Engineered Seals & Components, L.L.C. (ESC), a precision parts company in Davenport, Iowa, is working with CIRAS and automation partner Direct Automation to develop a new machine for cutting large seals more efficiently. The solution will improve consistency, reduce manual labor, and lower safety risks. Company Overview Engineered Seals & Components, L.L.C. (ESC) is a … Continue reading Engineered Seals & Components: Improving Seal-Cutting Efficiency Through Automation
Year: 2025
Ritchie Industries: Expanding Sensor Technology with CIRAS Support
Ritchie Industries, a livestock equipment manufacturer in Conrad, Iowa, implemented new sensor technology with guidance from CIRAS. The project improved production efficiency and led to $5,000 in annual labor savings, with plans for further expansion in 2025. Company Overview Ritchie Industries is a family-owned company based in Conrad, Iowa, with 70 employees. Since 1921, the … Continue reading Ritchie Industries: Expanding Sensor Technology with CIRAS Support
Preparing for Tariff Impacts in Your Supply Chain – Oct. 27th Update
Tariff developments continue to affect Iowa manufacturers, and staying informed is key to protecting your operations. CIRAS is here to help you understand the latest shifts and make proactive decisions. In our October 27th update, Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, shared the most recent insights across three areas: New Industry Tariffs New tariffs were … Continue reading Preparing for Tariff Impacts in Your Supply Chain – Oct. 27th Update
Understanding & Leveraging Federal “Veterans First” Preferences
Under a program called “Veterans First,” service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses can get a powerful leg up in federal government contracting. For SDVOSBs, VOSBs and potential teammates, understanding the contours and limitations of this powerful program can make a big strategic difference in selling to Uncle Sam. What Is Veterans First? Veterans … Continue reading Understanding & Leveraging Federal “Veterans First” Preferences
CIRAS Staff News: Meet William Zumdome
William Zumdome joined CIRAS as a Strategic Advisor serving southeast Iowa. William demonstrates expertise in global operations, strategic sourcing, and project execution. He has a successful record of optimizing plant efficiency, leading cross-functional teams, and developing programs that improve quality, safety, and financial performance. Previously, William served as an Operations Director at ITW Magnaflux, where … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet William Zumdome
DICA: Growing in the Federal Marketplace with CIRAS Guidance
DICA, a family business in Urbandale, Iowa, earned a $95,000 GSA contract with guidance from CIRAS APEX Accelerator. This milestone expands the company’s presence in the federal marketplace and demonstrates its ability to successfully navigate complex government contracting requirements. Company Overview DICA is a family-owned and operated company based in Urbandale, Iowa, with 38 employees. … Continue reading DICA: Growing in the Federal Marketplace with CIRAS Guidance
CIRAS BidMatch Service Moves to Paid Subscription Model
CIRAS is dedicated to helping Iowa businesses discover and pursue government contracting opportunities that fuel their growth. As part of this commitment, the CIRAS BidMatch service will transition from a free tool to a paid annual subscription of $199, effective October 1, 2025. Why is BidMatch changing? Due to some changes in CIRAS federal funding … Continue reading CIRAS BidMatch Service Moves to Paid Subscription Model
Understanding & Leveraging Federal Small Business Goals
Federal law requires that the government as a whole, as well as individual procuring agencies, attempt to meet certain goals for awarding prime contracting and subcontracting dollars to small businesses and certain subcategories of small businesses. Understanding the government’s small business goals can make a company more competitive in the federal government marketplace. What Are … Continue reading Understanding & Leveraging Federal Small Business Goals
Hach Company: 3D-Printed Prototyping for a Safer Blade-Cleaning Solution with CIRAS Support
Hach partnered with CIRAS to solve a persistent blade cleaning challenge. Using the CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab Powered by Alliant Energy and 3D printing, a team of interns developed a safer, ergonomic tool that reduces cleaning time and safety risks, saving the company an estimated $163,000 annually. Company Overview Since our founding in 1933, Hach® … Continue reading Hach Company: 3D-Printed Prototyping for a Safer Blade-Cleaning Solution with CIRAS Support
When Do FAR Amendments Apply to Solicitations and Contracts?
The primary rulebook for U.S. federal government contractors, the Federal Acquisition Regulation, is in the midst of a top-to-bottom overhaul. This process, known as the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, or RFO, is intended to “return the FAR to its statutory roots, rewritten in plain language” to make the rules easier to understand and follow for contractors and … Continue reading When Do FAR Amendments Apply to Solicitations and Contracts?