Breakout Sessions 

 

Time:  Sessions will be held at the following times:

 

• 9:00AM-9:50AM

 

• 10:00AM-10:50AM

 

• 1:00PM-1:50PM

 

Locations: Santiago, Quail Hill, Woodbridge, Oak Creek 

​

Breakout Sessions feature panel discussion and presentations with key personnel from federal, state, and industry leaders. 

 

For session-specific times and locations, see the agenda here

                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to do Business with the Department of General Services, Procurement Division (DGS-PD); General Services Administration (GSA); and Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)

This workshop will inform you about each agency's contracting needs and available opportunities and assist small business on how to get certified and bid for work.

​

​

NITAAC (NIH Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center) discusses Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs)

NITAAC is one of only three Federal Executive Agents authorized to administer GWACs for IT procurement.  These contract vehicles, CIO-SP3 and CIO-SP3 Small Business and CIO-CS, enable any Federal Agency to quickly and easily procure information technology (IT) products, services and solutions in support of their agency missions.  

​

​

Understanding the GSA Schedule Program

GSA is the most important contracting activity for all federal agencies.  Participants will learn how to locate their applicable Schedule application/solicitation, and receive marketing information as a means to aligning the businesses with opportunities within the GSA Schedules process as well as other current procurement needs, initiatives, and forecasts.

​

​

DCAA Audit and Compliance Strategies

The essential workshop for all SBIR firms, NASA & other IRAD Contracts and DoD Contract Awardees.  Whether you are a current contract holder or wish to do business with the U.S. Government, passing a DCAA audit is paramount.  The strain Federal Contractors are placed upon comes down to solvency and resource reduction if audits are not passed.

 

 

The “Real” Contracting Process – Steps to Winning Government Contracts

Bidspeed will present and provide an Eco-System approach for Government contractors aspiring to be successful in the Government Environment.  This presentation will include informational process to quickly identify expiring contracts, new contracts, forecasted contracts, etc.; the process to positioning your firm to participate in these contracts with confidence; an inside look at GSA contracts Schedules and the process to becoming a GSA contract holder; securing the financial capacity to perform on the contracts to avoid cash flow pitfalls while providing the Government with a clean financial response in the proposal submissions on new requirements. and Local Government opportunities and also includes Grants, Research Institutions, and Manufacturing purchasing organizations.  This session will identify all the sources used for Government procurement.

 

 

Developing Your Contract Win Strategy

This workshop is intended to help develop your marketing strategy to the federal government and improve your understanding of how the federal government establishes "set asides" and procurements.  Discussion to include: Identifying contract opportunities, managing the proposal and RFP submittal process, and the importance of capabilities statement. 

 

​

SBA Office of Government Contracting Programs - NASA/JPL SBIR-STTR Programs

The Office of Government Contracting (GC) works to create an environment for maximum participation by small, disadvantaged, and woman-owned small businesses in federal contract awards and large prime subcontract awards.  In this workshop, a Procurement Center Representative (PCR), will discuss various topics related to government contracting as well a number of SBA certifications.  You will also learn about NASA JPL Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

 

 

Data Breach and Protecting Your Customers Information

In this workshop, an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will discuss practical tips for businesses on creating and implementing a plan for safeguarding personal information.  The attorney will also address the steps to take once a data breach has occurred in your small business.

​

​

Access to Capital for Small Business Owners

This workshop discusses the multiple sources of capital for growing your small business. The pros and cons of the funding sources are reviewed. Topics to be discussed include familiar options such as Small Business Loans, SBA Loan Guaranty Program, and Microloans.

 

 

Cyber Security

Protecting your business’ confidential data is critical to your company’s success.  A computer failure or other system breach can damage your company’s reputation, expose it to costly recovery expenses, and disrupt your business’ overall operation. This workshop will help you learn how to define information security for your organization, understand common threats and discover current technologies being used to reduce information security vulnerabilities.

​

​

Bid Protests, Subcontractor Disagreements and Pursuing UN and NATO Contracts

Government contracts attorney David Goodman will discuss two critical legal topics for all small business looking to expand and defend their business.  Bid protests are a sign of a healthy procurement system, reflecting transparency and rule of law.  They serve as an important tool for all contractors in ensuring a level playing field both pre and post award.  International sales to international organizations (U.N., NATO, etc.) and foreign governments provide significant opportunities willing to make the investment of learning and complying with substantial legal obligations.

​

​

Types of Government Contracting Fraud and Best Practices to Avoid

Kari Overson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Western Regional Office, will be discussing “How to Avoid Being a Victim or Perpetrator of Fraud in SBA’s Programs.”    She will discuss types of Government Contracting Fraud and common schemes.  She will also discuss best practices to reduce risk and report fraud when discovered.

​

​

The Mentor-Protégé Program, Limitations on Subcontracting and JV Opportunities

Last year, the SBA issued several notable final rules.  One created a new mentor-protégé program for all small businesses, including SDVOSBs, WOSBs, and HUBZone firms.  Another changed the requirements for the limitations on subcontracting applicable to small business set-aside contracts, socio-economic program set-aside contracts, and small business subcontracting generally.  This session provides an overview of these final rules and also discusses the new requirements for joint ventures.

​

 

Note: Program subject to change

                                     

 

For session-specific times and locations, see the agenda here.