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 government contracting compliance and contracting opportunities helps businesses diversify their portfolio to generate an additional revenue stream.
Q: What skills or experiences have prepared you for this job?
Working in industry for the first 15 years of my career helped me understand the challenges companies face based on the ebb and flows of the economy and tough decisions that need to be made internally to keep a company profitable.
The next 20 years in public procurement/government contracting helped prepare me to understand government contracting, including the clauses, jargon and acronyms that accompany it. As a Senior Contract Manager, I worked with internal and external stakeholders, managing various professional and technical service contracts and almost any commodity I apply to daily work interactions.
Q: What types of companies do you work with?
Small and large companies varying from cleaning companies to custom computer programming companies to engineering firms to manufacturing companies and more.
Q: What opportunities for advancement are available for companies by working with CIRAS?
Companies can advance by working with CIRAS by having a vast network of professionals with industry experience and helping companies make the right connections to help move their impact meter.
Q: How do you stay updated on the latest developments or trends in manufacturing/government contracting?
Read, read, read. Follow agencies on LinkedIn, podcasts, attend training events related to government contracting, and attend networking events.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
Helping both internal and external customers. Every day is different. I enjoy the opportunity to build rapport with each unique business.
For more information, contact Kelly Freel by kmfreel@iastate.edu or phone 515-620-6265.