I’m writing to you today to provide you with an important update that impacts how CIRAS serves the industry across Iowa. Last week, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) notified CIRAS that it was stopping support for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program effective immediately because it is no longer aligned with the … Continue reading Important Update on CIRAS Funding
Year: 2025
Avoiding Common Misconceptions About Calculating Small Business Status
Qualifying as a small business for purposes of federal government contracting requires a contractor to compare its average annual receipts or average employee count to the size standard associated with a particular North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. For contractors in the construction and service industries, which generally use receipts-based size standards, there are … Continue reading Avoiding Common Misconceptions About Calculating Small Business Status
Emily Betz Named Director of the Iowa Lean Consortium
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2025 AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC), a program of the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University, is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Betz as director, effective April 7, 2025. Emily has been a valued member of the ILC and CIRAS … Continue reading Emily Betz Named Director of the Iowa Lean Consortium
Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – April 3 Update
Tariff shifts continue to impact Iowa companies, making it more important than ever to stay proactive in managing risks and adapting your supply chain strategy. CIRAS is committed to keeping you informed and providing actionable insights to help your business stay resilient. Join Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, as he breaks down the latest … Continue reading Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – April 3 Update
Road Construction Safety Tips for DBE Businesses
Now that the season for road construction has begun, safety is essential. Road construction projects are vital for infrastructure development but come with significant risks. For small Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), prioritizing safety not only protects workers but also helps prevent costly delays and ensures compliance. Here are key safety measures tailored for small DBEs: … Continue reading Road Construction Safety Tips for DBE Businesses
Building Strong Partnerships With Prime Contractors: Key Strategies for DBEs
Forming strong partnerships with prime contractors and other businesses is vital for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to secure contracts, expand capabilities, and enhance credibility. Success relies on strategy, persistence, and effective communication. Below are six recommended strategies DBEs should consider applying to position themselves as trustworthy partners and achieve sustainable business growth: Understand Prime Contractor … Continue reading Building Strong Partnerships With Prime Contractors: Key Strategies for DBEs
DBEs Expanding Opportunities: Getting Certified in Another State
For Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) aiming to broaden their opportunities, obtaining certification in another state can lead to new contracts and substantial business growth. Before pursuing interstate certification, a DBE must first secure certification in its home state. Although each state has its own specific requirements, the general steps for obtaining interstate certification typically include: … Continue reading DBEs Expanding Opportunities: Getting Certified in Another State
Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – March 14 Update
Tariff shifts continue to impact Iowa companies, requiring businesses to stay proactive in managing risks and adapting their supply chains. CIRAS is committed to keeping you informed and providing actionable strategies to help your business remain resilient. Join Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, as he shares the latest insights on: Recent tariff updates and potential future … Continue reading Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – March 14 Update
Q&A with Jason Armstrong
Jason Armstrong, CIRAS Strategic Advisor Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. As a primary point of contact for companies, I help identify areas for improvement and coordinate with the appropriate CIRAS team members to implement initiatives that drive growth and success. Q: … Continue reading Q&A with Jason Armstrong
Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – March 5 Update
Tariff shifts continue to impact Iowa companies, requiring businesses to stay proactive in managing risks and adapting their supply chains. CIRAS is committed to keeping you informed and providing actionable strategies to help your business remain resilient. Join Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, as he shares the latest insights on: Recent tariff updates and … Continue reading Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – March 5 Update