Author: gmallen

Understanding the SBA’s Two-Year Joint Venture Restriction 

Joint ventures are an increasingly popular form of business for companies pursuing government contracts. But contractors pursuing small business set-aside contracts and/or socioeconomic set-aside and sole-source contracts (such as 8(a) contracts) must strictly adhere to the rules of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). One of the most important SBA joint venture rules–and one that … Continue reading Understanding the SBA’s Two-Year Joint Venture Restriction 

GSA MAS Contract Holders: Time May Be Running Short to Get Your House in Order

GSA MAS Contract Holders: Time May Be Running Short to Get Your House in Order The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) recently announced a new initiative that “put its Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contractors on notice that it is making ‘major changes’ to ‘improve the effectiveness of the MAS Program’ by allowing contracts that fail … Continue reading GSA MAS Contract Holders: Time May Be Running Short to Get Your House in Order

A trusted partner helping meat processors grow, provide quality products

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

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

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