Understanding & Leveraging Federal “Veterans First” Preferences

• gmallen

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 Staff News: Meet William Zumdome

• micapaul

William Zumdome joined CIRAS as a Strategic Advisor serving southeast Iowa. William demonstrates expertise in global operations, strategic sourcing, and project execution. He has a successful record of optimizing plant efficiency, leading cross-functional teams, and developing programs that improve quality, safety, and financial performance. Previously, William served as an Operations Director at ITW Magnaflux, where … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet William Zumdome

DICA: Growing in the Federal Marketplace with CIRAS Guidance

• micapaul

DICA, a family business in Urbandale, Iowa, earned a $95,000 GSA contract with guidance from CIRAS APEX Accelerator. This milestone expands the company’s presence in the federal marketplace and demonstrates its ability to successfully navigate complex government contracting requirements. Company Overview DICA is a family-owned and operated company based in Urbandale, Iowa, with 38 employees. … Continue reading DICA: Growing in the Federal Marketplace with CIRAS Guidance

CIRAS BidMatch Service Moves to Paid Subscription Model

• gmallen

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

Understanding & Leveraging Federal Small Business Goals

• gmallen

Federal law requires that the government as a whole, as well as individual procuring agencies, attempt to meet certain goals for awarding prime contracting and subcontracting dollars to small businesses and certain subcategories of small businesses. Understanding the government’s small business goals can make a company more competitive in the federal government marketplace. What Are … Continue reading Understanding & Leveraging Federal Small Business Goals

Hach Company: 3D-Printed Prototyping for a Safer Blade-Cleaning Solution with CIRAS Support

• micapaul

Hach partnered with CIRAS to solve a persistent blade cleaning challenge. Using the CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab Powered by Alliant Energy and 3D printing, a team of interns developed a safer, ergonomic tool that reduces cleaning time and safety risks, saving the company an estimated $163,000 annually. Company Overview  Since our founding in 1933, Hach® … Continue reading Hach Company: 3D-Printed Prototyping for a Safer Blade-Cleaning Solution with CIRAS Support

When Do FAR Amendments Apply to Solicitations and Contracts?

• gmallen

The primary rulebook for U.S. federal government contractors, the Federal Acquisition Regulation, is in the midst of a top-to-bottom overhaul. This process, known as the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, or RFO, is intended to “return the FAR to its statutory roots, rewritten in plain language” to make the rules easier to understand and follow for contractors and … Continue reading When Do FAR Amendments Apply to Solicitations and Contracts?

Turning Challenges into Opportunities through Operational Excellence

• micapaul

Operational Excellence (OE) is essential for success in today’s competitive business landscape. It begins by cultivating a culture where employees are encouraged and empowered to recognize inefficiencies and suggest meaningful solutions. At the heart of OE lies a strong Continuous Improvement (CI) system—one that supports the collection, evaluation, and implementation of ideas. When CI is … Continue reading Turning Challenges into Opportunities through Operational Excellence

Manufacturer Brings CIRAS on Board for Onboarding

• micapaul

RCS Millwork in Ankeny crafts high-quality interiors for a variety of companies and industries, including restaurants, entertainment and athletic facilities, and hospitals. Betsy Hansen, RCS vice president, saw opportunities to improve hiring and workforce retention and reached out to the CIRAS workforce team. After assessing their current state, CIRAS proposed a project that blended HR … Continue reading Manufacturer Brings CIRAS on Board for Onboarding

Creating Safer Commercial Roofs

• micapaul

Slips and falls from heights are among the most common causes of construction incidents—and they consistently rank among the costliest workers’ compensation claims. Roofs are the most frequent surface involved. Most flat roofing membranes sold in the United States are thermoplastic, creating slippery and unsafe walking surfaces. Recognizing the need for research in this area, … Continue reading Creating Safer Commercial Roofs

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