Feb. 2, 2024

A Note from the Program Manager

Greetings!

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount for the success and sustainability of any business, regardless of its size. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is especially crucial for small businesses. CMMC ensures that your organization meets essential cybersecurity standards and maintains compliance with the Department of Defense contracting requirements.

You may not know this, but small businesses are frequently targeted for attack. According to Project Spectrum, a DoD initiative, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses. Small businesses are targeted because of their intellectual property and access to sensitive government information. Small businesses can fall victim to identity theft, business interruption, damage to reputation, litigation fees, and contract loss.

By implementing CMMC, your small business not only safeguards its data but also demonstrates a commitment to securing the information of your customers and collaborators. This certification enhances your credibility, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships, while also mitigating the risks associated with cyber threats.

Take advantage of the resources through Project Spectrum. Project Spectrum was initiated by the DoD Office of Small Business Programs. Project Spectrum provides businesses and institutions with the most up-to-date cybersecurity compliance and policy best practices. It also offers heightened, cost-effective awareness tools and training to small- and medium-sized businesses that are particularly susceptible to cyber threats due to funding and other resource limitations.

Save the date on March 27^th for a Project Spectrum training webinar.

Secure your business's future by prioritizing cybersecurity through CMMC compliance – a small step that yields significant, long-term benefits.

Best regards,

Lori Haozous

Program Manager

February is Black History Month. We celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black-owned businesses throughout history.

Attention!

Our Offices are closed on Feb. 19, 2024 in observance of President's Day.

Do you have a success story you'd like to share with us for our newsletter?

Have you obtained a local, state, or federal certification such as Veteran-Owned Small Business or Woman-Owned Small Business?

Please reach out to your counselor to notify them.

Small Business News

Be Aware of Government Imposter Scams!

From the Office of Small Business Programs

Small Business Scam Alert:

"United States Business Regulations Department" Letters

It has come to our attention that some business owners have received letters, ostensibly from a U.S. Government agency called the “United States Business Regulations Department,” notifying them of a registration requirement and potential financial penalties. Upon investigation, it has been confirmed that these communications are not from any legitimate government entity but rather from scammers attempting to defraud unsuspecting small business owners.

To safeguard your business from falling victim to such scams, we recommend the following steps for verifying the legitimacy of any government-related communication:

Website Verification: Utilize the WHOIS website lookup (https://whois.icann.org) to check the registrant information of the website mentioned in the communication. Legitimate government entities typically have identifiable domain registrants.
Domain Authentication: Ensure that the website domain associated with the communication has a ".gov" extension. Government websites in the United States exclusively use this domain extension. For Department of Defense entities, those sites are either at the “.gov” or “.mil” extension.
Secure Connection: Look for the "https://" protocol in the website URL. Legitimate government sites use secure connections, often indicated by a padlock icon in the address bar.
Web Banner Confirmation: Check for any banners or notifications at the top of the website, providing guidance on how to confirm the authenticity of the site. Genuine government websites often include such information.

Reporting Suspicious Communications

If you encounter any suspicious communications or believe you have been targeted by a scam, please report the incident promptly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via their official reporting platform: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov. Your vigilance can contribute to the collective effort in combating fraudulent activities.

https://business.defense.gov/Resources/Scam-Alerts/

CMMC 2.0 Proposed Rule Released

On December 26, 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a highly anticipated proposal to change the rules for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. The purpose of the CMMC is to make sure that companies working with the defense department meet the necessary standards for safeguarding federal contract information (FCI) and controlled unclassified information (CUI). The goal is to ensure that these companies are adequately protecting sensitive unclassified information from cyber threats, including advanced persistent threats, at a level that matches the potential risks.

Dubbed CMMC 2.0, the proposed rule change revises certain aspects of the program to address public concerns in response to DoD's initial vision for the CMMC 1.0 program originally published on Sept. 29, 2020. The rule change is open for comment for 60 days.

More info

Opportunities

Sources Sought Notice:

Z--COLO 200920, Jones Mill Pond Dam and Colonial Parkway Repairs and Improvements

Notice ID: 140P2024R0072 SAM.gov

Upcoming Workshops

Next-Level Proposals: FAR Clause Edition - Part 2

Webinar

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024

9:00-11:30 AM

In this webinar, you will learn about the FAR Clauses and how they apply to you and your business. Then stay for a real-time demonstration of searching for a solicitation on SAM.gov and beginning the proposal process.

2024 Aviation Business Summit

In-person!

Feb. 22, 2024

7:45 AM-3:00 PM

Warehouse215

215 E Grant St.

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Session information:

Navigating Aviation Procurement: From Bid to Contract

Explore the intricacies of Aviation procurement in this comprehensive session. Journey through the procurement cycle, covering contract and solicitation types, upcoming trends, and requirements.

Understand the critical differences between minimum qualifications and general/service requirements, and learn the importance of responsive and responsible offers. Gain valuable insights and resources essential for successful bidding in Aviation contracts.

Badging Process: ABC's & 123's

This session will educate attendees on our current security badging requirements and help businesses understand the steps all employees must take before working on airport property.

Airport Concessions – From Street Store to Airport Terminal

Hear from current airport concessionaires about their perspectives on working with the City, growing their business at the airport, and advice to new and small businesses on how to be successful operating in an airport environment.

Aviation Construction Projects – From Bid to Dig

Hear from a panel of contractors about their experience bidding, winning the award and meeting project requirements.

Division Spotlight: Design & Construction

Tune in to hear from our Design and Construction division, learn what they do, and what opportunities are on the horizon.

Doing Business with the Dept. of the Navy

In-Person!

Feb. 28, 2024

9:00 AM-3:00 PM

Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Midtown

4000 N. Central Ave.

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Join the Arizona and American Indian Chamber Education Fund APEX Accelerator teams for an informative session with the Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs in Phoenix, Arizona.

This event will provide valuable information for small businesses, covering topics such as:

DON OSBP Achievements and Goals
DON OSBP Mentor-Protégé Program
Preparing for the DON procurement process
Resources and assistance to help small businesses

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and Small Business Development Center will also deliver brief presentations offering a high-level overview of programs and services

The Arizona and American Indian Chamber Education Fund APEX Accelerator teams will host a casual matchmaking session after the presentation.

Resource Partner Events

US Forest Service VIPR I-BPA Virtual Vendor Engagement Meetings 2024

The US Forest Service will be hosting three vendor engagement sessions for those interested in the VIPR I-BPA Program.

Vendor engagement sessions for 2024 are scheduled at the below dates and times. Participation is voluntary. The virtual vendor engagement session will require pre-registration. A link to the meeting will be emailed to the email address provided in the registration form 2-3 days in advance of the meeting. Registration link: https://forms.office.com/g/6QPh9stNZ7

1. Thursday, Feb 8th at 1700 MT

2. Thursday, Feb 29th at 1700 MT

3. Tuesday, March 12th at 1700 MT

Resource Partner Information

Keep in contact with our local SBA Office!

The Arizona District Office services the entire state of Arizona. We have offices in Phoenix, Show Low, and Tucson.

SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

ARIZONA District