The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has announced the FY25 awardees of the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Grant Program, providing critical support to strengthen Iowa’s small and mid-sized meat processors. In this funding round: Choose Iowa received 23 grant requests totaling over $1.5 million. Awards totaling $355,000 will leverage a combined … Continue reading Update: Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Grant Program Awards Announced
Author: gmallen
Avoiding Common Small Business Size Calculation Errors
A new calendar year is underway, and for many federal government contractors, it may mean recalculating whether they qualify as small businesses in their industries. For contractors working in the construction and services industries, where small business status is based on a company’s average annual receipts under rules established in 13 C.F.R. 121.104, it can be … Continue reading Avoiding Common Small Business Size Calculation Errors
DBE Reevaluation Process Now Underway in Iowa
In October 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an Interim Final Rule removing race- and sex-based presumptions from the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. As a result, Iowa DOT was required to place previously certified DBE firms on hold while a new reevaluation process was developed. That transition period has now ended. As of … Continue reading DBE Reevaluation Process Now Underway in Iowa
APEX at CIRAS: Year in Review
As we wrap up another busy year, we’re taking a moment to celebrate what our APEX clients accomplished — and the role CIRAS APEX was honored to play in their government contracting journeys. By the numbers, this year’s impact is impressive: 671 distinct Iowa clients counseled 82 of Iowa’s 99 counties served — reaching nearly … Continue reading APEX at CIRAS: Year in Review
DBE Certification Update: All Firms Affected by Federal Rule Change
The recent federal changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program have created significant uncertainty for firms seeking certification or renewal. With the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) becoming effective on October 3, 2025, the national DBE certification process has entered a temporary holding pattern. Importantly, this pause applies to all DBE … Continue reading DBE Certification Update: All Firms Affected by Federal Rule Change
Concrete, Cookies, and a Dash of Holiday Fruitcake
As the holiday season arrives, many of us start thinking about familiar winter flavors — cookies, cocoa, maybe even the occasional fruitcake. And while concrete might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture festive treats, a few creative industry colleagues recently reminded us that construction materials and holiday goodies have … Continue reading Concrete, Cookies, and a Dash of Holiday Fruitcake
10th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift Guide
If you’re looking for gifts that are practical, memorable, and proudly rooted in Iowa innovation, this year’s holiday guide is packed with ideas that check every box. From sweet treats and cozy home goods to shop-ready gear and everyday upgrades, these picks highlight the variety of products made right here in Iowa. Here is the … Continue reading 10th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift Guide
Secretary Naig Welcomes Applications for Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants
Grants match up to $25,000 per project to expand the availability of Iowa grown, made, and raised foods, beverages, and other ag products
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 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