Keep Your Certification Current: Iowa DBE Renewal Process Guidelines

• gmallen

This is a friendly reminder regarding the annual DBE certification renewal process. The annual eligibility review, mandated by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), is a crucial step to maintain your certification status. The anniversary month of your DBE certification prompts you to complete your renewal. To comply, fill out the form entitled “Affidavit of … Continue reading Keep Your Certification Current: Iowa DBE Renewal Process Guidelines

Navigating Cybersecurity in Federal Contracting: Insights and Strategies

• eknudsen

In the landscape of federal contracting, cybersecurity compliance has become a critical focus for companies aiming to secure and maintain contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. These cybersecurity requirements, particularly the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), can be daunting. However, understanding these requirements is crucial for companies seeking to … Continue reading Navigating Cybersecurity in Federal Contracting: Insights and Strategies

Empowering Workforces: The Transformative Potential of Exoskeletons in Industry

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Due to an aging and limited workforce, Iowa’s small to medium-sized companies are experiencing the not-so-unique pain points of repetitive injuries, lower productivity caused by fatigue, decreased efficiency, and turnover. Exoskeletons are emerging as a significant advancement in workplace ergonomics, thus addressing these pain points. They offer a blend of human intelligence and robotic strength … Continue reading Empowering Workforces: The Transformative Potential of Exoskeletons in Industry

Get Involved with Rock Island Arsenal and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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By Troy Robbins, Deputy for Small Business Programs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rock Island Arsenal One of the Iowa APEX Accelerator’s best Federal friends is at Rock Island Arsenal in the Small Business office for the Army Corps of Engineers…Troy Robbins! Troy is a huge advocate for small businesses, regularly sends out updates … Continue reading Get Involved with Rock Island Arsenal and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Q & A with Kira Kistner

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Q & A with Kira Kistner  Role: Manufacturing Research Strategist, External Services Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. In my role as a Manufacturing Research Strategist, I am responsible for connecting Iowa State University researchers and Iowa industry representatives in the … Continue reading Q & A with Kira Kistner

Working at the Speed of the Customer Drove Putco’s Million-dollar Deal

• eknudsen

A university might not be the first place a manufacturer would turn to for rapid parts testing, but that’s exactly what happened when Putco, a vehicle product accessory manufacturer in Des Moines, needed to evaluate the porosity of an aluminum vehicle part in a matter of days to secure a large contract. “CIRAS works at … Continue reading Working at the Speed of the Customer Drove Putco’s Million-dollar Deal

Kentucky Lean Tour

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Elevate your Lean learning and development—be part of the ILC Kentucky Lean Tour 2024! Join us in Lexington, Kentucky, May 14–16, 2024, for an immersive Lean leadership experience. What to Expect: Lean Workshops: These are led by Mike Hoseus, author of “Toyota Culture,” offering 16+ hours of transformative sessions. Learning Tours: Explore industry leaders like … Continue reading Kentucky Lean Tour

CIRAS and Manufacturing 4.0 Grants Help Iowa Manufacturers Adopt New Technology and Grow

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More than ever, Iowa manufacturing is turning to technology to stay globally competitive. However, with limited time and resources, finding the right technology is a challenge. CIRAS, recognizing that challenge, partnered with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to drive technology implementation in small manufacturers. Eligible companies could apply for up to $75,000 in IEDA … Continue reading CIRAS and Manufacturing 4.0 Grants Help Iowa Manufacturers Adopt New Technology and Grow

The Power of a Refined BidMatch Profile

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Star Equipment, a Des Moines-based company that sells, rents, and services construction equipment, parts, and supplies, experienced significant government work growth thanks to CIRAS. They finetuned their BidMatch profile, which the company uses to find and compete for jobs. “We’re getting a better look at what municipal and government agencies require and how we might … Continue reading The Power of a Refined BidMatch Profile