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Georgia National Guard hosting Vendor Expo Day Nov. 14, 2019

August 20, 2019 By Andrew Smith

The Georgia National Guard would like to invite you to be a vendor at its Vendor Expo Day to be held on Nov 14th 2019.  This is an opportunity to showcase your products and capabilities to the Georgia National Guard.  Please take advantage of this opportunity as there will be procurement officials and buyers in attendance.  There is no registration fee to participate in this event.  As an additional bonus, there will be guest speakers from the SBA, GTPAC and FedBid (Unison Marketplace).

The event will take place on November 14, 2019 at:

The Clay National Guard Center, 1000 Halsey Ave, Bldg 447 (Drill Hall), Marietta, GA 30060

You can find a Google map link here.

The Expo Day will be on Nov 14th from 10:00 a.m. ET to 2:00 PM ET.

There will be a setup day available the day before the event on Nov 13th from 10:00 a.m. ET to 2:00 PM ET for vendors with large displays who need additional setup time.  Vendors with smaller displays can set up the day of the event at 9:00 a.m. ET.  Should you decide to attend the event, register below by clicking on the registration link.  Space is limited and the Georgia National Guard will be accepting vendors on a first come first serve basis.  If you have questions you can contact Derrick A. Thomas, Contract Specialist, 678-569-6202, or email:  ng.ga.gaarng.mbx.uspfo-contracting@mail.mil

The deadline to register for this FREE event is Friday, November 1st, 2019 by 5:00 PM.

REGISTER HERE:  https://gtpac.ecenterdirect.com/events/8734

Click “sign-up” once on the registration page.

Please note:  The Georgia National Guard is located at a secure military installation.  All adults will be required to present a valid government identification to enter.  All personnel are subject to further vetting as needed, and the Georgia National Guard, Dobbins AFB and its Visitor Control Center reserve the right to deny entry.

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: expo, Georgia National Guard, industry day, small business

GTPAC supports Georgia National Guard vendor expo

May 9, 2019 By Andrew Smith

On May 2nd, 2019, GTPAC provided support at the Georgia National Guard vendor expo at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, GA.  Vendors who attended the expo were allowed to showcase their products and services to buyers from the Georgia National Guard’s logistics, human resources, medical, equipment, training, operations, and information technology units.

The event was organized by Derrick A. Thomas, a Contract Specialist with the Georgia National Guard.  The Georgia National Guard makes a strong effort each year to reach out to small businesses in the local community who desire to do business with the Guard. 

GTPAC Program Manager Andrew Smith spoke at the event and provided some general tips and advice to contractors in attendance.  “To be a successful government contractor, you have to have the basics covered.  You need to be registered in SAM, the SBA Dynamic Small Business Search (“DSBS”) database, and you need to develop a smart marketing strategy if you want to have a chance to win simplified acquisitions or subcontracting opportunities.” 

GTPAC and Procurement Technical Assitance Centers located in all 50 states, regularly provided free assistance to businesses who need help with the SAM and SBA DSBS registration process. 

Smith continued, “The government will not buy from you if they do not know about you, and the value of your products or services, so attending events like this where you can interact with government buyers, showcase your products and services, and meet prime contractors who are looking for subcontractors is essential if you want to have success in the government market.  I thank the Georgia National Guard for making this opportunity available to the local business community.”

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, expo, Georgia National Guard, industry day, small business

Georgia National Guard to hold vendor expo on May 2nd

April 3, 2019 By Andrew Smith

The Georgia National Guard is inviting vendors to showcase their products and services at a free expo on Thursday, May 2nd, 2019.

In attendance at this event will be customers and buyers from the Georgia National Guard’s logistics, human resources, medical, equipment, training, operations, information technology, and other units.

The expo will be held at the Clay National Guard Center, 1000 Halsey Ave., Bldg. 447 – Drill Hall, Marietta, GA 30060.

Deadline for registration at the event is 5:00 pm, Friday, April 26th, 2019.  Businesses wishing to attend must complete the Registration Form, and attach it to an email with the Subject line “Expo Day Registration” addressed to: gaarngexpoday@gmail.com. You can download the Registration Form by clicking here: Registration and Agreement Form

All registrations are offered on a first-come, first served basis.

Vendors who pre-register will be furnished with a display table.  Vendors may set up their tables either on the morning of May 1st (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) or the day of the event (9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.).

Vendors should allow for extra time to be cleared through the guard post on base.

Schedule of Events on May 2nd, 2019

9:00 – 10:00 am – Vendor Set Up
10:00 – 10:15 am – How to Get Connected with Government Contracts – Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center
10:15 – 10:30 am – Advantages of Connecting with the SBA – SBA Georgia District Office
10:30 – 10:45 am – Advantages of Being on FedBid Marketplace – FedBid
10:45- 11:00 am – Guest Speaker and Q&A
11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Open Display: Customers and Buyers from the Georgia National Guard View Vendors’ Product and Services

More Information

For more information, see: Vendor Day Flyer

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, expo, Georgia National Guard, industry day, reverse industry day, trade show

Georgia National Guard wants some help prepping for a big cyber test

May 16, 2018 By Andrew Smith

The Georgia Army National Guard is gearing up for an inspection of its cyber posture and is looking for a contractor to provide technical assistance as it prepares.

The guard unit plans to upgrade its IT systems ahead of the review and needs assistance with “network configuration, server administration and information assurance,” according to a solicitation on the government contracting site FedBid.

“The objective of this contract is to provide skill and expertise in order to successfully pass the [Command Cyber Readiness Inspection],” according to the performance work statement. “This work will be performed to bring the [Georgia Army National Guard] into compliance with current DOD network security standards.”

Keep reading this article at: https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2018/05/georgias-national-guard-unit-wants-some-help-prepping-big-cyber-test/148190/

Filed Under: Contracting News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, Cyber Security, cybersecurity, DoD, Georgia National Guard, IT, network services, technology

Georgia National Guard to hold vendor expo on Feb. 22nd

January 19, 2018 By Andrew Smith

The Georgia National Guard is inviting vendors to showcase their products and services at a free expo on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018.

In attendance at this event will be customers and buyers from the Georgia National Guard’s logistics, human resources, medical, equipment, training, operations, information technology, and other units.

The expo will be held at the Clay National Guard Center, 1000 Halsey Ave., Bldg. 447 – Drill Hall, Marietta, GA 30060.

Deadline for registration at the event is 5:00 pm, Friday, Feb. 16, 2018.  Businesses wishing to attend must complete the Registration Form, and attach it to an email with the Subject line “Expo Day Registration” addressed to: gaarngexpoday@gmail.com.   You can download the Registration Form by clicking here: Registration and Agreement Form – deadline 02.16 for 02.22 event

All registrations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vendors who pre-register will be furnished with a display table.  Vendors may set up their tables either on the morning of Feb. 22nd or the day before.

Vendors should allow for extra time to be cleared through the guard post on base.

Schedule of Events on February 22, 2018

9:00 – 10:00 am – Vendor Set Up

10:00 – 10:15 am – How to Get Connected with Government Contracts – Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center

10:15 – 10:30 am – Advantages of Connecting with the SBA – SBA Georgia District Office

10:30 – 10:45 am – Advantages of Being on FedBid Marketplace – FedBid

10:45- 11:00 am – Guest Speaker and Q&A

11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Open Display: Customers and Buyers from the Georgia National Guard View Vendors’ Product and Services

More Information

For more information, see: GA National Guard Expo Day Flyer – 02.22.2018

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, Georgia National Guard, industry day, reverse industry day

Georgia National Guard holds vendor expo on Mar. 9th

February 20, 2017 By Andrew Smith

The Georgia National Guard is inviting vendors to showcase their products and services at a free expo on Thursday, March 9, 2017.

In attendance at this event will be customers and buyers from the Georgia National Guard’s logistics, human resources, medical, equipment, training, operations, information technology, and other units.

The expo will be held at the Clay National Guard Center, 1000 Halsey Ave., Bldg. 447 – Drill Hall, Marietta, GA 30060.

Deadline for registration at the event is 5:00 pm, Friday, March 3, 2017.  Businesses wishing to attend must complete the Registration Form, and then scan it and attach it to an email with the Subject line “Expo Day Registration” addressed to: gaarngexpoday@gmail.com.   You can download the Registration Form by clicking here: Georgia National Guard Expo Registration Form 03.09.2017

All registrations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vendors who pre-register will be furnished with a display table.  Vendors may request display table space either inside the facility or on the lawn outside the facility.

Vendor set-up may be accomplished the day before the event (Mar. 8) between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, or on the day of the event (Mar. 9) between 8:00 am and 10:00 am.    Vendors should allow for extra time to be cleared through the guard post on base.

Schedule of Events on Mar. 9

8:00 – 10:00 am – Vendor Set Up

10:00 – 10:15 am – Getting Connected with Government Contracts – Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center

10:15 – 10:30 am – Advantages of Connecting with the SBA – SBA Georgia District Office

10:30 – 10:45 am – Advantages of Being on FedBid Marketplace – FedBid

10:45- 11:00 am – Q&A

11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Customers and Buyers from the Georgia National Guard View Vendors’ Product and Services

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, Georgia National Guard, industry day, reverse industry day

Georgia National Guard to host vendor fair Nov. 10th

October 24, 2016 By Andrew Smith

georgia-national-guiardVendors can display their wares and meet buyers at the Georgia Army National Guard on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016.  Vendors may request a display table or just mingle at this no-cost event.

The event will be held at 1000 Halsey Ave., Building 447, Marietta, GA 30060.

Advance registration is required and may be accomplished by emailing the name(s) of individuals attending and the company they represent to jerriod.allen.mil@mail.mil.   Registrants also should indicate whether or not they would like to reserve a table.

Check-in and set-up begins at 9:00 a.m.  The program begins at 10:00 a.m., featuring guest speaker Chuck Schadl of the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center.  Other presentations are expected to be made by representatives of SBA, GSA, and FedBid.

Vendors will have the opportunity to meet with buyers, one-on-one, beginning at 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

 

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, Georgia National Guard, marketing, networking

Former Georgia National Guard employee and two vendors sentenced in corruption scheme

September 17, 2015 By Andrew Smith

Raytosha Elliott, a former contracting official with the Georgia National Guard, and the owners of two vendor companies have been sentenced to federal prison for a corruption scheme wherein Elliott awarded contracts to the vendors in exchange for illegal kickbacks.

Georgia National Guard“Elliott took advantage of her position with the Georgia National Guard, and awarded no-bid contracts to her friends in exchange for illegal kickbacks,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn.  “She and two of her friends stole over $150,000 in funds that were intended to maintain defense facilities and instead spent the money on themselves.”

“The sentencing of these individuals to federal prison will not only hold them accountable for their greed based criminal conduct, but will also send a clear message to others that might consider a similar scheme.  The FBI will continue to work with its various law enforcement partners to ensure that those individuals engaged in these types of activities are identified, investigated and presented for federal prosecution,” said J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office.

FBI Seal“Corruption at any level diminishes the hard work and dedication of the thousands of government employees who are dedicated to providing honest services to the American public,” stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Acting Special Agent in Charge. “IRS Criminal Investigation stands committed to weed out individuals who misuse their job as a path to financial success by using greed and corruption.”

“This is a prime example of our determination, along with our fellow law enforcement agencies, to investigate allegations of criminal activity and corruption involving the National Guard and other DOD entities,” said Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit.   “Regardless of the ‘scope and size’ of the allegations, our CID Special Agents are committed to working side-by-side with other agencies to help eradicate this type of activity.”

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is committed to protecting the integrity of the DOD contracting process, including the GA National Guard,” said John F. Khin, Special Agent in Charge, Southeast Field Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. “This sentencing sends a message to individuals who fail to follow the rules that along with our other law enforcement partners, violators will be brought to justice.”

“Accountability of violators is paramount when dealing with public corruption.  GBI’s partnership with the FBI in the Public Corruption Task Force is essential for continued public trust in Georgia.  When those who violate the law and violate public trust are held accountable, and go to jail – if this occurs, it sends a clear message that public corruption is not acceptable in this state,” said Vernon Keenan, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

“We hope these sentences serve as a deterrent to those who desire to pilfer the state and federal governments’ coffers. We also believe this case exemplifies how multiple agencies can work together to achieve a common goal: to serve the public who depends on us to defend the integrity of government programs. As in this case, our office will remain dedicated to protecting taxpayers’ money by continuously pursuing fraud, waste, abuse and corruption within the executive branch of state government,” said Deb Wallace, State Inspector General, Georgia Office of the Inspector General.

According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the charges and other information presented in court:  From May 2007 through April 2012, Elliott worked for the Georgia Department of Defense, the state agency charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the Georgia National Guard.  Elliott worked as an Engineering Operations Manager at the Clay National Guard Center, located at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, in Marietta, Georgia.

In that position, Elliott worked with engineering firms to develop bid-ready construction projects, prepared bid documents, and oversaw no-bid purchase orders.  Under the rules governing the contracting process that Elliott oversaw, projects that cost less than $5,000 did not need to go through a competitive bidding process, allowing Elliott to award the contracts.  She certified that the work had been completed for those projects, and facilitated payment to the vendors who allegedly completed such projects.

Elliott awarded numerous contracts under $5,000 to vendor companies created by her friends and associates, including co-defendants Lakeysha Ellis and Angela Thicklin (f/k/a Angela Stanback Kinlaw).  In return, Ellis and Thicklin paid Elliott kickbacks, equal to 50% of the value of the contracts, for steering contracts to Ellis’ vendor company, Total Source Solution, LLC, and to Thicklin’s vendor company, 3M Construction LLC.

Elliott awarded Total Source Solution 17 contracts with a total value of approximately $75,000.  Elliott awarded 3M Construction 18 contracts with a total value of approximately $78,000.  The contracts were for a variety of services supposedly to be performed by the two companies, including electrical work, landscaping, and HVAC work.  But the work was never done.  Instead, the defendants split the money awarded under the contracts and spent it on personal items, including travel, meals, and merchandise.  As part of the scheme, Elliott owned a company named Tech Group Investments, LLC.  Ellis and Thicklin took money they received from the Georgia National Guard contracts, and paid kickbacks to Elliott through that company.  Elliott falsely certified that the work had been completed to facilitate payment by the Georgia National Guard.

Elliott and Ellis engaged in a similar fraud scheme from January 2009, through May 2011, when Ellis was an accountant at Baumueller-Nuermont Corporation, an industrial equipment company with offices in Atlanta.  Her job responsibilities included payroll and paying vendors.

While employed as Baumueller-Nuermont’s accountant, Ellis fraudulently funneled money to the defendants’ two sham companies, Total Source Solution and Tech Group Investments.  Ellis wrote corporate checks to Total Source Solution, signed her name on the checks, and forged the signature of the Vice President on the checks, to ensure that the checks could be negotiated.  Ellis recorded these payments in the check registry to reflect falsely that the checks had been issued to true vendors (such as American Express) when in fact they went to Ellis’ company.

As part of the scheme, Ellis also falsified employee records in the corporation’s payroll system to disguise payments to the defendants’ two companies.  Ellis created phantom employees by altering the names of real employees (by switching their first and last names) and slightly changing their Social Security numbers.  She then caused the payroll system to make fraudulent salary payments to Total Source Solution and Tech Group Investments for these new, non-existent employees.

Baumueller-Nuermont lost about $85,000 from this scheme.

Raytosha Elliott, 35, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced yesterday to two years, ten months in prison and three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $115,902 in restitution to the Georgia National Guard and $26,500 in restitution to Baumueller-Nuermont Corporation by U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg.  Elliott was also ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution to WebBank based on a fraudulent loan application she submitted to the bank in September 2013.  In that application, Elliott falsely inflated Tech Group Investments’ sales and gross receipts, and provided a fraudulent federal tax return in support of those figures, to obtain the loan. She was also ordered to perform 60 hours community service.

Lakeysha Ellis, 37, of Decatur, Georgia, was sentenced to nine months in prison and three years of supervised release, and three months of home confinement.  She was also ordered to pay $74,902 in restitution to the Georgia National Guard and $81,487.88 in restitution to Baumueller-Nuermont Corporation.  Both defendants previously pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy.

Today, Angela Thicklin, 45, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to one year, nine months in prison and three years of supervised release including ordered to pay $78,640 in restitution to the Georgia National Guard by Judge Totenberg.  Thicklin previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command; and Deputy Inspectors General of the State of Georgia Office of the Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen H. McClain prosecuted the case.

Source: http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/former-georgia-national-guard-employee-and-two-vendors-sentenced-corruption-scheme

Filed Under: Contracting News Tagged With: competitive bid, conspiracy, corruption, DoD, DOJ, FBI, fraud, Georgia Department of Defense, Georgia National Guard, IRS, kick-back, kickback

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