GovCon Optimization Working Group
U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) and The American Small Business Chamber of Commerce (ASBCC) in collaboration with the OHIO Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Network presents GovCon Optimization.
Each year, our government spends billions of dollars on goods and services. This series was created to optimize your knowledge, skill, and ability to pursue Federal government procurement opportunities.
This 9-part, year-long Educational Working Group Series will cover topics to optimize preparation in pursuing federal contracting opportunities. Subjects to be covered include Capability Statement, Elevator Pitch, Federal Contracting Regulations, Solicitation, and Contract Format, Market Research, and Federal Socio-Economic Certification Programs. Our goal is for your company to pursue federal contracting opportunities with confidence and preparedness through a highly interactive working group format. With positioning and preparation, your firm will be ready with the capacity to take action when opportunity knocks.
Capability Statement Part II
In this session, we will build upon the parts of a capability statement from Capability Statement Part I held April 12, 2022, and provide the opportunity for working group members to be interactive. Working group members may have the opportunity to share their capability statement during the session. This will allow working group members to gain real-time feedback to perfect their capability statements.
Vikki Hawthorne
Procurement Specialist
Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Location: Coshocton, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, and Pickaway counties.
Experience: 27 Years Assisting Small Businesses in Federal Acquisitions, 30 Years Business Owner, School of ‘Live & Learn’
Top 3 Do’s in Government Contracting:
-Keep a sharp eye on inconsistencies in your messaging
-Hold Small Business Program Offices and Small Business Liaison Officers accountable for advocacy
-Take maximum advantage of all PTACs services
Additional lessons learned:
Education is key. Education…Education…Education
Do not hesitate to ask for assistance. Bad news does not get better with age.
Tony Griffin
Procurement Specialist
Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Location: Columbus & Central Ohio
Experience: 30 years assisting Small Businesses in Federal Acquisitions
Top 3 Do’s in Government Contracting:
-Read Solicitation Thoroughly
-Doing Your Due Diligence: Market Research; Agency’s Acquisition Rules and Process; Personal Preparation
-Are you Ready?
Additional lessons learned:
Knowing your socio-economic eligibility for certifications and acquisition set-asides
Guest Presenter
Pak Sa Dewhurst
Small Business Liaison
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Pak Sa Dewhurst is a Small Business Liaison serving 183 assigned contracts professionals procuring supplies, services, construction, healthcare resources, and real property leases for 12 VHA medical centers and 62 outpatient clinics throughout Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Pak is a retired United States Air Force commissioned officer with 23 years of professional experience including the last nine years as a warranted contracting officer and contracts manager acquiring services, commodities, information technology, construction, C-17 aircraft production and sustainment, Air Force aircrew ensemble and uniforms, and contingency contracting. He served as a contingency contracting officer in Iraq, contracting branch chief in services and construction consecutively in Afghanistan, and as a senior contracting officer in Africa. He has a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Maryland Global and a Master of Science in Homeland Security Administration from Tiffin University, Ohio. Pak’s professional certifications include a Federal Acquisition Certification Level 3 in Contracting, Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Level 1 certification in Program Management and a Certified Federal Contract Manager certification from the National Contract Management Association.
Series Includes the following. Register today for each session!
February 2, 2022 – Gov 101: Beginning the Journey
February 8, 2022 – Utilizing Mental Muscle to Win Government Contracts
March 15, 2022 – Introduction to GovCon Optimization
April 12, 2022 – Capability Statement Part I
May 10, 2022 – Capability Statement Part II
June 14, 2022 – Elevator Pitch Part I
July 12, 2022 – Elevator Pitch Part II
August 9, 2022 – Federal Contracting Regulations
September 13, 2022 – Solicitation and Contract Format
October 11, 2022 – Market Research & Solicitations | RFIs, SS (includes Ops under $250,000)
November 8, 2022 – Market Research & Contract Award
November 22, 2022 – Federal Socio-Economic Certification Programs
December 6, 2022 – Matchmaking 101
Note: The GovCon Optimization Working Group webinar series will be conducted in an interactive format. Attendees should be committed to fully engage in all activities to maximize benefit of the series
Level up with GovCon, An OHPTAC, USWCC & ASBCC Collaboration
Date & Time
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Registration & Fees
This meeting is Complimentary for NASBC Supplier members.
For Business members, the fee is $15.
For Registrants and non-members the fee is $35.
Guest Speaker Biography
Jane Stewart
Associate Director
Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Center at Lakeland Community College
Location: Lake, Ashtabula, Portage and Geauga Counties
Experience: 21 years in the PTAC program in various roles
Top 3 Do’s in Government Contracting:
- Keep registrations & certifications current, track renewal dates and have a password list
- READ the solicitation until you understand all instructions and deliverables
- Marketing is key. Create a strong capability statement
Additional lessons learned:
Under promise, over deliver
Assume nothing ~ ask questions
Have realistic expectations