Resource Guide - First Steps
System for Award Management (SAM)
SAM is a federal government-owned and operated website that allows companies to register and do business with the U.S. government. You must complete your SAM registration in order to bid on federal contracts, work as a federal contractor, or apply for federal grants. Go to https://sam.gov/SAM/ to create a user account, or update or renew an entity registration.
NIST Compliance Resources
Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC)
https://www.the-center.org/
MMTC offers personalized consulting services that enable Michigan manufacturers to work smarter, compete and prosper. The center works to develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, assist with navigating through governmental regulations, promote company-wide operational excellence and fosters creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. MMTC also assists companies in developing programs for and complying with:
● NIST 800-171 - Cybersecurity Compliance
o In 2018 the DoD issued cybersecurity-related requirements for government contractors in order to protect the confidentiality of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non- federal systems and organizations. If you are a government contractor, failure to meet these requirements can result in the loss of your contracts.
● AS 9100 - Quality management standards for the Aerospace, Space & Defense (ASD) industry
o This standard provides suppliers with the requirements for creating and maintaining a comprehensive quality system for providing safe and reliable products to the ASD industry, as well as civil & military aviation requirements. “AS9100 Certified” means an organization has met the requirements of AS9100D.
Visit https://www.the-center.org/ to learn more about MMTC and for a complete list of services.
Defense Cybersecurity Assurance Program (DCAP)
https://economicgrowth.umich.edu/dcap/
The University of Michigan's Economic Growth Institute Defense Cybersecurity Assurance Program (DCAP), through grant funding from the Department of Defense, is supporting defense contractors across the supply chain in several ways. First, by offering expert cybersecurity consulting services and funding to assist companies in achieving DFARS 252.204-7012 compliance. In addition DCAP is mapping resources and technologies capable of supplying critical cyber products and services and hosting educational seminars about what cybersecurity compliance looks like today, changes coming, and what resources are available to SME's to assist in the process. For more information, visit https://economicgrowth.umich.edu/dcap/.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) of Michigan
http://www.ptacsofmichigan.org/
The mission of the PTAC is to enhance the national defense and economic development of the State of Michigan by helping area businesses secure local, state and federal contracts. The PTAC staff are trained contracting specialists and will help your company obtain the most current and relevant information available. The PTAC will provide insight into the research process and coach you in the use of information obtained. PTAC is a regionally-designated program. Please refer to the website http://www.ptacsofmichigan.org/ to locate your PTAC office.
PTACS provide assistance with the following:
- Individualized business counseling - Training events
- Support with bid proposals - Networking/matchmaking events
- Information on all government levels - Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
- Identification of bid opportunities - Procurement award history
- Registrations & certifications
Networking
Several national defense-related professional organizations have chapters in Michigan. These organizations provide a good means for networking and professional development.
Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
https://www.ausaarsenalofdemocracy.org/
The AUSA is a non-profit professional organization that acts as the advocate for the United States Army. It is the voice for soldiers and government civilians, which includes Active Army members, National Guard, Army Reserve, cadets, retirees, veterans, and their families. The organizations also represent businesses and individuals who wish to advance the interests of the men and women serving the United States. The Arsenal of Democracy Chapter, headquartered in Centerline, Michigan, was chartered in 1959. The Chapter is made up of both Individual and Corporate members and represents the entire state of Michigan. Visit https://www.ausaarsenalofdemocracy.org/ for more information.
Defense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF)
https://http://www.def.org/
DEF is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote a culture of innovation in the national security community. It does this by convening events to inspire, connect and empower individuals and companies. DEF currently has chapters in Detroit and Ann Arbor. Visit https://www.def.org/ for more information on the organization and events.
National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is a non-partisan, non-profit educational association founded to educate its members on all aspects of national security. NDIA provides a platform through which leaders in government, industry and academia can collaborate and provide solutions to advance the national security and defense needs of the nation. NDIA convenes events and forums for the exchange of ideas, which encourage research and development, and routinely facilitates analyses on the complex challenges and evolving threats to our national security. It is comprised of about 1,700 corporate and 70,000 individual members.
The NDIA Michigan Chapter supports the government-industry team in the state by providing networking, matchmaking, and program and technology-focused events including the Michigan Defense Exposition (MDEX). The Chapter is also active in supporting future scientists and engineers through STEM-related scholarships, competition support, and activities. Visit https://www.ndia.org/ for more information.
Women in Defense (WID) – Michigan Chapter
Women in Defense (WID) Michigan Chapter is a non-profit professional networking and development organization for women and men across the state who contribute to national defense and security. The organization is an affiliate of National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). WID cultivates the advancement of women leaders in government, defense and national security professions. The Michigan Chapter also seeks to provide its members with professional development, networking and educational opportunities. Visit https://www.wid-mi.org/ for more information.
Air Force Association
The Air Force Association (AFA) is a volunteer-led organization that works to communicate key national security issues at the national, state, and local levels. AFA receives top-level support from the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Director of the Air National Guard, and Chief of the Air Force Reserve to fulfill this goal. Over 200 chapters across the country drive community awareness about the impact of the Air Force through a variety of programs including conferences, aerospace education initiatives and advocacy efforts with Congressional leaders. Visit https://www.afa.org/ for more information.
Matchmaking
The Michigan Defense Center partners with business assistance organizations create programs or host events that connect companies with suppliers. Here is a list of organizations that offer regular matchmaking opportunities.
Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC)
PMBC is a free service offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that brings small to medium-sized Michigan businesses together with local, national and global companies for supply chain sourcing opportunities. Visit the PMBC website for more information or to sign up for a matchmaking event: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/pure-michigan-business-connect/
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) of Michigan
PTACs of Michigan sponsor conferences and matchmaking events for small business vendors to connect with government agency and prime contractor buyers. Visit the website for the calendar of events throughout the state: http://www.ptacsofmichigan.org/
Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC)
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) offers a Proud to Manufacture in Michigan (PTMIM) program that connects companies with suppliers that manufacture within the state. MMTC provides free customized lists of potential suppliers to its clients. Go to www.the-center.org/Our- Services/Growth/Matchmaking for more information and a free assessment.
National Defense Industrial Association - Michigan Defense Exposition (MDEX)
The Michigan Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) hosts the Michigan Defense Exposition (MDEX) annually in May. The conference offers a comprehensive program briefing, one-on- one meetings with buyers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), matchmaking and training opportunities, and industry exhibits and demonstrations. Go to http://www.ndia- mich.org/events/upcoming-events for more information on MDEX and other events.