On October 6, 2023, and throughout the month, manufacturers, community colleges, and universities will warmly welcome young talents to explore diverse and promising careers in manufacturing to celebrate Manufacturing Day (MFG). While the challenges in the supply chain are gradually improving, the workforce in the industry remains a significant concern. MFG Day is not just … Continue reading 2023 Annual MFG Day
Author: gmallen
Did You Know: Training Offered for the New Regulatory Adjustments on the Davis-Bacon Regulations Act
The Department of Labor’s recently published final rule updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations – the first comprehensive Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) regulatory review – in nearly 40 years. Originating in 1931, the DBRA mandates that laborers and mechanics receive prevailing wages and fringe benefits when engaged in federally funded contracts exceeding $2,000. … Continue reading Did You Know: Training Offered for the New Regulatory Adjustments on the Davis-Bacon Regulations Act
SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program
Are you a small business that needs some practical guidance in the government contracting space, from a company that’s experienced in the Federal market? If so, and you know a large Prime contractor that could be a good partner, then the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé (MPP) program might be perfect for you! First of all, why would … Continue reading SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program
Investing in Iowa’s Supply Chain Resilience: CIRAS Receives Funding to Expand Supply Chain Services
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the U.S. Department of Commerce, has recently granted approximately $400,000 to each of its MEP National Network™ (MEPNN) Centers across the United States and Puerto Rico. CIRAS, Iowa’s MEP center, was awarded the funding to help build … Continue reading Investing in Iowa’s Supply Chain Resilience: CIRAS Receives Funding to Expand Supply Chain Services
Becoming Even More Competitive
Kirkland “Bubba” Davidson credits DBE certification with helping him better compete for subcontracting work. Kirkland “Bubba” Davidson, owner of the Des Moines-based Dirty 30 Trucking & Excavating, built his company from the ground up, relying mostly on his own skills and research. He was successful in securing independent contracts as well as subcontracting jobs, both … Continue reading Becoming Even More Competitive
CIRAS Staff News: Meet Mica Paul
Mica Paul has joined CIRAS as a full-time event manager. Mica holds a bachelor’s degree in Event Management from Iowa State University and a Master’s in Strategic Communication from the University of Iowa. Prior to joining CIRAS, Mica served as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of ISU Extension and Outreach and the Vice … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Mica Paul
CIRAS Staff News: Meet Hory Chikez
Hory Chikez has joined CIRAS as a Supply Chain Project Manager. Hory will act as the CIRAS lead for national supplier scouting and optimization services in this role. Hory will build and maintain a supply chain optimization and intelligence network, lead the execution of projects to map and understand supply chains and lead the execution of … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Hory Chikez
New Director Named for the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University
AMES, IA— The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University has announced the appointment of Mike O’Donnell as its director, effective June 16. With a distinguished background in manufacturing and engineering, O’Donnell brings a wealth of knowledge and exemplary leadership experience to this position. O’Donnell’s professional journey encompasses over two decades in … Continue reading New Director Named for the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University
Are You an Innovator? Don’t Miss the SBIR/STTR Road Show
Are You an Innovator? Don’t Miss the SBIR/STTR Road Show By Anne McMahon, Statewide SBIR/STTR Program Coordinator America’s Seed Fund, $4B, is the largest source of early-stage, non-dilutive funding in the United States. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive and encourage small businesses to explore … Continue reading Are You an Innovator? Don’t Miss the SBIR/STTR Road Show
Did You Know? The HUBZone Map is Updating in July!
With the July HUBZone map release update, we wanted to take the opportunity to revisit what it takes to be a HUBZone business and share the benefits. If you meet the requirements below, and you still have questions, we would encourage you to reach out to your CIRAS Government Contracting Specialist or direct to the … Continue reading Did You Know? The HUBZone Map is Updating in July!