A little off the beaten PAO path -- how to promote your business in Federal agencies - My appearance on FED NEWS RADIO

  

How businesses can better market themselves to federal buyers and trade associations, publications  

04/27/09 
April 28th, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Special guest Abbe Buck, principal of Abbe Buck Public Affairs, visits host Scott Orbach in studio to discuss how businesses can better market themselves to federal buyers and trade association publications.  For more information on the show or to e-mail your latest government contracting and sales questions to Scott, visit www.ezgsa.com. 

Download mp3

"....and now for something completely different." --MPython

From Business Week:

Securing Government Contracts

Posted by: on May 01

One of the biggest challenges for small businesses interested in working with the government is a lack of information on how to get started! Prior to jumping into the government contracting arena, the first thing your small business needs to do is register with the Small Business Administration office serving your local customer base:

• It is critical to register using the right North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes based on the products and/or services that you have to offer to the government.

• You should also apply to become a GSA (General Services Administration) Schedule contractor via the GSA Web site.

Once these primary steps have been completed, your small business should then register with the following premier federal contracting research organizations:

• INPUT is an authority on government business and "provides market intelligence, analysis, consulting, events, and training to help companies develop government business." The ability to use INPUT effectively can be a critical success factor for a small business.

• FedBizOpps.gov can be used to search, monitor, and retrieve "opportunities solicited by the entire federal contracting community." Again, the success of a small business is directly related to using the right keywords while looking for opportunities.

Success for your small business within the government cannot be achieved without strategic teaming partners:

• A key strategy in winning contracts is to register as a small business with larger government contractors.

• Another approach is partnering with other government contractors in areas where your small business lacks expertise but can offer complementary products and/or services.

Finally, physical presence is very important in this business, and a successful small business must set up shop in the backyard of the federal government. An "in your face" strategy will help in the federal contracting race.

Jack Nargundkar, Director of Marketing
Government Solutions Group, Annapolis, Md.

You can also find this information on the Abbe Buck Public Affairs blog

Special Thanks to Scott Orbach for having me on his program -- ab

# # #

USACAC: Center for US Army Lessons Learned (KATRINA) - a Primer to keep on file

USACAC: Center for US Army Lessons Learned (KATRINA) - a Primer to keep on file

USACAC. United States Army Combined Arms Center reports:

...

Support Operations, Public Affairs Office

Chapter 8

Extract from Center for Army Lessons Learned Initial Impressions Report 06-11,
Disaster Response Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Figure 8-1: Public affairs interview in Mississippi

This article addresses the need for public affairs (PA) support during disaster relief operations. Public interest in how the U.S. government and the Army supports relief operations was significantly increased after Hurricane Katrina because this domestic disaster hit home in a monumental way. PA officers (PAOs) on the Gulf coast had to work closely with civilian media to ensure command messages and military information was disseminated in an accurate and timely manner. PAOs leveraged the power of U.S. media organizations to assist in information gathering and dissemination.

One National Guard (NG) division PAO in Louisiana conducted a vigorous media information program to get the command message out, despite staff shortages. The NG division, operating under the modular force structure, deployed with no organic staff. The modular force structure authorizes three officers and seven enlisted personnel in the PA section. The NG division possessed only one qualified PAO, who acted as the single point of contact for media operations within the division.

Through rigorous networking with military and civilian media agencies, the PAO was able to coordinate media coverage when opportunities surfaced. Most of this coordination was conducted while attending civilian news media meetings at the state emergency operations center. Command messages were disseminated via these meetings and with the military PA detachment (MPAD) located at Belle Chase, Louisiana, south of New Orleans. However, the MPAD was not part of the division. The division PA office had no tasking authority over the MPAD. Priority of media coverage was determined by the Louisiana NG chain of command, instead of the division-assigned command and control authority. If the MPAD was not available, the division PAO would cover stories on his own. These stories would be included in a newsletter that was distributed by the MPAD. The PAO also would arrange press meetings for the division commander. The PAO possessed 15 years of prior enlisted PA experience. This experience was critical in filling the void in staff structure.

In Mississippi, all intelligence/information was channeled through the joint task force (JTF) G2, who was also acting as the G5 and G7. As tactical-level units reported information about civil infrastructure and the status of services to the G2, this information was also passed to civilian media outlets by the JTF PAO. Initial military response priorities were communicated via press conferences and field media contacts at the local and higher headquarters levels. These priorities became part of the overall information operations (IO) plan and the media support plan. Sample talking points in the initial phase of the relief operation are listed below.

NG Support to Hurricane Katrina As of 2 September 2005 Key Messages This is what we do. We are trained and ready to help others, whether they’re overseas or in the United States. These are our neighbors we’re helping now. We’re looking forward to getting there and doing our part to help. We’ve been deployed before, so we’re used to being away from home for months at a time. No one likes to be away from his or her loved ones for too long, but we feel fortunate that it is for a good cause. The sooner we can get there the better for everyone. I’m ready. These National Guardsmen are trained professionals who bring great expertise and sensitivity to their mission in support of local law enforcement. NG helicopters have evacuated hundreds of sick and injured persons out of the devastated greater New Orleans area. Over the next few days, that number will rise to nearly 30,000 as we continue to deploy personnel and critical equipment to the hardest hit areas. These are National Guardsmen saving, protecting, and serving the American people. They are committed citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, gathered from communities across this country. The NG has a tradition of responding during natural disasters. More than 320,000 NG Soldiers and Airmen and their equipment from all states are ready to mobilize into the disaster-struck area. We understand the mission that lies ahead of us. This is why we serve – to help the nation in times of national crisis.

Insights/Lessons learned

• PA coverage while supporting domestic disaster assistance is vital in disseminating the command message and telling the Army story.
• The division PAO must be resourced with the authorized level of section personnel to properly conduct media support operations. Working one-deep has the potential to cause gaps in media coverage and may cause media opportunities to be lost.
• It is important for the PAO to be present in any disaster relief to act as a conduit for military and civil leadership.

Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF) Implications

• Training: PA cells need to know and understand IO tactics, techniques, and procedures in order to take the lead when no IO personnel are present.
• Personnel. Commanders should place more emphasis on resourcing the PA office with the staff needed to conduct media operations during domestic disaster support operations. Deploying staffs should plan for the appropriate level of media support during domestic disaster support operations or identify civilian-acquired skills sets that will support the PA section.

Table of Supporting Observations
Observation Title		CALLCOMS File Number
Public Affairs Operations During a Natural Disaster		44841-43727
Intelligence Support to Effects		77501-71346

 

---

Table of Contents | Foreword | Introduction | Chap 1 | Chap 2 | Chap 3 | Chap 4 | Chap 5 | Chap 6
Chap 7 | Chap 8 | Appendix A | Appendix B | Appendix C | Appendix D | Appendix E

CALL Homepage >> CALL Products

USA VET BIZ: Michael Hershman, President of The Fairfax Group & Chairman of USAVETBIZ Recognized

April 16, 2009 05:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

Michael Hershman, President of The Fairfax Group & Chairman of USAVETBIZ Recognized by World Body and Commended by the Commonwealth of Virginia

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of the United States Association of Veterans in Business (USAVETBIZ) is pleased to announce that Chairman, Michael J. Hershman has been selected as one of the 100 most influential people in business ethics in the world for 2008 by Ethisphere Institute and has been commended by a unanimous Joint Resolution of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for his work.

"Michael Hershman's recognition by the Ethisphere Institute is so richly deserved not just because he did the right thing when no one was watching, but more importantly, because he was willing to let the truth, however difficult, direct his course of action rather than the reverse," noted Margi Vanderhye, Virginia House of Delegates, 34th District.

“As one of the elite people from around the world who have boldly stepped forward to battle against unethical business practices, it is an honor and privilege for our Board and national membership to add our proud salute to Mr. Hershman,” said USAVETBIZ President, Richard Ramirez. “The stature of Michael’s professional life is unique as a business man and person. His work has spanned the globe for many years. He is an extraordinary example of a military veteran who turned early credentials first gained in service to country to the global stage.”

“Michael’s background, experience and dedication are exceptional. These modern tributes have been well earned. As an organization, USAVETBIZ is deeply honored that Mr. Hershman has lent his name and leadership to the cause of our Commerce for the Defenders programs for advancing the interest of veterans in business across the nation. He is a true defender of commerce,” Rameriz said.

To learn more about Commerce for the Defender, please visit www.USAVETBIZ.org.

USAVETBIZ is a non-profit membership trade Association dedicated to enhancing awareness of and opportunity for veterans in business in all channels of commerce, public and private. More information about USAVETBIZ is available at www.USAVETBIZ.org.

Ethisphere Institute (#33): http://ethisphere.com/100-most-influential-people-in-business-ethics-2008/

VA Commonwealth: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?091+ful+HJ1002

The Fairfax Group: http://www.fairfaxco.us/

Contacts:

U.S. Association of Veterans in Business
Megan Pollard, 800-505-1083
CommerceForTheDefenders@USAVETBIZ.org

or 

HighViz/ABPA
Abbe Buck, 703-753-4100
abbe@highvizconsulting.com

 http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090416006318/en 

# # # 

Turning Five: The ASBC (American Small Business Coalition) has an excellent lineup of Government Leaders next April 23rd

An Excellent Lineup of Government Leaders for April 23rd at The ASBC's Fifth Anniversary Conference

 Guy Timberlake, The American Small Business Coalition, LLC

web: www.turningfive.com 

WHEN: Thursday, April 23, 2009
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Sheraton Premiere Tysons Corner
8661 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182 

WHO: Government Leaders to include: (additional info here)

Shay Assad, Director, Defense Procurement, Acquisition Policy and Strategic 
Sourcing, Department of Defense

Soraya Correa, Director, Office of Procurement Operations, Department of 
Homeland Security

Casey Coleman, Chief Information Officer, General Services Administration

Delores Thompson-Gad, Assistant Director, Office of Small Business Programs, 
Mission and Installtion Contracting Command, Directorate of Contracting, Fort Belvoir

Mary Davie, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Assisted Acquisition Services
Federal Acquisition Service, General Services Administration

Amanda Fredriksen, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, General Supplies and 
Services, Federal Acquisition Service

Mike Sade, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Integrated Technology Services, 
Federal Acquisition Service

Houston Taylor, Director, Program Analysis Division, Office of Acquisition 
Management, Federal Acquisition Service

Kendra Turner, Director, Industry Relations Division, Office of Acquisition 
Management, Public Buildings Service

WHAT: The American Small Business Coalition Fifth Anniversary Conference
and Awards Dinner: "Celebrating a Culture of Collaboration and Success" (http://www.turningfive.com/)

WHY: In addition to new initiatives like the Economic Stimulus, the change in
our Nation's leadership is affecting the dynamics of how Government and Industry partnerships will occur, now and in the future. This event is a full day of high-
touch, high-value information exchange for companies doing business in the
government sector as well as those seeking to do business there. This event includes keynotes, breakouts and discussion panels led by leaders from Government and
Industry with unparalleled networking opportunities throughout the day. This
 information-rich event concludes with a festive cocktail networking reception and 
awards dinner in the Sheraton Premiere's Capital Club.

The American Small Business Coalition (The ASBC) is a membership organization exclusively focused on supporting the development of relationships, best practices and 
market intelligence for companies doing business in the government sector.

# # #

 

Nat'l Org US Assoc. of Veterans in Business (USAVETBIZ) teams with NC Vet Bus. Assn (NC VetBiz) ---open to other state level Vet orgs

North Carolina Veterans Business Association (NC VetBiz) Teams with The United States Association of Veterans in Business (USAVETBIZ) For Opening other State Level Organizations

“Serving Those Who Served” – NC VetBiz pledges to promote, empower and educate North Carolina’s veteran business owners and professionals

April 8, 2009 CHARLOTTE, NC –NC VetBiz has accepted an invitation to become the first state veterans’ business association to become affiliated with USAVETBIZ, a national organization that represents and promotes all veterans in business under the national banner of Commerce for the Defenders.

The alliance is designed to help veterans in business in other states to follow in the footsteps of NC VetBiz. The two organizations will remain independent of each other, but will promote the free flow of information, ideas and considerable energy.

“NC VetBiz has built an outstanding platform to launch their organization and we want to assist veterans in business in other states in duplicating the NC VetBiz foundation", said Richard Ramirez, President of USAVETBIZ. "Our two organizations will work together in developing a template for success. There is a high level of confidence that this will accelerate the Veterans Enterprise Movement by consolidating the forces of advocacy and recognition at the local level."

Other state organizations in the works include Virginia, California, Texas, Florida, Arizona and Illinois.”

“We are very pleased to be affiliated with USAVETBIZ, says NC VetBiz, President James Darnell. They were a great help to us as we undertook to create the first veterans business organization in North Carolina and we are honored that our work is seen as a model to help others. We’re excited about the interest that’s being generated around our great state from

veterans in business, the general public and many supporters who see the importance of stimulating business and assistance for military veteran entrepreneurs. We’re off to a great start and appreciate the support of many.”

On the web:

www.NCVetBiz.org

www.USAVETBIZ.org

###

Defenselink: Col. Laurie G. Moe Buckhout, Chief Electronic Warfare Division, discusses 29-series career field for US Army E W F - Under G-3 Policy

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Army Announces New Career Field

Colonel Laurie G. Moe Buckhout, Chief, Electronic Warfare Division

Colonel Laurie G. Moe Buckhout, Chief, Electronic Warfare Division, Army Operations, Readiness and Mobilization (HQDA G3/5/7) joined bloggers and online journalists to discuss the Army’s new Electronic Warfare (EW) 29-series career field for officers, warrant officers and enlisted personnel. “The war in Iraq began to make us understand better that there are a lot of targets that we need to go after…IEDs were just the tip of the iceberg,” explained Buckhout. “The new career field gives the army one of the largest professional electronic warfare cadre of all the services.” Story | Audio(Mp3) NOTES: This will be under G-3 and the Warfighter, she said. The office was stood up in May, 2006 Full time cadre electronic warfare here 1,619 professionals will be included in largest professional cadre.

The Pentagon Channel - Oprah visits Walter Reed Medical Center

http://dodvclips.mil/index.jsp?fr_story=FRdamp342699&rf=rss

http://www.oprah.com/dated/oprahshow/oprahshow_20090128_walter_reed

http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20090128_tows_walterreed 

On June 25, 2008, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin "Nate" Knowles was on patrol in Afghanistan when he stepped on a pressured plate IED explosive. "I saw my leg when I got blown up," he says. "Then I got back to the States a couple days later, and they told me they had to take my leg."

Nate says he's adjusting the best he can. "It's not too bad. Once you get over the fact that you already lost your leg, it's not too bad," he says.

When the recovery process becomes difficult, Nate's got some cute and cuddly motivation—his 3-month-old daughter, Jada.

# # #

The Army gets it -- Social Media (Tom Humbarger)

http://tomhumbarger.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/social-media-and-the-military/

Social Media and the Military

Posted on October 28, 2008 by Tom Humbarger

I am working on a project for a digital media company and part of the project is to research the latest trends on social media in the military.  I ran across some interesting information and links, and would like to share them so others can see the progress being made by our military institutions.

All of this begs the question - if large traditional and conservative organizations like the US Army are experimenting with social media, why aren’t you?

US Army - Leading the charge for the Army’s social media initiatives is LTG William Caldwell of the Central Army Command at Fort Leavenworth.  He published a memorandum in April directed to all personnel under his command at the CAC including CAC subordinate organizations.

Interactive internet activities are an essential part of our responsibilities to provide information to the public, usher in a culture of chage within our Army’s officer Leadership, Development and Education and support military operations.  Leaders within the Army need to understand the power of the internet and leverage as many communications as a means as possible to community what the CAC is doing, and more importantly to “Share the Story” of those serving in uniform and highlight the incredible sacrifices they and their families are making.

In addition, the Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren, spoke at the 3rd annual MilBloggers conference last month.  I have copied the quote below which sums up his thoughts on social media:

We’ve got to embrace every form of media, and this new medium - and particularly blogging, for many people - has replaced traditional media as a way to get news.  And not only to get news, but to educate themselves, the back and forth that blogs offer. So I see it as an addition of what we’re doing, and a mechanism to reach some people who you don’t reach at all through so-called traditional media.

________________________________________________________________________

US Coast Guard - My nephew Zeke is in the Coast Guard and he sent me a link to the new Facebook page set up by the Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen last month.  In his opening comments on September 28th, Thad mentions:

Today we activated several new social utilities to help the Coast Guard as an organization, and myself as the Service Chief, to better communicate and collaborate, both amongst ourselves and with the many publics we proudly serve.

Included in the Coast Guard social media initiative are the following sites.

• Commandant’s Corner 2.0 (CC 2.0) — www.uscg.mil/comdt
• iCommandant — a blog/journal like feature on the new CC 2.0
• A Coast Guard Facebook page
  
• US Coast Guard Press Flickr page
  
• Another Coast Guard Flickr page

________________________________________________________________________

US Navy Website for Heroes - Taking a different angle, the US Navy has created a website called Websites for Heros that allows for deployed Navy and Marine personnel to maintain close family ties with their loved ones beyond the occasional phone call or e-mail.  The Department of Defense blocked many popular social networking sites last year to protect internet bandwidth for mission-critical functions, so this site fills the void to keep families connected.

More on the program is available from this press release.

________________________________________________________________________

US Military Academy at West Point and CCL - While following links, I ran across an article that discussed the efforts of Lt. Col. Tony Burgess and Lt. Col. Pete Kilner who oversee a family of password-protected, Army-sanctioned, Web-based forums that connect officers all over the world.  Their “Center for Company-level Leaders” or CCL is based at West Point.  From the FAQs on the public part of their website, the CCL is described as follows:

One way that leaders are connecting in conversation is through online professional forums (aka online communities) like the Company Command (CC) and Platoon Leader (PL) forums. These forums bring together leaders from across the Army to share ideas and experiences and to improve our collective effectiveness. The PL forum specifically also gives cadets at West Point and in ROTC unprecedented access to the ongoing conversation of the profession they are preparing to join.

The program sounds like a great way to share important information with up-and-coming military leaders.

________________________________________________________________________

Milblogging - Finally, there is a website called Milblogging that serves as an index of more than 2000 blogs written by military personnel from around the world. If you are looking to read personal accounts of what is happening in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, this is a great place to start.

________________________________________________________________________

I am sure there are other initiatives in the military, but these are the ones that crossed my path in the last week.  If you know of others, please add them in the comment section.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: blogging, CCL, center for command-level leadership, coast guard, commandant thad allen, facebook, flickr, icommandant, milblogger, military, social media, us army, west point, william caldwell

« Ideas That Spread Win Minuteman Parking Website Launches »

USACAC: Center for US Army Lessons Learned (KATRINA) - a Primer to keep on file

USACAC. United States Army Combined Arms Center reports:

Support Operations, Public Affairs Office

Chapter 8

Extract from Center for Army Lessons Learned Initial Impressions Report 06-11,
Disaster Response Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Figure 8-1: Public affairs interview in Mississippi

# # #