Amidst a period where projects may have experienced a slowdown, it is opportune to explore the training opportunities provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). The Iowa DOT Technical Training and Certification Program offers a variety of training formats, accommodating both in-person and virtual sessions. Construction in Training (CIT) funding is available for DBE … Continue reading Iowa DOT Training Opportunities and CIT Funding for Contractors
Year: 2023
CIRAS Secures 5-Year EDA Grant to Benefit Iowa Construction Sector
The U.S. Department of Economic Administration has chosen CIRAS to continue its role in the national University Center program. This designation, along with a five-year grant, will provide CIRAS with the resources needed to enhance its support for the construction industry in Iowa. As part of the new initiative, CIRAS will undertake four specific activities: … Continue reading CIRAS Secures 5-Year EDA Grant to Benefit Iowa Construction Sector
Elevate your Lean learning and development – be part of the ILC Kentucky Lean Tour 2024!
Join us May 14-16, 2024 in Lexington, KY, for an immersive experience blending Lean leadership workshops, site visits to industry leaders like Toyota and Safran Landing Systems, and fun networking opportunities with other ILC members. Led by the author of “Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way,” Mike Hoseus, this learning experience … Continue reading Elevate your Lean learning and development – be part of the ILC Kentucky Lean Tour 2024!
Q & A with Kelly Freel, CPPB
Q & A with Kelly Freel, CPPB Role: Team Lead, APEX Accelerator, Government Contracting Specialist Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I advise Iowa businesses on how to prepare for government contracting, including subcontracting with prime contractors. Helping Iowa businesses with … Continue reading Q & A with Kelly Freel, CPPB
Researching Prime Contractors with Subcontracting Plans
Federal subcontracting is the place to be! It all starts with understanding where you’re a good fit within the indirect market. One avenue to identify potential opportunities with prime contractors is by understanding what prime contractors have a subcontracting plan! A subcontract plan is required by large prime contractors in the federal sector if the … Continue reading Researching Prime Contractors with Subcontracting Plans
8th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List
One of our favorite times of the year is here! ‘Tis the season to remind everybody that there are awesome Iowa-made products to give as gifts! Stay well-equipped on and off the road with a new Truck Topper from Black River. Celebrate your special moments with custom photos and printed home decor from Photosynthesis. Give … Continue reading 8th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List
Q&A with CIRAS Project Manager Brian Muff
The original content was generated from The Industry Iowa Podcast, recorded on June 30, 2022. Q: Can you share your background and how you became involved with Iowa State and CIRAS? A: I started around 2006 after working as a chemist and obtaining a degree in chemistry from Iowa State University (ISU). After that, I … Continue reading Q&A with CIRAS Project Manager Brian Muff
What Does the Forecast Say?
Most businesses receiving services from our CIRAS APEX Accelerator program are receiving a Bid Match service from us no cost. This service helps businesses find formally-posted opportunities related to their products and services. The majority of posts found by the Bid Match, however, are in the solicitation phase, in which government agencies are actively seeking … Continue reading What Does the Forecast Say?
Gearing Up for Next ExporTech
Participants in the next ExporTech 2.0 series can expect the same mix of in-person presentations and online content that made last year’s program so successful. “The hybrid format was well received by both the attendees and subject matter experts,” said Marc Schneider, a CIRAS project manager who leads ExporTech. “It provides a regular cadence for … Continue reading Gearing Up for Next ExporTech
Technology Solves Workforce Challenges
In a business environment where adoption of technology is increasingly important—but also increasingly overwhelming—CIRAS is helping Iowa businesses identify the best systems and reduce the risk of adopting those systems. A case in point is Osmundson Manufacturing in Perry. Osmundson makes agricultural tillage equipment. It is a constant challenge to prevent soft-tissue injuries and the … Continue reading Technology Solves Workforce Challenges