The Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), formerly managed by the Defense Logistics Agency, changed hands on October 1, 2022, and is now under the direction of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). The PTAP program was authorized by Congress in 1985 to expand the number of businesses capable of participating … Continue reading APEX Accelerator: A New Name for PTACs
Interim Director Named for the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University AMES, IA— Assistant Director and Operations Manager Leah Barton has been appointed interim director for the Center of Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS). Following 25 years as CIRAS director, Ron Cox will step down from that role and join the … Continue reading Interim Director Named for CIRAS
Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Manufacturing contracted for the second consecutive month. Most measures indicate a general slowing; however, employment grew in December. Mid-American Index Midwest manufacturing … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy: January 2023
As we wrap up 2022, our team wanted to take the opportunity to provide Iowa businesses doing business in the government sector with updates and considerations. Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has a new registration site. The new state of Iowa DAS electronic bidding system, the Iowa Management of Procurement and Contracts Systems (IMPACS), … Continue reading Wrapping Up 2022 and Preparing for 2023
Watching Iowa’s Economy: December Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Manufacturing contracted last month, the first reported contraction since May 2020. Inventories and production grew last month. Mid-American … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy – December
CIRAS Director Ron Cox is retiring after more than 25 years at CIRAS. We sat down with him to discuss what he has seen develop over the past quarter of a century and where he thinks things might be headed. Q: How did you get your start at CIRAS? A: I was returning to … Continue reading Q&A with Retiring CIRAS Director Ron Cox
In need of some last-minute gift ideas? We’ve compiled a short list of Iowa-manufactured products that make great gifts! Upgrade their truck with accessories from Putco or their semi from Iowa Customs Help kids discover physics while having fun with race tracks using Blu Track Gift some of Tiefenthaler’s skinless brats! Give your favorite athlete … Continue reading 7th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List
An international construction company is partnering with CIRAS to increase the participation of underrepresented contractors on its projects. Turner Construction, the largest domestic contractor in the U.S., and the CIRAS Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) are offering a free five-week program designed to enhance the ability of Underrepresented Business Enterprises (UBEs) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises … Continue reading 1st Annual Construction Diversity Accelerator – Hosted by Turner Construction & CIRAS
The Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) continues to draw large crowds to its annual conference. More than 95 companies and organizations were represented at the 11th annual event held October 24 and 25; 300 people participated in-person and online. The goal of the conference was to reconnect attendees with each other, share practical suggestions for improving … Continue reading 11th Annual ILC Conference Provides Education & Community
Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Indicators were mixed, all remaining close to neutral. Mid-American Index Prices continued sharp increases along with strong growth in new orders in … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy – November