From Inspired Solutions

Inspired Blog

Company news, announcements, and insights.

Rick and Isabella Piña at the 2026 AI NEXTGEN America Futurist Awards in Baltimore.
Latest from the blog

Isabella Piña Receives the 2026 Technologist of the Year Award

On October 10, 2026, Isabella Piña received the Technologist of the Year Award at the AI NEXTGEN America Futurist Awards in Baltimore. Career Communications Group honored the Founder, President and CEO of Inspired Solutions at the ceremony.

Read the article

Explore the library.

Every article we have published, newest first.

41 articles

What Is a Veteran Owned IT Company?

What Is a Veteran Owned IT Company? By Rick Pina, COO/CRO, Inspired Solutions | September 2026 A veteran owned IT company is an information technology firm owned and controlled by one or more U.S. military veterans. In federal buying, that label only matters when it is verified. Self-declared "veteran owned" on a website is not the same as a certification a contracting officer can use. Here is how the category works, what VOSB and SDVOSB actually mean, and what to check before you put a...

Read the article

Why Federal Agencies Choose 8(a) Contractors for IT

By Rick Pina, COO/CRO, Inspired Solutions | August 2026 Federal agencies choose 8(a) IT contractors for three reasons. Faster acquisition. Verified socio-economic credit. A delivery record that contracting officers can check before they sign. That is the short answer. Here is the long one. Every contracting officer works the same tension. Mission need on one side. Procurement timeline on the other. Full and open competition takes months. Protests add more. An 8(a) certified IT company removes...

Read the article

IT Staffing Federal Contracts: How Agencies Fill Critical Roles Fast

Federal agencies can wait 90 days to fill a critical IT role. They do not have to. Inspired Solutions holds GSA MAS contract 47QTCA22D00DQ under SIN 54151S, carries 8(a), SDVOSB, and WOSB set-aside eligibility, and runs an active workforce pipeline, so contracting officers can move from requirement to staffed position without a full competitive procurement cycle.

Read the article

What Is an 8(a) Sole Source Contract and How Does It Work?

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 is a nine-year...

Read the article

The Veteran Advantage: Why Military Experience Builds Better Businesses | Inspired Solutions

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 Inspired Solutions in...

Read the article

Celebrating Second Consecutive Great Place to Work Certification | Inspired Solutions

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 intentional culture...

Read the article

A Night of Impact: Inspired Solutions at Treasures in Paradise STL25 | Inspired Solutions

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 World Pediatrics...

Read the article

Making a Global Impact: Inspired Solutions Corporate Values in Action in Dominican Republic

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 Republic...

Read the article

Inspired Solutions Honored as Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise for 2024 | MBE Award

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. As our CEO,...

Read the article

Inspired Solutions Celebrates First Great Place to Work Certification | Company Culture

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 remain aligned with...

Read the article

Empowering Communities: The Remarkable Journey of Kim Hunt | Inspired Solutions

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. This 501(c)(3)...

Read the article

Hispanic Heritage Month: Interview with Inspired Solutions Founder Rick Piña

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 was also...

Read the article

The Importance of Culture: How Inspired Solutions Is Making a Global Impact

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 testament to the...

Read the article

Inspired Solutions Is Empowering Education and Making a Global Impact

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 with essential...

Read the article

Inspired Solutions Welcomes Rick Piña as COO and CRO | Leadership Announcement

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, contributing...

Read the article

Inspired Solutions Named WPO's 2023 Top 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned Companies

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 Companies. Topping...

Read the article

Inspired Solutions + World Wide Technology: TAP Program Partnership | Supplier Diversity

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 talent,...

Read the article

Inspired Solutions Is Now SBA 8(a) Certified | Minority-Owned Federal Contractor

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 Development Program...

Read the article

How to Find the Perfect Diverse Supplier for Your Business | Supplier Diversity Guide

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 alleviate the burden of...

Read the article

What Is Supplier Diversity and Why Is It Important? | Inspired Solutions

Supplier Diversity helps businesses source supplies and procurement through socially or economically disadvantaged owned vendors. In order to be considered a minority-owned business, a company must acquire a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification. This is given to businesses that are at least 51% owned by a person who is considered a part of the minority population, including women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons. Large corporations such as Verizon, Google, and Walmart...

Read the article

Three Benefits of Doing Business with Diverse Suppliers | Supplier Diversity

Diverse Suppliers provide businesses with unique advantages through strategic sourcing solutions. Certifications, including the Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) certification, gives small diverse-owned businesses an advantage. Supplier Diversity helps businesses source supplies and procurement through socially or economically disadvantaged-owned vendors. Below are three benefits of doing business with diverse suppliers. 1. Modernization It is no secret that our world today is drastically...

Read the article

Women in Construction Spotlight: Liz Edwards | Inspired Solutions

Inspired Solutions, proud partner to the Keeley Companies, is a world-class IT value-added reseller and logistics solutions company providing turnkey IT and Logistics Management solutions. Strategic sourcing, staffing, and logistics management require dedicated and hard-working individuals that will get the job done right. Liz Edwards, Material Handler for Inspired Solutions, is just that. Through her strong work ethic and positive attitude, Liz has helped Inspired Solutions grow and has...

Read the article

Inspired Solutions: Your Trusted Easy Button for IT and Supplier Diversity

Inspired Solutions is a world-class IT value-added reseller and logistics solutions company providing turnkey IT and Logistics Management solutions. As a Minority, Woman, and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned small business, Inspired Solutions can help you achieve your diverse spend needs while providing world-class information technology (IT) services and material logistics solutions to meet the business and operational needs of customers. Our Mission To inspire the world by providing...

Read the article