HOLSTEIN, Iowa – Jordan Bremer flips through pages of hand-written notes documenting the many flavor combinations she’s tested over the years at Tiefenthaler Quality Meats, pausing on a page of one of her award-winning creations. “This one, I did a nacho patty, and it was my grand champion innovative beef in 2018,” she said. “That … Continue reading A trusted partner helping meat processors grow, provide quality products
Author: gmallen
Important Updates on CIRAS Funding
Update: On April 15, CIRAS was notified by NIST that they would receive six months of funding while NIST and the Department of Commerce review and evaluate next steps for the program. Original post April 8, 2025: I’m writing to you today to provide you with an important update that impacts how CIRAS serves … Continue reading Important Updates on CIRAS Funding
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
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
How to Minimize Risks Through Supply Chain Mapping
Since the pandemic, supply chain disruptions have become a regular challenge for manufacturers. They can happen at any time and have a significant impact on operations.
“Late is Late” and Electronic Proposal Submissions
Federal government agencies are increasingly requiring offerors to submit their proposals electronically, whether by email or through a portal. While electronic proposal submissions can be convenient, they also pose risks to contractors–especially those who may be inclined to wait to hit “submit” until very close to the proposal deadline. Under the strict “late is late” … Continue reading “Late is Late” and Electronic Proposal Submissions
CIRAS Supports the Restoration of Historical Dairy Fountain
When University Museums at Iowa State sought to restore the iconic History of Dairying Fountain in the Food Sciences Building, CIRAS, through their connections at the Digital Manufacturing Lab Powered by Alliant Energy, provided crucial support and introduced them to campus resources able to assist. Under President Wendy Wintersteen’s leadership, the project leveraged advanced technology … Continue reading CIRAS Supports the Restoration of Historical Dairy Fountain