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 Upcoming Government Ready Training Sessions

Government Ready Basics (September 22, 2009)
This is a pre-requisite to Government Ready: Certified Federal Government Supplier, Level I Training and Certification, is open to everyone and designed to provide a basic Overview of Federal Government Contracting.>>Learn more and register.

Government Ready: Certified Federal Government Supplier, Level I Training and Certification (September 29 & 30, 2009)
The "Government Ready: Certified Federal Government Supplier" training and certification is a groundbreaking education and certification program provided by two of the leading national trade associations for small businesses under the leadership of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) and the National Association of Small Business Contractors (NASBC)

Government Ready Basics is a pre-requeiste for this course for companies that are brand new to Federal Contracting. >>Learn more and register 

 Meet Our National Director

Elaine Young (Navajo)
National Director of the National School of Government Contracting

Elaine Young has over 12 years experience in assisting small businesses in the federal government procurement arena, particularly for Native American business owners.

In 1998, Elaine joined the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), a national non-profit organization, providing business development services to Native Americans. As a Program Manager, of the American Indian Procurement Technical Assistant Center, she provided a wide range of services to Native American (AIPTAC) businesses which includes training and seminars, individual counseling and access to bid opportunities, contract specifications, procurement histories, and other information necessary to successfully compete for government contracts.

Prior to her position with the AIPTAC at NCAIED, she also worked as Management Consultant with their Minority Business Development Agency program. Other professional experience has been with the Small Business Development Center at Northland Pioneer College, in Holbrook, Arizona, and a Community Planner with the Navajo Nation, Kayenta, Arizona.

Elaine holds a Level II Certification from the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Center professional organization (APTAC), recognizing her professionalism and knowledge in the field of procurement assistance.

Elaine has taught numerous seminars on the understanding of requirements of government contracting, and how to obtain and perform federal, state, and local government contracts. She has written published articles on issues pertaining to Native American businesses and procurement.

Currently, Elaine has ventured into her owned business, Dine Professional Services, in providing business consulting to small businesses implemented her expertise in marketing/business plans, government contracting, bid preparation, proposal writing, and event planning.

Elaine has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, and Accounting Certificate from Lamson Business College, Tempe, Arizona. In addition, she served 4 years on the Board of Arizona Clean and Beautiful (Non-profit environmental organization), Phoenix, AZ.

Home > Certifications > Government Ready

Government Ready™: Certified Federal Government Supplier

Groundbreaking Education and Certification Program Elevates Small Business Contracting Opportunities

Government ReadyThe National School of Government Contracting™ has established a groundbreaking education and certification program that raises the standards and preparedness of small businesses seeking access to government contracts.

"We are thrilled to lead this groundbreaking effort to advance opportunities for small business through the founding of the National School of Government Contracting and oversight of the Government Ready™: Certified Federal Government Supplier certification program," says Margot Dorfman, CEO of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce.

"It is important that small businesses have a recognizable standard for preparedness to seek and secure government contracts. This important certification will assist acquisition professionals as they gage the preparedness of small businesses. And, it will assist capable small businesses to set themselves apart," continues Dorfman.

 

What is "Government Ready™" Certification?

A groundbreaking education and certification program provided by two of the leading national trade associations for small businesses under the leadership of the National Association of Small Business Contractors and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce. The "Government Ready™" education and certification program provides a clear path for small businesses seeking to prepare and position their businesses for federal contracting opportunities.

The "Government Ready™" program addresses preparedness and success drivers from entry to advanced levels providing quality opportunities for businesses of all experience levels.

By securing "Government Ready™" certifications and displaying the logo, a small business owner communicates clearly to federal contracting professionals that their business is serious and knowledgeable of the details and intricacies of government contracting.

 

What is the value of "government ready" for your business?

"Government Ready™" provides two clear values for your business:

First, you receive top-tier education from real inside experts in government contracting who know what it takes to be successful in the government marketplace.

Second, through leveraging the quality of the "Government Ready™" certification in your communications, you distinguish your business to government contracting professionals . Placing the "Government Ready™" certification in your company materials and your government capabilities statement shows government professionals your commitment and knowledge of the federal marketplace.

 

Levels of Education and Certification:

"Government Ready™" education and certification has three levels as detailed below:

Level I: [Three day training.] This level provides a thorough base level of understanding for doing business with the government. Topics will mainly focus on pre-award procedures and will include the following:

  • Outline of the Federal Acquisition Regulations
  • Contract Methods & Requirements to Advertise - Micro-Purchases, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, Sealed Bidding, Negotiation, Request for Quotations, Invitations for Bid, Request for Proposals, Commercial Items/Services, FEDBIZOPPS & various types of synopses
  • Competition Requirements - Full & Open Competition, Full & Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources, Other than Full & Open Competition, Small Business Programs, latest policies related to obtaining competition
  • Mandatory Sources - Priorities for use of government supply sources, Federal Prison Industries, etc.
  • Contract Types & Risk - Level I provides a brief overview; more detail is provided in Level II
  • Specifications - Design Specifications, Performance Work Statements
  • General Contract Requirements - Determinations of responsibility, labor laws, bonding, Cost Accounting Standards
  • Marketing to the Government - The basics of building awareness and respect for your business
  • Subcontracting & Pursuing Subcontracting Opportunities
  • Business Ethics & Conflicts of Interest


Level II: [Three day training.] This level is intended for those who have received Level I certification and have a basic knowledge of federal contracting rules and procedures. Topics will mainly focus on post-award procedures and will include the following:

  • Contract Modifications
  • Government Property
  • Quality Assurance
  • Claims & Disputes
  • Termination Procedures
  • Contract Types & Risk
  • Technical Proposal Writing
  • Cost Proposal Writing


Annual Certification Maintenance: A minimum of 10 hours of approved credits are required each year to stay current and maintain certification. These courses include: Teaming/Joint Ventures, Hot Issues & Buying Trends, Government Contracting Regulatory Highlights, Roundtable Discussion, etc.

 

Quality of Leadership

Two of the nation's leading trade associations came together to found the National School of Government Contracting. We are proud to announce Elaine Young as the National Director of the school and the Government Ready™ education/certification program.

The National Association of Small Business Contractors (NASBC) and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) came together to provide a much needed program to prepare and position small businesses for federal contracting success.

Through providing a very high quality education and certification program, NASBC and the USWCC have made it possible for small business owners to have a trusted partner in education/preparation and a respected certification that will assist well-prepared small business owners to position their businesses as "Government Ready™" - - prepared and ready for federal contracting.