It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year again…the time of year to start thinking about refreshing your capabilities statement, of course! A capabilities statement is a one-page document that is completely focused on marketing your business to a government agency as a potential client. It neatly summarizes who you are, what products and/or services you … Continue reading Important Capabilities Statement Updates and Trends
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
Q&A with John Michel Role: Government Contracting Specialist Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I am referred to as a Government Contract Specialist, however, I feel counselor is more appropriate for what we do on the APEX Accelerator team. The reason … Continue reading Q&A with John Michel
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
This month, CIRAS celebrated Mike Ralston, President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and long-standing member of the CIRAS Advisory Board, for his many years of dedicated service. Ralston’s leadership, commitment, and deep understanding of Iowa’s business landscape have played a pivotal role in ensuring that business leaders have the climate, connections, … Continue reading Celebrating Mike Ralston’s Service to CIRAS
Dawn Ealy joins CIRAS as the new Workforce Services Director. For the past 13 years, Dawn has worked in consulting, with the last four years dedicated to running her own consulting business. Within this practice, she specialized in systems design, process improvement, strategic planning facilitation, and delivering training in project management, process improvement, meeting facilitation, … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Dawn Ealy
Similar to cyber breaches, our foreign adversaries are trying to gain a competitive advantage by gaining inside access, control, or influence over U.S. businesses, and the damage they can cause to a business is devastating. They may gain access through various means, such as through joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, obtaining board seats, or planting/targeting … Continue reading How Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) Can Destroy Your Business
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
Company History In 1988, Kooima Company started making replacement parts for agricultural equipment in a 1,200-square-foot rented building. At that time, their inventory included one part number. The company has since grown and now has 4,000 different part numbers. About five years ago, Kooima Ag split from Kooima Company. A leading agriculture knife maker, Kooima … Continue reading CIRAS Is a Quality Connection for Agricultural Equipment Manufacturer
Imagine hiring a trained engineer for a short-term project without long-term commitments. CIRAS connects Iowa companies with international engineering graduate students through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. “CPT and OPT offer Iowa companies the chance to hire degreed engineers for defined periods, without long-term commitments,” says Gary Mirka, director of … Continue reading Unlock Short-Term Engineering Expertise: How Iowa Companies Can Benefit from International Student Talent