FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER
SAVVY TALK
From the Editor's Desk
Welcome to She Gov Savvy!
Hello Savvy Sisters,
As we step into February, not only do we continue our journey into 2024, but we also embrace Black History Month—a time to honor and reflect on the significant contributions and achievements of the Black community throughout history. This month, our focus sharpens on the empowerment and support of Black women in government contracting, a sector where diversity fuels innovation and strength.
Celebrating Black History Month
In celebrating Black History Month, we recognize the trailblazers who have paved the way for diversity and equality in all sectors, including government contracting. Their resilience and determination inspire us to continue pushing for inclusivity and representation in every aspect of our professional lives.
Supporting Black Women in Government Contracting
Supporting Black women in government contracting not only enriches the field with diverse perspectives but also promotes equity and opportunity. Here are some ways we can all contribute to this important cause:
- Mentorship and Sponsorship: Offer mentorship or become a sponsor to Black women entering the field. Sharing your knowledge, experience, and networks can make a significant difference in someone's career trajectory.
- Collaboration: Seek opportunities to collaborate with Black women-owned businesses. Whether it's through subcontracting, partnerships, or joint ventures, these collaborations strengthen your business and promote diversity.
- Advocacy: Use your voice to advocate for policies and practices that support diversity and inclusion within government contracting. This could mean engaging with industry groups, participating in forums, or simply promoting a culture of inclusivity within your own organization.
- Education: Educate yourself and others about the challenges Black women face in the industry and explore how you can be part of the solution. Awareness is the first step toward change.
- Support Black Women-Led Initiatives: Whether it's attending events, promoting their businesses on social media, or choosing their services for your needs, supporting Black women-led initiatives creates more opportunities for growth and visibility.
Invitation to Share
Your stories, experiences, and insights are the heartbeat of She Gov Savvy. This year, we encourage you to share not just your successes but also how you’re making a difference in your communities through your work.
A Call to Action
As we commemorate Black History Month, let's also commit to action. Let's work together to create a more inclusive, supportive, and diverse government contracting community. Your efforts, no matter how small, contribute to a larger wave of change.
Thank you for joining us in this important conversation and for your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Here's to a February filled with reflection, learning, and action.
Warm regards,
Sabrina Wiggins
Editor-in-Chief
She Gov Savvy
SBA Announces Empower to Grow
On January 25th, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, announced a slate of major improvements to the implementation of the agency’s popular 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program. These changes – launched under a new name, Empower to Grow (E2G) – include significant upgrades to the program’s core services and are designed to deliver on the SBA’s commitment under the Biden-Harris Administration to advance equity in federal procurement.
For complete details click here for full details.
SBA Introduces 60-Day Goodwill Exception Period, Expands Hardship Accommodation Plans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced expanded flexibility and accommodations for COVID EIDL and PPP borrowers to help bring them into compliance and avoid the repercussions of defaulting on a government loan.
For COVID EIDL and PPP borrowers with loans under $100,000, the SBA has implemented a 60-day goodwill exception period starting January 1 and lasting through March 3, 2024. During this period, the SBA will build on its extensive outreach to affected businesses to ensure that PPP borrowers know how to apply for forgiveness and COVID EIDL borrowers are aware of all repayment options — including the opportunity for hardship repayment plans. Further, the SBA will refrain from escalating collections activities until after the goodwill exemption period.
For complete details click here for full details.
HHS (Health and Human Services) - February 22, 2024
HHS OSDBU Office Hours with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Click here for more details.
The Army Heat Center at Fort Moore hosts the annual Heat Forum - February 28, 2024
This one-day event, supported by the Commanding General, features conference sessions in the morning and a live, outdoor demonstration in the afternoon. Click here for more details.
GSA Virtual Meet & Match: Supporting the Success of Women-Owned Small Businesses - March 6, 2024
Women-Owned Small Business Networking Roundtable Matchmaking with GSA and their Large Prime Contractors Roundtable Matchmaking with Federal Agencies. Click here for more details.
HHS (Health and Human Services) - March 22, 2024
HHS OSDBU Office Hours with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Click here for more details.
Government contracting can be a lucrative way to expand your business, but it's crucial to understand the basics before diving in. Government contracts are agreements between your business and a government entity to provide goods or services. These contracts are subject to strict regulations, compliance standards, and a competitive bidding process.
Key Points:
- Understand the Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which governs all federal procurement processes. Compliance is key to successful contracting.
- Register Your Business: Before you can bid on government contracts, you must obtain a DUNS number, register with the System for Award Management (SAM), and sometimes obtain specific industry certifications.
- Seek Opportunities: Use the official government website, SAM.gov, to find available contracts. Tailor your search to your business’s capabilities and set up alerts for new postings.
Takeaway: Preparation and understanding of the regulatory environment are the first steps towards securing government contracts. Ensure your business is properly registered and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
FEATURE OF THE MONTH
Gloria D. Dent: A Beacon of Leadership and Service
In the panorama of individuals whose lives are a testament to service, leadership, and community empowerment, Gloria D. Dent stands out as a towering figure. Her remarkable journey spans over three decades of dedicated service to the nation, both in military fatigues and civilian attire, marking her as a pivotal influencer in government contracting, veteran support, and community service.
Military Excellence and Beyond
Gloria D. Dent dedicated an impressive 37 years to active federal service, with a distinguished military career that culminated in 2010 as a US Army Command Sergeant Major. A highly decorated combat soldier, Dent's tenure on active duty saw her at the forefront in some of the most challenging operational theaters around the globe, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Somalia, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia.
Trailblazing in Education and Business
In 2021, Dent was appointed to the Anne Arundel County Board of Education, representing District I, where she brings her vast experience and commitment to excellence to the forefront of educational governance. However, her dedication to service didn’t pause with her military retirement. Gloria is the founder and CEO of Genergi Logistics, LLC, a testament to her forward-thinking approach to government contracting. This service-disabled veteran and woman-owned company specializes in warehouse and fulfillment operations, serving both public and private sectors throughout Maryland. Genergi Logistics, LLC, exemplifies how military precision and corporate acumen can combine to create a successful enterprise that not only thrives in the competitive landscape of government contracting but also sets a benchmark for service and operational excellence.
Community Empowerment Through ICCSU
With a deep-rooted passion for community service, Gloria, alongside her husband, co-founded iCommunity Connection Services, Inc. (ICCSU), a Maryland community-based nonprofit organization. ICCSU stands as a beacon of hope and support, focusing on empowering veterans, young adults aged 16-25, and people with disabilities by leveraging education and community resources. This initiative reflects Gloria's unwavering commitment to harnessing her experiences and networks to uplift others, particularly those who are most in need of support and guidance.
Advocacy and Recognition
Gloria's tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. Her work has earned her prestigious accolades such as the 2021 Fannie Lou Hamer Award and the 2021 Anne Arundel County Michelle Obama Award. These honors underscore her significant contributions to civil rights, community service, and leadership. Furthermore, as an active community organizer and a lifetime member of the NAACP, Gloria continues to champion initiatives that foster inclusivity, support, and empowerment.
A Legacy of Leadership
Gloria D. Dent’s story is one of relentless dedication, inspiring leadership, and impactful service. Her multifaceted career — from the battlefields to the boardroom, and now to the heart of community service — highlights the profound impact one individual can have across various spectrums of society. As she continues to lead and inspire in government contracting through Genergi Logistics and beyond, Gloria's legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we commit ourselves to serve, lead, and empower those around us.
Gloria’s life and work embody the essence of selfless service and leadership. Through her endeavors, she not only paves the way for future leaders but also creates a lasting impact that transcends her immediate community, inspiring a ripple effect of positive change throughout Maryland and the nation.
For more information about Gloria D. Dent’s initiatives and how you can support or get involved, visit ICCSU’s website. You can also learn about Genergi LLC by visiting https://www.genergillc.com/.
Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition - Deadline: 2/19/2024
The competition celebrates and nurtures purpose-driven ventures that seek to address systemic inequities in education through innovation. It welcomes entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in education from around the world and encourages applications in every conceivable educational setting – from early childhood through corporate and adult training, in settings and contexts anywhere in the world. Funding of $40,000. - Click here to learn more
BOSS Impact Fund Invest in Progress Grant- Deadline: 2/23/2024
Less than 1% of minority founders get investment funding for the start of their small business. The BOSS Network aims to tackle the issue by providing grants for Black women entrepreneurs and access to a 1-year mentorship program, to assist in their business growth. Funding of $10,000. - Click here to learn more
MassChallenge- Deadline: 2/29/2024
Entries are now open for the U.S. Early Stage Accelerator, a dynamic, industry-agnostic program designed to propel startup growth through unparalleled access to mentors, peers, customers, knowledge, and capital. The program experience is tailored for early-stage companies, from the ideation stage to early market engagement with less than $2MM in revenue. - Click here to learn more
Echo360 e3 Tech Grants - Deadline: 3/22/2024
Echo360 e3 Tech Grants will award up to 20 recipients with cash or software grants US $2,000 in cash or up to $5,000 in software in two categories: EchoImpact and EchoInnovation. - Click here to learn more
Roddenberry Catalyst Fund -
The Catalyst Fund is offering grants to Nonprofits & Social Enterprises to fund ideas or early-stage projects that have a high potential for large-scale impact and sustainable change. You can be a seasoned social entrepreneur or a first-time changemaker. Eligible candidates for the Catalyst Fund may be individuals, teams of individuals, non-profit organizations, or social enterprises. Funding up to $15,000 - Click here to learn more
These are rolling grants.
Awesome Foundation (Monthly)
Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached, to projects and their creators. At each fully autonomous chapter, the money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing “micro-trustees”. Awarded monthly - Click here to learn more
IMPACT grants (Quarterly)
Primary goal of grant is to fuel the endeavors of businesses and nonprofits that are actively making a significant IMPACT within their communities and beyond. Open to US and Canada-based organizations. Funding of $1,000 - Click here to learn more
Truist NonProfit Grant (Quarterly)
The Truist Foundation supports nonprofits with grants that target leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. - Click here to learn more
HerRise Micro-Grant (Monthly)
The HerRise Micro-Grant provides financial assistance, with the help of our corporate sponsors and donors, to women of color creating innovative solutions that impact their community and that are often unable to secure funding for their small business. - Click here to learn more
The ultimate hands-on workbook for anyone looking to get their finances in order—from budgeting to investing and everything in between—by Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, the New York Times bestselling author of the smash hit Get Good with Money
We all want to live within our means, save for retirement, invest a little, and yet still have some left over each month for fun. But as most people know, real life can get in the way of even our best intentions! To help us set realistic goals and keep us on track to meeting them, New York Times bestselling financial educator Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche has an invaluable 10-step action plan: Made Whole. With her signature down-to-earth style, she offers worksheets, checklists, and action items for ten important building blocks—from the ins and outs of budgeting, investing, credit rating, and estate planning, to getting insurance and getting the flow of our money automated. A hardworking tool for getting our financial ducks in a row, it also includes:
• Clear explanations of intimidating financial terminology
• Simple instruction on calculating our present situation and future needs
• Invaluable worksheets for keeping track of the numbers
• Handy hacks for increasing your credit score, making savings “hard to access,” and finding support to stay on track to your goals
A masterclass in taking charge of your money, Made Whole has what every reader needs to achieve financial savvy, stability, and security.
ADR - Alternative Dispute Resolution: Any procedure or combination of procedures voluntarily used to resolve issues in controversy without the need to resort to litigation. These procedures may include, but are not limited to, assisted settlement negotiations, conciliation, facilitation, mediation, fact-finding, minitrials, and arbitration. (FAR 33.201)
ADA - Anti-Deficiency Act: Requires that no officer or employee of the Government may create or authorize an obligation in excess of the funds available, or in advance of appropriations unless otherwise authorized by law. (FAR 32.702)
Basic Agreement: A basic agreement is not a contract. It is a written instrument of understanding, negotiated between an agency or contracting activity and a contractor, that:
- Contains contract clauses applying to future contracts between the parties during its term; and
- Contemplates separate future contracts that will incorporate by reference or attachment the required and applicable clauses agreed upon in the basic agreement. (FAR 16.702(a)
BOA - Basic Ordering Agreement: A basic ordering agreement is not a contract. It is a written instrument of understanding, negotiated between an agency, contracting activity, or contracting office and a contractor, that contains:
- Terms and clauses applying to future contracts (orders) between the parties during its term;
- A description, as specific as practicable, of supplies or services to be provided; and
- Methods for pricing, issuing, and delivering future orders under the basic ordering agreement. (FAR 16.703(a))
BATNA - Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement: An analysis of negotiator alternatives if negotiations fail. It provides a measure of relative bargaining power and the long-term effect of negotiations. For example, sometimes accepting an unreasonable negotiation result may be better than the available alternatives (e.g., a contractor may accept an unreasonably low price in an effort to limit future competition).
We want to hear from you! Have questions you want answered? Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at editor@shegovsavvy.com or engage with us on social media using the hashtag #SheGovSavvy #SavvyGovSisters #SavvyTalk #SavvySisters
Join us via Facebook live as we talk about Government Contracting and so much more. We will be launching our YouTube channel very soon. Our next two Savvy Talk lives will be February 21st and March 6th. Make sure you join us or catch the replay.
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