The document summarizes the services provided by the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University. CIRAS delivers proven services to enhance industry performance through their Engage. Educate. Embed. approach. They have a vast network of university and industry experts that help integrate solutions for clients, with typical clients achieving a 200% return on investment. Over the past five years, clients have reported an economic impact of over $2 billion from CIRAS services.

1. Iowa State University
Presentation to ICCE Conference
By Andy Alexander
Government Contract Specialist
October 2016
© 2016 Iowa State University, All Rights Reserved

2. Since 1963, we have delivered proven services to enhance the performance of
industry. Our approach, Engage. Educate. Embed., creates a specific solution
that allows each business, along with its community, to prosper and grow.
Coupled with a satisfaction guarantee, our typical client has achieved a 200%
return on investment.
A vast network of university and industry experts brings years of professional
experience to CIRAS, making us a leading integrator of solutions in Iowa.
Clients have reported an economic impact of more than $2 billion over the
past five years.
Since 1963, we have delivered proven services to enhance the performance of
industry. Our approach, Engage. Educate. Embed., creates a specific solution
that allows each business, along with its community, to prosper and grow.
Coupled with a satisfaction guarantee, our typical client has achieved a 200%
return on investment.
A vast network of university and industry experts brings years of professional
experience to CIRAS, making us a leading integrator of solutions in Iowa.
Clients have reported an economic impact of more than $2 billion over the
past five years.
Center for Industrial Research and Service

3. Improving the profitability of businesses through…
Proven Services
Our customizable services are rooted in applied research and established
best practices. They fall into four main categories:

4. Our network extends across ISU and the nation
ISU Partners
•ISU Faculty and Labs
•Center for Crops Utilization
Research
•Center for Nondestructive
Evaluation
•College of Engineering
•Community and Economic
Development.
•Environmental Health and
Safety
•Extension and Outreach
•Meat Science Extension
•Structural Engineering
Laboratory
External Partners
•Federal Programs
- DOC/MEP
- DOD/PTAP
- EDA/UCP
•Iowa Area Development
Group
•Iowa Association of Business
and Industry
•Iowa Business Council
•Iowa Farm Bureau
•Iowa Innovation Corporation
•Iowa Lean Consortium
•Iowa Sustainable Business
Forum
•Quad Cities Manufacturing
Innovation Hub
•NICC and NIACC
Affiliates
•Iowa Economic Development
Authority
•Iowa DOT
•UNI
•Chambers of Commerce
•Councils of Governments
•Local Economic Developers
•Community Colleges
•Public and Private Service
Providers
•Others

6. What is a PTAC?
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center
• Funded by the federal government and the State of Iowa through
Iowa State University Center for Industrial Research and Service
(CIRAS).
• We provide technical assistance, workshops, and counseling
sessions at no cost to our Iowa clients!
• Program Headquarters located in West Des Moines with the entire
state of Iowa as our service area.
– Satellite offices in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Bettendorf, and Council
Bluffs.

7. How much is available?
• Total Federal Spending in FY 2015*
– Over $437 Billion in contracts
• Received by Iowa Companies in FY 2015*
– Approximately $1.8 Billion
*Source – www.usaspending.gov
• Note: During my watch in western Iowa, businesses
have won 2,140 government contracts valued at $63M

8. Becoming a CIRAS Procurement Assistance Client
1. Must be an Iowa business or organization.
2. Client completes a one page Request for Counseling form.
3. Counseling services are provided at no cost with no pre-
determined limit.
4. As a condition of receiving counseling services, the client agrees
to complete a quarterly survey within 7 days from request.

9. Most Utilized Services
Market Research, Marketing &
Relationship Building Tools
Applications, Certifications and
Registrations
Bid Preparation Assistance including
Pricing/Procurement History
Post Award Assistance

10. What assistance can you expect?
• Determine suitability for government contracting.
• Conduct comprehensive assessment:
• Company capabilities
• Industry
• Target market
• Create customized service plan to achieve government
contracting success.

11. CIRAS Individual Assistance
• We are here to guide you along your path.
• We will help you discover how to market to the government.
• We help you find the opportunities.
• We will keep you advised of new developments.
• We will provide access to relevant training, workshops and events.

12. CIRAS Outreach
Workshops:
Introductions, bid preparation, market research, bid preparation,
capability statements, registrations/certifications, subcontracting,
partnership and networking, and more.
LinkedIn Group:
Join the discussion, “CIRAS: Procurement Technical Assistance
Program (Iowa PTAC)”

13. How can I become a client?
• Fill out a Request for Counseling Form (RFC).
• Meet with me during this conference, or contact me at (402) 547-
0333 or email me at andyalex@iastate.edu to schedule an
appointment to review what your interests or goals are with
government contracting.

14. Andy Alexander
Government Contracting Specialist
402-547-0333
andyalex@iastate.edu
www.ciras.iastate.edu