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

House Passes Continuing Resolution

This Directly Affects Contracting Budgets! House Continuing Resolution Vote Passed (212-206, 16 Not Voting)

The House passed a long-term continuing resolution to fund government operations through the end of fiscal year 2011 at fiscal year 2010 levels. The overall funding would remain $1.09 trillion, but billions of dollars in program funding would shift.The current continuing resolution expires December 18, 2010. To read more about the resolution click here.

We've Joined the Electronic Craze!

Just in time for the holidays, my "Veterans Business Guide: How to Build a Successful Government Contracting Business" is now available on Amazon Kindle! To order click here. Or, if you prefer the paperback copy, click here.

The Veteran’s Business Guide is the first—and only—resource book specifically tailored to help veterans win profitable federal government contracts.

The Veterans Business Guide doesn’t just offer tips, but it is a full soup-to-nuts rundown of everything veterans need to know to start your own business and achieve success in government contracting.

You’ll learn how to:
--Start your own business
--Use your veteran or service disabled veteran status and special resources
--Maneuver through the government contracting maze
--Strategize for business success
--Use specific tactics to identify your best contacts

And much more...

Sample chapters:-How to Start Your Own Business
-Veterans: How to Use Specific Laws and Government Goals to Help You Succeed
-Understanding the Federal Government Buying Process (Why it is so different from the corporate  
  process—and the secrets you need to know!)
-How to Find the Federal Agencies That Need Your Products and Services
-Specific Registrations to Open the Door to Contracts
-Successful Marketing Strategies to Win Federal Contracts
-The Do’s and Don’ts of Federal Contracting

Exclusively through TargetGov
The Veterans Business Guide is only available through TargetGov, the leader in helping businesses of all sizes learn how to be successful government contractors.

A great gift for all veteran entrepreneurs and executives alike who wish to jump-start their FY2011 with government sales.

To order the Kindle copy, click here. To order the paperback copy, click here.

Here's to your success in 2011!

Upcoming Conference - Women and Minority Business Certifications and Procurement

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is hosting a half day conference on January 12, 2011. This event is focused on helping women and minority businesses understand certifications and procurement tactics that work for them. Hear from several procurement experts including:
-Sharon Jackson, MBE Compliance and Outreach Manager, GOMA
-Shirley Williams, Chief of MBE/WBE Opportunity Office, Mayor's Office
-Gloria Larkin, President, TargetGov
-Liz Cullen, WBENC.

Enjoy multiple breakout sessions and a Lunch Panel with success stories and networking.

January 12, 2011
9:00am- 1:00pm
Sheraton Columbia, 10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044
$50 NAWBO members/ $65 non-members
To register and/or for more information, visit http://www.nawbobrc.org/.

For sponsorship and exhitbitor info contact Edna Kowitz.

Greetings from Gloria - December 2010

We have much to be grateful for here at the TargetGov world headquarters. I hope that makes you smile-our bursting-at the seams little office is proud to serve our clients and troops across the world (and ship our books there too!)

While our shop is small, our elves are busy working to make all of our client's dreams come true.

To our core crew:

• Thanks to Pam for her steadfast detail-focused extraordinary efforts;
• Thanks to Nick for your fresh approach, expertise in our recording studio and communication expertise;
• Thanks to Cathy for keeping the back-office details running smoothly;
• Thanks to Heidi for sharing your knowledge and guiding successful proposal teams.

Thanks to my husband Patrick for understanding the challenges of being married to me with all of my entrepreneurial tendencies.

And THANK YOU for being YOU-friends, clients, colleagues, supporters, and advocates. We all experience sadness and tough times. Thanks for helping me with mine and as you get through your tough times, count on us and those around you.

May you see the light shine bright with love and peace.

PS: Speaking of bursting at the seams--we are looking for new office space in 2011. If you have 1200-1500 s.f. to sub-let near the Baltimore-BWI-Ft Meade area, please let me know

VICTORY – SBA ANNOUNCES FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WOMEN’S PROCUREMENT PROGRAM

Door Opens to $25 Billion in Government Contracts for Women Owned Businesses

Washington, D.C. – October 6, 2010 – TargetGov President, Gloria Larkin, applauds the efforts of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) as the Small Business Administration releases the final rule which will implement the Women’s Procurement Program. This Program gives women business owners access to 5% of the federal procurement budget, which just last year, amounted to over $25 billion dollars.

The Women’s Procurement Program stalled for eleven years after being passed into law in the year 2000. Now finally enacted, contracting officers will have the ability to restrict competition to women-owned small businesses if the procurement falls within one of the eighty-three (83) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes specified in the program.

“I know there are thousands of businesses owned by women employing hundreds of thousands of people that will benefit by this. It is a huge step to helping build this economy and strengthen our county.” said Gloria Larkin, business owner and government contractor. “The federal government has missed the women’s business contracting goal by over $6 billion dollars just last year—now there will be no excuse.”

“For eleven long years, we have anxiously awaited final implementation of the Women’s Procurement Program. Thanks to Administrator Karen Mills and her team, the program is finally underway,” said Barbara Kasoff, President of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP). “WIPP’s efforts led the way to ensure that women contractors have the opportunity to receive their fair share of contracting dollars. We believe that increased federal contracting opportunities will give women business owners a solid chance at growing their business,” added Kasoff.

Since 2008, Gloria Larkin has been instrumental in building WIPP’s Give Me 5 Program (www.GiveMe5.com ) which has helped increase the number of women-owned businesses registered on the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) by over 30%. The CCR is the government database that was used to determine the number of eligible industries in the new program. Along with advocacy for passage and implementation of the Program, WIPP’s educational initiatives have worked to build the pool of women-owned businesses ready to bid on federal contracts.


Important to the program’s success is a change made in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 which restored “parity” among all of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) small business contracting programs. The program will be considered equal to any other small business contracting program. This issue is highlighted in WIPP’s Economic Blueprint: The Women Business Owners’ Platform for Growth, unveiled during the WIPP 2010 Annual Leadership Conference. The Blueprint serves as WIPP’s voice regarding challenges unique to small businesses that require action by our elected officials.

Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) is a national nonpartisan group with over half-a-million members. WIPP is the collective voice in Washington, D.C., for 51 national women and small business organizations. WIPP advocates for and on behalf of women in business in the legislative process of our nation, creating economic opportunities for members and building alliances with other small business organizations.


TargetGov (www.targetgov.com ) is the firm owned by Gloria Larkin which specializes in helping small and large companies successfully compete in the federal marketplace. She is the past Procurement Committee co-chair for WIPP and currently serves on the governing Board of Directors.

Government Contract Accounting National Teleconference Scheduled for July 15, 2010

Stay Profitable, Learn How to Price Winning Contracts

Washington, D.C. TargetGov will host a live national teleconference “Accounting for Government Contractors,” on July 15, 2010. Topics covered include: The difference between business accounting and accounting for government contracts, specialized rules and regulations, R-CAS—DCAA, using your accounting system for pricing proposals, cost accounting, direct vs. indirect costs, allowables vs. unallowables, labor tracking, job order or project accounting, how to prepare for a DCAA audit, and best practices.

In addition to access to the teleconference, registrants will immediately receive a 56 page Toolkit in PDF format detailing the requirements needed to satisfy special government contract needs and what a business must do to prepare for these contracts even before the proposal is written. Expert speakers for this teleconference are Nicole M. Mitchell, Government Contract Services Group, Aronson & Company, as well as Gloria Berthold Larkin, President of TargetGov.

Learn what preventive steps to take to avoid reaching a financial crisis in the midst of the procurement process as well as how to satisfy special requirements prior to the solicitation response deadlines. “This teleconference will allow business owners to get a jump start on the accounting related to government contracts. With this information, contractors can show in their proposal that they are properly prepared to not only provide the contract requirements, but account for it in government-accepted processes as well,” said Gloria Berthold Larkin.

The live teleconference, “Accounting for Government Contractors” will be held nationwide on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 1:00 pm EST, 12:00 pm CST, 11:00 am MST, and 10:00 am PST. Accompanying the session is the all-inclusive, 56 page toolkit detailing the essential accounting need for government contracting, all for the fee of $49.95. All program participants are required to register on the TargetGov Website: http://www.targetgov.com/.

About the Speakers

Nicole M. Mitchell joined Aronson & Company in January 1998 and serves as a Senior Consultant/Senior Manager in the Government Contract Services Group. She specializes in accounting and financial issues impacting government contractors. She has a broad-based background in generally accepted accounting principles and cost principles related to government contractors including the FAR and CAS. Nicole has presented various contracting related topics for the MACPA as well as the AICPA. She co-authored a Thompson RIA reference manual for controllers “Doing Business with the Federal Government.” She received a Bachelor of Science majoring in accounting from Frostburg State University and a Master in Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary’s College. She is a licensed CPA.

Gloria Berthold Larkin is the President of TargetGov and the National Procurement Committee Co-Chair for Women Impacting Public Policy. She is an expert in government procurement and related business development and marketing services. Larkin was most recently awarded the 2010 Maryland Women in Business Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration and a Maryland Top 100 Women Award by The Daily Record.

About TargetGov:

TargetGov focuses on government procurement and related business development and marketing services including minority certification services, contract development (GSA Schedules, etc.), business development, proposal management and development, contract administration and expert federal contracting services. The parent company, MOA, provides corporate business development and marketing-related services including current customer analysis to determine profitability, client profiling, targeted prospect identification and list development, database, marketing plan and strategy development, graphic design, marketing communications and calendar development and execution (advertising, direct mail, fax, email, newsletters, postcards, brochures, etc.) Gloria Berthold Larkin is the author of "The Veterans Business Guide: How to Build a Successful Government Contracting Business." Visit http://www.TargetGov.com

TargetGov Audio Download Covers the Art of Creating and Using a Powerful Capability Statement to Win Government Contracts

New Updates Added to Address Demands of Doing Business with the Federal Government

Washington DC. TargetGov announces that its most popular national teleconference “How to Create a Power Capability Statement” is now available as an immediate audio download and 60 page Toolkit PDF. Gloria Larkin, President of TargetGov lectures on the new, updated information regarding capability statements now required by government agencies, including a discussion about to decision-maker meetings. The hour-long updated teleconference also covers: the three types of capability statements, when to use and not to use a capability statement, the five key elements of a powerful capability statement, the common mistakes to avoid as well as several other tips for success.

Mr. O. Keeshan, an attendee of a live teleconference said “ It's a great clarification of some common sense steps that need to be taken to be successful in selling to the Government. The Toolkit is very well organized and easy to refer back to. It is going to be a great reference tool. This teleconference gives us a good leg-up in starting this process.”

The audio of the national teleconference, “How to Create a Power Capability Statement” and the all-inclusive, 60 page toolkit detailing the dos and don’ts for effective capability statements are now available for immediate download for $87.00. Visit the TargetGov Website: http://www.targetgov.com/ for details.

Gloria Berthold Larkin is the President of TargetGov and the National Procurement Committee Co-Chair for Women Impacting Public Policy. She is an expert at government procurement and related business development and marketing services. Larkin was most recently awarded the 2010 Maryland Women in Business Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration and a Maryland Top 100 Women Award by The Daily Record.

About TargetGov:

TargetGov focuses on government procurement and related business development and marketing services including minority certification services, contract development (GSA Schedules, etc.), business development, proposal management and development, contract administration and expert federal contracting services. The parent company, MOA, provides corporate business development and marketing-related services including current customer analysis to determine profitability, client profiling, targeted prospect identification and list development, database, marketing plan and strategy development, graphic design, marketing communications and calendar development and execution (advertising, direct mail, fax, email, newsletters, postcards, brochures, etc.) Gloria Berthold Larkin is the author of "The Veterans Business Guide: How to Build a Successful Government Contracting Business." Visit http://www.TargetGov.com


Contact Information:
Gloria Berthold Larkin
President
TargetGov at Marketing Outsource Associates, Inc.
Direct: 410-579-1346
Toll-free: 866-579-1346
glorialarkin@targetgov.com

Gloria Berthold Larkin Named to The Daily Record’s Circle of Excellence

Washington D.C., May 12, 2010 — Gloria Berthold Larkin has been named to The Daily Record’s Circle of Excellence, a distinction earned by being named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women three times.

The Daily Record’s annual list of Maryland’s Top 100 Women was created to recognize outstanding achievement by women as demonstrated through professional accomplishment, community leadership, and mentoring. The Circle of Excellence is awarded for sustained achievement. Since 1996, The Daily Record has recognized more than 800 high-achieving Maryland women who are making an impact in the state through its Top 100 Women and Circle of Excellence awards.

“As Top 100 Women celebrates its 15th anniversary, all of us at The Daily Record continue to be proud and honored to conduct this important event,” says Christopher Eddings, publisher of The Daily Record. “We commend Gloria and are proud to recognize her as one of The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women.”

Larkin’s achievements continue to be recognized across the state, most recently by Maryland’s Small Business Association, which named her a 2010 Women in Business Champion. Gloria’s recognition stems directly from the success of TargetGov, her full service marketing company which specializes in government contract procurement, and her active involvement with minority small business owners, women in particular; Larkin also serves as the Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) National Procurement Committee CoChair.

“While I’ve worked hard to get TargetGov where it is today,” Larkin said, “a true measure of success is found in our clients and how successful they are. The fact that we help them reach their goals means we are doing a good job.”

In order to qualify for The Daily Record’s Circle of Excellence, honorees must have been named to the Top 100 Women list two previous times. Larkin’s previous recognitions came in 2004 and 2007. As with Top 100 Women, nominations are solicited from economic development agencies, women’s organizations, chambers of commerce, and the business community at large.

A panel of judges comprised of business professionals and past Top 100 Women winners from across Maryland review all of the applications; they are asked to be extremely selective when it comes to the Circle of Excellence. Judges look for continued involvement in all key areas – professional accomplishment, community leadership, and mentoring – with a demonstration that each nominee is still actively involved and proactive.

For more information about Maryland’s Circle of Excellence and Top 100 Women and a complete list of winners, visit http://www.mddailyrecord.com/.


About The Daily Record

For more than 120 years, The Daily Record Company has provided trusted legal and business information to Maryland readers. In addition to the daily newspaper published five days a week, The Daily Record publishes: the www.mddailyrecord.com Web site; four blogs, Maryland Business, On the Record, Generation JD, and Eye on Annapolis; and a variety of special publications on topics of interest to Maryland business and legal professionals.

The Daily Record also honors leading Marylanders through events such as Influential Marylanders, Maryland’s Top 100 Women, Leadership in Law, and Health Care Heroes. The Daily Record is owned by Dolan Media Company, trading as DM, of Minneapolis, MN.

Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc. Receives Superior Customer Service Rating from Memphis City Schools

May 5, 2010. Millington, TN. Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc. announced today that Memphis City Schools (MCS) presented the firm with special recognition for stellar customer service at the Mid-South Minority Business Council (MMBC) event. Every month, the MMBC holds a general membership meeting hosted by one of its corporate members. This month’s sponsor was Memphis City Schools (MCS) who gave tribute to Unistar-Sparco for its superior customer service. Gwen Johnson, IT Procurement Specialist, was quoted saying, “[I] always reached a live person for help.” Ms. Johnson also said, “...pricing and delivery were great.”

The MMBC integrated “On-the-Spot Bidding” into its April membership meeting. This feature afforded MCS the opportunity to name winning vendors that will be awarded purchase orders for proposals for which bids were recently received. The Director of Procurement, Jacqueline Saunders, issued several on-the-spot purchase orders to select businesses. Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc. was recognized for its successful bid with a giant-size check signed by MCS and an official purchase order for the procurement of Kodak products.

Richard Young, Unistar-Sparco’s Senior Sales Executive, and Carlos Caldera, Sales Executive, represented the firm at this event. Mr. Young said, “We were very pleased about receiving the order from Memphis City Schools and we were totally surprised and honored to be singled out for our great customer service. We do try hard and it is good to know that it shows.”


About Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc.

Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc., dba Sparco.com, is a comprehensive IT Solution Provider. Founded in 1992 as an internet business, Sparco.com has become a multi-million dollar business satisfying information technology needs such as hardware, software, professional services, and office supplies, and offers worldwide delivery for federal, state and local government agencies, as well as large and small businesses. Sparco.com has achieved success in both the government and education markets, as well as the enterprise and small-medium business arenas. Sparco.com is committed to offering the latest technologies in the marketplace at a great value and in conjunction with outstanding customer support. Sparco.com specializes in supplying the solution its customers need when they need it. Moreover, Sparco.com’s ongoing goal is to help its customers strengthen their position and achieve their missions. For more information, please visit http://www.sparco.com/.

Contact Information:
Soo-Tsong Lim
President
Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc.
Direct: 901-872-2272 x820
Toll-Free: 800-840-8400 x820
Facsimile: 901-872-8482
Email: Lim@sparco.com
URL: http://www.sparco.com

TargetGov Instructs the Art of Creating a Powerful Capability Statement with Latest Teleconference

Updates Added to Address Demands of Doing Business with the Federal Government


May 3, 2010 Washington DC. TargetGov will host its widely renowned national teleconference “How to Create a Power Capability Statement” Thursday, May 13th 2010. Gloria Larkin, President of TargetGov will teach new, updated information regarding capability statements now required by government agencies, with additional insights discussed related to decision-maker meetings. The hour-long updated teleconference also includes: the three types of capability statements, when to use and not to use a capability statement, the five key elements of a powerful capability statement, the common mistakes to avoid as well as several other tips for success.

The United States federal government is the world’s largest customer for all goods/services and doing business with them requires more than just attention to detail but an actionable strategy not built for commercial sales but specific to government procurement. A capability statement is one of the most influential documents for building a relationship with government agencies; consequently opportunities have been gained and lost for small business as a result. Mr. E. Sherman (a past attendee) said that “It was well worth listening to. I am going to change my Capability Statement... Great advice and material covered.” In addition to the information offered during teleconference, an exclusive 60 page Toolkit is available with registration. Ms. C. Hashim, a past attendee, says about the Toolkit “…The ideas given on setting up the core competency section were the most useful for us. They were ones that we had overlooked…The template was very helpful and, obviously, all the contacts listed are wonderful!”

The live teleconference, “How to Create a Power Capability Statement” will be held nationwide on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 1:00 pm EST, 12:00 am CST, 11:00 am MST, and 10:00 am PST. Accompanying the session is the all-inclusive, 60 plus page toolkit detailing the dos and don’ts for effective capability statements, all for the fee of $87.00. All program participants are required to register on the TargetGov Website: http://www.targetgov.com/.

Gloria Berthold Larkin is the President of TargetGov and the National Procurement Committee Co-Chair for Women Impacting Public Policy. She is an expert at government procurement and related business development and marketing services. Larkin was most recently awarded the 2010 Maryland Women in Business Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration and a Maryland Top 100 Women Award by The Daily Record.

About TargetGov:

TargetGov focuses on government procurement and related business development and marketing services including minority certification services, contract development (GSA Schedules, etc.), business development, proposal management and development, contract administration and expert federal contracting services. The parent company, MOA, provides corporate business development and marketing-related services including current customer analysis to determine profitability, client profiling, targeted prospect identification and list development, database, marketing plan and strategy development, graphic design, marketing communications and calendar development and execution (advertising, direct mail, fax, email, newsletters, postcards, brochures, etc.) Gloria Berthold Larkin is the author of "The Veterans Business Guide: How to Build a Successful Government Contracting Business." Visit http://www.TargetGov.com

Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc. Accepted into Exclusive AbilityOne Government Program

Products Sold Produced by People with Disabilities

April 6, 2010. Millington, Tennesseee. Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc. (Sparco.com) today announced their acceptance into the federal government’s AbilityOne Program. The national IT Solution Provider is now authorized to distribute AbilityOne Program products, typically of the SKILCRAFT® brand name, to federal customers as required by FAR 8.7.

The AbilityOne program is a federal initiative to help people who are blind or have other severe disabilities find employment by working for nonprofit agencies that sell products and/or services to the U.S. government. Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc.’s acceptance into the program grants the company the unique ability to sell products produced by individuals that have found employment through the AbilityOne program to government agencies.

“Being accepted as an AbilityOne distributor allows us to serve our clients even better and help provide jobs for many people with various disabilities,” said Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc., President Soo-Tsong Lim.

About Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc.

Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc. (Sparco.com) is a comprehensive IT Solution Provider. Founded in 1992 as an internet business, Sparco.com, an 8(a) certified firm, has become a multi-million dollar business satisfying the information technology, hardware, computer, telephone, business supply and electronic equipment needs, as well as software and service requirements for federal, state and local government agencies, and large and small businesses nationwide. Unistar-Sparco Computers is committed to offering the most recent technologies in the marketplace at a great value, in conjunction with outstanding customer support and is successful in both the government and education markets, as well as the enterprise and small-medium business markets. Sparco.com’s ongoing goal is to help their customers strengthen their position and achieve their goals in their respective areas of business. For more information please visit: www.sparco.com.



Contact Information

Soo-Tsong Lim

President

Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc.

Direct: 901-872-2272 x820

Toll-Free: 800-840-8400 x820

Facsimile: 901-872-8482

Email: Lim@sparco.com

URL: http://www.sparco.com/
Email: Lim@sparco.com

URL: http://www.sparco.com