The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is inviting you to attend a Marketplace Engagement educational webinar provided by the USAID's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Any U.S. small business seeking subcontracting opportunities should attend. 

USAID is committed to the expansion of partnerships with American small businesses including implementing applicable strategies like subcontracting to advance procurement opportunities for said small businesses. Similarly, the objective for this event is to offer large prime implementing partners a platform to share information into the technical skills and sectors for which they may be seeking future small business partners. The feature panel of current large prime partners will focus on engaging with Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs), HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) firms. 

Attendees will gain insights on entryways to successful subcontracting in the federal marketplace and have the opportunity to engage with the appropriate point of contacts for some of USAID's top large prime partners. The webinar will be held December 17, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST and will last approximately an hour and a half to two hours. However, registration for the event closes on December 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST. If interested in this webinar, click on the link below for more information, including the registration link. 

https://sam.gov/opp/622e6e73642d4e3eae8e582e62c141bc/view

The General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is hosting a thirty minute webinar on how to do business with the GSA. This webinar is open to all small businesses looking for additional information and guidance on GSA and their opportunities. This webinar will be hosted by GSA Region 6 Small Business Technical Advisor, Bill Strobel, and will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM CT. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to find out more information about doing business with the GSA and to get acclimated with some of the processes and requirements asked by the GSA. If interested in this opportunity, click on the link below to learn more. At the link, as well as finding more information, you will also find the registration link at the bottom of the page. 

https://sam.gov/opp/e2fdc1915bee4a09a64070718db38309/view

This is an online class.

The RFP Training Day: Pricinig

Prepare for 2025: Learn to price a Request for Proposal in this intense training session.

Gov’t Business: Learn to pinpoint comparable opportunites in your wheelhouse and explore options such as micropurchases and middle agent scenarios.

Ai TOOLS: Learn to use Ai tools to make finding and winning processes more efficient - and effective!

Starts promptly at scheduled time. Enroll Now or Purchase the Recording

This is an online class.

The RFP Training Day: Learn to Read and Respond to a Request for Proposal

Prepare for 2025: Learn to read and respond to a Request for Proposal in this intense training session.

Gov’t Business: Learn to pinpoint opportunites in your wheelhouse and explore options such as micropurchases and schedules.

Ai TOOLS: Learn to use Ai tools to make finding and winning processes more efficient - and effective!

Starts promptly at 9 AM. Book Now

The U.S. Coast Guard (UCSG) Office of Small Business, Innovation and Outreach is holding a webinar on December 4, 2024 on how to do business with the UCSG. They are continuously seeking opportunities to promote and develop strategies for increasing the industrial base of their contracting program while adhering to federal small business regulations and ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in the procurement process and are asking interested parties to join them in one of their quarterly sessions to learn more about the USCG Mission, their six procurement/contracting centers, top spend, and how to search the forecast for current and future procurement opportunities.

Their first session for the fiscal year 2025 is December 4, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM ET, with registration to this educational webinar now open. Registration for this date will close December 3, 2024. The intended audience for this webinar are small businesses unfamiliar with the USCG organization and the federal government marketplace. If interested in this opportunity and event, click on the link below to learn more, including finding the registration link and future dates for this event. 

https://sam.gov/opp/a328eca65ce34aa8b9ce8455aacfe677/view

Learn to use the RFP Delivery App to take away the concept of time! Immediate search results highlighting bids, RFPs, RFIs ,and other contracting matches.

DOWNLOAD THE APP, then join us live at the appointed time here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8263745152

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) will host a virtual webinar primarily focusing on research and development. The event will consist of main sessions for all attendees and breakout sessions on various topics for attendees to participate in based on their specific interests. 

The overall purpose of the event is to provide general information on ARPA-H's mission, focus areas, current project initiatives, and business processes to interested parties within industry and members of the health ecosystem. The main sessions mentioned prior include an overview of ARPA-H's mission offices, contracting instruments, preferences for R&D efforts, and tips to locate ARPA-H business opportunities. The breakout sessions include an opportunity for attendees to ask ARPA-H personnel questions about its business processes and learn about other transactions, teaming opportunities, international collaboration, and transitioning innovations into solutions for everyone. 

This is a free event held online on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET via Zoom. It is free to attend, but registration is required and the registration deadline is Friday, November 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM ET. To find out more, including the registration link, click on this link:

https://sam.gov/opp/014334288f774736aec61afe93591da1/view

Book Club? Not quite. Learn to win by understanding: The Request for Proposal. We’ll explore the tips loaded within The RFP: Learn to Read and Respond. Bring your copy with you for this 1.5 hour breakdown that will leave you ready to go! Available at Amazon.

Join us here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8263745152

Or point your browser to our YouTube Live channel at the appropriate time.

The book emphasizes the importance of RFPs in public procurement, explaining that these documents standardize and structure the way government agencies solicit goods, services, or commodities from businesses. Knowles breaks down the fundamental elements of an RFP, such as the statement of work, technical specifications, project timelines, deliverables, and contract terms. The goal is to ensure that businesses can provide well-informed and competitive proposals, positioning themselves as suitable suppliers for government contracts.

In addition to explaining the components of an RFP, the book provides practical advice on how businesses should respond to these requests. It highlights the need for attention to detail, adherence to the format requested by the agency, and a thorough understanding of the technical specifications and evaluation criteria. Knowles also encourages businesses to showcase their qualifications and experience while carefully crafting cost proposals that reflect the scope of work. Throughout the book, the author reinforces the importance of preparation and understanding the structured nature of government procurement to increase the chances of winning contracts.

Bring an RFP with you to class so we can review together.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) is holding an industry day focused on providing information on GVSC's ground vehicle systems contracting strategies and mechanisms. This event will showcase opportunities for collaboration with industry, academia, and other government partners. Presentations by GVSC's Acquisition Management Office (AMO) will highlight capabilities from the Special Project and Operations and Consortium and Consortium Based Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) teams. This event is hosted by Automation Alley in Michigan and will be held in person.

Registration is free ,but it is first come first served. Once registration is full it will be closed. The registration period is September 13 to October 21, 2024. To find out more information about this event, including the registration information, click on the link below. The event is Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. 

https://sam.gov/opp/159b3c3a105e404b9c0e9480a7b9260f/view

Interested in learning how to do business with the General Services Administration? If you are, we are glad to inform you that hte General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is hosting a thirty minute webinar on just this very topic. This webinar is open to all small businesses looking for additional information and guidance on GSA and their opportunities. The webinar will be hosted by GSA Region 6 Small Business Technical Advisor Carolina Vargas on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10;30 AM CT. Click on the link to register. Hope to see you there!

https://gsa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsd-igrDosEu3hvKRSJhcjsszhlVsk-u4#/registration

The National Association of Women Owned Small Businesses (NAWOSB) is holding the 10th anniversary of their signature PINK Procurement event at the Tabbris Innovation Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is a conference that connects procurement and purchasing buyers and their agencies with women business owners. The event will also celebrate the success of women owned small businesses and will highlight 20 businesses to be featured at the event, giving them and those in attendance the opportunity to meet, introduce, and connect with owners and agencies who want to potentially do business with them. The highlighted businesses are a select group, not a general invitation.

The date for this momentous occasion is Thursday, September 19 2024 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST at 1300 South Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203.

Market research can be a tedious process, and committing long hours to it can be difficult. Although necessary, compiling the information gained and using that to respond to RFIs in an orderly way is it's own challenge. Luckily, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is hosting its Monthly OSDBU National Training (MONT) titled "Making Market Research Easy-Enhancing Industry Partnerships". Presented by Kerry Durkan, Marketing Research Analyst, this free to join webinar will provide innovative insights on how to respond to GSA's RFIs by sharing expert tips and tricks on how to fill out these important surveys. Those that participate will better understand why GSA collects industry responses and how important the data gather is, such as how it shapes future purchasing decisions. 

Some learning objectives for this opportunity include answer why market research is conducted, an overview of the Market Research as a Service (MRAS) Program, effectively completing MRAS RFI surveys, ensuring customers get accurate information about your capabilities, and answering what GSA does with the results. It is a great opportunity to learn about market research and its importance and how it can apply to helping your own business. Although the webinar is free, registration is required but can be completed online. 

The webinar will be held online on Thursday, September 12 at 1:00 PM EST. More information about the webinar and registration can be found here. We hope to see you there!

Understanding the difference between RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs are essential for small businesses. They can facilitate business and allow for companies and agencies to effectively communicate what they need and what they have. However, learning how to respond to them is also of utmost importance. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is hosting its monthly virtual First Friday’s Training on just this very topic. Learning objectives include understanding the power of responding to RFIs and Sources Sought Notices, tips on how to create an effective response, and common mistakes to avoid.

The webinar will also offer insights from Federal contracting officers and as well as explaining the differene between RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs, they will give strategies for creating effective responses to each. This webinar will be presented by Claudia Hadley and Kemba Gilmore, Small Business Specialists of GSA OSDBU, and will be free and open to all industry, with registration required.

The event is on September 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM EST. If interested, sign up at this link:

https://gsa.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_qtFO7_2OSEue_Ov-JcUHfQ#/registration

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Acquisition's Industry Partnership and Outreach Program (IPOP) will provide training for small businesses wishing to learn how to do business with CBP. Training will be conducted on the first and third Tuesdays of every month from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM EST. Interested contractors need to sign up using the CBP Business Connect. This represents a great opportunity to grow your business and foster a good relationship with the United States and other government agencies, while also learning key insight on the inner workings of business relations with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office. To find the registration link and more information, click here or fill out the form at:

https://cbpbusinessconnection.cbp.dhs.gov/vmp?id=training_request

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office Acquisition Management and Office of the Chief Information Officer will host a Virtual Vendor Engagement Day event in support of IT acquisitions. This event is designed to promote meaningful exchanges of information to support a greater understanding of ICE's IT requirements and industry's capabilities. The event will be held on August 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM EDT and will be online via Teams Live and will include briefs of specific requirements listed in the Acquisition Planning Forecast System (APFS) and a segment for questions and answers. Registration is not required and the event is free, meaning it is open to everyone.

To join this live event, click on this link:  http://bit.ly/Aug28VendorDay

The Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) and Headquarters Marine Corps Installation and Logistics (HQMC I&L) Contracts offices host this event quarterly. The goal for the event is to further communication with industry on current and future requirements. In addition to general information about active projects across the enterprise, the hybrid event will also provide information on projects such as Contracts Developmental Program (CDP), Program Manager (PM) Tactical Communications and Electromagnetic Warfare Systems (TEC), Ground Weapons Systems (GWS), and more. As mentioned prior, this is a hybrid event, meaning both virtual via Adobe Connect Seminar and in-person attendance is offered.

To learn more about this opportunity, including the extent of active projects the event will be offering information for and registration information, click here. The meeting address and URL will be distributed to industry partners who have responded by 11:00 EST on August 16, 2024, but the event date is August 22 and starts at 9:30 EST and will last approximately three hours. 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds extramural research through the Broad Agency Announcements (BAA) for research and development to fulfill requirements for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art, increasing scientific and/or technical understanding. The collaborative webinar will provide an opportunity for the innovation community as well as NSF staff to learn more about the Foundation’s research areas and understand how BAAs are used to work with the NSF.

Join us on August 15, 2024 at 1:00 PM ET to learn more. For more information, including registration information, click on the link: https://sam.gov/opp/89771c758a2e4fbf947ad972b17c2a96/view

British Columbia Transit of Chilliwack, British Columbia invites people to attend their online webinar on Mircosoft Teams on August 13, 2024 from 9:30 to noon PDT. The session will go over BC Transit’s operating model, specific information related to the planned Negotiated Request for Proposal (NRFP), and provide industry with an opportunity to comment on potential procurement opportunities. Interested and potential attendees can find more information, including registration, at this link: https://rfpdelivery.com/member/bid/2183256/Vendor-Discovery-Webinar-for-Delivery-of-Transit-Management-Services

Registration closes August 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM PDT.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA),Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is hosting its monthly virtual First Friday's training. This special opportunity will teach attendees the importance of a capabilities statement and how to develop one. These statements are primarily used for marketing outreach and provide key elements for a good understanding of what a company does. Because of their importance, most Government Agencies require them, and can actually help businesses get a foot in the door and allows for these businesses to be remembered. This is especially important because there are numerous organizations fighting for government contracts, and this webinar will help your business stand out.

The webinar will also give tips on developing a capabilities statement and help viewers determine when it is needed. Presented by Michelle Simoes, a Small Business Specialist, it is definitely an opportunity that you will not want to miss. Add in the fact that it is free and open to all of the industry, why would anyone not go? The webinar starts Friday, August 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM EST. For more information, including online registration information, click here.

Learning Objectives include:

• Understand what a Capabilities Statement is and when it is required

• Identify the importance of a Capabilities Statement

• Tips on developing a Capabilities Statement

Sponsored by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), this Industry Day’s purpose is to identify companies that can do complex composite work, including manufacturing and repairing parts for the current H60 fleet and fleet expansion aircraft. There is no cost to attend this event, but they ask that the number of attendees from your company be limited to two people.

To find out more about the event and the registration form, click on this link: https://sam.gov/opp/a7c6864b55f145b1a0aa5fa992e07567/view

Registration ends July 31, 2024 at 3:00 PM EST.

The National Apex Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) and your local APEX Accelerator Program is excited to announce the upcoming DCAA Pricing Series. The second part of this Pricing Series includes Indirect Costs and Rates and Monitoring Subcontracts. 

Experts from the DCAA will define direct versus indirect costs, what general indirect rate structures look like, and the relationship between indirect pools and bases. An important topic, the DCAA will also go over the life cycle of indirect rates, then give the opportunity for attendees to view these indirect rates by giving examples of them using the four-step method in allocating indirect costs to Government Contracts. 

In addition, the DCAA will provide information about navigating the world of subcontracting. This will include discussions about he documentation of subcontract selections, subcontracting requirements, and the responsibilities of a prime contractor.  They will also highlight the importance of monitoring subcontracts, what information is required when submitting your annual incurred cost submission, as well as what they subcontractor will need to provide to the prime contractor. 

This useful information will be share via free webinar on August 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET. For registration and more information, click here.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, will host a series of learning events titled "Unlocking Opportunities: How to Do Business with DHS" virtually via Adobe on Wednesday, February 28th, Thursday, April 18th, 1:00PM to 3:00PM and Wednesday, July 31st, 10:00AM to 12:00PM.

The purpose of the event is to provide Industry an overview of the key steps on “How to Do Business with DHS,” which includes tips on how to register your business in order to start doing business with the Government; understanding what DHS needs and buys; how to find upcoming opportunities and how to leverage DHS resources; understand how DHS buys; gain proposal information and tips; and glean insights on what to do after winning DHS work!

Please see attached marketing flyer and registration link to sign up for one of these informative educational webinars.

Note: You will have the opportunity to register for one of the three dates on the registration page. 

Please follow this posting for additional updates regarding these webinars.

SEE: https://sam.gov/opp/b18e0ade2529407984dd6f97737bb4e7/view

The Office of Acquisition and Grants Management (OAGM), in collaboration with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and the Professional Services Council (PSC) is holding a two hour discussion that will explain the importance of language and how different language influences a company’s decision on bidding, pricing, teaming, and solution development. The session will also discuss the challenges and consequences of certain types of language and how they play a role in cost and quality of solutions from contractors. The discussion will also include perspectives on multi-step evaluations, small business policies, conflicts of interest, and more.

Register for the event using this link: https://cms.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_fzj-4bu7RYK8vpnZVActew

Storms. Storms. Storms. Are you prepared for procurement?

Join us as live as we discuss the rules related to Disaster Procurement:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8263745152

Or on YouTube Live: https://www.youtube.com/@GovDirections/streams (subscribe to our YouTube Channel for notification)

All times eastern daylight time. This premium session prepares you for Government Contracting.

GovDirections’ founder Mark Knowles leads the session. Participation is limited to allow more time to personalization. Mark will walk through the fundamentals of how to respond to an Invitation to Bid or Request for Proposal. Mark will also help you with the organization of a complete responose and discuss areas such as Bonds, Pricing, Insurance and formatting your response.

You’ll leave with a personalized organization drive, templates required with responses, pricing analytics, and a handbooklet.

Learn to pinpoint the right request for proposal or bid, read and identify the details required, and respond in a winning way. The session is more than learning writing skills, but perfecting the hunt itself to save you time and money.

• Government 101

• Contracting Instruments Used by Governments

• Capability Statements

• Pinpointing Opportunity with the Search Criteria Best Suited for Your Company (Exercise) 

• Registrations (S.A.M., State and Local)

• Staying in the Ballpark with Performance Research (Exercise)

• Perfecting Your Response

• Evaluation and the Win

  Bring an RFP / ITB to class for best experience.

  $129: LIVE on ZOOM

  Can’t attend? Purchase a recording $28: RECORDING