Q & A with Jennifer Garcia

Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. As an Event Manager at CIRAS, I oversee in-person events led by my colleagues. I coordinate the event’s overall logistics to ensure companies have an enjoyable experience when attending our events. We know that companies … Continue reading Q & A with Jennifer Garcia

Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating Avenues for Innovation in Government Markets

If you have an innovative product or service, several avenues exist to help grow and expand your innovation into the government and other markets.  Some avenues are more appropriate for fully developed technologies, while others are better suited for technologies under development.  Some offer funding assistance, while others help you bypass the red tape involved … Continue reading Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating Avenues for Innovation in Government Markets

2024 Year in Preview

At CIRAS, we take pride in being ready to help you solve your toughest problems. As we enter 2024, we’re excited to build on our foundation with a range of initiatives designed to support your growth and success, fostering collaboration, promoting informed technology adoption, and maximizing access to world-class expertise. Building a Smarter Construction Industry: … Continue reading 2024 Year in Preview

Iowa DOT Training Opportunities and CIT Funding for Contractors

Amidst a period where projects may have experienced a slowdown, it is opportune to explore the training opportunities provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). The Iowa DOT Technical Training and Certification Program offers a variety of training formats, accommodating both in-person and virtual sessions. Construction in Training (CIT) funding is available for DBE … Continue reading Iowa DOT Training Opportunities and CIT Funding for Contractors

Steps for Reimbursement from CIT funding

Submit the “CIT Funds Pre-Approval Request Form” to Danny Wagener, Iowa DOT Compliance Officer: Wagener@iowadot.us It MUST be pre-approved to obtain CIT Funds reimbursement. Note: Any changes to the date, type of training, and/or cost of an already pre-approved, then needs to be re-communicated and pre-approved with the DOT staff administering the CIT Program prior … Continue reading Steps for Reimbursement from CIT funding

CIRAS Secures 5-Year EDA Grant to Benefit Iowa Construction Sector 

The U.S. Department of Economic Administration has chosen CIRAS to continue its role in the national University Center program. This designation, along with a five-year grant, will provide CIRAS with the resources needed to enhance its support for the construction industry in Iowa.  As part of the new initiative, CIRAS will undertake four specific activities: … Continue reading CIRAS Secures 5-Year EDA Grant to Benefit Iowa Construction Sector 

Elevate your Lean learning and development – be part of the ILC Kentucky Lean Tour 2024!

Join us May 14-16, 2024 in Lexington, KY, for an immersive experience blending Lean leadership workshops, site visits to industry leaders like Toyota and Safran Landing Systems, and fun networking opportunities with other ILC members.   Led by the author of “Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way,” Mike Hoseus, this learning experience … Continue reading Elevate your Lean learning and development – be part of the ILC Kentucky Lean Tour 2024!

Q & A with Kelly Freel, CPPB 

Q & A with Kelly Freel, CPPB Role: Team Lead, APEX Accelerator, Government Contracting Specialist  Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper.  I advise Iowa businesses on how to prepare for government contracting, including subcontracting with prime contractors. Helping Iowa businesses with … Continue reading Q & A with Kelly Freel, CPPB 

Researching Prime Contractors with Subcontracting Plans

Federal subcontracting is the place to be!  It all starts with understanding where you’re a good fit within the indirect market.  One avenue to identify potential opportunities with prime contractors is by understanding what prime contractors have a subcontracting plan! A subcontract plan is required by large prime contractors in the federal sector if the … Continue reading Researching Prime Contractors with Subcontracting Plans