Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Training
    • Class Registration
    • On-demand Training
    • GTPAC COVID-19 Resource Page
    • Veterans Verification Video
    • Other Training Audio & Video
  • Useful Links
  • Team Directory
    • Albany Counselor
    • Atlanta Counselors
    • Augusta Counselor
    • Carrollton Counselor
    • Columbus Counselor
    • Gainesville Counselor
    • Savannah Counselor
    • Warner Robins Counselor
  • Directions
    • Atlanta – Training Facility
    • Atlanta – Office
    • Albany
    • Augusta
    • Carrollton
    • Columbus
    • Gainesville
    • Savannah
    • Warner Robins
  • COVID-19
  • New Client Application
  • Contact Us

Dr. Abdallah testifies on U.S. competitiveness, research, STEM pipeline at Congressional hearing

February 14, 2020 By Andrew Smith

On Jan. 29, Chaouki Abdallah, Georgia Tech’s executive vice president for Research, testified before a U.S. House of Representatives committee about the cooperative United States research and development (R&D) enterprise, including the threat of falling behind other nations in critical technologies, investment in the nation’s institutions of higher education, and the future of the STEM talent pipeline.

Along with Abdallah, the hearing brought together expert testimony from representatives from federal and industry perspectives, including Diane Souvaine, chair of the National Science Board, and Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and founder of Schmidt Futures.

In his testimony to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Abdallah stressed the importance of maintaining the U.S. position of leadership in R&D, and the importance of the collaboration between the federal government, higher education, and the private sector.

“The mission, alignment, and cooperation of these three actors have historically made the U.S. research landscape the most productive and admired in the world … and made the U.S. safer, healthier, and wealthier.”

Continue reading at:  Georgia Tech News Center

Filed Under: Georgia Tech News Tagged With: competitiveness, Georgia Tech, higher education, research

Georgia Tech marks $42 million expanded research presence in Cobb County

May 23, 2019 By Andrew Smith

A Cobb County facility expanded to the tune of $42 million is expected to play a larger role in the state’s aerospace industry and the country’s defense efforts.

Officials with Georgia Tech Research Institute — a nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology — cut the ribbon Wednesday, May 8th on its expanded Cobb County Research Facility off Atlanta Road and adjacent to both Dobbins Air Reserve Base and Lockheed Martin.

Wednesday’s ceremony unveiled the redeveloped 350,000 square feet of space, which came to GTRI after it purchased for $21 million four buildings on an unused, 52-acre Lockheed Martin site in December 2017, the MDJ previously reported.  The additional space will give the university entity more room to support its research goals, which its interim director, Lora Weiss, said is of “incredible importance” to national security.

Continue reading at:  Marietta Daily Journal

Filed Under: Georgia Tech News Tagged With: Georgia Tech, GTRI, national security, research

Defense dominates experiment in streamlined bidding for innovation

April 15, 2019 By Andrew Smith

Streamlined solicitations for innovative commercial products and services, known as commercial solutions openings are beginning to take off in the Defense Department. Even the General Services Administration’s CSO service, which is open to all agencies for a fee, so far has been dominated by Defense users.

CSOs aren’t as well known or broadly used as their procurement-innovation cousin, other transaction authority, which gives agencies the ability to strike contracts outside the Federal Acquisition Regulation for research, prototypes and production to obtain technology from nontraditional defense contractors. Eleven agencies including Defense have OT authority.

GSA’s CSO holds the potential to bring civilian agencies, most of which don’t have OT authority, the ability to reach out to and select suppliers unencumbered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation. So far, civilian agencies haven’t been biting, but Pentagon organizations are, even though they have their own CSO provider.

The very first GSA CSO customer was none other than the Defense Innovation Unit, a once-experimental buying organization that invented CSOs. Originally designed to lure emerging companies to work for the Pentagon by easing the pain of federal procurement processes, the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental, or DIUx, lost the X last summer, when it was designated a permanent outpost for testing defense buying boundaries.

Keep reading this article at: https://www.govexec.com/excellence/management-matters/2019/03/defense-dominates-experiment-streamlined-bidding-innovation/155373/

Filed Under: Contracting News Tagged With: AFWERX, ANTX, commercial solutions openings, CSO, DIUx, DoD, experiment, FAR, GSA, innovation, OTA, other transactional authority, prototype, R&D, research

March 28th webinar to address how small businesses can support US DOT’s research needs

March 14, 2019 By Andrew Smith

The United States Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is inviting small businesses to participate in a webinar on the Department’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.  The webinar will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm (EDT).

Here’s what participants will learn:

  • How you can apply your expertise and support U.S. DOT’s research goals through SBIR.
  • Updates on the Department’s FY19 SBIR solicitation.
  • How the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) participate in the SBIR program.

U.S. DOT’s SBIR program has awarded $50 million during the past five years to small businesses. Webinar participants will be able to hear from U.S. DOT SBIR program managers about their agency’s research needs and how they use the SBIR program.

Please confirm your participation by registering clicking this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QGFYB9Q no later than COB Monday, March 25, 2019.   By close of business Tuesday, March 26, 2019 registrants will receive an email communication with instructions on how to join the webinar.

U.S. DOT’s SBIR Program Director Rachael Sack, along with the FHWA R&T Program Development & Partnership Team Director Jack Jernigan, and FRA SBIR Program Manager Jeffrey Gordon, will be in attendance.  Please make your reservation through the link above as space is very limited.

If you have any questions, or concerns, please call Mr. Duphresne at 202-366-9507. You can also reach the Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization at 202-366-1930.

Filed Under: GTPAC News Tagged With: contracting opportunities, FHWA, FRA, research, SBIR, small business, USDOT, webinar

DARPA’s pilot project aims to increase funding opportunities in SBIR and STTR programs

March 6, 2019 By Andrew Smith

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) are the principal set-aside programs for small business participation in federal research and development funding, yet the requirements for administering and managing these programs have not changed significantly in decades.

To keep pace with discovery in science and technology worldwide, DARPA now intends to release SBIR/STTR opportunities on an out-of-cycle basis, separate from the three pre-determined announcements traditionally issued directly through the Department of Defense (DoD). The change is expected to reduce the overall time from opportunity announcement to contract award.

Prior to the change, the timeline for SBIR/STTR funding opportunities was managed independently of DARPA’s primary technology programs, which resulted in small businesses being isolated from the benefits associated with integration into established program communities. Under the terms of the pilot program, however, DARPA will institute timesaving measures to speed program integration, such as Direct to Phase II authority, which allows the agency to bypass Phase I research requirements once performers provide satisfactory documentation of feasibility, and/or proof of scientific merit, technical merit, and commercialization potential.

DARPA will also seek to identify SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees with a compelling go-to-market strategy for participation in a newly created commercialization accelerator. The DARPA accelerator will provide additional funding to employ one entrepreneur-in-residence or business development lead who will offer the awardee direct support for activities including, but not limited to, customer engagement planning, market analysis and mapping, competitive analysis, techno-economic analysis, IP securement strategy development, and financial plan creation.

“It’s essential to change our acquisition practices to mirror the commercial marketplace if we hope to attract revolutionary companies that normally avoid working with the federal government,” said Dr. Steven Walker, director of DARPA. “This move will provide DARPA the flexibility to operate at a much faster pace than traditional SBIR/STTR contracting cycles have historically allowed.”

Congress established the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program in 1982 to provide opportunities for small businesses to participate in federal government-sponsored research and development. Since that time, DARPA has leveraged SBIR awards to promote and sustain small business innovation as well as foster the development and transition of critical national security capabilities.

Full details regarding DARPA’s SBIR/STTR programs and associated Broad Agency Announcements are available at: https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/for-small-businesses.

Source: https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2019-03-01

See DARPA’s 10 focus areas for small businesses here: https://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/2019/03/darpa-highlights-10-focus-areas-innovative-small-businesses/155279/

Filed Under: Contracting News Tagged With: commercialization, contracting opportunities, DARPA, DoD, innovation, opportunities, R&D, research, SBIR, small business, STTR, technology

USDOT is on the hunt for automation, blockchain and more

February 21, 2019 By Andrew Smith

The U.S. Department of Transportation is looking to fund a new slate of emerging technology applications, including automation and blockchain.

USDOT opened the fiscal 2019 solicitation for its Small Business Innovation Research program Tuesday, calling on small businesses to provide solutions focused in 12 topic areas:

  • Automated Detection of Broken Spike Fasteners in Wood Tie Railroad Track
  • Automated Driving Systems Test Data Interface
  • Automated, Drone-Based Grade Crossing Inspection
  • Cost Allocation Technology for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
  • Improved Condition Monitoring of Traction Motors
  • Inline-Inspection Tool for Detecting Coating Defects/Disbondment of Coating
  • Innovative, Low-Cost Methods for Concrete Bridge Deck Assessment
  • In-Vehicle Highway Rail Grade Crossing Alert System
  • Portable Stiffness/Elastic Modulus Measurement System
  • Secure Motor Carrier Safety Data Information Exchange Using Blockchain
  • Vehicle Communication via Induction Paint
  • Wireless Pore Water Pressure Sensor

The SBIR program is administered by the Small Business Administration and includes 11 federal agencies that award R&D contracts to fund and mature new potential technology applications.

Keep reading this article at: https://www.fedscoop.com/dot-opens-solicitation-new-innovative-technologies/

How to Apply
  • Read the 2019 Solicitation for information about the 2019 topics and about proposal requirements.
  • Review the 19 Technical and Administrative Questions
  • If you do not see the answer to your question(s), submit additional technical or administrative questions to the U.S. DOT SBIR Program Office at dotsbir@dot.gov.
  • All questions and answers will be posted as soon as they are received and answered by DOT SBIR program experts.

Submit a proposal through DOT’s SBIR secure site.

Filed Under: Contracting News Tagged With: automation, blockchain, opportunities, R&D, research, SBA, SBIR, small business, technology, transportation, US DOT, USDOT

2019 NDAA analysis: Changes affecting small businesses and the SBIR program

February 20, 2019 By Andrew Smith

The 2019 NDAA contains significant changes that will impact many facets of government contracting.

In this post, we discuss the Sections of the 2019 NDAA that affect small businesses.

As discussed here, these changes include:

1) the codification and reauthorization of defense research and development rapid innovation program;

2) the establishment a Department of Defense small business strategy;

3) the improvement of prompt payment of small business contractors;

4) the increased participation in the SBA microloan program;

5) the extension and amendment of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/ Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs;

6) the funding for procurement technical assistance program;

7) the creation of a commercialization assistance pilot program; and

8) the increasing of opportunities for employee-owned business concerns through SBA loan programs.

Keep reading this article at: http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=775556

Filed Under: Contracting News Tagged With: DoD, microloan, NDAA, R&D, research, SBIR, small business, STTR

Air Force to host first small business pitch day, with $40 million up for grabs

January 14, 2019 By Andrew Smith

Like departments and agencies throughout government, the Air Force is tuning its acquisition methods to get closer the speed of technology, and will be holding its first live pitch day in March, with an available funding pool of $40 million.

The Air Force’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program has issued a call to start-ups and small businesses—those with fewer than 500 employees—to offer pitches on innovative technologies for secure communications, down-range battlefield operations and digital technologies.

“Mind-blowing ideas are being birthed in U.S. start-up companies, but the Pentagon largely misses out on them,” Will Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, said in a release announcing the pitch day. “We have to do business at the speed of ideas so we can both inspire and accelerate start-up creativity towards national security challenges. The only way we’re going to do that is by making sure partnering with the Air Force is easy and energizing.”

Keep reading this article at: https://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/2019/01/air-force-host-first-small-business-pitch-day-40-million-grabs/154114/

Filed Under: Contracting News Tagged With: Air Force, contracting opportunities, innovation, pitch day, research, SBIR, small business

Tech Square to host 2019 Association of University Research Parks international conference

November 5, 2018 By Andrew Smith

Georgia Tech’s Technology Square – one of the nation’s premier innovation districts and a leader in research and economic development – will host the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) 2019 International Conference.

AURP’s mission is to foster innovation, commercialization and economic growth through university, industry and government partnerships. Each year, AURP’s international conference attracts a diverse group, including science and research park directors, economic developers, and intellectual property and venture capital firms.

“Georgia Tech is proud to host AURP’s 2019 International Conference,” said Chaouki Abdallah, executive vice president for research. “Tech Square is a testament to what is possible when higher education, government, business and the community work together. As the Southeast’s premier innovation district, Tech Square promotes a community of innovation, education and intelligent exchange.”

In 2014, the group named Tech Square its “Outstanding Research Park Award” winner.

Tech Square opened in 2003 in Midtown Atlanta with the goal of strengthening the connection between the Institute and the business community. Today the area is a thriving innovation ecosystem thanks to a network of students, faculty, researchers, startup entrepreneurs and global corporations.

“Tech Square is a globally recognized destination for innovation,” said AURP President Mason Ailstock. “Through Georgia Tech’s leadership, Tech Square creates intentional collisions between industry partners, entrepreneurs and the university. AURP is thrilled to showcase the breadth and depth of Atlanta and Georgia Tech to the 2019 conference attendees.”

Tech Square is comprised of more than 2 million square feet of office, research, retail, residential and hotel space, including the Technology Square Research Building, the Biltmore, Global Learning Center, the Scheller College of Business and the new Coda building, which will open in 2019.

More than 100 companies, employing 15,000, people are located in the 10-block area of Midtown Atlanta. Nearly 30 major companies run corporate design, innovation, technology development and research centers in or near the area, including Anthem, AT&T, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, NCR, Southern Company and UCB.

While these corporate operations represent a wide range of industries, they all seek to tap into the area’s culture of collaboration — and its talent pool.

Tech Square is one reason why Atlanta is among the top cities for corporate innovation, said Greg King, associate vice president for economic development at Georgia Tech and an AURP board member.

“With a density that helps to accelerate innovation and development, Tech Square brings together education, research and corporate partnerships,” King said. “Georgia Tech has also fostered an environment where corporate innovators can learn from each other and experienced entrepreneurs mentor younger startups. We’re excited to be able to showcase Tech Square, Georgia Tech and the community of innovation represented here.”

Source: https://www.news.gatech.edu/2018/11/02/tech-square-host-2019-association-university-research-parks-international-conference

Filed Under: Georgia Tech News Tagged With: Georgia Tech, innovation, research, Tech Square

GSA launches pilot for small business research program

August 22, 2018 By Andrew Smith

The General Services Administration (GSA) has announced that it would be moving forward with a new pilot program to manage and grant awards under the third phase of the Small Business Innovation Research program, which encourages small businesses to explore research and development with federal partners.

Phases one and two of the program focus on the actual research and development, while the third phase is designed to help small businesses pursue the commercialization of the products they developed in the first two phases.

“Helping small businesses commercialize new solutions developed with assistance from the SBIR program increases the return on investment from federal research and development funding and supports private sector job growth,” said Small Business Administration Administrator Linda McMahon in a news release.

“The SBA looks forward to working with GSA to encourage the entrepreneurship and innovation associated with the SBIR program and continuing SBA’s efforts to impact the growth of our nation’s small businesses.”

Keep reading this article at: https://www.federaltimes.com/acquisition/2018/07/30/gsa-launches-pilot-for-small-business-research-program/

Filed Under: Contracting News Tagged With: GSA, innovation, R&D, research, SBA, SBIR, small business, training

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page »

Recent Posts

  • OMB releases guidance related to small business goals
  • Are verbal agreements good enough for government contractors?
  • OMB issues guidance on impact of injunction on government contractor vaccine mandate
  • CMMC 2.0 simplifies requirements but raises risks for government contractors
  • OFCCP launches contractor portal initiating AAP verification program

Popular Topics

8(a) abuse Army bid protest budget budget cuts certification construction contract awards contracting opportunities cybersecurity DoD DOJ False Claims Act FAR federal contracting federal contracts fraud GAO Georgia Tech government contracting government contract training government trends GSA GSA Schedule GTPAC HUBZone innovation IT Justice Dept. marketing NDAA OMB SBA SDVOSB set-aside small business small business goals spending subcontracting technology VA veteran owned business VOSB wosb

Contracting News

OMB releases guidance related to small business goals

OMB issues guidance on impact of injunction on government contractor vaccine mandate

Changes coming to DOD’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification under CMMC 2.0

Judge issues nationwide injunction halting enforcement of COVID-19 vaccine mandate

Nondisplacement of qualified workers is back, but with changes

Read More

Contracting Tips

Are verbal agreements good enough for government contractors?

CMMC 2.0 simplifies requirements but raises risks for government contractors

OFCCP launches contractor portal initiating AAP verification program

GAO rules that DoD may not require small business Joint Venture itself hold facility security clearance

Terminations for convenience clauses vs. mutual termination clauses

Read More

GTPAC News

VA direct access program events in 2022

Sandia National Laboratories seeks small business suppliers

Navy OSBP hosting DCAA overview (part 2) event Jan. 12, 2022

Navy OSBP hosting cybersecurity “ask me anything” event Dec. 16th

State of Georgia hosting supplier systems training on January 26, 2022

Read More

Georgia Tech News

Undergraduate enrollment growth reflects inclusive excellence

Georgia Tech delivers $4 billion in economic impact to the State of Georgia

Georgia Tech awards first round of seed grants to support team-based research

Georgia Tech announces inaugural Associate Vice President of Corporate Engagement

DoD funds Georgia Tech to enhance U.S. hypersonics capabilities

Read More

  • SAM.gov registration is free, and help with SAM is free, too
APTAC RSS Twitter GTPAC - 30th Year of Service

Copyright © 2022 · Georgia Tech - Enterprise Innovation Institute