Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center

5 steps to stand out from the crowd in 2018

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It’s Friday afternoon and I get a call from a friend asking for a brief overview of fiscal 2018 IT spending. They need it ASAP for a presentation next week. I email two friends at BGov and they get back to me within an hour with five perfect slides.

I send it to my friend and everyone is happy. Then I start looking at the slides a little more closely. And I think about the money going out for IT, and how it is going to be spent. And I think about the smaller companies I am working with and those I want to work with.

What should they do to win some of this money? How can they stand out from the crowd to get some of those precious government contract dollars?

Several things come to mind but these five are usually at the top of my list. I have included a reference for each to a previous Washington Technology article.

Keep reading this article at: https://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2018/01/17/insights-amtower-2018-strategy.aspx

 

GSA holding small business networking session Feb. 8th in Savannah

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The General Services Administration’s Office of Small Business Utilization and Hoar Construction LLC are holding a networking session for small businesses on Feb. 8, 2018 in Savannah, Georgia.

Background

On Sept. 28, 2017, GSA awarded a contract in the amount of $22,819,862 to Hoar Construction of Birmingham, Alabama to design and build the new Tomochichi Courthouse Annex in Savannah.  Since Hoar is not a small businesses, the firm is required to develop an acceptable small business subcontracting plan in accordance with FAR 19.7.  The event being planned on Feb. 8th is designed to facilitate small business participation in the project.

The scope of design/build contract includes: design/construction documents and construction work, consisting of all labor, equipment, and materials for a complete build-out.  The project includes space for one bankruptcy courtroom and chambers, the bankruptcy clerk, and space for the U.S. Probation Office.  The total space requirement is approximately 35,000 square feet of office space and 11,000 square feet of parking for 25 cars,  for a total of 46,000 gross square feet, available for personnel, furnishings and equipment, with occupancy planned for the year 2020.  The newly constructed Courthouse Annex will be located on GSA-owned property, on a site between Barnard Street, West Your Street, Whitaker Street, and West State Street in Savannah.

Networking Event

Prospective attendees at the small business networking event are to register their company with the GSA Contacting Officer listed below via email.  Due to space availability, the GSA asks that no more than two (2) persons per firm be represented.  Call-in reservations will not be accepted.  The networking session is intended to review the scope of the project, review the project site, and conduct a GSA Small Business Networking forum among attendees.

Contact information: Swindale Rhodes, Contracting Officer, Email: swindale.rhodes@gsa.gov

Date and Time: February 8, 2018, 1:30 pm

Location of Event: 124 Barnard Street, J.G. Lowe “B” Building, 3rd Floor, Savannah, GA 31401

Ft. Benning holding B2G conference and expo on Jan. 24th

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On Wednesday, January 24, 2018, Fort Benning is hosting a Business To Government (B2G) event featuring:

  • a Lecture Series with a focus on contracting with state and federal government departments and agencies, and
  • a trade show packed with exhibitors from all across the country

Attendees can take a class on veteran issues, new technology and best practice seminars, such as compliance issues, and the value of a “commitment to fund” letter.

Attendance is free, including lectures and touring the trade show.  There is a fee for attendees wishing to join the breakfast or lunch sessions or Panels I, II, and III.

At the 7:30 am “Breakfast with the DoD” round-table session, Peggy Burchardt, Director of Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) at Fort Benning, will be providing the keynote address.  At noon, a “Small Business Procurement Initiatives Luncheon” will be held, featuring Alabama’s House Minority Leader, Anthony Daniels.

Program details can be found at: http://ttexpobenning2018.org.   Click on “I Want To Attend” in order to register for this event.  Click on “I Want To Exhibit” for details on how to become an exhibitor.

In order to gain access to Fort Benning, you need to familiarize yourself with instructions posted at: https://www.benning.army.mil/GateInfo/

 

 

Transit supply chain forum to be held Oct. 11th

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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.

USG holding annual procurement expo in Savannah on Oct. 24

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The University System of Georgia (USG) invites all vendors to come to the 11th USG Procurement Expo — this year hosted by Armstrong State University in Savannah, Georgia.

At USG Procurement Expo 2017 you will explore business opportunities with the University System of Georgia. Network with federal, state, and local agencies and prime construction management firms.

The luncheon program will highlight business opportunities with Georgia’s ports, Chatham County, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, and the City of Savannah.

Other features of this year’s event:

  • Includes sessions on navigating the procurement process of the University System of Georgia. Meet buyers and contracting officers from the public colleges and universities of the State of Georgia.
  • Network with representatives from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, Georgia Department of Transportation, federal, state, and local government agencies.
  • Meet prime construction management firms currently working with the University System of Georgia.

SCHEDULE – Tuesday, October 24, 2017

8:30AM Registration

10:00AM Morning Session

Navigating the University System of Georgia procurement process in the areas of construction projects, facilities management, and general procurement

General Procurement

  • Moderator: Ms. Daphne Burch, USG Procurement Expo 2017 Co-chair and Procurement Director, Armstrong State University

Construction/Facilities Management

  • Moderator: Ms. Katie Twining, Associate Vice President fo Facilities,     Georgia Southern University

12:15PM Luncheon Program

This year we will explore business opportunities with the Savannah ports and shipping industry.

  • Moderator: Mr. Vince “The Voice” Bailey, Vince Bailey Productions

Luncheon Panel:

  • Mr. Bart Gobeil, Senior Director of Economic Development and Government Affairs, Georgia Ports Authority
  • Ms. Peggy Joyner, CPPO, Purchasing Director, Chatham County Purchasing & Contracting
  • Ms. MarRonde Lumpkin-Lotson, SEC Administrator, Savannah Entrepreneurial Center
  • Ms. Sabrina Scales, Director of Finance and Business, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System

2:00PM Exhibits Open

Visit with procurement officials from the University System of Georgia, federal, state, and local agencies, and prime construction management firms.

Location:

Armstrong State University

Armstrong Center
13040 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419

Hotel Information:

When registering, please mention that you are attending an event at Armstrong State University and would like the Armstrong rate.

Fairfield Inn I-95 South, 17027 Abercorn Street, Savannah 31419 – Call 912-925-5050 for the Armstrong Rate: $91

Springhill Suites by Marriott, 11317 Abercorn Street, Savannah – Call 912-920-3784 for the Armstrong Rate: $96

TownPlace Suites by Marriott, 11309 Abercorn Street, Savannah – Call 912-920-9080 for the Armstrong Rate: $84

Cancellation Policy:

Due to pre-registration costs and guarantees, refunds or credits are not extended for this event. However, registrations are transferable. On the day of the event, the substitute attendee must present a copy of the registration receipt or email verification to be admitted to the event.

Photo Release:

By registering for this event, I grant to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia the right to take photographs of me and my property in connection with the USG Procurement Expo. I authorize the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to use and publish the same in print and/or electronically. I agree that the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia may use such photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity and web content.

Use this link to Register Now!

U.S. Department of Education hosts small business conference on July 21st

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The U.S. Department of Education Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) will host a Small Business Conference July 21, 2017.

The free conference will feature presentations and roundtables regarding federal and state procurement opportunities.  All small businesses are welcome to attend.

Time:  10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Location:  Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center; 61 Forsyth Street, S.W.; Tower Building, 2nd Floor; Atlanta, GA  30303

RSVP is required. Register at: http://www.cvent.com/d/5fqzxx/4W

Public transit is recommended.  The closest MARTA stop is at Five Points Station which is adjacent to the building.  There are limited parking facilities nearby.

Please email any questions to small.business@ed.gov or call Marcella Coverson at 202-245-6300.

OPM holds 4th quarter readiness forum on July 20th

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The federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Clark Atlanta University have joined forces to present a “4th Quarter Readiness Forum” at Clark Atlanta University on July 20, 2017.

The session is designed to offer the small business community marketing and contracting tips to consider when marketing to federal agencies during the federal government’s 4th quarter (July, August and September).

Representatives from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), General Services Administration (GSA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Education Dept., the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other agencies will be available to discuss how they utilize various contracting tools and vehicles to award contracts in this often challenging 4th quarter time frame in the government’s calendar.

Attendees also will be provided research tips on how to use the Federal Procurement Data System-Next Generation (FPDS-NG) data base to help you research procurement opportunities.

The session will be held at Clark Atlanta University, Cole Science Research Center at 223 James P. Brawley Dr., SW, Atlanta, GA  30314 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Box lunches will be available for purchase at this event.

Here’s a link to what OPM buys: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/us-office-of-personnel-management-14499326759

Attendees are required to register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-quarter-readiness-forum-tickets-35946174977.

For more information, feel free to contact Ms. Cherina Hughes at cherina.hughes@opm.gov or Art Brown at 770-732-9392 or art@lescot.com.

Fort Stewart forecasts their contract opportunities on July 27

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Fort Stewart invites all interested vendors to a “Forecast Forum” — featuring representatives from Fort Stewart Units and Mission Installation Contracting Command (MICC) — where anticipated contract opportunities for the remainder of FY17 will be discussed.  (FY17 ends Sept. 30, 2017.)

When:

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Time:

9:00 am to 1:00 pm – Event sign-in begins at 8:30 am

Where:

SFC Paul R. Smith Education Center, 100 Knowledge Drive, Fort Stewart, GA 31313

Registration:

There is no fee to attend but advance registration is required!

For your convenience, Registration may be completed in any of three different ways:

  1. On-Line Registration at:  https://gtpac.ecenterdirect.com/events/signup/8376
  2. Call Mr. Larry N. Blige of the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center to: 912-963-2524
  3. Fax a registration form to: 912-963-2522.  Download the registration form here: Ft Stewart MICC Forcast Forum Registration Form – 07.27.2017
Important base access information: 

This event is located outside Gate 1 (No gate access is required).  Make a right onto General Stewart Way and a left onto Knowledge Drive.  If you have Military/Federal Civilian ID or CAC Card, you can gain access to Fort Stewart through any gate.  If you do not, you will only gain access to this event at Gate 1 and will need to show a CURRENT Driver’s License, Auto Registration, and Auto Insurance.  Also, allow extra time in case they need to inspect your vehicle.  Do not speed on this installation.  Use of (non-hands free) cell phones while driving on Fort Stewart is illegal, and you could be fined.

Georgia Dept. of Economic Development hosts supplier event Apr. 19 & 20

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The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Centers of Innovation is hosting an event giving you a chance to grow your business with other aerospace and defense suppliers.

The April 19th Networking Reception and the April 20th Conference are being held at the Middle Georgia State University Conference Center, 100 University Parkway, Macon, GA 31206.  The cost to attend is $95.

Attendees can expect to increase business contacts, information and resources you can use to help grow your business. This business development event is designed for aerospace and defense suppliers, providing an opportunity to:

  • Promote your company’s capabilities to gain new business,
  • Attend development sessions build skills and become more competitive, and
  • Network with others at the evening reception on April 19th.

Attendees can request to participate in 1:1 FAST PITCH sessions to promote your company’s capabilities to buyers including: Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Meggitt Training Systems.

Interested companies need to complete their FAST PITCH profile by March 31st at the registration link.  All completed FAST PITCH profiles will be made available to the participating buyers, who will then select their matches for FAST PITCH sessions.

The Networking Reception (business casual) will be held on April 19th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm to give attendees more informal networking opportunities.

  • Be Prepared: Please come prepared with your “elevator” speech to share your company’s capabilities, what sets you apart from the competition, and be able to share what kind of connections would be most helpful to you.  Bring plenty of business cards and brochures to leave with your new connections.

Detailed Agenda and Registration are at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-supplier-opportunities-aerospace-resources-soar-conference-tickets-26689705628?aff=GTPAC

Clayton County holding annual small business expo on Jan. 19th

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Clayton County governmentThe Clayton County Water Authority and Clayton County government are holding their 2nd annual Small Business Expo on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The event is designed to provide networking opportunities for prime contractors and  local, minority and women owned small businesses.

Registration for this event is $25 ($20 early-bird registration by Nov. 30, 2016).  Register on-line at https://2017smallbizexpo.eventbrite.com

The event flyer may be downloaded here: clayton-county-jan-19-expo-flyer

Clayton County Water AuthorityThe Expo will be held at Clayton State University, Student Activity Center, 2008 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow, GA 30260.

Questions about this event may be directed via email to ccwa_slbe_program@ccwa.us or (770) 960-5880.

 

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