The Success to Responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP) is understanding what’s in the RFP.

 

Monday Morning Contracting Tips

 

Dannie E. James Sr

JE Group LLC

Phone: 404-557-0027

Fax: 404-521-4018

www.jegroupllc.com
 

Regardless of the complexity, the solicitation package normally provides the following information:

·        Statement of Work (SOW)

·        Contract type and method

·        Terms and Conditions

·        Evaluating procedures

·        Instructions for preparing and submitting proposals 

           ·        Other relevant information

The SOW is likely the single most important document in the solicitation package. The SOW is the document that describes the goods or services required in sufficient detail to provide potential offerors with a complete understanding of the requirement.


Generally, there are three basic types of SOWs:

·        Design

·        Performance

·        Functional

The differences among them relate to the degree to which the requirement is defined and explained, from specific to general. Each type of SOW has its own advantages and disadvantages, and SOWs often reflect elements of all three basic types in order to completely describe the requirement.

SOWs rarely fall neatly into one of these three types. Most SOWs reflect characteristics of at least two, if not all three SOW types in order to adequately describe the requirement.   


All The Best!

 

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Is It Sunset 2016 for Frederick Douglass High School In Atlanta, Georgia?

by C. Henry Adams

Seriously, is it the 'Sunset'  for Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta, Georgia as a result of the State of Georgia OSD or Opportunity Schools District concept possibly becoming law of the land?  In my lifetime, I recall driving by where once stood Collier Heights Elementary School and to my shock, it no longer exist in its original form.  Click here to download the PDF regarding current reports of OSD Eligible Schools in the State of Georgia via County from the year 2013 up to 2015: http://www.southerneducation.org/Publications/OSD-Eligible-Schools-Updated-05032016.aspx

I grew up in the historical (4) four Quadrant area of the Community of Collier Heights in Atlanta, Ga, whereas, my home was located in Quadrant 2 of the now diminished Collier Heights Community; a lot of shocking changes have now occurred.

For those of you reading this blog and scratching your forehead attempting to figure out what it is that I'm speaking of when I state, " Sunset "; I'm simply referring to the end of an institution of learning.

As an Alumni of Frederick Douglass High School, I can not sat here and state that I or others did not see the possibility of this occurrence, because that statement would not be true.

Furthermore, as of May 3rd 2016, Atlanta Public Schools reported in a News Release that only 7 of 26 schools on the OSD or opportunity schools district list escaped that fate here:  http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=58172&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=53795&PageID=49128

Unfortunately, Frederick Douglass High School was not one of the (7) seven schools listed.

So, you might ask, what is the big deal?

To answer your question, I would simply state that CCRPI is the big deal.

CCRPI stands for College and Career Ready Performance Index.  Basically, it is a comprehensive school improvement, accountability, and communication platform for all educational stakeholders that will promote college and career readiness for all State of Georgia public school students.

Unfortunately, it is the belief of individuals in the State of Georgia that because this High School is located in a mostly lower income Community, whereas, the 'mental mindset' there does not appear to have the ability to help educate the young people to become prepared for College or even working as Skilled Trade; they will likely not excel well in life as they move forward.

Any public school, whether it be Elementary, Middle or High School in the State of Georgia that has an overall score below 60 is in danger of being taken over by the State of Georgia Government.

According to Georgia's Education Standard Index (CCRPI), Frederick Douglass High has not improved within the last (3) three years regarding testing overall.

Furthermore, on August 12th 2015, Atlanta Public Schools - Dr. Meria Carstarphen wrote in a blog the efforts to be made in attempt to save the 26 schools from the take over.  By the way, she mentioned hiring Erin Hames, one of the individuals who crafted the OSD for the State of Georgia Government.

But, recent speculation of Atlanta Public Schools Management regarding the 26 Failing Schools it possess, indicates those particular Schools who continue to under perform would likely be shut down or closed.

Thus, Frederick Douglass High School, a once magnet school and school of excellence current situation.

So, what other plans should be considered for Frederick Douglass High School?

Perhaps the following:

1)  Frederick Douglass High School could become Frederick Douglass Charted High School assisted by Alumni.

2)  Frederick Douglass High School could become the New Morris Brown College Campus.

(or)

3) Frederick Douglass High School and Morris Brown College could merge together forming a unique and professional bond to help change the mindsets of the poverty stricken individuals in Atlanta, Georgia.

Well, its just a thought.  So, what say you?  Thanks for reading our blogs!





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Understanding Risk As It Relates To Business, Family and Relationships

by C. Henry Adams

Today is Sunday, Oct. 2nd 2016 and I decided to write this blog in the middle of watching the Atlanta Falcons play the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.

To some who are fans of either NFL Football Team, this act would appear a bit disturbing; when perhaps in their minds, I should be watching the game.  Well, believe it or not, I would have to concur with those particular Fans of either Team.   Why?  Well, for me NFL Football is a favorite past-time of mine during this season.

However, I'm going to do or say something that from a business outlook and standpoint, I would normally advise not to do.  That would be related to getting personal.  A risk is defined as being exposed to danger, harm or loss. Note: Risks are not always avoidable.  Hopefully, from my personal example of a risk, others could learn a valuable lesson directly or indirectly.

As an African American Male period, it is not always effortless in operating a business. Whether you are Man or Woman of any Race, Creed or National Origin- your journey in running a business is not always easy neither; please allow me to voice that thought more clearly.

No Human Being that I happen to know of on this Earth is perfect, which includes me, myself and I.   But,  to be successful in any and every endeavor in life, you must except failure as a reality.

Today, I failed to make a particular woman that I had genuine interest in smile.  I failed to comprehend her, read between the lines and now it is time for me to move forward and onward.

The question you might ask is...   C. Henry, why are you sharing this personal information on your business related blog?  ( Disclaimer: My answer is not pertaining to my personal relationship:)   Believe it or not, building a great business relationship with a client starts with you (the person).   Nevertheless, if failure occur when in an attempt to accomplish a goal in mind; accept it and , learn from it.  Then, forgive the situation or person, forgive yourself and move forward.

There are always indicators of failure when you take steps that are risky period.   Whether you thought it thoroughly out,  gathered all the intelligence to make the right moves, avoid the pitfalls and toke the right steps;  something could still go wrong.

A personal, family or business relationship could all have similar functions in development, as well as, risk.

Think about that for a moment while I catch up on the Falcons vs. Panthers NFL Football Game.  By the way, its the 3rd Quarter with 4:57 left in time on the clock.  Falcons 31, Panthers 10.

To understand risks taken, consider building your strengths when developing your business.

Recently, Gallup Polls posted Strengths-Based Development: Leadership's Role information.   According to the polls, business that utilize Strengths-Based Development, profits increase 29%.

So, what is Strengths-Based Development? Strengths-Based Development is perhaps increasing your strengths or tasks that you perform well.   I would suggest that you utilize this process to overcome obstacles or failures due to risk taken to eventually accomplish a particular goal in business.    Basically, do not dwell on despair as a result of a particular risk that end in failure, instead, continue to move forward.

Oh, by the way, the Atlanta Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers, 48 to 33.   Well, those are my thoughts. What say you?  Thanks for reading our blogs!

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Love's In Need of Love Today Is Real

by C. Henry Adams

On Tuesday, September 28th 1976,  Stevie Wonder and Motown Records released the album, " Songs In The Key of Life ". 

Within this record,  Stevie Wonder wrote a song called,  "Love's In Need Of Love Today"

As a businessman, a veteran, Man of God, a Man that could love one Woman and a U S Citizen;
I've experienced a lot in the short time that I spent on this Earth.

Today, Sunday, Sept. 25th 2016, I played this one particular song from the aforementioned album many times, listening carefully to the words of the lyrics in english:

Lyrics

Good morn or evening friends
Here's your friendly announcer
I have serious news to pass on to everybody
What I'm about to say
Could mean the world's disaster
Could change your joy and laughter to tears and pain



It's that
Love's in need of love today
Don't delay
Send yours in right away
Hate's goin' round
Breaking many hearts
Stop it please
Before it's gone too far



The force of evil plans
To make you its possession
And it will if we let it
Destroy ev-er-y-body
We all must take
Precautionary measures
If love and please you treasure
Then you'll hear me when I say




Oh that
Love's in need of love today
Don't delay
Send yours in right away
Hate's goin' round
Breaking many hearts
Stop it please
Before it's gone too far
Gone too far




People you know that
Love's in need of love today
Love's in need of love today
Don't delay
Don't de-lay
Send yours in right away
Right a-way




You know that hate's
Hate's
Hate's goin' round
Hate's goin' round
Breaking many hearts
Break-ing hearts
Stop stop it please
Before it's gone too far
Gone too far




It's up to you cause
Love's in need of love today
Love's in need of love today
Don't delay
Don't de-lay
Send yours in right away
Right a-way
You know that hate's
Hate's
Hate's goin' round
Hate's goin' round
Breaking hate's tried to break my heart many times
Break-ing hearts
Don't, you've got to stop it please
Stop it please
Before before before
Gone too far





Love's in need of love today
Love's in need of love today
Don't delay
Don't de-lay
Send yours in right away
Right a-way
You know that hate's goin' around
Hate's goin'
Hate's going around
Hate's going around
Round break-ing hearts
And it tried to break up many hearts
You've got to I've got to They've got to
Stop it please
We've got to They've got to We've got to
Stop it before it's gone too far
Too far





Love's love's in need of love
Love's in need of love
Did you ever think that love would be in need of love today
To-day don't
Don't delay
De-lay
Send yours in right away
Right a-way
Hate's hate's
Hate's goin' round
Bring it down a little love is very peaceful
So bring it down a little
Stop it please
Gone too far





Love's in need
Of love today
Don't delay
Right away awaaaay
Love's in need
Of love today
Don't delay
Right away awaaaay
Hate's goin round
Breaking hearts
Well, please stop it
Uw L-O-V-E love Oh, L-O-V-E love
Love's in need
Of love today
Don't delay
Right away
Just give the world love

Written by Stevie Wonder • Copyright © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

On Wednesday, Sept. 28th 2016, the album will be in its 40th year since being released.  Yet, this one particular song reflects what we still need today, love.

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











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End of Year Spending in the Federal Government

Monday Morning Contracting Tips

Dannie E. James Sr

JE Group LLC

Phone: 404-557-0027

Fax: 404-521-4018

www.jegroupllc.com

Among Defense agencies, the Army and Navy are the biggest 4^th Quarter spenders, while the Air Force and other Defense agencies do most of their purchasing in the first quarter. Army 4^th Quarter spending centered on information technology, communications equipment and technical services, while Navy 4^th Quarter spending centered on aircraft and supporting technical services.

Among civilian agencies, the Health and Human Services and State Departments are the big 4^th Quarter spenders, while the Veterans Affairs, Energy, Treasury and Justice Departments lead in 1^st Quarter Spending. “Pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and Health IT are popular 4^th Quarter purchases for HHS and VA,”.

1^st Quarter is when agencies obligate funds for core mission needs, including Healthcare for ((the Defense Health Agency), aircraft maintenance for Air Force, research labs for DOE, and prisons for DOJ. This contrasts with 4^th Quarter, when a surge of spending occurs for IT and professional services as agencies scramble to expend their remaining funds. Knowledge is key.

We are currently in the last month of the biggest spending push of the year for the federal government market. While many private sector companies slow down for a long, inactive summer, the savvy government vendors are actually going full speed ahead during the summer months with targeted, aggressive marketing and sales campaigns to go after the federal end of year spending rush.

There are many things that should have been in place prior to the end of the fiscal year, which would allowed success of your company in the federal market. Last minute marketing will not assist in your success during the final quarter spending. There is a saying that I believe is real “People buy from people they know”  It does help if you have relationships in the federal government.  

Things to ensure are in place before the End of The Federal Spending:

·         Understand the Federal Government Funding Trend
·         Identify agencies that are buying your products and services
·         Get in front of decision makers early
·         Develop business development strategies
·         Educate your company about direct contract award (Sole Source) and limited competition contract award

All The Best 

 

 

 

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Who’s who and their Responsibilities

Monday Morning Contracting Tips

Dannie E. James Sr

JE Group LLC

Phone: 404-557-0027

Fax: 404-521-4018

www.jegroupllc.com

Let’s start with the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR)
 

As the COTR, their primary duty is to monitor the Contractor's performance to ensure that all of the technical requirements under the contract are met by the delivery date or within the period of performance, and at the price or within the estimated cost stipulated in the contract.  In addition, they will be required to review and certify to the Contracting Officer that the Contractor’s invoices should, or should not be approved for payment. This is very important for a Contractor, if you do not have a relationship with your COTR, it could cause a delay in payment.

In the performance of the duties delegated to the COTR, he or she could be held personally liable for actions taken or directions given by the COTR to the Contractor that are beyond the authorities to the COTR.

Duties as applicable to the followings:

·        Monitor Performance

·        Monitor Costs

·        Changes the Contract

·        Visits and Meetings with the Contractor

·        Inspections of the Contract Items

·        Standards of Conduct and Conflict of Interest

·        Control and Accountability of Government Furnished Property/Equipment

                   ·        Contract File Content and Maintenance


 

One week before FedBiz Masterminds Starts, sign up now. 

Call us today, thanks!   404-557-0027 

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How To Create GDP With A Special Event

                                                 (Image of 2016 Festival Peachtree Latino - 8/28/16)

by C. Henry Adams


Question, what is a special event?  Well, according to the City of Toronto in the Country of Canada, a special event is a sporting, cultural, business or other type of unique activity, occurring for a limited or fixed duration (one-time, annual) and presented to a live audience, that impacts.

Listed below are some examples of Special Events in the State of Georgia - United States of America:

1)  Festival Peachtree Latino
2)  Frederick Douglass High School Alumni Cookout
3)  MWPHGLGA York Rite Cookout
4)  Atlanta Braves Baseball Games
5)  Atlanta Falcons Football Games
6)  Road Atlanta (Motor Sports)
7)  AJC Peachtree Road Race
8)  Augusta Southern Nationals
9)  Macon's '  International Cherry Blossom Festival  '
10)  Augusta National Golf Club and The Masters Tournament

So basically, a festival in your local city or town is a great precedent.

When people spend money at special events, they create expenditures which relates to part of creating GDP for that particular area whether it be in a community, town, city, county or state.

OK, so what does GDP stands for?   In short, GDP acronym stands for Gross Domestic Product

This is a measurement of spending and the production of the products or services we purchase in the United States of America.     Don't be fooled, the BEA  (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis) is responsible for calculating and reporting the GDP.

To learn how they utilize the 7 Accounts NIPA  ("National Income and Product Accounts") Primer, click here to download the PDF.  http://bea.gov/NATIONAL/PDF/NIPA_PRIMER.PDF

As a Business Person, perhaps, if you asked a particular politician could they tell you the GDP for the distinct area to which the elected official serve and they could NOT give you an answer now or later following the conversation; that in itself should be a concern to you.

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




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How Does The Government View Performance Base Contracting?

Monday Morning Contracting Tips

Dannie E. James Sr

JE Group LLC

Phone: 404-557-0027

Fax: 404-521-4018

www.jegroupllc.com

Doing business with the Federal Government requires companies to understand how the government operate under their Acquisition Process.


 
When government consider performance based contracting, they do not lose sight of the reason for using this technique. Its purpose is to obtain better performance or lower costs or both. In other words, things should work better and cost less.

Contractor Capability

Basic to the concept of performance-based contracting is to adopt contracting specifications and procedures permitting the contractor to devise the most efficient and effective way to perform the work. However, drafting of statements of work which enable contractors to use their initiative is only part of the task. Choosing a capable and trustworthy contractor is absolutely essential. Thus, past performance evaluations and partnering are necessary ingredients to selecting the contractor and working with it.

There are Seven Steps that the Federal Government use in Performance Based Acquisitions:

1.            Establish the Team

2.            Decide what problem needs solving

3.            Examine private-sector and public-sector solutions

4.            Develop a Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW)

5.            Manage Performance

If you’re interested in joining FedBiz Mastermind which starts September 6, 2016, please give me a call , I would love for you to join the team.  


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Hidden In Plain Site Is To Allude Or ILLude

by C. Henry Adams

Can you find the Eye Glasses in the old flowery pattern chair seen above?  

Sometimes things are hidden in plain site and it is up to us Business related People to find them. 

Perhaps, its a lesson in paying close attention to detail. 

Then again, it could be a lesson in how to protect proprietary secrets as small business owners.

( Or )  I can hear somebody say, " C. Henry, this could be a lesson in where not to put your eye glasses."

Hiding things in plain site is simply to allude or illude?  

So, what is the real difference between both?

Well, to allude means to suggest or call attention to....  

( Hint: Marketing & Advertisement (404)348-8319 )

The prime example of alluding is this particular blog. 

To illude means to trick or deceive.

In my professional opinion, trickery is not always good business practice.

Well, these are my thoughts.   What say you?

Thanks for reading our blogs!










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The Memory of Mr. James Evans

By C. Henry Adams

Often times, I would speak of a Modern-Day Tribe from whence I've come from called, "Kevin Heights Neighborhood".   This area is located in the City of Atlanta, Georgia and part of the Community of Collier Heights.  It is a special place, because of its unique ability to raise children while forming them into thriving, productive Adults.

On Sunday morning,  August 14th 2016, God called home a greatly admired individual whom I had the honor to know throughout my life here in Atlanta, Georgia.  Unique to some and not to others, from my youth into adulthood, I only knew him as Mr. Evans.

In fact, it took the realization of that particular actuality, to settle in my mind when a Neighbor ( A person the same age as myself.) who I grew up with, kept calling me by my 'Last Name' as I walked my dog through the neighborhood when his kids were present. 

Why do I make that assimilation?  

Observing the aforementioned occurrence; one day I pass by this nearby resident again, then stopped to greet him and ask his reasoning for his actions.

He simply stated, " C., do you remember when we grew up here?  We always address the Adults & Elders with 'Mr. or Mrs.' respectfully.   It is my intent to teach my children to follow in the same manner."

Thus, explaining the reasoning for calling Mr. James Evans.

Nevertheless, Mr. James Evans was and is a great Elder.  I recall several times when the Neighborhood called on Mr. & Mrs. Evans to support concerns in our community for decades and they gave wholeheartedly.

The above image attached with this blog identifies a superb quality of Mr. James Evans. It exemplify the fact, that he was always there to give his support to Kevin Heights Neighborhood and the Collier Heights Community while standing firmly in the background.

Finally,  two weeks ago, I pass by Mr. James Evans and greeted him.  I mentioned to him my future plans and he spoke highly of his Sons doing well here, as well as, abroad.

He will be missed, but not forgotten.  We greatly appreciated his wise guidance with counsel.

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

Funeral Services for Mr. James Evans:

Friday, August 19th 2016

11:00 am  EST

New Hope Baptist Church
236 Richardson Street SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30312



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