ON-DEMAND TRAINING

In this class, you will learn some of the steps involved in the government procurement process and gain an understanding of key elements that contribute to procurement readiness.

This course covers how to develop a list of target customers, how to use several tools and databases for market research, how to find procurement forecasts, and some basic proposal writing tips.

Unlock new business horizons by mastering the Build America Buy America Act! This legislation mandates that federally-funded infrastructure projects prioritize American-made products, fostering a competitive advantage for domestic manufacturers. Our webinar aims to equip manufacturers with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the intricacies of the Act, ensuring they can effectively position themselves in the marketplace.

A capability statement is a concise document that outlines an organization's core competencies, qualifications, and experience. Capability statements are often required when bidding for government contracts, and they help potential clients or partners quickly assess the capabilities of a company. An elevator pitch is a concise and compelling overview of a product, service, idea, or individual, delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator—usually around 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The goal is to grab the listener's attention and communicate the key points in a clear and engaging manner. It should answer the question: "What do you do and why should I care?"

Learn about tips to keep your business protected from cybersecurity threats. By implementing these cybersecurity awareness practices, small businesses can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and create a more secure environment for their operations.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a critical role in disaster response and recovery, relying on businesses to provide essential goods and services. This session provides key insights into FEMA’s procurement process, contracting requirements, and how businesses can support emergency operations. Learn directly from FEMA representatives about how to navigate federal contracting, meet compliance standards, and position your company to assist in times of crisis. 

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is committed to enhancing public transportation and relies on a network of suppliers and contractors to support its operations. This session provides key insights into MATA’s procurement process, upcoming opportunities, and the requirements for doing business with the agency. Learn directly from MATA representatives about how to navigate the bidding process and position your company for success in the public transit sector. 

Sysco is a global leader in foodservice distribution, offering businesses the opportunity to become part of its extensive supply chain. This session provides key insights into Sysco’s procurement process, supplier requirements, and how businesses can secure contracts with this industry giant. Learn directly from Sysco representatives about how to navigate their vendor selection process and position your company for success. 

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) plays a vital role in maintaining and expanding the state’s infrastructure, offering a range of contracting opportunities for businesses. This session provides key insights into TDOT’s procurement process, project requirements, and upcoming opportunities. Learn directly from TDOT experts about how to navigate state contracts, meet compliance standards, and position your company for success. 

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) relies on a vast network of suppliers to support its nationwide operations. This session provides key insights into USPS procurement, contracting requirements, and upcoming opportunities for businesses looking to work with one of the largest logistics and delivery organizations in the country. Learn from USPS experts about how to navigate the bidding process, meet compliance standards, and position your company for success.

It’s no secret that federal government contract awards are hard to earn. This is becoming truer and truer as Uncle Sam continues to consolidate awards. In this age of consolidated contracts and increased competition, small business contractors must take every advantage to best position themselves for award. Thankfully, there are tools a small business can use to become more competitive: SBA’s and DoD’s mentor/protégé programs and through small business joint ventures or teaming.

In this presentation, government contracts attorney Matthew Schoonover will discuss the importance of these contracting tools, and why they might make sense for your small business. Armed with his experience assisting small businesses set up compliant mentor/protégé agreements, joint ventures, and subcontracting relationships, Matthew will share key considerations for each program, as well as considerations to keep in mind as your business navigates these relationships.

Attendees will learn the benefits from participating and tips for success.

Each year, the Federal, State, and Local governments in the U.S. award nearly $5.5 trillion in contracts and subcontracts through the proposal process. In this program, you will gain a thorough understanding of the overall proposal process, along with best practices to enhance your success. You will learn how to develop essential tools such as compliance matrices and outlines, and discover techniques to differentiate your proposals from those of your competitors. Additionally, the program provides an opportunity to have your specific proposal questions answered.

This course explains what constitutes a disaster and how contracts related to disasters are posted and obtained. We will cover strategies to effectively navigate government contracting during emergencies and crises. Participants will learn how to locate and respond to opportunities, meet urgent needs, and align with government priorities in challenging times. For those not already earning government contracts, we will explain what registrations and steps you need to do to be procurement ready and eligible to bid on government contracts.

Attendees will learn how to register with Edison, the system you must register with to be a vendor with the State of Tennessee.

A key aspect of SBA’s All Small Mentor Protégé Program (ASMPP) is the opportunity for mentors and protégés to form joint ventures to bid together on federal contracts and qualify as a small business. As the number of MPP relationships has grown, so too has the use of the ASMPP joint ventures (JV) to pursue opportunities previously out of reach for both parties. Please join Todd Overman, chair of the Government Contracts Practice at Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, for an overview of best practices in JV formation, structuring, and growing the MPP relationship.

The SBIR/STTR programs are the nation's largest source of early stage, high risk research & development funding for entrepreneurs. They provide more than $4 billion annually in competitive awards, and enable the development of new technologies and ultimately facilitate the commercialization of innovation.

This session provides an overview of: Differences between SBIR and STTR, Eligibility criteria, Phase I, II, and III overview, Solicitation schedules and participating agencies, and Specific information about the U. S. Department of Defense (DoD) SBIR/STTR program

This training is suited for both new and experienced government contractors engaged in innovation.

The SBIR/STTR programs are the nation's largest source of early stage, high risk research & development funding for entrepreneurs. They provide more than $4 billion annually in competitive awards, and enable the development of new technologies and ultimately facilitate the commercialization of innovation.

This session provides an overview of: Basics of SBIR/STTR, eligibility criteria, and overview of participating agencies, Market research tools, Open Topic strategies, Steps in applying for SBIR/STTR funding, Communication strategies, Tips for debriefings, and Do's and Don'ts

This training is suited for both new and experienced government contractors engaged in innovation.

This webinar will provide an in-depth examination of the evaluation and selection process for government contractors when choosing the appropriate accounting software. In addition, we will discuss critical aspects of the implementation process. The areas covered include conducting a system needs assessment, navigating the software evaluation process, planning and designing the implementation, understanding key factors during the implementation process, and offering post-implementation tips.

For small businesses looking to engage in government contracting, obtaining certain certifications can be beneficial. These certifications often provide businesses with access to set-aside contracts and other opportunities reserved for specific categories of businesses. Certifications covered include those offered through the State of Tennessee (GODBE), 3rd parties, Self-certification (federal level), and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) . Learn about available certifications, eligibility criteria, and assistance available to you. 

From investors to employees to customers, there are a lot of people who can influence your business. Most of the time these relationships improve your business, but sometimes these influences can increase risk for your company. In this session, we'll be discussing risks posed by foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI). A company can be subject to FOCI in various ways and FOCI can have a wide range of consequences. FOCI can affect your ability to obtain government contracts, lead to a loss of key personnel, or provide a vector for unwanted technology transfer. This session will cover the basics of understanding FOCI and how to begin to address FOCI risks.