March 2024 NEWSLETTER
SAVVY TALK
From the Editor's Desk
Welcome to She Gov Savvy!
Hello Savvy Sisters,
As March unfolds with the promise of spring, we are reminded of the strength and resilience that lie within each of us, echoing the spirit of International Women's Day. This month, our newsletter celebrates the remarkable achievements of women around the globe, especially those making significant strides in the challenging arena of government contracting.
A Tribute to Women's Strength
International Women's Day is not just a date on the calendar; it's a movement, a global acknowledgment of women's contributions, struggles, and victories. It's a day that reminds us of the progress made and the journey ahead in achieving gender equality. In this issue, we shine a light on women who are breaking barriers, overcoming obstacles, and setting new benchmarks in government contracting and beyond.
Overcoming Barriers
The path to success is rarely without its hurdles, and many women have navigated these with unparalleled grace and determination. From battling gender biases to breaking into traditionally male-dominated fields, their journeys are testimonies of courage and perseverance. We feature stories of women who have turned challenges into steppingstones, transforming barriers into gateways of opportunity.
Shouting Out Success
Let's take a moment to applaud the hard work, dedication, and tenacity of women in government contracting. Their contributions are not just advancing their careers but are also paving the way for future generations. These women are not only participants in the industry; they are leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
Join the Celebration
This International Women's Day let's commit to supporting and uplifting each other. Mentor a budding entrepreneur, collaborate with fellow women contractors, or simply share your story to inspire others. Every action count in our collective journey toward equality and empowerment.
In Gratitude
As we celebrate this month, we extend our deepest gratitude to the women who have led by example, to those who have supported their peers, and to every woman who steps forward each day with the resolve to make a difference. Your strength is the foundation upon which we build a more inclusive and equitable future.
Here's to the women who dare to dream, to the trailblazers and the visionaries. May your paths be lit with the light of your ambitions, and may your stories inspire a world of possibilities.
With admiration and respect,
Sabrina Wiggins
Editor-in-Chief
She Gov Savvy
Federal agency to develop minority businesses can’t only help minority businesses, Texas judge rules
A federal judge in Texas ruled on Tuesday that the Minority Business Development Agency, which provides support to businesses owned by people of color, is now barred from providing exclusive assistance to these entities.
The agency must now provide assistance to all businesses and owners, regardless of race, as a result of a lawsuit brought by white business owners who alleged the policies were unconstitutional.
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) was formed under President Nixon as “the only federal agency tasked with promoting the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses”, according to the agency’s website. Then known as the Minority Business Enterprise, Nixon used an executive order to address economic disparities and inequalities that resulted from racist policies and lack of access.
National Small Business Week
SBA, announced that registration for the 2024 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit is now open. The two-day online event will take place from April 30-May 1. Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required. To register, visit National Small Business Week Virtual Summit registration.
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.
Richmond, Virginia - 10th Annual B2G Procurement Conference & Expo - March 27, 2024
2 Day event with government agencies, primes and government contractors. Richmond, Virginia - 10th Annual B2G Procurement Conference & Expo Wednesday, March 27, 2024 - Thursday, March 28, 2024 Click here for more details.
Matchmaking Event: National Small Business Federal Contracting Summit | DC Spring 2024 | Hybrid - March 26, 2024
This annual event provides small business federal suppliers the ability to participate in one-one-one matchmaking with several Federal Agency Representatives and Large Prime Contractors. It also includes education, networking, mentoring and the 2024 USWCC Women Contractor Awards. Click here for more details.
2024 Small Business National Training Conference - April 2, 2024
This two-day training event provides an opportunity to bring together small and socioeconomic businesses and the HHS acquisition community to engage in an event focused on enhancing acquisition strategies for small business utilization and reenergizing the small business industrial base in the areas of manufacturing, knowledge-based services, and innovation. Click here for more details.
Women Owned Small Business Contracting Summit: Information, Innovation & Emerging Technologies - April 9, 2024
The U.S. Department of Education Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce presents “A Women Owned Contracting Summit: Supporting Women in Information, Innovation & Emerging Technologies. Click here for more details
The Importance of Compliance and Ethics
In government contracting, adherence to compliance and ethical standards is not just a legal requirement; it's a cornerstone of your reputation and ability to secure future contracts. Understanding the compliance landscape and fostering an ethical business environment are critical.
Key Points:
- Stay Informed on Compliance: Regulations can change, so it's vital to stay updated. Regularly review the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and any agency-specific regulations applicable to your contracts.
- Implement an Ethics Program: Create a culture of integrity by implementing an ethics program within your company. This includes training employees on ethical behavior and compliance with government contracting laws.
- Audit and Monitor: Regularly audit your business practices for compliance and ethical adherence. This proactive approach can help identify and rectify issues before they become problematic.
Takeaway: Compliance and ethics are not just about following laws; they're about building trust with government clients. A strong commitment to ethical practices and compliance can differentiate your business in a competitive field.
FEATURE OF THE MONTH
Billie Welchman the CEO of Core Solutions Group
Core Solutions Group, LLC, specializes in process optimization, data management, and federal contracting, offering a suite of services tailored to enhance governmental and private sector operations. With a focus on innovation, the company leverages its expertise to solve complex challenges, supported by GovCon Core Apps—a platform designed to streamline government contracting processes.
Botox Real Impact Grant (with IFundWomen) Deadline: 3/19/2024
Providing 20 groundbreaking women entrepreneurs, each with a $25k grant, coaching, and mentorship, helping to close the Confidence Gap. Honorees will also become a part of the award-winning IFundWomen Method Crowdfunding Accelerator, designed to fuel ambitions, increase confidence, and drive long-term impact for future women founders. - 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
American Dream Grant - Deadline: 4/30/2024
The American Dream Awards celebrate small businesses embodying the modern American Dream. Open to all US for-profit businesses, recipients get $1,000, a business accelerator, media exposure, and more. - Click here to learn more
Halstead Grant- Deadline: 5/1/2024
Halstead Grant is an annual award for emerging silver jewelry artists. Applicants submit answers to 15 business questions in addition to their design portfolios. The experience is designed to help jewelry entrepreneurs create a strategy to kick-start their careers. Grants of $7,500. - Click here to learn more
ZenBusiness Small Business Grants - Deadline: 12/31/2024
The ZenBusiness 2024 Small Business Grant Program offers $5,000 to small businesses who form a legal business entity (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp). In order to qualify for this grant, you must have used their formation services in the last 3-6 months. - Click here to learn more
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
Kitty Fund - Helping Mompreneurs
Founder identifies as a mother. Business annual revenue does not exceed $5M. Business must be located in the United States. Grant for $500. Apps open in March 2024 - Click here to learn more
ZenBusiness Free LLC Formation for Moms
To help mothers take the first step toward entrepreneurship, ZenBusiness is covering business formation costs and will help entrepreneurs form an LCC, track expenses, secure a business name, and more. - Click here to learn more
The 7 Habits have become famous and are integrated into everyday thinking by millions and millions of people. Why? Because they work!
With Sean Covey’s added takeaways on how the habits can be used in our modern age, the wisdom of the 7 Habits will be refreshed for a new generation of leaders.
They include:
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Habit 4: Think Win/Win
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Habit 6: Synergize
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
This beloved classic presents a principle-centered approach for solving both personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and practical anecdotes, Stephen R. Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity—principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.
Best Value: The expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the Government’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement. (FAR 2.101)
Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA): A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing charge accounts with qualified sources of supply. (FAR 13.303-1(a))
Certificate of Competency (COC): A document issued by the Small Business Administration stating that the holder is responsible (with respect to all elements of responsibility, including, but not limited to, capability, competency, capacity, credit, integrity, perseverance, tenacity, and limitations on subcontracting) for the purpose of receiving and performing a specific Government contract. (FAR 19.601(a))
Certificate of Conformance: A certificate signed by a contractor representative that the supplies or services required by the contract have been furnished in accordance with all applicable contract requirements. The certificate further states that the supplies or services are of the quality specified and conform in all respects with the contract requirements, including specifications, drawings, preservation, packaging, packing, marking requirements, and physical item identification (part number), and are in the quantity shown on this or on the attached acceptance document. (FAR 46.315 and 52.246-15)
Change Order: A written order, signed by the Contracting Officer, directing the contractor to make a change that the Changes clause authorizes the Contracting Officer to order without the contractor’s consent. (FAR 43.101)
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