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

CIRAS Attends Conference Focused on Workforce Solutions

The spark ignited at a recent workforce conference still burns for four CIRAS employees who attended the event. “We’re excited to take some of the information and best practices presented there and fit them into our program,” said Mary McGraw, project manager. McGraw, Brenda Martin, workforce program director, Pam Lane, project manager, and Mayra Ramirez, … Continue reading CIRAS Attends Conference Focused on Workforce Solutions

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

DYK: Cybersecurity Contract Clauses Explained

We are often asked to help a company understand what their contract compliance requirements are regarding cybersecurity in federal contracting.  One way to understand those requirements is to look at your contract or solicitation and identify what cyber clauses are included.  Below is a quick guide to identifying those clauses and understanding what obligations they … Continue reading DYK: Cybersecurity Contract Clauses Explained

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