Why request a Debrief?

Monday Morning Contracting Tips

Dannie E. James Sr

JE Group LLC

Phone: 404-557-0027

Fax: 404-521-4018

www.jegroupllc.com

To ensure you learn how to write more successful proposals, Request a Debrief.

A debriefing can be a valuable opportunity on many levels; understanding agency's evaluation and source selection decision process as well as understanding what must be done to ensure the next proposal is written better to support the agency needs. The tips below help contractors to maximize the amount and value of the information obtained at a debriefing and to better position for the next proposal submittal.

1)   Always request debriefing, even if you are an awardee

2)   Submit your request in writing as soon as you receive the award

3)   Accept the first appropriate date offered

4)   If you are not awarded do not elect to defer your debriefing until after award

5)   Know what information the agency is required to disclose at debriefing before you attend the debrief 

6)   Prepare Questions in advance

7)   If you’re not the awardee leave your legal counsel out of the debrief

8)   Prepare to listen

9)   Take good notes

10) Do not be controversial 

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) that supports Debriefing.

15.505  Pre-award debriefing of offerors.

Offerors excluded from the competitive range or otherwise excluded from the competition before award may request a debriefing before award (10 U.S.C. 2305(b)(6)(A) and 41 U.S.C. 253b(f) - (h)).

(a)(1) The offeror may request a preaward debriefing by submitting a written request for debriefing to the contracting officer within 3 days after receipt of the notice of exclusion from the competition.

FAR 13.106-3 (d)

(d) Request for information. If a supplier requests information on an award that was based on factors other than price alone, a brief explanation of the basis for the contract award decision shall be provided (see 15.503(b)(2)).

15.506  Post-award debriefing of offerors.

(a)(1) An offeror, upon its written request received by the agency within 3 days after the date on which that offeror has received notification of contract award in accordance with 15.503(b), shall be debriefed and furnished the basis for the selection decision and contract award.

(2) To the maximum extent practicable, the debriefing should occur within 5 days after receipt of the written request. Offerors that requested a post-award debriefing in lieu of a pre-award debriefing, or whose debriefing was delayed for compelling reasons beyond contract award, also should be debriefed within this time period.

Join Fed Biz Masterminds if you like more information such as this, Contact me if you’re interested in Fed Biz Masterminds.

All The Best 




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There Is A Discussion Regarding The Evolution From IPv4 to IPv6

By C. Henry Adams

Recently, there started an ongoing discussion within the Internet Society regarding the evolution from IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) to IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6).

Because we did not get authorization to share the discussion or mention any names, we will simply state facts:

1)  IPv4 equals 4,294,967,296 Internet protocol addresses or Unique Identifiers when the Internet concept began to develop.

2)  Over time, IPv4 Internet protocol addresses or Unique Identifiers became used up.  Thus, there was a need for more Unique Identifiers.  Then, IPv6 was introduced.

3)  IPv6 equals 340,282,366,920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211,456 Internet protocol addresses or Unique Identifiers.

4)  Currently, there are roughly 7 Billion people in the World.  It is estimated now that 3.5 Billion people utilize a cellular phone. Most cell phones today have Internet access.

5)  There are many devices now then ever before that connect to the Internet and require an Internet protocol address or unique identifier to do so.

6)  The Internet today, plays a major role in politics, the economy and technically how a lot of machinery works.

7)  The Internet Society's " What We Do " is an excellent source of Information regarding Information Technology.

Well, these are my thoughts.  What say you?  Thanks for reading our blogs!



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Macon-Bibb & UGA SBDC Offer Contractor Academy

 

By C. Henry Adams

'SBDC' is an acronym that means ' Small Business Development Center '.

' UGA ' in the State of Georgia is another acronym that stands for the 'University of Georgia'.

When you place these two acronyms with the City-County Government of Macon-Bibb, well, that is a great thing to connect to in Central Georgia.

Alright, that being said,  Macon-Bibb County Government  has team with UGA's SBDC to offer the Contractor Academy.

What is this all about?   The answer is simply to educate Small Business on how to do business with the Government.

Often times BIEMG Blogs feature Dannie James Sr's Monday Morning Contracting Tips on our blogs.

Why?  Well, it appears that doing business with the Government could be profitable if conducted correctly.

Located in the heart of Macon, Georgia is another individual who also encourages small business to do works for the Government. 

His Name is Rev./Dr. James Bumpus.  He is the Director for Small Business Affairs for Macon-Bibb County Government and I'm honored to give him credit, whereas, credit is due.

Moving alone, the Contractor Academy will offer a series of classes on Wednesday(s) starting from September 7th 2016 until April 5th 2017.

The classes will all take place in the Historic Macon Terminal Station, 200 Cherry Street, Macon, GA, 31201 on the 4th Floor.   

This is the real thing;  in fact - it is 35 Total Course Hours!   Wow!   FREE

Here's the schedule:

Macon-Bibb County Contractors Academy 2016/2017 Class Schedule
                                  (35 Total Course Hours)

Wednesday, September 7, 2016 3hrs. Credit Myths & Realities 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 8hrs. How to Obtain Capital (Financing) 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Wednesday, November 9, 2016 4hrs. The Planning Process/Gov. Contracting 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 4hrs. Marketing Your Business 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Wednesday, January 11, 2017 4hrs. Marketing Your Business II 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Wednesday, February 8, 2017 4hrs. Effective Marketing Tools 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Wednesday, March 8, 2017 4hrs. How to Work with Government 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Wednesday, April 5, 2017 4hrs. Marketing to Government/JV 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Now you can not beat that deal with a 10 foot pole.
 
Click here to download more information regarding the Contractor Academy and Sign up!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3zMnOB0CuuBc1dzeHRxSG9QX2c/view?usp=sharing

You can fill out the PDF and email it to:  Ms. Trudy Lawerence  tlawrence@georgiasbdc.org

(OR)

Print it and place your application in the US Mail here:  UGA/SBDC, 4875 Riverside Dr., Suite 202, Macon, GA, 31210.

For more information, please call: (478)803-0550 or (478) 757-3609

Did I mention that, if you attend each class and pass the course, you could graduate from the Contractor Academy?   Well, its true.  Check it out today!

Well, those are my thoughts.  What say you?  Thanks for reading our blogs!

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Visiting Auburn Avenue Research Library on African Amercian Culture and History

by C. Henry Adams


Sometimes in life, the struggles that God takes us through, not only lead us on the right track, but mark indubitable occurrences that we often call miracles alone our journey.  Humbly, as I learn to submit to the Will of the Almighty, the load I carry on this path of life becomes easier.

If you ever wonder from whence you come from, wonder no more.  As an African American, I learned years ago, often times that our mere existence could be found within our heritage.

But, what is heritage?  Guess what?  Each day on this Earth, you generate heritage.  Heritage is not only a birth right, a tradition, or your own personal reservation. It is also a law.

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/heritage

Thus, how you conduct yourself in life is important to our history.  Please do not let anybody discourage or devalue you. 

You are important. 

Recently, I decided to visit the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African Culture and History located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

My reason for this visit was to become apart of this great heritage while learning from it.  I encourage you to join me.   Thanks for reading our blogs!



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What is the Engine that Penetrates the Federal Acquisition System?

Monday Morning Contracting Tips

 

Dannie E. James Sr

JE Group LLC

Phone: 404-557-0027

Fax: 404-521-4018

www.jegroupllc.com

We often time ask the question “HOW” do I become successful in the Federal Government Market. The answer is simple but takes on huge responsibilities. Market Research is often referred to cavalierly as “easy” yet it is complex, nuanced, and can be extremely  powerful. If you are not prepared to take the time to do it right, be prepared to take the time to do it over and over until you do it right. This constant routine will cause you to pay more than you’re originally budget for Market Research, do it right the first time. 

Market Research power lies in the fact that it is used as a means to identify a course of action, action items based upon data. If we consider Market Research is the engine that penetrate the Federal Acquisition System, then a strong and vibrant Market Research Methodology must be in place. In the federal market you can’t expect to raise to the top of success if you don’t plan properly, planning requires information, information is obtained through RESEARCH. Therefore Market Research is paramount to your success when attempting to penetrate the Federal Acquisition System.

I have often mention, if you want to be successful in the federal government space it’s important that you establish a very similar structure in your company as the government does in its organization;

Example: The shortest section of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is FAR Part 10, “Market Research” at essentially 2.5 pages of text; however, the phrase “market research” is referred to 91 times in most recent edition of the FAR. Market Research virtually affects ALL acquisition decisions being considered. Whether the government is looking for you (Market Survey/Sources Sought/Pre-Solicitations/Request For Information)  or you are looking for the government: Market Research dictates the outcome, whether they find you or you find them, market research is used.  

 All The Best 

 

 

 

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Understanding Change On Martin Luther King Jr. Drive In 2016

 

By C. Henry Adams

Many years ago, as a young man, my late father would preach to me, two things.  Ok, many things, but this will not be a lengthy discussion.

So, two things will suffice here:

1) First impressions are usually lasting impressions.
2) Know what you are getting into, before you get into it.

Starting with the latter item first, please allow me to state facts to the best of my abilities.

On the evening of Monday, August 1st 2016, I received a call at my home office from the President of my Modern Day Tribe (Kevin Heights Neighborhood) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Within that particular conversation, it was understood that an emergency meeting was called.  Whereas, it was later discovered many citizens living along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (GA SR 139) were greatly concern with parts of engineering drawings regarding the seven point two (7.2) mile corridor or State Route mentioned above on the West side of Atlanta, Georgia.

In a sense, this particular meeting was perhaps historical by nature.  Fore, in the image above, you will find Community Leaders, City Leaders and State Leaders as well.

Fact:  President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) on February 17th 2009 for improvements to America's infrastructure.  Click here to read more:  http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/economicrecovery/.

Fact:  The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives.  Click here to read more:  https://www.transportation.gov/tiger/about 

Fact:  Reduce lanes promote slower speeds.  It is also called, "Traffic Calming".  Click here to learn more:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_calming 

Fact:  The City of Atlanta, won a $10,000,000.00 USD TIGER Discretionary Grant for Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Infrastructure & Streetscape Improvements.  Click to download the PDF and read:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3zMnOB0CuuBdGpqVTZpZm44aTA/view?usp=sharing

Well, needless to say those are some facts gathered.

Now, regarding number 1.   Note to self, when called to attend a meeting with representatives of the Community, City, State and Federal Government - dress, as well as, govern oneself accordingly.

Well, thoses are my thoughts, what say you?  Thanks for reading our blogs!

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Withdrawal of Special Use Permit (Case number 2016U-001-04) for 'Experience East Point Multicultural Festival'

 

Dear East Point City Council,

Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc. ("BIE") would like to thank the City of East Point and its Citizens for the consideration of a Special Use Permit for 'Experience East Point Multicultural Festival'.

However, it is with regret that BIE and Teams withdraw our special use permit (Case number 2016U-001-04) application.

 It is our hopes and prayers that perhaps we can do business again in the near future.

Sincerely,
C. Henry Adams
Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.

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A Strategic Approach to Government Contracting

by   Dannie James Sr.

Navigating the Federal Government Contracting Market can be difficult and confusing to a business owner. That is why developing a strategic strategy is key to success in the Federal Government Contracting Market. FedBiz Masterminds presents "A Government  Networking and Education Awareness Training Event," to help you as a business owner stay ahead of the game. The training will cover varies topics from education awareness about the Federal Government Contracting Market to Identifying the 5 Strategic Step Approach. Attendees will receive breakfast, lunch and a workbook. Click here to register today:   Mastermind Registration in Birmingham, Al at the Federal Reserve Bank By the way, please state that C. Henry Adams and BIE MG Blogs referred your company. Thanks!

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Successful Color Team Secrets

Monday Morning Contracting Tips

Dannie E. James Sr

JE Group LLC

Phone: 404-557-0027

Fax: 404-521-4018

www.jegroupllc.com

Proposal reviews are critical to writing a winning proposal and difficult to do well. Review teams must be correctly staffed, well organized, and carefully managed to help the writing team improve the proposal’s evaluation score. The color team review process does not include, step-wise, the review approach to arriving at a bid/no bid decision throughout the capture process, nor does it discuss the value or methods of performing win strategy reviews.  

The proposal development process includes formal proposal and pricing reviews called color team reviews. These reviews are the most cost-effective way to improve the proposal and ensure that the proposal receives the highest possible score in evaluation. The goal of the reviews is to audit the documents for compliance, win strategies, risk factors, cost effectiveness, and overall quality of message delivery that to ensure it will resonate with the client as determined by effective capture management and customer intelligence. A successful team review process results in a persuasive proposal that:

·         A persuasive proposal that meets all RFP requirements and conveys a unified message
·         A proposal that conveys a suitable and cost-effective solution in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW)
·         Addresses the end user’s desires as defined through market intelligence and customer discussion prior to RFP release

Color Teams

o   Purple Team: Assesses the probability of winning (Pwin) and alignment with organizational goals

o   Blue Team #1: Reviews initial capture strategy and capture plan

o   Black Hat Team: Predicts competitors’ solutions

o   Blue Team #2: Reviews updated capture plan and solution set

o   Pink Team: Reviews storyboards and mockups to confirm solution set and to validate proposal strategy

o   Green Team: Reviews cost/price solution

o   Red Team: Reviews final proposal draft—including price—to predict how the customer will score the proposal

o   Gold Team: Approves final proposal and price
o   White Team: Compiles lessons learned from capture planning through proposal development to contract award

All The Best

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Two Wrongs Does Not Equal Right

by C. Henry Adams

It is said,  "Good will always conquer Evil."  

Yes, it is true that atrocities have occurred to many people of a particular race, religion, ethnic group, sexual orientation and income level.

But, to kill anybody, because they resemble someone else in form or fashion is wrong.

In my humble opinion, two wrongs does not equal a right.

When you do evil deeds, you get evil results.

When you divide us as a people, you destroy what good is in place to make the changes that are badly needed.

I'm not an excellent writer of the American English language.   But, at this point in my life, it is the thought of peace that I convey here.

Killing innocent people is wrong.  Killing innocent law enforcement officers are wrong too.  Neither equal the right thing to do.

Well, these are my thoughts, what say you?  Thanks for reading our blogs  #TWDNER


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