While you might think those two sound the same, they are essentially different in not only their mission but also how they purchase items. the Iowa Prison Industries (IPI) refers to itself as the ‘work arm’ of the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC)… essentially, the IPI helps prepare current offenders with work training opportunities to … Continue reading Doing Business with the Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa Prison Industries
Month: September 2021
CIRAS News: Meet New Hire Kelly Freel
Kelly Freel has recently started as the newest counselor for the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at CIRAS. Most recently, she worked with ISU Purchasing as a Senior Contract Manager, where she helped to procure medical and scientific equipment for a number of federal research projects. Considering her background with state procurement practices and federal acquisition regulations, is … Continue reading CIRAS News: Meet New Hire Kelly Freel
CIRAS Generates Economic Impact of Over $3 Billion
The work done by CIRAS to strengthen businesses and communities across Iowa has generated an economic impact of over $3 billon in the past five years alone. Since 2016, CIRAS and its partners have helped more than 4,100 businesses in every Iowa county with solutions that have led to new or retained sales, new investments, … Continue reading CIRAS Generates Economic Impact of Over $3 Billion
PTAC Counselor Expands Territory Southeast Iowa
A CIRAS government contracting specialist will soon have an expanded role. Samantha Ferm will take over the territory covered by Melissa Burant, a counselor in the CIRAS Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) since 2014, is transitioning into a new position leading strategic supply chain initiatives. Ferm has been with CIRAS as a PTAC counselor … Continue reading PTAC Counselor Expands Territory Southeast Iowa
CIRAS News: New Hire Rachel Hahn
Rachel Hahn has joined CIRAS as the account manager for the food industry. Rachel has a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Iowa. She joins CIRAS after spending the past decade in food and food ingredient manufacturing. She has extensive experience in plant maintenance and capital equipment, including leading cross-functional teams on … Continue reading CIRAS News: New Hire Rachel Hahn
Jake Behrens Takes on Capstone Project Manager Position
Jake Behrens, who has worked with the CIRAS Technology Group on Industry 4.0 services, will now take on the role of capstone project manager. He replaces Carey Novak, who recently retired from the position. Behrens’ previous industry experience will ease the transition of roles within CIRAS. The work he has done on Industry 4.0 provides … Continue reading Jake Behrens Takes on Capstone Project Manager Position
Retirement of Capstone Project Manager, Carey Novak
After eight years, Carey Novak has retired from CIRAS as a project manager, where his work focused on serving Iowa State University’s College of Engineering Capstone program. Carey came to Iowa State from Bradly University, and has previous experience at Iowa State supporting companies with technology transfer. Throughout his career, Carey’s work has been beneficial … Continue reading Retirement of Capstone Project Manager, Carey Novak