Multicultural Business Summit |

[vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_image=”25099″ text_color=”light”][vc_column offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_empty_space height=”100px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Multicultural Business Summit” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:80|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space height=”100px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title title=”Overview”][/block_title][vc_column_text]The annual Multicultural Business Summit is our annual networking and training event for small business owners and small business supporters to learn about procurement-related topics.

This year’s theme, Government Contracting, for small businesses seeking to perform services and sell products to the federal government. During this summit, there will be four breakout sessions (i.e., CMMC requirements, Business Development, DCAA compliant systems, Tips, and Tools) that focus on skill areas needed to improve the business’s chance of success when pursuing opportunities in this space.

Join us at The SBDC at Morehouse College on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Summit will wrap around 2:00 p.m. Lunch is included with general admission tickets. Tickets to break-out sessions will be available once all general admission tickets have been sold.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”REGISTER” style=”custom” custom_background=”#ba0c2f” custom_text=”#ffffff” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ftraining.georgiasbdc.org%2Fsearch%2FpublicCourseSearchDetails.do%3Fmethod%3Dload%26courseId%3D1742688%23courseSectionDetails_1758614%3Fprogramid%3D179233||target:%20_blank|”][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]

PARTNERS

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General Admission:
$49.99

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Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

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UGA SBDC at Morehouse College

Leadership Building, Bank of America Auditorium

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” bg_color=”#ba0c2f” text_color=”light”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”AGENDA” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_raw_html]JTNDcCUyMGlkLSUyMmFnZW5kYSUyMiUzRSUyNm5ic3AlM0IlM0MlMkZwJTNF[/vc_raw_html][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”REGISTER” style=”custom” custom_background=”#ffffff” custom_text=”#ba0c2f” size=”lg” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ftraining.georgiasbdc.org%2Fsearch%2FpublicCourseSearchDetails.do%3Fmethod%3Dload%26courseId%3D1742688%23courseSectionDetails_1758614%3Fprogramid%3D179233||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

8:30 a.m. | Registration and Networking

9:00 a.m. | Welcome

9:15 a.m. | GSA Schedule: Overview and Updates

10:30 a.m. | Breakout Sessions

12:00 p.m. | Networking & Booths

12:30 p.m. | Keynote Speaker

Breaks will be included throughout the day.

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This event will take place on the UGA SBDC at Morehouse College campus.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_custom_heading text=”SESSIONS” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left|line_height:2″ google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | Panel: Doing Business with the University System of Georgia” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|line_height:2″ google_fonts=”font_family:Merriweather%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Moderator: Julian Bailey with Georgia DOAS State Purchasing Division

Julian Andrea Bailey currently serves as the Communications and Supplier Outreach Manager with the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, State Purchasing Division. She is responsible for managing State Purchasing communications initiatives, as well as supplier relations and training. She conducts training on the procurement process and systems in Georgia. In addition, Ms. Bailey manages the State of Georgia Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification process. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from Howard University and a Master of Business Administration degree in Management from Troy University. She is a Professional Certified Marketer with the American Marketing Association.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Catherine Ice with Kennesaw State University

Catherine Ice is the head of the Contract Management team and the College University Procurement Officer (CUPO) for Kennesaw State University (KSU). In her current position, she has led KSU to receive the University System of Georgia’s 2019 Excellence in Procurement Award, Comprehensive University Champion; she has taught at DOAS’ Georgia Procurement Conferences, NIGP The Ga Chapter’s, conferences and the University System of Georgia’s Interact conference. She has a wealth of procurement knowledge and experience from private and public industry. Catherine has a baccalaureate degree from Agnes Scott College and has a lifetime certification from the Institute for Supply Management as a Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) She has also earned her Georgia Certified Purchasing Manager (GCPM), Georgia Certified Purchasing Card Administrator (GCPCA), Request for Quotation (RFP) and Negotiations certifications from the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS).

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Bruce Burbank with Georgia Gwinnett College

While accumulating over thirty years of governmental procurement experience, I enjoy the challenges presented daily to stay abreast of new techniques to procure that I’ve learned while working for different companies and professional organizations, in my roles. Bruce has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management with a minor in Project Manager and developed skills in assets, logistics, management of people and processes, change management and customer service. He loves guiding individuals who are curious about the procurement process.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Ajay Patel with Georgia Institute of Technology

Ajay Patel is currently the Director of Procurement at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has over 20 years of direct and indirect procurement experience purchasing a variety of commodities in various industries including higher education, automotive, utilities, apparel, textiles and consumer goods and packaging. Ajay has spent the majority of his career in the industry working for companies such as Ford Motor Company and Georgia Pacific. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Karmen Milton with Georgia State University

Karmen Milton serves as the Interim Sr. Director of Business Services at Georgia State University. With six campuses throughout metro Atlanta, the university serves more than 54,000 students and is among the most diverse colleges and universities in the United States. Mrs. Milton began her career with the University in 1991 and has fulfilled a variety of roles serving the university’s extensive financial, procurement and operational needs. Mrs. Milton received her Bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University with a focus in Sales and Marketing Operations.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Panel: How to Do Business with Healthcare Systems” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|line_height:2″ google_fonts=”font_family:Merriweather%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Crystal King with Grady Health System

Crystal Anderson King is an award winning advocate for diverse suppliers and civil rights. She joined Grady Health System in March 2019 as the Director of Supplier Diversity & Equity. Before joining the health system, Crystal enjoyed a 15-year career at Georgia Power Company where she worked in multiple disciplines including Sales Compensation, Contract Management, Corporate Relations and Supplier Diversity. Crystal earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Robert Morris University in Chicago. She currently serves on the Local Board for AID Atlanta and the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Business League. She is a two-time Atlanta Business League Woman of Influence and former co-chair for Super Tuesday. Crystal was recognized as one of the “40 Influential Women of 2020″ by the LA Wire.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Wellstar Health System

Wellstar is one of the largest health systems in Georgia. They know that giving people easy access to their services and locations is an essential part of great care. They offer: 11 hospitals, 10 emergency departments, 300+ medical office locations, 9 cancer centers, 55 rehabilitation centers, 3 hospice facilities, 1 retirement village, 21 imaging centers, 17 urgent care locations, 5 health parks. One of their procurement experts will be joining the panel to discuss how small businesses can work with Wellstar.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch Keynote” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|line_height:2″ google_fonts=”font_family:Merriweather%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”Louis Enrique Negron, Executive Director / COO of 100 Black Men of Atlanta” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|line_height:2″ google_fonts=”font_family:Merriweather%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Louis Enrique Negron

Born and raised in Oakland, Calif., to Puerto Rican parents, Negron’s story, both personally and professionally, is unique. After a decade-long stint in higher education, Negron returned to the nonprofit world, where over the years he worked with agencies such as Year Up, United Way of Atlanta, United Way of Transylvania County, Operation HOPE and Supportive Housing Communities.

Negron had a personal epiphany in 2016 after a stroke and he became an ordained minister and certified wellness and life coach. In May, Negron was awarded a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Mercer University. He previously earned a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Morehouse College in Atlanta.

Louis Negron was named executive director and chief operating officer of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta in February.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|line_height:2″ google_fonts=”font_family:Merriweather%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Access to Capital

Moderator: Alex Simmer with Atlantic Capital Bank

Alex has been a Senior Vice President, Business Banking & Not-for-Profit at Atlantic Capital Bank since July 2019. Prior to joining Atlantic Capital, she was a banker at Wells Fargo with a focus to support the Hispanic Business community as she is Bilingual. Alex has 15 years of experience as Business Banker and Commercial Lender in the Gwinnett Community and Atlanta Metro Area. Specializing in commercial real-estate lending and business lending, SBA, Lines of credits to various industries such as: Medical, Manufactures, Distributers, IT and B2B. She works with companies from startup mode through growth and maturity.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Chris Clay with ACE

Chris Clay brings over 10 years of professional banking experience concentrated in the community banking sector with further specialization in regulations as they pertain to the Community Reinvestment Act, small business & community development lending. Chris served as an advisory board member for a multistate Community Development Financial Institution and an Affordable Housing Agency serving the City of Atlanta and the State of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Chris has a passion for community service and views himself as an advocate of equitable communities. Chris earned his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Georgia Gwinnett College and his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia Military College. Chris is currently completing his MBA program at Georgia College & State University.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Bud Crawford with Coeur Capital

Bud Crawford is currently a Partner and Co-Founder at Coeur Capital, Inc.. Mr. Crawford has over 14 years of banking and financial services experience. Mr. Crawford began his career at Bank of America, leading the implementation of numerous LEAN Six-Sigma projects. Mr. Crawford left Bank of America to become COO and Equity Partner at Libertas Financial Corporation, a factoring company based out of Atlanta, GA. After helping lead the sale of Libertas to First Bank and Trust, Mr. Crawford took over as CEO of PrimeArc Capital, LLC (“PrimeArc’). During his tenure as CEO, PrimeArc increased EBITDA by 300% and the company qualified for the Inc5000 list in 2020. In 2021, Mr Crawford helped found Coeur Capital, Inc., a specialty finance firm set up to acquire the assets of PrimeArc through a management buyout. Currently, Coeur provides both factoring (facilities from $10,000 – $2,000,000) and ledger lines of credit (facilities from $500,000 – $2,000,000).[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]How to Leverage Your Certification

Bart Njoku-Obi with UGA SBDC Multicultural Business Division

Bart’s expertise spans strategic planning, sales operations, business process improvement, B2B partner ecosystems, and M&A. He’s entrepreneurial-minded with management and project experience at VC-funded technology startups and large enterprises, coupled with public service in regulatory compliance. He’s garnered over 16 years of experience in legal counsel and business risk mitigation. Bart’s worked with several firms in Silicon Valley CA including Hewett-Packard in Palo Alto and Sunnyvale, and start-up ventures in Georgia, North Carolina, and overseas. He’s a Certified Manager of Quality /Organizational Excellence by the American Society for Quality.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Doing Business with Gwinnett

Tony Harris

Tony was named the Pre-Construction Division Director in May of 2021. He joined Gwinnett County Transportation in May of 2017 and has over 26 years of Gwinnett County Government experience. 22 of those years was spent in Water Resources. For the last four years, Tony has managed the Transportation Utility Permitting Division. He developed new utility policies and procedures to adhere to new State laws and has been a great asset to the Transportation Department. Tony has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Construction Management, Master’s degree in Project Management and a Master’s in Business Administration with a minor of International Business. Tony grew up in Gwinnett County and has a wife and three children. He is very active in his church and community.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Doing Business with Gwinnett

Holly Cafferata

Holly began her career with Gwinnett County in 2008. She worked in the Administrative Office of the Courts prior to joining the Purchasing Division in 2009. Holly worked as a Purchasing Associate and a Purchasing Manager before being promoted to Purchasing Division Director. Holly earned a Master’s Degree of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia. She is a member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and the Georgia Chapter of NIGP. Holly has received her certification as a Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) and Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB). She has over 12 years of experience in public sector procurement.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Doing Business with Gwinnett

Shantell Wilson

Shantell R. Wilson is the Economic Development Manager of Business Outreach for Gwinnett County Government Office of Economic Development

She is responsible for business outreach, retention and expansion. She works alongside business and industry to ensure their success in the Gwinnett community through eliminating barriers, providing access to tools and resources and stronger relationships with County officials. Shantell hosts Coffee and Conversation, a premier networking event for business owners and leaders to get face time and establish relationships with County officials. Shantell graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Economic Development and holds a Masters of Business Administration from Walden University. She is a member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association, International Economic Development Council, Gwinnett Young Professionals, International Council for Shopping Centers and the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Business Implications In The Time Of COVID with Ipsum Diagnostics

Lauren Spanjer Bricks
CEO and Co-Founder, Ipsum Diagnostics

Sandy Springs native Lauren Spanjer Bricks is at the forefront of lifesaving COVID-19 testing. Lauren is the co-founder and CEO of Ipsum Diagnostics, an independent, CAP accredited, clinical and anatomical pathology testing laboratory.

By the end of 2019, Lauren recognized that the existing molecular Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology used to identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection, was being conducted on relatively inefficient PCR instruments typically used for research. The only tests that were available required too much time and could process only 96 patient samples at a time. She knew the answer for increasing COVID-19 testing capacity nationally was to develop tests that utilized faster instruments. Her goal, to process four times the number of patient samples (384) at a time, was ambitious. But if she could develop this test and receive an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), she could share the proprietary protocols with other laboratories and immediately boost national COVID-19 testing capacity.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Business Implications In The Time Of COVID with Ipsum Diagnostics

Leah Roberts
COO, Ipsum Diagnostics

Leah Roberts helped to develop a high-capacity COVID-19 test that provided rapid and accurate results, helping launch a period of unprecedented growth for Ipsum Diagnostics. Thanks to her efforts, Ipsum’s test method became one of the first in the nation to receive the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval and an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Leah, a molecular biologist, joined Ipsum in December 2019, just as COVID-19 was emerging. Ipsum’s senior executives quickly expanded her role to manager during the height of the U.S. outbreak, to maximize her contribution.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Business Implications In The Time Of COVID with Ipsum Diagnostics

Colin Rogers
Co-Founder, Partner and VP of Business Development

Slowing a pandemic was nowhere in his career plan when Colin Rogers was majoring in history and playing football at Furman University. Rogers had planned to teach or head to law school. A move into medical sales ultimately led him to start Atlanta-based Ipsum Diagnostics. Ipsum is an independent molecular laboratory he co-founded with Lauren Bricks, a veteran of the laboratory industry. The company started helping in the fight against COVID-19 in April 2020 by pioneering a way to quadruple the number of tests per day that can be processed on one instrument.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=” Lunch Keynote Speaker ” border_width=”10″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Sirena Moore-Thomas

Owner- Sirena Speaks, LLC

Sirena Moore-Thomas is a dynamic speaker and business leader. Known for her energetic delivery and charismatic storytelling, she compels her audiences to play at a higher level with her message of NO EXCUSES! Having experienced the challenges of being a teen mom of twins, Sirena decided to defy the odds and do the seemingly impossible. Through discovering her own personal power, she has led several small businesses to multi-million dollar revenues and won hundreds of Federal Contracts. Her success has been recognized by national media such as Black Enterprise Magazine, New York Times, NBC, and more. Today, she continues to inspire leaders and entrepreneurs to Live Bold. Believe Big. & Take Action. Her new book, Water Walker, “How to Embrace Uncertainty and Do the Seemingly Impossible,” has gained wide acceptance from audiences around the country. This book is overflowing with actionable insights and hard-hitting principles that will empower you to step out of your comfort zone and into a realm of new possibilities.

3-Ways to Win Federal Contracts Without Writing Proposals

Session Description

Did you realize you can win Federal Contracts WITHOUT Writing proposals? Join Sirena Thomas to learn 3 ways to win Federal Contracts WITHOUT Writing proposals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=” General Morning Session ” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Chasity Ash is the Zone 1 Supervisory for the Regional Office of Small & Disadvantage Business Utilization for GSA. Chasity acts as the Supervisor for GSA Regions 4, 5, & 7 with a team of 8 employees across 20 states. Chasity serves as the liaison/advisor for the Regional Administrator, Regional Commissioners, and Acquisition Management Officials with regard to the Procurement Preference Program.

Prior to working for GSA, Chasity began her career with the federal government as a Contracting Specialist Intern with the Department of Defense. After seven years as a Warranted Contracting Officer (Level 3 Certified), she took a ten-month developmental assignment with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She spent three years as the VA Southeast Region Small Business Manager before joining GSA in March 2014.

Chasity was born in Lakeland, FL and moved to Atlanta in 1997 to attend Morris Brown College. She obtained her BA in Mass Media Arts with a Concentration in Public Relations through dual enrollment at Clark Atlanta University. She received her Master’s Degree in Organizational Management in 2004.

She serves as a member of the Hands on Atlanta Planning Committee, Board member for the Cobb County Literacy Council, Executive Board Member for The Orchid Project, One 2 One Education, and Small Business Co-Chair for the National Contract Management Association (NCMA Atlanta Chapter). She is the proud mother of one very active 15yr old son.

Session Description

The GSA Schedule, also known as Federal Supply Schedule, and Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), is a long-term governmentwide contract with commercial companies that provide access to millions of commercial products and services at fair and reasonable prices to the government. Learn about the new updates and opportunities of the GSA program and open a whole new world of opportunities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Breakout Session #1 ” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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Dr. Thomas Graham, Ph.D., serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Redspin, a top cybersecurity, and privacy consulting firm, the first authorized C3PAO, and one of the first organizations to conduct a DIBCAC High CMMC (Cybersecurity Manual Model Certificate) assessment under the joint surveillance program.

Dr. Graham is responsible for all internal security items for Redspin and its affiliates. Before Redspin, Dr. Graham supported the Defense Health Agency (DHA), where his team received a FedHealthIT award, presented to them at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Dr. Graham holds a Ph.D. in Information Assurance and Security, an MBA, and a Master of Science degree in Technology Systems. He also serves on the MIS Advisory Board for East Carolina University and has been a member of the HIMSS Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Security Committee. Dr. Graham has previously spoken at 2021’s National Cyber Summit, 2021 CS2, and the 2019 ISC2

CMMC Certification – Reflections on the First Assessment

Summary

This class will provide an understanding of what CMMC is and cover the top-level skills, strategies, and practices that will assure the protection of CUI, which is the essential objective and purpose of CMMC. Additionally, this class will provide unique insight into the first actual assessment conducted under the Joint Surveillance Program by reviewing potential pitfalls and roadblocks during the assessment process that could prevent certification.

Course Outline:

Overview of CMMC
Understanding of “how we got here”
Scoping
Assessment
Lessons Learned
Unknowns to be answered
Questions

Learner Outcomes:

Identify what CMMC is as a program and why it is an important strategic decision
Recognize the business implications of not being certified
Translate your environment into proper scoping areas for assessment
Apply CMMC practices to internal programs
Recognize pitfalls and apply lessons learned

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Jim Wesloh, CPA

President & Founder, PROCAS

Jim Wesloh has more than thirty years of experience with US Federal Government contracting. He has provided accounting and budgeting training for hundreds of companies at Small Business Administration seminars. He has also been a speaker for the Virginia and Maryland Society of Certified Public Accountants and at Towson University. He has also served as a consultant to numerous companies, including 8(a), Small Disadvantaged, Service-Disabled Veteran, and Woman Owned Businesses.

Jim has assisted companies in developing indirect rate structures, preparing budgets, creating contract and incurred cost proposals. He has helped numerous clients successfully prepare for Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits. He also has extensive experience in the development and implementation of accounting systems.

PROCAS, LLC was founded by Jim in 1997. PROCAS develops, sells, implements, hosts, and supports accounting, timekeeping, expense reporting, and management reporting software for US Federal Government contractors.

As President of PROCAS, Jim has taken great care in creating an organization that brings innovation to the industry, offers expertise and ease of use to clients, and creates a collaborative, respectful working environment for employees.

When he isn’t busy designing software or supporting his employees and clients, Jim enjoys riding his tandem bicycle with his wife Kathy, locally and in countries across the world. He was a trumpet player with the First US Army Band and volunteers time with his brass quintet performing at local events.

Navigating the DCAA Accounting System Requirements

Session Summary

The presentation will provide an overview of the criteria for establishing an adequate accounting system, including accounting methods, procedures, and controls.

Course Outline:

Who is the DCAA?
What is DCAA Compliance?
Pre-award Survey/SF 1408 Overview
Financial Capability Review
Accounting System Review
Supporting Documentation
Chart of Accounts Review
Timekeeping Requirements

Learner Outcomes:

Recognize what is meant by the term “compliant accounting system”
Understand the basic requirements of a compliant accounting system
Know the role of the Standard Form 1408 (SF 1408)
Learn the value of deploying the right tool for the right job

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Breakout Session #3 ” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text].[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Allen Ships

Managing Director, Bidspeed

Mr. Allen Shipes is the Managing Director of NetQuarry Inc.’s Bidspeed. Mr. Shipes has provided subject matter expertise, in the area of government procurement, to over 10,000 small businesses. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Mr. Shipes has managed Department of Defense aircraft and facilities design projects through various requirements definition; including the design, testing, and integration of hardware and software for multiple weapon systems and sub-systems. He has coordinated the capture of over $14 billion of Government business and developed, managed, and executed multi-million-dollar proposals for companies and clients worldwide. Mr. Shipes holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.

How to Respond to Government Contracts “Tools, Tips & Templates”

Class Summary

This class will be hands-on, interactive, and one of the more valuable Government training classes you will attend. This class will break down specific Government opportunities and guide you through developing a Sources Sought (SS), Request for Information/Quotation/Proposal template (RFI/RFQ/RFP) that will allow you to prepare and respond quickly and dramatically increase your success rate. If your company wants to win Government contracts, then you should plan to participate.

Course Outline:

Strategy planning
Understanding the Government marketplace and how to navigate opportunities quickly
Understanding how Government procurement works (a high-level overview)
Sources Sought template development
RFI/RFP/RFQ template development

Learner Outcomes:

A detailed understanding of how to create a response and re-use the response for multiple Government requirements
The ability to quickly respond to multiple Government requirements
Basic knowledge of 212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services
Access to a Sources Sought template to create your response
Access to an RFI/RFP/RFQ template to create your response

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Breakout Session #4 ” border_width=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Paula Watts

CEO, GPI

Paula Watts is the founder and CEO of Government Procurement Innovators, LLC (GPI), a Federal Procurement Strategist and Certified (formerly) as a Contract Specialist.

Early in her career, Ms. Watts owned and operated a successful business which under her leadership was awarded approximately $15 million in contracts through SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. Ms. Watts exited the business in 2005 and joined the SBA in 2008.

During her tenure as an SBA Business Opportunity Specialist, Ms. Watts successfully assisted multiple 8(a) firms in their quest to obtain multi-million-dollar federal contracts. Her unique mix of private sector knowledge and SBA experience has given her a 360-degree vantage point and an in-depth understanding of the government contracting landscape, which she uses to her client’s advantage.

Ms. Watts is passionate about sharing her knowledge. She has conducted over 800 seminars and counseled more than 10,000 businesses on topics such as small business start-ups, business expansions, and developing winning strategies when marketing to the Federal government.

Since establishing GPI in September 2015, Ms. Watts and her team have trained over 10,000 businesses on marketing to the Federal Government and assisted small businesses in landing over $300M in contracts across various industries.

Ms. Watts’s motto is “Each One Has to Teach One” and believes that to be successful at the “Game”, you must understand the rules of the Game.

Certified – Next Steps to Submitting your 1st Bid

Summary

This session will give attendees an understanding of how to compete for Federal contracts and identify bids for $25k and under. These bids are expressly set aside for small businesses. Participants will learn how to identify a federal request for quotations (RFQ) for small businesses and how to increase their success ratio using sam.gov. This session will also help small businesses identify the pertinent information to include when preparing an RFQ response, account for profit, and final submission.

Course Outline:

Important Federal Websites

The Players

The Federal Government Acquisition Process
Key Players and Roles

Review the Contents of an RFQ

Identifying RFQs (buys $250k and below)
Important Sections of RFQ’s
Reviewing Statement of Work (SOW)
Instructions for Submission
Evaluation of your Submission

Information to Include in your submission

Building a Team
Identifying Teaming Partners
What to include in your submission

Technical Response
Cost Proposal

Learner Outcomes:

How to identify a federal request for quotations (RFQ) using sam.gov
The information to include in your response
How to build your profit into your RFQ response
The types of micro-purchases ($25,000 and under) that are solicited by different government agencies
How to use prior contract awards to conduct market research and create a strategy for your business
Contracting Vehicles utilized by Federal agencies

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Multicultural Business Summit

General Admission:
$49.99

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

UGA SBDC at Morehouse College