ISSA on Situational Analysis

Congressman Adam Smith's Technology Issues Update

National Defense Authorization Act Highlights

Recently, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2013. The legislation included many provisions to help improve the technology acquisition process as well as assist small businesses working with the Department of Defense.  Here are some of the highlights:

• Adam sponsored an amendment that would remove commercial satellites and related components from the United States Munitions List. The amendment also creates an interagency process to coordinate additional modifications to the United States Munitions List and requires an annual report to Congress that includes a review of space and space-related technologies on the United States Munitions List as well as an assessment of the national security risks of removing certain technologies from the list. The annual report is also required to include recommendations to improve the space export control policy and process that do not adversely affect national security. The amendment passed by Voice Vote.
• Directs the Department of Defense to review and consolidate the certification and accreditation process for IT systems to make it more efficient and easier for businesses to understand and comply with.
• Allows the use of the research and engineering network of the Department of Defense to support regional advanced technology clusters and to encourage the development of innovative advanced technologies.
• Allows the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to establish an Advancing Innovation pilot program to accelerate the commercialization of research innovations
• Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a national security strategy for the technology and industrial base.
• Establishes a pilot program to assist in the growth and development of advanced small business concerns.
• Requires the notice of small business contracting opportunities to be posted on an appropriate Federal Web site as determined by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
• Establishes a goal for participation by small business concerns of not less than 25 percent of the total value of all prime contracts for each fiscal year and a goal of 40 percent of the total value of all subcontract awards for each fiscal year.
• Requires the Small Business Procurement Advisory Council to conduct reviews of each Office of Small and Disadvantage Business Utilization and to identify best practices for maximizing small business utilization in Federal contracting.
• Increases the maximum surety bond amount from $2 to $6.5 million, with the Small Business Administration able to guarantee a surety bond of up to $10 million. Increasing the maximum surety bond amount, in certain cases, may increase small business contracting opportunities with the Department of Defense.

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Innovation Funding Opportunity

Last week, the Obama Administration released a Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO), announcing a multi-agency Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge to help catalyze and leverage private capital, build an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and promote advanced manufacturing and cluster-based development in regions across the United States.

The deadline for applications is July 9, 2012. For more information, please visit: www.manufacturing.gov/accelerator/index.html. An informational webinar for the Advanced Manufacturing Jobs Accelerator will be available for viewing on that site in approximately two weeks.  

A total of 14 Federal Agencies are supporting the competition, with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and National Institute of Standards and Technology; the U.S. Department of Energy; the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration; the Small Business Administration; and the National Science Foundation.

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President Obama Signs Ex-Im Bank Reauthorization into Law

Yesterday, Congressman Adam Smith made the following statement after President Obama signed the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) into law:


"I’m pleased the President signed this important legislation into law. The Ex-Im Bank is the vehicle that promotes the sale of U.S. exports abroad and is critical to creating and sustaining jobs at home. With one in three jobs in Washington State dependent on trade, financing from the Ex-Im Bank is crucial to giving small businesses the security needed to complete important transactions and to promote their products in the global marketplace. This law is important step forward in supporting our small businesses and in keeping us on the path to getting our economy back on track."


For more information on the signing of this important legislation, please click here.

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If you have questions or comments, please contact Linda Danforth, Senior Advisor, at: 253-593-6600 or via email at: Linda.Danforth@mail.house.gov. 

New E-Commerce Educational Course to Start

Can adding an E-Commerce component or strengthening an existing E-Commerce model benefit your business?  Could formal employee education on the subject be part of your solution?

If so, please contact Brian Dunnicliffe with the Keller Center for Corporate Learning of DeVry University for information on a brand new E-Commerce specific educational opportunity starting soon  BDunnicliffe@devry.edu.

National Retail Federation Report: Online Channels Eclipse Retail Stores

Washington, February 15, 2012 –

According to a just released report by the National Retail Federation, retailers’ websites and online channels have eclipsed physical stores as the top channel for marketers for the first time.

The NRF report, which surveyed 247 retail executives from various sectors, finds retailers are focusing more than ever on customer-centric tech functions including e-commerce, customer service and mobile platforms in an effort to build customer engagement, capture wallet share and accelerate sales growth.

Retail executives say they will invest in programs that directly resonate with today’s shopper. According to the survey, 85% will emphasize increasing online sales, up from 83 percent in 2011, and 38 percent will have a greater focus on increasing mobile mCommerce sales over the next year, up from 29 percent in 2011.

Additionally, more than half (53%) of those surveyed say they will specifically focus on web personalization engines in the coming months, which includes such enhancements as location-based services and tracking methods unique to shopping habits.

To grow customer interaction, 45 percent of companies are actively developing widgets, gadgets or advanced links that can be incorporated with their social media pages, and another 41 percent are planning to develop these items over the next 18 months.

To better serve mobile-savvy shoppers in their stores, retailers also stated enhancing handheld technologies, such as mobile point-of-sale, will be a core focus over the next 18 months. While 17 percent already use mobile POS technologies in their store, an additional 33 percent indicate they plan further POS investments during that timeframe.

As the number of multichannel shoppers continues to grow, the NRF study found retailers’ will continue to expand price optimization - more than one-third (35%) of respondents will focus on solidifying their price optimization technologies over the next 18 months.

Nearly six in 10 retailers say new customer acquisition and customer satisfaction are their top strategic priorities for 2012. More than half (52%) of respondents plan to increase their IT budgets in the coming year, investing in IT, e-commerce, customer service, and mobile platforms.

For more details and other results from the NRF report, visit their website at:
http://www.nrf.com/modules.php?name=News&op=viewlive&sp_id=1312

Bill Kaufmann

Manager, Digital Marketing Strategy

Acquity Group | BRANDS AND BUSINESSES. ELEVATED.

www.acquitygroup.com

Green Investment Forum

ZINO Green Investment Forum CALL TO ENTREPRENEURS!  Bellevue City Hall Council Chambers April 17, 2012 12:30pm - 5:00pm

Application Deadline: April 2, 2012 ABOUT:  ZINO Society's Fifth Annual ZINO Green Investment Forum will showcase companies and experts in the areas of: · Clean Tech · Alternative Energy · Sustainable Products · Social Innovation APPLY TO PRESENT: We are currently accepting applications from companies seeking funding. Present your investment opportunity to more than 150 attendees at ZINO Green Investment Forum. Application deadline is April 2nd -Click here to apply.  PRESENTATION FORMAT:  5-minute presentations (seed stage and expansion stage companies)  FEES: Application fee: $75 5-Minute Presentation / Membership fee: $995 (due only if selected to present)    PRESENTATION BENEFITS: 5-Minute Presentation / Membership fee includes: · 5-minute presentation at ZINO Green Investment Forum (using PowerPoint deck) · Eligibility for ZINO Zenith Awards · Exhibition space at forum · Individual coaching sessions with members of the     ZINO Society Coaching Board · Admittance to ZINO Green Investment Forum  · Annual membership to ZINO Society giving you access to    30 events, many at no additional charge     STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Kate DesRosier or by phone at 206-686-3768

ISSA Meets Tonight

ISSA is on tonight at the UWT in the Tacoma Room. Please note there is now free food and networking before the presentation.

Click on image for full view.

Opening for Director, Accelerator Services

Vacancy Announcement:  DIRECTOR, ACCELERATOR SERVICES
OVERVIEW

The Innovate Washington Foundation (IWF) is a nonprofit economic development organization committed to increasing the economic impact of innovation and technology throughout the state of Washington, in all industries and economic sectors.

IWF focuses on designing and implementing programs that directly impact Washington and Pacific Northwest companies, research institutions and entrepreneurs through our mission of making Washington the best place to develop innovative ideas and launch innovative companies.

The Director, Accelerator Services supports the IWF mission by leading the system of services and programs focused on start-up and high growth technology company acceleration, product commercialization and entrepreneur support. In support of these areas, the Director will design and execute strategies that ensure statewide access to IWF Accelerator Services, including business consultants, executive entrepreneurs, grant programs, targeted loan funds and access to investment capital.  The Director will manage ongoing evaluation of current services, and identify new services that could be developed to maximize IWFs impact on Washington’s innovation economy. This position is accountable for measuring and reporting the results of the Accelerator Services Group (ASG) in terms of balanced return on investment.

It is expected that the Director will have deep experience with leading self-managed and consultative teams in the technology sector.  The incumbent will have private sector experience including providing assistance in product development, market assessment, segmentation and planning, business and strategic planning, financial modeling, capitalization, sales management and organizational development.  In addition, Accelerator Services projects will include technology and intellectual property assessment, assistance in preparing client companies for public, private or institutional financing including government grants and introductory access to equity funding sources and loan funds.  Experience in energy, clean technology, aerospace, or health science sectors is a plus.

This position serves on the IWF management team and provides the leadership and entrepreneurial experience needed to help meet IWF’s mission and vision.

This position reports to the Vice President of Economic Development.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the Accelerator Services Group (ASG) to deliver a full complement of effective services to start-up and high-growth clients.

• Define and continuously improve ASG services to meet IWF’s state-wide mission and effectively leverage public investments in technology focused economic development.

• Recruit, develop and lead ASG staff. Establish and maintain processes for open communication, group collaboration, and apply coaching principles to foster an environment of creativity, teamwork, and accountability.

• Develop and implement systems to track and manage ASG client-defined milestones in support of delivering on client support contracts and within a project based “scope, schedule and budget” framework.

• Oversee development and coordination of the ASG client intake/review process to evaluate the commercialization potential of client applicants and their proposals.  Negotiate agreements with clients for ASG services.

• Stay engaged with IWF clients’ long-term business performance to measure outcomes and return on investment attributed to IWF services as well as to identify opportunities to provide additional assistance through ASG services if requested by the client.

• Facilitate, and develop relationships within the existing state-wide network of professional service providers, investment community, and economic development organizations to assist clients secure relevant assistance not provided through IWF.

• Advance the IWF mission through community outreach, active collaboration, and engagement with external constituents and partners statewide.

• Develop recruitment strategies for, and integration of, Executive Entrepreneurs. Manage Executive Entrepreneurs’ contracts and associated performance- based deliverables.

• Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Discernment/Judgment

Makes decisions authoritatively and wisely, after adequately contemplating various available courses of action.

Drive for Results

Demonstrates concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal or external standard of excellence. Shows a passion for improving the delivery of services with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance products and services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Innovation

Applies original thinking in approach to job responsibilities and to improve processes, methods, systems, or services.

Organizational Understanding

Understands agendas and perspectives of others, recognizing and effectively balancing the interests and needs of one's own group with those of the broader organization.

Coaching

Works to improve and reinforce performance of others. Facilitates their skill development by providing clear, behaviorally specific performance feedback, and making or eliciting specific suggestions for improvement in a manner that builds confidence and maintains self-esteem.

Collaborative Leadership

Promotes and generates cooperation among one's peers in leadership to achieve a collective outcome; fosters the development of a common vision and fully participates in creating a unified leadership team that get results.

Influence

Asserts own ideas and persuades others, gaining support and commitment from others; mobilizes people to take action, using creative approaches to motivate others to meet organization goals.

Team Leadership

Willingly cooperates and works collaboratively toward solutions that generally benefit all involved parties; works cooperatively with others to accomplish organization objectives. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director, Accelerator Services manages a geographically distributed staff, as well as various independent contractors and interns.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education credentials demonstrated by the equivalent of a master’s degree in business, science or engineering or a combination of degrees in these fields.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience managing complex projects within, or as a consultant to, technology-based businesses.
• At least five (3) years of experience in a start-up or high growth enterprise.
• At least five (5) years of supervisory leadership experience.

Required Skills / Experience:

• Demonstrated technical skills with a strong combination of innovation, commercialization, engineering, new product development, business administration and entrepreneurship skills.

• Demonstrated success leading in a team environment and facilitating effective communication across a broad base of stakeholders.

• Demonstrated team building and management skills.

• Demonstrated experience with developing and implementing business, strategic, financial, marketing and communications plans.

• Strong computer literacy, including: competency with Microsoft Office applications in a Windows environment; competency with the Internet as a business tool; prior experience with customer relationship management systems and software.

• Demonstrated ability to work in an environment where confidentiality is required.

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills. 

• Demonstrated excellent public speaking ability.

Preferred Qualification and Attributes:

• Previous profit and Loss accountability in a high growth technology-based business.

• Experience with technology assessment, market and business development, contract negotiation processes and techniques, and commercialization processes.

• Entrepreneurial experience is highly desirable, specifically that related to building successful technology based businesses intent upon bringing new products to the market place.  Lessons learned from unsuccessful entrepreneurial endeavors are also a plus. 

• Demonstrated ability to energetically and effectively execute a volume of varying tasks under deadlines.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the patent process, including experience working with legal experts for patenting and licensing of technology, and the practices surrounding the protection of all forms of intellectual property.

• Experience with at least two stages of technology company equity financing; experience with debt financing. 

• Experience as a participant in the development of successful grant proposals to include subsequent grant execution, performance, and reporting.

• Significant leadership and management experience including supervision of individuals and teams in dynamic organizational environments.    Experience managing and coaching high performing teams; experience with Agile is very desirable.

• Expertise in the development and maintenance of effective multi-organization partnerships.

• Outstanding customer service attitude, commitment, personality and approach.

• Keen ability to both hold “the big picture” and simultaneously ensure the execution of the many details involved in a high-growth company environment.

Equivalent education / experience may substitute for all required qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license / certification / registration.

How to Apply

The position is open until filled. The first review of compiled applications will take place 03/19/12.  Application materials should identify skills and experience as they relate to the duties and responsibilities of the position, and to the stated required and desirable qualifications. 

Applicants should send a cover letter, current resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three professional references to:

Innovate Washington Foundation
Accelerator Services Vacancy Announcement
Attention:  Diane Wick
PO Box 1495
Spokane, WA  99210-1495

Or email:  spok.hr.info@wsu.edu

Learn More about Innovate Washington Foundation at:  www.innovatewashington.org

The Innovate Washington Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer with a policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam.