18:00 minute mark in the video.

Click on the image above to start video.

In addition, the following links to the actual presentation materials and other resources are provided below:

GTPAC will continue to provide to our clients additional cybersecurity compliance materials as they become available.

Getting lean: Assessing key energy solutions — Georgia Tech event Aug. 22 in Augusta

By

Georgia Tech is sponsoring an event entitled “Getting Lean with Energy Systems: Assessing Key Energy Solutions” on August 22, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia.  It’s perfect for Engineering Directors or Managers, Maintenance Managers, Operations Managers, or anyone involved with energy system design and/or maintenance.

By attending, you will:

  • Learn how performing an energy system assessment can help provide a detailed understanding of the energy performance of a specific system.
  • Understand how the information and data gathered can help you reduce energy costs, lower the number of repairs and downtime, improve performance, and extend the lifespan of the entire system.
  • Hear how other Georgia manufacturing companies have discovered opportunities and made strategic improvements using energy system assessments.

Cost to attend is $15.  Event includes lunch, networking, presentation, case study, and Q&A.

Speaker: Randy Green, Project Manager for the GaMEP at Georgia Tech.  Randy has over 20 years of experience with industrial power systems and is a U.S. Department of Energy Certified System Specialist in Steam and Pumping Systems.  He holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech and a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University.

Learn  more and register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-lean-with-energy-systems-assessing-key-energy-solutions-augusta-manufacturing-growth-tickets-35969873861?aff=Flyer

This quarterly lunch and learn educational series delivers actionable tips and tools of the trade specifically designed to help Georgia Manufacturers grow their business.  To learn about more upcoming GaMEP events, visit: http://gamep.org/manufacturing-growth-educational-series/

To learn more about GaMEP, visit: http://gamep.org/

Contracting News

Read More

Contracting Tips

Read More

GTPAC News

Read More

Georgia Tech News

Read More