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.
Elevator Pitch Part I
Imagine you could secure a new client in about the time it takes to ride an elevator, from the top floor to the bottom. Nothing is impossible. An elevator pitch lets you do exactly that. It’s a brief synopsis of your background, skills, and experience. Do it right, and it may have the influence to win over a new client in about 30 seconds or less. Making an effective elevator pitch may seem challenging, but it can be done. In Part I, we will discuss the parts of an effective elevator pitch.
Don't forget to register for Part II on July 12, 2022 - Elevator Pitch Part II.
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
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, June 14, 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
Karen Wivell
Procurement Specialist
Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Location: Cuyahoga, Erie, Huron and Lorain counties
Experience: Corporate, Non-Profit and Government Marketing, Communications and Administrative Background; Procurement Specialist since 2013
Top 3 Do’s in Government Contracting:
-Know Your Strengths
-Market Research, Market Research, Market Research!
-Network!
Additional lessons learned:
Read the fine print of every solicitation. Present yourself as a problem solver and back it up with facts. Turn losing a bid into a learning opportunity.