AIMSTAR Awarded 8(a) STARS II GWAC Contract

COLUMBIA, MD, Aug. 4, 2011  AIMSTAR Information Solutions, Inc.(AIMSTAR) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded an 8(a) STARS II GWAC contract by the U.S. General Services Administration.  The 8(a) STARS II program is reserved exclusively for qualifying certified 8(a) Small Business concerns as the prime contractors and is designed to promote small business utilization when purchasing information technology (IT) services or IT services-based solutions for the federal government.

GSA 8(a) STARS II is a multiple-award, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract vehicle with a five-year base with one five-year option. It has a $10 billion program ceiling and allows for directed task orders up to $4 million each for federal civilian and Department of Defense activity.

Dr. Theodore Williams, President of AIMSTAR, states “We were chosen for this contract because we could demonstrate competitive pricing, technical proficiency, and a successful track record. The contract offers simple to complex IT service solutions such as: data architecture and database technology support, data analysis, advanced web technology support, software development, and technology training, which are direct matches for our services.”

AIMSTAR received the award in the following functional areas:

·         FA1: NAICS 541511 - Custom Computer Programming Services

·         FA2: NAICS 541512 - Computer Systems Design Services

·         FA3: NAICS 541513 - Computer Facilities Management Services

·         FA4: NAICS 541519 - Other Computer Related Services

About AIMSTAR:

AIMSTAR is a Small Business Administration (SBA)-certified Section 8(a) Small and Disadvantaged Business providing professional and information technology services to the U.S. Federal Government.  AIMSTAR develops and administers database systems, develops multimedia software, and provides technology training. In addition to traditional business databases, they integrate multimedia and database technology to allow businesses and government agencies to effectively store, index, and retrieve unstructured data, images, text, video, and audio.  They provide information technology consulting and software development services to government, academic, and commercial entities.  Founded in 1997, AIMSTAR is a forward moving company located in Columbia, MD. For more information please call: (888) 232-7827 or visit www.aimstar.com.

Lighting the Path to a Brighter Future

Contact Information
Soo-Tsong Lim, President
Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc.
Direct: 1.901.872.2272
Toll-Free: 1.800.840.8400

Facsimile:  1.901.872.8482

Email: Lim@sparco.com

URL:  www.sparco.com

Tennessee Company Goes Green and Gets Immense Paybacks

July 27, 2011.  Millington, Tennessee.  Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc., d/b/a Sparco.com, a fast growing technology company and one of six businesses in the state to receive funds through Tennessee’s Clean Energy Technology Grant Program to fund the installation of 120 solar panels, is already seeing results exceeding energy production expectations.  “We originally planned for an eight year pay-back when the solar panels have generated the energy to cover their installation, but we are happy to revise projections to six years,” according to Sparco.com’s President, Soo-Tsong Lim.

In 2010, Sparco.com’s solar panels saved the Company an equivalent of 1,813 gallons of gasoline, or 37.2 barrels of oil, and reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 35,261 pounds.  In fact, not only did the solar energy system exceed expectations, but it saved 4% more in gas and oil combined, and 7% in carbon dioxide emissions.  The use of the energy produced by the solar panels has been so successful that Lim is considering other renewable energy solutions. 

In addition to future savings, Lim said that the project is financially viable because most of the cost was covered by state and federal funding and incentives.  Although the initial cost of the project was just shy of $150,000, the Tennessee Clean Energy Technology Grant Program funded 40%, a federal tax credit covered 30%, and the balance was funded directly by Sparco.com.

Besides cutting electricity costs for Sparco.com during the day, the solar panels continue to harvest energy even when the Company is closed, thus allowing the generated electricity to travel back to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) power grid.  The TVA then buys this electricity back from Sparco.com for $0.12 above the current rate which is roughly $0.09 per kilowatt hour, thereby yielding a credit to Sparco.com’s energy bill.

The utilization of this solar system has proved to be a win-win situation, both for Sparco.com and the federal government.  The Company is participating in the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Leaders Program.  By joining Climate Leaders, Sparco.com is a small business member committed to reducing its impact on the global environment by completing a company-wide inventory of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and setting and achieving aggressive absolute emission reduction goals.  “We are pleased to be among the government contractors who are taking the lead to satisfy the requirements of the government’s clean energy initiatives,” commented Soo-Tsong Lim.

About Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc.

Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc., d/b/a Sparco.com, is a comprehensive Information Technology (IT) Solution Provider. Founded in 1992, Unistar-Sparco started as a two-person local business and has since grown into a financially secure company satisfying the IT hardware, computer, telephone, business supply, electronic equipment, software, and service requirements for school systems, federal, state, and local government agencies, and large and small businesses nationwide. Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc. is committed to offering cutting-edge technologies with outstanding customer support at a great value and is successful in the government, education, large enterprise, and small-medium business markets. For more information, please visit us online at www.sparco.com or call us toll-free at 1.800.840.8400.

Sparco.com’s solar energy system consists of 120 solar panels, 5 inverters, 5 disconnects, and conduit wiring.  Each panel weighs 34.2 pounds, has a dimension of 62.2” x 31.81” x 1.38” and is tilted 15 degrees toward the south for optimal sunlight absorption.  The entire system provides roughly 1/3 of Sparco.com’s energy usage per year.

There's No Crying in Contracting

Business is booming in the federal marketplace-at least it is for those who are making changes to deal with the budget constraints, cuts and doom-predictors. Yes, the market is tightening, but is this a surprise? Come on, really, the spending spree grew from $220B in 2000 to over $550B in 2010, and there is surprise that we have to now take budget cuts into consideration?

Remember, there is no crying in contracting. Instead, make a change in your efforts, your strategy, and your tactics to pursue the $500+ Billion still in play. If you are using the same processes and procedures this year that have worked in the past-your hit rate is going to fall. It is past time to evaluate the market, plan a new strategy and lead the pack instead of being one of the pack.

We are considering planning a business roundtable discussion to be held here in Columbia MD on a monthly basis. The purpose would be to have the place where you can discuss with your peers the issues you are seeing as challenges. This will not be a networking event, it is not a sales event. It is not a training event. Rather it will be a peer-to-peer discussion session that would focus on your federal contracting issues and solutions. If you are interested in this, think it would help you, and you can meet in Columbia MD or perhaps call in to a conference line, let me know. We will make it happen if there is enough interest.

Memorial Day Greetings!

I hope your Summer kick-off weekend was exactly what you wanted. For me it included a bit of everything: time in the garden, doing weekend chores, visiting the pool, time with family and some catch up work, of course.

However, I cannot get the images of tornado-ravaged Joplin out of my mind--and how even there, in the midst of unimaginable sadness, loss and disconnection, the US flags are posted in the rubble, hanging from whatever supports could be found.

Our US spirit is being called to reenergize this county, support our fellow citizens and embrace the caring, honorable people we are at heart. Let's get past the red, blue and tea labels and instead work together to acknowledge where we are and create solutions that will build a place our children will call home.

So that we remember why we are the US, let me take you to a special place--take a few minutes now to think about how it all started, with Memorial Day being the one day out of the year for us to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their life in service to their country.

Here's to our success!

Gloria

Life in the Travel Lane

Greetings!

Life in the travel lane has me bearing witness to a number of recent events:

1. Kansas City was a great host to the DOE Small Business Conference. We'll let you know when the videos and PPTs are posted; many of the sessions were just GREAT!

2. A door to a $6.5 million opportunity opened because of real, honest-to-God networking at an informal breakfast with a CO and a contractor. It never would have happened without a great "elevator pitch" and a CO willing to listen. Stay tuned for more updates as the opp develops.

3. The blue vans that are supposed to be dependable transportation, unfortunately, were not (at least for me and another intrepid traveler), and very poor customer service made me want to tell you-so hopefully at 4:30 in the morning, you won't be left w/o transportation to the airport!

We have much more coming up-if you are in construction, dial in to our teleconference later this week for an update of construction opportunities with the military and federal agencies throughout the US. And, if you are in Virginia this Wednesday, come by the Inspirity session for a quick "How to Guarantee a Decision Maker Meeting" and two other timely presentations designed to help you Position Yourself to Win!

Here's to your success!

Greetings from Gloria - April 2011

Greetings!

What is happening in your world? I hope you are seeing the fruits of your labors-and if you are serious about being successful in federal contracting, you are planning for a very busy, non-stop rest of the federal fiscal year (through September 30). I know this makes for a crazy summer, but having work is better than not having work, right?

Speaking of work: Do you know an organized person who is looking for a new job with a dynamic organization? We are looking for the right person to join our team here in Columbia MD. I'd be happy to fill you in on the details, just send a resume to me and why you would want to work here.

I'm off to Kansas City next week, looking forward to speaking at both the Department of Energy Annual Conference and the Women Construction Owners and Executives Conference. Please say hello if you are at either event! The month of May has more travel dates to North Carolina and Miami too. If you would like a memorable speaker for your conference, let me know. If I cannot make it, I promise to refer you to other wonderful, energetic speakers!

Here's to your success!

Gloria Berthold Larkin
President, TargetGov
1-866-579-1346

Breaking News!!!

A victory for business: the Senate voted yesterday to repeal the expanded Form 1099 requirement. The bill now goes to the President, who has stated his intent to sign the repeal into law. Beginning in 2012, businesses would have been required to file 1099 forms for all payments of $600 or more for goods and services annually. The bill also repeals additional reporting requirements for rental properties. WIPP has worked diligently to repeal these requirements since the law passed. This is a victory for all business owners. To read WIPP's statement on this vote, click here.
We have been busy--as are all the savvy contractors positioning themselves for the floodgates opening when the budget is approved. Yes, there will be cuts, but $380 billion or more will be spent between now and the fiscal year end: Sept 30. Postpone those vacation plans, you will be working overtime this summer to respond to RFPs and win bids!

And finally, check out this Wall Street Journal article (http://money.msn.com/top-stocks/post.aspx?post=9b1a7403-2b85-4e49-8b33-382238c319ec), I was honored to be included in the story, even if it was about cuts in the budget.

Here's to your success!

Best Regards,

Gloria Berthold Larkin

President, TargetGov
1-866-579-1346

TargetGov has a new address!

Greetings!

The TargetGov team is growing and we have a new office! First, we welcome Lisa Schuster, who has joined the team as a dynamic administrative expert.

Second, just this week we also moved to larger office-the first move since we started in 1997. Our new address is:
9250 Bendix Road, North, Ste 215
Columbia, MD 21045
866-579-1346 Toll-free
410-579-1346 Local

For those of you who recognize the address, we are very happy to be part of the Neo-Tech Incubator, a nationally-recognized award-winning business incubator. We are the federal contracting experts-in-residence and we look forward to continuing our long relationship working with incubator-based firms and also firms located nation-wide who want to grow their federal contracting business.

Check out the Sources Sought teleconference below-a remarkable situation is happening right now and over a thousand Sources Sought Notices (SSNs) have flooded FedBizOpps since Feb 1 (compared to less than 100 in the same period last year). Are you getting the business out of these SSNs, or are you handing it over to your competitors?

And, I ask for your vote yet one more time. I did not know there would be a finalist process for the Corridor Inc Person of the Year award, but there is, and I made the cut. If you could please take a few seconds to click here and vote, I would appreciate it.

Because you asked: I believe the prospective federal shutdown is grand theater and IF it should actually happen, every politician, red, blue or tea, that caused it should be ashamed. While some seem to relish the idea of shutting down bureaucrats, have they forgotten about the thousands of people employed by government contractors who will be shut down, who won't be paid, who will be in dire straits even by losing a week or two of pay? Don't just sit there and grouse about it, tell your congress people what YOU want. It takes 2 min., and they will listen.

Here's to your success!

Gloria Berthold Larkin
President, TargetGov
1-866-579-1346

The New Book is Here!

Greetings!


Finally! The Basic Guide to Government Contracting is hot off the presses, ready for shipping and also available on Kindle. This new, informative book is a serious approach to building a successful government contracting business. There is nothing easy about this market-but for those who make the commitment to it, the rewards can be many.

What are readers saying? "You have made a complicated process understandable and doable." And "I can now see how my business can take practical steps and build a solid foundation for success."

My husband is glad it is finally printed-I admit, many long nights and weekends went into the creation of this book, and I appreciate his patience and support!

Click here for more book details. Want to read an except? Email me and I'll send you a free excerpt. Our first book launch party will be at the Center Club Government Contracting Group Happy Hour Feb 9, attend as a guest and celebrate with me!

Dr Ulwyn Pierre interviewed me on her radio show at Voice of America. Click here for the full story.

Trying to track me down? Look for me at the:

--Women in Construction at the Gaylord Washington DC Feb 7
--Lorman National Teleconference Feb 8
--Center Club Happy Hour in Baltimore Feb 9
--Women in GovCon Teleconference Feb 10
--NAWBO in Columbia MD Feb 11

Stop by, call in, email me; say hello and let me know how you are doing. And, if you could do me a favor and vote for me (see below) I would appreciate it!

Here's to your success!

Gloria Berthold Larkin
President, TargetGov
1-866-579-1346

New Year - New Format

Greetings!


Welcome to our new newsletter format-what do you think? Too big, too small, just right? Let me know and we'll tweak it to be just right for you.

Lot's going on, I hope you can participate in the energizing, business building and thought-provoking events, webinars, teleconferences, sessions and happy hours. OK, we may not provoke deep thoughts at the happy hour, but we will enjoy seeing you, our friends, colleagues, contractors and clients. Success is all about building relationships, right?

Check out the "conscious fund" story below. It's from our friends at Bloomberg Government. Who would have thought that this "guilt fund" started in the 1800's!

We have a number of client successes kicking off 2011-let us know if we can help you be more successful in your federal contracting efforts.

Here's to your continued success!

Gloria Berthold Larkin
President, TargetGov
1-866-579-1346

Thoughts for the New Year

Greetings!


I think we are ingrained with the process of evaluating the past year and making plans for the upcoming year-whether we want to admit it or not. What is your method: do you make a conscious effort and perhaps even write it all down, or do you make a mental note: am I up or down and take a gut read if that is OK or not? Or do you choose a third option and ignore it all completely and hope for a better year?

While I am a hopeful person myself, I have to tell you, hope is not an effective business strategy. And, brace yourself, because the mental notes and gut reads are not what drive a business to success.

Let's use this new year to do what we really want to do: plan a celebration for December 2011 where we are toasting each other and happily recounting the successes we have enjoyed all year long!
We are going to do exactly that during our next teleconference. Not just the celebration, but also put together a real plan for federal contracting success in 2011.
Be our guest-we see it as our contribution to building the economy--Join us on January 20, 2011 and start that route to success by taking stock of where we are today, acknowledging what worked last year and what did not work, and making solid plans detailing how to grow your business to reach a profitable goal. For those that have attended our teleconferences in the past, you know that we give you real, valuable, actionable information. I hope that you will join us as we make a plan for real success in 2011! Click here to register.
And, I have a different call to action for you: Would you consider making this a year to pay it forward? Would you consider making a conscious decision to do something for someone in need? If they need to be let in in the line of traffic, if they need to hear a kind word, if they need to vent and you are the listener, if they need a second chance, if they need something, would you consider it? You may choose no, that is fine. The conscious consideration is what matters.
I hope to see you or talk with you soon.
Here's to your continued success!

Gloria Berthold Larkin

President, TargetGov

1-866-579-1346