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Step-by-step guide for federal contracting officers on how to award an 8(a) sole source contract, from initial contact through signed award. Written by an SBA-certified 8(a) firm with 25+ years of federal experience.

If you're a federal contracting officer or program manager trying to move fast on a requirement, you've probably heard about the 8(a) sole source contract. It's one of the most efficient procurement tools in the federal acquisition toolkit and one of the most underused. This post breaks down exactly what an 8(a) sole source contract is, why agencies use it, and how the process works from start to finish. What Is the SBA 8(a) Program? The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program

Let me tell you something about my wife. Isabella Piña grew up in Dominica, raised by her grandmother. She came to this country, enlisted in the U.S. Army, and spent 21 years serving. She went from Automated Logistical Specialist to Army nurse to officer to Robotic Surgery Coordinator. She earned her nursing degree and her master's degree while wearing the uniform. Then she came home and built a company. That is not a resume. That is a foundation. When Isabella founded Inspir

Inspired Solutions earns Great Place to Work certification for the third consecutive year. With 94% of employees feeling welcomed from day one, this veteran-owned federal contractor proves culture drives mission success.

If you can't bend, you're going to break! Why businesses must be flexible, especially small businesses.

We are thrilled to announce that Inspired Solutions has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for the second year in a row! This prestigious certification is more than just a badge of honor—it's a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for our team members. As we reflect on this milestone, we'd like to share what it means for our business, our culture, and our people. "This certification reflects the intenti

World Pediatrics Board Members (Isabella Piña, Inspired CEO, is a member) At Inspired Solutions , we believe that true success is measured not just in business but in impact . Our commitment to giving back is woven into the fabric of our company, and last Friday, we had the privilege of putting that commitment into action at the Treasures in Paradise STL25  event. Led by our CEO, Isabella Piña , and joined by six passionate members of the Inspired Family , we stood alongside

At Inspired Solutions, our commitment to excellence extends far beyond our technology solutions. This Three Kings Day (Día de Los Reyes), our mission of global impact came to life in the Dominican Republic through one of our key leaders, Desi Almanzar, who serves both as an integral part of Inspired Solutions and as a board member of RIPMINISTRIES. Desi Almanzar A Celebration of Culture and Service While many Americans associate gift-giving with December 25th, the Dominican R

We are thrilled to announce that Inspired Solutions has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) for 2024! This prestigious award, presented by the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC), acknowledges our commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact. A Testament to Our Team's Dedication This recognition is more than just an award – it's a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision of our entire team

It's not just about providing employment; it's about fostering a culture where our veterans can truly flourish.

We're thrilled to share an exciting milestone in our journey at Inspired Solutions – achieving the Great Place to Work Certified™ status. This distinction isn't merely an award; it's a reflection of our commitment to a mission that inspires the world by providing diverse, innovative solutions with a customer-centric approach. Our Threefold Mission Our mission is threefold: focusing on the business, our people, and making a global impact. This holistic approach ensures we rem

At Inspired Solutions, we are thankful to have leaders on the team who dedicate their lives to uplifting and empowering the communities in which we live, work, and play. Today, we want to spotlight Kim Hunt.   Kim's journey is rooted in the principles of leadership through service, a tenet instilled in her by her parents, Morris & Flossie Hunt. In 2009, she envisioned a non-profit organization, and after years of preparation, Saving Black Minds came into existence in 2015. T

By Isabella Piña About Inspired Solutions At Inspired Solutions, we believe in celebrating diversity and inclusivity. We are proud of our diverse team and have created a culture focused on ensuring everyone feels valued and included. The Movie that led to the Interview I saw the movie " A Million Miles Away " with Rick Piña. The movie is a biopic that tells the story of Jose Hernandez, who went from being a farm worker to an engineer and astronaut. It was very inspiring. It w

In today's fast-paced business environment, having a strong company culture is incredibly important. The way employees interact and work together can make a big impact on the success of an organization. At Inspired Solutions, we place a lot of value on creating a positive and inclusive culture. We believe this is key to making a difference not just within our team, but also in the communities we serve. From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact Isabella Pina's story is a true te

Inspired Solutions is a partner with Rick & Isabella Pina Ministries ( https://ripministries.org/ ). RIPMinistries conducts an annual Back to School Drive in the Dominican Republic, creating a positive impact on children and their families. Since the inception of the annual event (in 2015) with 200 backpacks, the non-profit organization has made it a mission to increase the number of beneficiaries every year. This year, the team joyfully distributed 700 backpacks filled w

Manassas, VA June 05, 2023 -- Inspired Solutions, a leading provider of innovative technology and logistics solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Piña as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). Rick will be pivotal in driving Inspired Solutions' growth and operational excellence. Rick Piña joins Inspired Solutions following a successful tenure of eight years at World Wide Technology (WWT), where he held key leadership positions,

Fashion and Jewelry Industries Lead the 2023 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned and Led Companies Ranking The Women Presidents Organization and JPMorgan Chase announce the businesses on this year's ranking at Annual WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum LAS VEGAS, Nevada, May 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Women Presidents Organization (WPO), in collaboration with JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking, today released the 16th annual ranking of the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Comp

Inspired Solutions and World Wide Technology have had a strong, long-lasting relationship. It is because of this trusted partnership that World Wide Technology called on Inspired Solutions to help build their Technician Apprenticeship Program (TAP). The TAP Program originated from the Inspired Solutions team sitting down with WWT to discuss how, as a diverse company, Inspired Solutions can help them reach their goals and vision for the future. This encompasses bringing in new

We are so proud to announce that Inspired Solutions has recently been awarded the SBA 8(a) certification! We are incredibly excited as this will help our team to better serve our customers in the government sector. The focus of this prestigious program is to provide business development support including: Mentoring | Procurement Assistance | Business Counseling | Training Financial Assistance | Surety Bonding | Other Management & Technical Assistance The 8(a) Business De

In today’s world, utilizing diverse suppliers is imperative to the success of your business. There are hundreds of diverse suppliers that are eager to jump at the chance to help your business thrive. So, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are three ways to find the perfect diverse supplier for your needs. 1. Understand Your Internal Needs & Diverse Spend Requirements Searching for a diverse supplier can be a long and challenging process. An easy way to help allevi