In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Executive Order 11246 through the U.S. Department of Labor, prohibiting employment discrimination in federal contracts based on race, religion, or national origin. In 1967, the order was amended to include protections based on sex and gender. On November 21, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal … Continue reading New DOL Guide Tackles Harassment and Discrimination in Construction Workplaces
Author: gmallen
Navigating Construction Industry Training (CIT) Funding Reimbursement: A Step-by-Step Guide
The construction industry and the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) understand the importance of maintaining qualified employees in the construction workforce. Better trained and more qualified workers produce a higher quality product. Experienced workers retire and skilled people to replace them are difficult to find. As a result, training employees working on Iowa DOT let … Continue reading Navigating Construction Industry Training (CIT) Funding Reimbursement: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selected Small Business Mentor Protégé Programs
Mentor-protégé programs offer numerous benefits to both mentors and protégés. These programs are designed to foster the development of small businesses by pairing them with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and valuable resources. For protégés, the benefits include increased access to government contracting opportunities, enhanced business development, and improved technical and management skills. … Continue reading Selected Small Business Mentor Protégé Programs
9th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List
One of our favorite times of the year is here! ‘Tis the season to remind everybody that there are awesome Iowa-made products to give as gifts! 1. Perfect for a winter home makeover! Custom quartz countertops from Quartz Impressions add elegance and durability, transforming any kitchen or bathroom. 2. Pamper your furry friends with a … Continue reading 9th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List
Iowa OSHA On-Site Consultation Program
The Iowa OSHA Consultation Program offers small – and medium-sized businesses top priority to use this no cost consultation service. The OSHA consultants can help employers reduce their injury and illness rates and help lower the workers’ compensation rates by assisting employers improve their safety and health management system. Most importantly though, Consultation can help … Continue reading Iowa OSHA On-Site Consultation Program
Navigating Iowa DOT’s Bidding Opportunities: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking to do business with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), it’s important to understand the two distinct bidding opportunities available: Purchasing and Contracts & Specifications Bureau. Each has its own processes, requirements, and focus areas, and neither intersects with the other. 1. Iowa DOT Purchasing The Iowa DOT Purchasing division manages bids … Continue reading Navigating Iowa DOT’s Bidding Opportunities: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing the trajectories of Iowa manufacturers
Step into the Digital Manufacturing Lab powered by Alliant Energy and it isn’t long before Chris Hill is unpacking an exoskeleton.This model, he explains, straps on like a backpack and with pulleys, cables and levers helps workers lift their arms with 8 pounds of offsetting support. Think about that if your job involves repetitive arm … Continue reading Changing the trajectories of Iowa manufacturers
Iowa manufacturers outline advancements, challenges from integrating AI, robotics, vision systems to production
As an industry already familiar with implementing advanced technology, Iowa’s manufacturing sector is one to watch as everything from robotic and automation technologies to solutions powered by artificial intelligence become more sophisticated and companies must decide where to invest resources.
Overview of the Final Rule on DBE and ACDBE Programs
On April 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) published its Final Rule for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs. This rule marks the most significant overhaul of the DBE Program in a decade, fundamentally impacting Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) nationwide. The Final Rule aims to enhance the program’s … Continue reading Overview of the Final Rule on DBE and ACDBE Programs
CyLaunch Rockets to Success at NASA Student Launch
Members of the CyLaunch team headed back to Huntsville, Alabama, in April for the NASA Student Launch Competition. There, the team showcased their skills and resilience. Their participation was marked by both triumphs and challenges, highlighting the intense nature of the competition. CyLaunch is a student rocketry team at Iowa State University that designs … Continue reading CyLaunch Rockets to Success at NASA Student Launch