Tag: Advice for Small Business

Dee Kivett: Queen of Quality Control and Certifications

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Experienced quality consultant and supply chain company CEO, Dee Kivett, shares advice for small businesses and the importance of providing quality control when working with the government.

BACKGROUND

Dee Kivett grew up with her father and his four brothers being part of the famous Wood Brothers, the longest running race team in the NASCAR Cup series.

This may be one of the reasons why she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and further developed her background through her MBA and master’s degree in Engineering Science and a doctorate degree in Automotive Engineering. 

She also had an in-depth background in terms of quality control through her experience in working as a quality consultant and manager with various companies including Universal Supply & Services, General Motors, and General Electronics.

Currently, Dee Kivett is the President & CEO of NextGen Supply Chain Integrators, a company providing a full range of sourcing and consulting solutions following the highest quality standards for the government, the defense, and commercial clients. 

She is also an adjunct professor at Clemson University wherein she teaches design and manufacturing project management for the automotive industry.

QUALITY CONTROL AND CERTIFICATIONS

In providing services to agencies and private clients, Kivett knew that the process of quality control is complex.

“Its traceability to every detail about its fabrication are quite critical to ensure that those who will use those parts and components in the assembly of something as critical as an aircraft, they have the assurances that they have full traceability on every part and component that goes into it.”

It is more than just getting an ISO 9001 certification because in terms of automotive and technical machineries where safety is a major concern, there are a lot of prescriptive instructions that companies need to accomplish and all of these should be kept. 

“There’s no room for error when a human life is concerned.”

Kivett also encouraged her clients to be certified to the IT standard and any other standards that need to be followed in working with both the government and the commercial marketplace. Then, this standard should strongly be applied from the top tier all the way down.

“Different manufacturers based on the risk of what’s being incorporated into their assemblies will roll those requirements down to lower and lower levels within the supply chain.”

ADVICE FOR BUSINESSES

Kivette believed that business should walk before you run. Don’t just go down and dive in the marketplace especially if it’s a critical one like the aerospace and medical device industry. 

“Refine your craft on something with less critical requirements, get your processes in place, be confident with the way you’re managing your business, and then grow into those industries where the requirements are more strict.”

It’s just like teaching your children driving. You don’t let them drive a Lamborghini if they don’t even know how to drive. Start with small steps first just like teaching them how to drive using a cheaper automobile that won’t cause you too much trouble and loss.  

“The same falls true for a manufacturer. Get started, build your capabilities, your strengths, your abilities, get your quality management system developed around the basics before you try to enter into a business where safety is a critical part.”

Then, she also encouraged businesses to think beyond the federal marketplace. There is a wide variety of clients that you can work with. So, start with those marketplace that you already have an in-depth knowledge of its consumers. 

“Do we want to be the 75 cent bolt or do you want to be the $250 bolt in your life? It’s all about the amount of detail and time and care that you put into the work that you do and how you can present yourself. So they’ve got the same amount of raw material in each one. Same amount of actual physical processing of work went into each one. But that attention to detail is what differentiates the 75 cent bolt from the $253 bolt.”

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Dee Kivett as she shares her advice for small businesses and the importance of providing quality control when working with the government.

015: Dee Kivett – Queen of Quality, CEO/President of Next Gen Supply Chain Integrators

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/dee-kivett-queen-of-quality-ceo-president-of-next-gen-supply-chain-integrators/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wJj5Ywz0wo&list=PL6-jBNNcc98vTBvNhFYfUTeH0k-Vx2VBH&index=8

Dee Kivett: Queen of Quality Control

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Experienced quality consultant and supply chain company CEO, Dee Kivett, shares advice for small businesses and the importance of providing quality control when working with the government.

BACKGROUND

Dee Kivett grew up with her father and his four brothers being part of the famous Wood Brothers, the longest running race team in the NASCAR Cup series.

This may be one of the reasons why she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and further developed her background through her MBA and master’s degree in Engineering Science and a doctorate degree in Automotive Engineering. 

She also had an in-depth background in terms of quality control through her experience in working as a quality consultant and manager with various companies including Universal Supply & Services, General Motors, and General Electronics.

Currently, Dee Kivett is the President & CEO of NextGen Supply Chain Integrators, a company providing a full range of sourcing and consulting solutions following the highest quality standards for the government, the defense, and commercial clients. 

She is also an adjunct professor at Clemson University wherein she teaches design and manufacturing project management for the automotive industry.

QUALITY CONTROL AND CERTIFICATIONS

In providing services to agencies and private clients, Kivett knew that the process of quality control is complex.

“Its traceability to every detail about its fabrication are quite critical to ensure that those who will use those parts and components in the assembly of something as critical as an aircraft, they have the assurances that they have full traceability on every part and component that goes into it.”

It is more than just getting an ISO 9001 certification because in terms of automotive and technical machineries where safety is a major concern, there are a lot of prescriptive instructions that companies need to accomplish and all of these should be kept. 

“There’s no room for error when a human life is concerned.”

Kivett also encouraged her clients to be certified to the IT standard and any other standards that need to be followed in working with both the government and the commercial marketplace. Then, this standard should strongly be applied from the top tier all the way down.

“Different manufacturers based on the risk of what’s being incorporated into their assemblies will roll those requirements down to lower and lower levels within the supply chain.”

ADVICE FOR BUSINESSES

Kivette believed that business should walk before you run. Don’t just go down and dive in the marketplace especially if it’s a critical one like the aerospace and medical device industry. 

“Refine your craft on something with less critical requirements, get your processes in place, be confident with the way you’re managing your business, and then grow into those industries where the requirements are more strict.”

It’s just like teaching your children driving. You don’t let them drive a Lamborghini if they don’t even know how to drive. Start with small steps first just like teaching them how to drive using a cheaper automobile that won’t cause you too much trouble and loss.  

“The same falls true for a manufacturer. Get started, build your capabilities, your strengths, your abilities, get your quality management system developed around the basics before you try to enter into a business where safety is a critical part.”

Then, she also encouraged businesses to think beyond the federal marketplace. There is a wide variety of clients that you can work with. So, start with those marketplace that you already have an in-depth knowledge of its consumers. 

“Do we want to be the 75 cent bolt or do you want to be the $250 bolt in your life? It’s all about the amount of detail and time and care that you put into the work that you do and how you can present yourself. So they’ve got the same amount of raw material in each one. Same amount of actual physical processing of work went into each one. But that attention to detail is what differentiates the 75 cent bolt from the $253 bolt.”

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Dee Kivett as she shares her advice for small businesses and the importance of providing quality control when working with the government.

015: Dee Kivett – Queen of Quality, CEO/President of Next Gen Supply Chain Integrators

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/dee-kivett-queen-of-quality-ceo-president-of-next-gen-supply-chain-integrators/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wJj5Ywz0wo&list=PL6-jBNNcc98vTBvNhFYfUTeH0k-Vx2VBH&index=8

Alexander Hassan: Certified Professional Contracts Manager

Posted on by Eric Coffie

An experienced and certified professional contracts manager, Alexander Hassan shares his insights about the contracting process and his advice for small businesses. 

BACKGROUND

Alexander Hassan is a graduate from Liberty University with degrees including a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology, an MBA with a concentration in leadership, and a Ph.D. in the field of education.

He has also pursued a master’s degree in Military Occupational Arts and Sciences and attended the Business Development and Negotiation Modules in Harvard Business School. 

Hassan began his career as a contracting specialist and officer in the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and became the Propulsion Procurement Program Lead of the F-35 Joint Program Office in 2014.

He then transitioned into teaching logistics, supply chain management, and international business in the American University and afterwards taught contract management in the Defense Acquisition University. 

Currently, he is the Director of Contracts of the Pioneering Evolution, a private-owned management consulting services and software development company.

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PROGRAM TEAM

The program team is essentially a team responsible for the acquisition process in the DOD. This team includes a program manager, engineers, finance team, other officers with different roles, and lastly the contracting officer. 

Before a contract is made public, the program team first makes sure that all of the information in the contract is accurate depending on the variables made through their assessment. 

This assessment is a way to make sure that a project is within the budget allocated by the Congress and that all of the contract’s proposals are realistic for the project to be performed.

“Like they would do an audit to make sure, okay, well it says 100 hours proposed. Can this actually be done in 100 hours or is it going to take 200 hours or could it be done in 50 hours?”

Then, the program team will also calculate the risk in doing the overall contract before choosing what type it is.  

“It really depends on the level of complexity related to the effort and on the amount of the risk that the contractor or the government is willing to take that really has the most bearing on selecting contract time.”

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Hassan recommends small businesses to communicate with other small businesses who have a federal contracting experience because these people can give you an insight on how everything works as well as learn from their experiences. 

Then, you can also work with contracting consultants or a mentor as they can help you in your proposal creation as well as provide you with the necessary insight on how to improve your business and your future contract proposals. 

Lastly, you should communicate with the agency’s contracting officers and specialists because they can provide you the information on what that agency needs.

Just remember to communicate with these people and the government because most of the time opportunities come to those who seek for it.  

“The government isn’t going to give it to you unless you ask for it.”

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Alexander Hassan as he shares his insights about the contracting process and his advice for small businesses, then be sure to click the link down below.

025: Alexander Hassan – Professor of Contract Management

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1AeW-dpk68&list=PL6-jBNNcc98vTBvNhFYfUTeH0k-Vx2VBH&index=18

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/alexander-hassan-professor-of-contract-management/

Gabriel Ruiz: Army Veteran and SBA Award Winner

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Army Veteran, CEO, and SBA Award Winner Gabriel Ruiz shares his advice for small businesses and how he strategically gained success in the federal marketplace.

BACKGROUND

Gabriel Ruiz served the U.S. Army for 26 years as  a Communications and Technology Acquisition Officer until he retired in 2006 as a Lieutenant Colonel. 

Right after that, he built his own company, Advanced IT Concepts, Inc., providing technology services and solutions as well as engineering, training and implementing complex systems for the federal government and the commercial marketplace. Since then, the company has delivered $70M+ programs.

Apart from that, he had also established “CEO Hive,” a little program where he and other established business owners help small businesses and subcontractors gain success. 

“You don’t know which way the pendulum’s going to swing. Today, you’re a subcontractor. Tomorrow, you might be having the next Uber, so maybe you can reach back and pull others up.”

With all of this, he was recognized as the 2016 North Florida District Minority-Owned Small Business Person of the Year and the 2017 North Florida Small Business Person of the Year.

EXPERIENCE IN THE FEDERAL MARKETPLACE

Ruiz didn’t have any idea about being an entrepreneur but his experience in the military was the reason why his transition became easier. He was able to translate what he learned. 

“In many cases, our military folks, especially younger folks, do not know what they really have. The ability to stand up in front of somebody, and talk to them, and do brave things, and develop strategies, and develop courses of action, and all this is innate into the junior leaders, and that translate perfectly into industry, and many times our folks, our military transitioning folks, are not aware of that, that discipline, that dependency, that we know they’re going to show up on time. It’s invaluable.”

However, in managing his business, Ruiz also encountered a problem in not having a credit line and access to capital. Although he was able to get loans from institutions like the SBA, Ruiz stressed that small businesses should get credit lines for their businesses even if they don’t need it yet because as soon as they grow, this will help them. 

“Use the money wisely, and use it for growth, so it’s sustainable and you can repay your loans.”

Apart from that, Ruiz also made a mistake in not having a larger proposal capture business development team when his company is growing and he can no longer do the business development himself. 

“We have to invest. I tell young companies, business development people are expensive, but you might want to bring the right people, and pay them half time or a quarter time, and they’ll find you the right opportunities.”

INITIATIVE FOR OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES

Due to these experiences, Ruiz wanted to give back to other growing businesses; so, he created CEO Hive.

Through this initiative, he and other business owners brought about 15 subcontractors and taught them about the things that they know.

They also helped them in developing their accounting systems, credit lines, and security clearances so that they can chase opportunities together. 

“Anybody can win a contract, if they’re lucky, but it’s performing on that contract, and by developing these younger companies, we increase our chance of success by helping them get to that point.”

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

For 8a small businesses, Ruiz wants them to pull back from the program if they are not ready yet.

Do your homework first before diving into such an opportunity. Remember that the 8a program’s duration is only nine years but you can’t get any contracts during that period if you don’t have the credit line, the security clearance, the past performance, and the relationship.

Then, for those who want to transition from working for other companies to building their own, Ruiz encourages them to have a roof over their head first and not just directly jump at the opportunity. 

Lastly, he encourages small businesses to understand their customers and the regulations of the marketplace, get the right resources, network themselves and their business, and to never give up. 

“For companies to be successful, the leadership, the owners, have to be persistent. Don’t give up, right? Nobody’s going to tell you yes on the first pass, or the second pass, or the third pass, right? Don’t give up. That’s key.”

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Gabriel Ruiz as he shares how he strategically gained success in the federal marketplace, then be sure to click the link down below.

007: LTC Gabriel Ruiz –Army Veteran, System Integrator, Mentor and SBA Award Winner

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/ltc-gabriel-ruiz-army-veteran-system-integrator-mentor-and-sba-award-winner/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl5U-bHUsEU

Janetta Brewer: Government Contract Compliance Expert

Posted on by Eric Coffie

An experienced government contract compliance expert, Janetta Brewer shares important information on the rules followed by the federal government and how businesses should remain compliant to all of these rules. 

BACKGROUND

Janetta Brewer, Esq. had worked in different roles in various government agencies including the US Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Air Force, Department of Homeland Security, and in the Department of Defense. 

In her last federal appointment, she was  a senior member of the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy staff wherein she developed acquisition regulations and guidance that helped streamline the process and improve contract execution outcomes.

Currently, she is the owner of her own consulting company, Blue Alchemy Consulting, where she helps both government and industry clients in providing innovative policy processes, IT systems, and workforce development solutions. 

PROCESS OF CHANGING THE FAR OR DFARS

Primarily, the Federal Acquisition Regulation is the set of principles, rules, and regulations that govern the federal procurement process.

However, consider that if you are working with other agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, or the GSA, these agencies have their own rules to supplement the FAR.

Then, when the 809 panel or the people appointed by the Congress to streamline  the acquisition process recommend changes in the regulations, there’s a process to follow before changes are made. 

At the FAR staff level or the DARS staff level, whenever there’s a recommended change to a regulation, these people have to review and assess that proposed change first to determine its impact to the industry and to small businesses and to what extent. This is a requirement. 

The government will then issue a proposed rule highlighting all of their assessment and its impact to various small businesses and industries.

In most cases, this is where the industry groups come in place and put their inputs on whether they agree or disagree to the proposed ruling together with their reasons. The government heavily relies upon the input that was received from industry groups in this process.

Afterwards, the government will then create a final rule highlighting all of the changes through their assessment of the industry recommendations. 

So, the final rules go into the maximum extent possible as the government tries to reduce the cost and impact on the industry while maintaining the regulatory requirement in place.

“We can not do something the Congress has mandated. We can only throw our implementation, try to do it in a way that reduces the impact of contractors.”

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

In dealing with the government, you need to be compliant with the rules that are put in place.

Don’t just focus on building better products and winning new contracts, you also need to build a compliant operational framework. This way, when the government does an audit, there will be no errors found. 

“One of the ways that you invest in a company is exposing them to better ways to build a compliance framework so to speak. I would say that’s one of the areas that’s typically neglected as just companies in general.”

Also, you need to use the solicitation to your advantage. Consider that when there’s a dispute or changes in the instructions that are not written in the solicitation, you have both the ability to highlight that it is a change in the overall contract and ask for some type of remedy towards those changes.

“The more knowledge you have and the more you understand what your obligations and requirements are, but also not just what yours are but what the government’s obligations and responsibilities are to you, then you feel more comfortable and confident speaking.”

Lastly, you need to begin with the end in mind. If you aim to work with the federal government for the next five years, then you need to build the appropriate processes and framework that are in compliance with the rules and regulations. 

“Because as you grow, obviously, sometimes you don’t necessarily have the time to invest in the backend stuff and it’s always easier if you have the framework in place to begin with and try to build it on the back end.”

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Janetta Brewer as she shares important information on the rules followed by the federal government and how businesses should remain compliant to all of these rules, then be sure to click the links down below.

016: Janetta Brewer ESQ – Government Contracts Compliance Expert ­

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/janetta-brewer-esq-government-contracts-compliance-expert/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcAqs6jHAt0&list=PL6-jBNNcc98vTBvNhFYfUTeH0k-Vx2VBH&index=2

Ashley D. Bell: Appointed White House Policy Advisor for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Posted on by Eric Coffie

A celebrated attorney and the appointed White House Policy Advisor for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Ashley D. Bell shared his advice as well as provided an insight on how the SBA helps small businesses.

BACKGROUND

Ashley D. Bell is recognized as one of America’s top 40 attorneys under 40 by the American Bar Association. 

He is a political science graduate from Valdosta State University which obtained his law degree from Louisiana State University and a doctorate degree in intercultural and urban studies from Lighthouse College.

He was also a part of the 21st Century Leadership Fellowship at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government as well as the Civil Society Fellowship of the Aspen Institute.

Before working with the government, Bell built his own small business and became an entrepreneur at the age of 22. 

He then served as the special assistant in the Bureau of Public Affairs of the United States Department of State and was an assistant director for external affairs in the US Peace Corps before moving in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the Regional Administrator for Region IV. 

Apart from all of these, Bell also founded the law firm Bell & Washington and the national organization dedicated to criminal justice reform, 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center.

ALL ABOUT SBA PROGRAMS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Firstly, the SBA’s 8a program’s strategy is broken into three pieces all throughout the validity of the nine-year program.

Their goal is to  cater everybody who has a contract from year one to three but if there are businesses who haven’t gotten any contract yet, they are given a mentor who is also part of the program and in the same industry as theirs. 

“We try to get businesses certified in one of those avenues and then use those certifications to take that preference to contractors and offer scopes of work that our businesses have and fight for them to get these contracts.”

Then, the SBA also has its disaster loans assistance in order to provide disaster relief to small businesses, to the public, and to personal entities whenever the President declares a national disaster.

“I think that’s very important for people to know. We’re the first place to go in the event of a national disaster for getting access to capital in a quick fashion.”

Most importantly, if you are in need for a loan, you need to visit the SBA and check if you can qualify for an SBA loan first before going directly to banks.

“Even though they may not understand completely how your business works, they may not have someone who’s an expert on how your marketing is going, and how you’re creating revenue. What they do know is that 75% of that loan all of a sudden became guaranteed, and they’re in a less risky position to take a risk on you. So, SBA is critical, especially for those new businesses entering newer markets.”

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

If you are  interested in building your own business and want to dive in the federal marketplace, you should communicate directly with the SBA, your local Small Business Development Centers or Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, or with SCORE (a non-profit organization funded through a cooperative agreement with SBA) because these organizations provide free advice and mentorship. 

This is also the same case if you don’t know  how to register in the System for Award Management database or in any government certified sites for contractors. You don’t have to pay third-party businesses on the Internet because the said organizations will just do this for free. 

“If you are thinking about taking your great talents, this great recipe, this great work you do as an architect, lawyer, teacher, trainer, and you want to take that to the marketplace, don’t do it alone. If you don’t have an MBA, you’ve got the SBA. Just give us a call. We’ll be glad to help you.”

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Ashley D. Bell as he shared his insights and advice from the SBA’s perspective, then be sure to click the links below:

012: Ashley D. Bell – Region IV Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/ashley-d-bell-region-iv-administrator-u-s-small-business-administration/

Ashley D. Bell – White House’s policy adviser on entrepreneurship and innovation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMYhCqThUS8

White House’s policy adviser on entrepreneurship and innovation Ashley D. Bell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1SOAgNHZaY&t=196s