A soft hot tub is the most desired and demanding household equipment in this fast changing world. This small exercise pool gives you health and just great fun to enjoy the pressures of life in most enjoying ways. Relaxing in the warm water of hot tub can generate a new energy in you and hence gives you the most experiences of life.
Installing a hot tub at home is an easy process in case you go through the pain to spend some time to get all relevant information about hot tubs. Hot tubs information can be easily available in many sources. All you have to do is to find those sources and choose the information of your needs and requirements. There are lots of magazines, directories and other reliable sources where information are available in abundance and can be taken for their trustworthiness. So, identify the source that you think can be best for you and give you the most satisfaction in every manner.
Hot tubs are available in different formats including large hot tubs, medium hot tubs, portable hot tubs and small hot tubs, you need to see the available space at your home and make arrangements for get it fixed at your home. Some people prefer to get it fixed outside in garden or in any open place so that they can enjoy it with rose petals and sun bathing at the same time. However, hot tubs are also placed inside and can be used frequently to have lots of pleasure.
With a stylist hot tub, you can also establish your own spa and make your style statement and earn appreciation of friends and loved ones by putting disco lights and beautiful decorations that will look just irresistible. So, decide about your own hot tub and place it at your home to get the pleasure.
About Author- Myself author of Special Spasearch magazine www.spasearch.co.uk, a hot tub resource planning guide for portable hot tubs and hot tub spa. Get online information on hot tub manufacturer, covers, spa covers and accessories. internet marketing online
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Friday, April 18, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Market Conditions and Houseplans
The housing market is the current greatest challenge for the American economy and only those who offer a unique value to potential consumers will be successful. Given the current market conditions buyers have much more power than sellers and those buyers will no longer purchase the first option that comes along they have the power to wait and build their dream home. The middle class home builder can not afford to invest thousands of dollars to have an architect draw custom plans for their home so they often turn to magazines and websites that offer stock house plans for a fraction of that cost. However, most people find it difficult if not impossible to imagine how those lines and dimensions on paper would look if it were actually built for them. Houseplancentral.com has an answer to that question check out the site to see what is coming next.
About The Author
Kevin Carden is a publisher of several stock house plan websites and informational resources, the most famous being http://www.HousePlanCentral.com. House Plan Central has a large collection of home plans and unique house plans in different architectural styles, from the nation s top house designers.
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About The Author
Kevin Carden is a publisher of several stock house plan websites and informational resources, the most famous being http://www.HousePlanCentral.com. House Plan Central has a large collection of home plans and unique house plans in different architectural styles, from the nation s top house designers.
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Tuesday, April 8, 2008
A Step-by-Step Approach to the Federal Acquisition Marketplace
Doing business with federal government agencies can be very lucrative for the people who lean how to maneuver through the maze of registrations, certifications and regulations. But if you are ready to start, these are the first steps you need to take to open the door to federal business opportunities.
Step 1: Identify your product or service.
It is necessary to know the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and the Federal Supply Classification (FSC) code for your product or service. Most federal government product/service listings and procurements are identified by their NAICS code and/or FSC code. You can find the codes relating to your business at these web sites: NAICS codes: http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html and FSC codes: http://fpdcapp.gsa.gov/pls/fpdsweb/PscWiz
Step 2. Check with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine that your business falls within the established table of small business size standards based on NAICS. www.sba.gov You may be very surprised just how big a company can be and still be considered small in the eyes of the federal government.
Step 3: Obtain a DUNS Number from Dunn & Bradstreet. This is a business identification number that is used much like a person uses a social security number. If you do not have a DUNS Number, contact Dun and Bradstreet to obtain one. www.dnb.com There is no charge for assigning a DUNS number and you must have one to proceed.
Step 4: Register in the Centralized Contractor Registration (CCR) System.
You must be registered in CCR to be awarded a contract from any federal civilian or military agencies. CCR is a database designed to hold information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. CCR also affords you the opportunity for fast electronic payment of your invoices. www.ccr.gov And you will want to get paid quickly!
Step 5: Determine if your firm qualifies for 8(a), SDB or HUBZone certification. These certifications are detailed at www.sba.gov. They are essentially for companies that are owned by individuals who have experienced some sort of disadvantage in the business environment. This may be based on economic factors, race or geographic location. Firms with these certifications may compete for set-aside contracts those contracts specifically designated for certified companies.
Step 6: Register in Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA).
ORCA is a brand-new e-Government initiative that was designed to replace the paper based Representations and Certifications process. This will be a central repository of all of your company s certifications and can be accessed by any federal agency. http://orca.bpn.gov
Step 7: Begin to search for current federal government procurement opportunities.
Identify current procurement opportunities in your product or service area by checking at the FedBizOpps web site, the federal civilian and military government single point of entry for many opportunities over $25,000. Once you start to search for current open bids you will get a good feel for the market for your products and services. www.fedbizopps.gov
Step 8: Familiarize yourself with both the federal Civilian and Department of Defense (DoD) contracting legal procedures. The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) can be found at http://www.arnet.gov/far/. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) are located at http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dfars/index.htm. These are the legal regulations for federal acquisitions. While they are not light reading if you are serious about federal procurements, you need to know and understand the legal requirements and regulations pertaining to federal contracts. This is a good time to look for an attorney who is experienced in federal procurement policies.
Step 9: Investigate if getting on the GSA Schedule is right for you. Federal agencies can use General Services Administration s (GSA) Federal Supply Service (FSS) Schedule Contracts and Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) to make purchases. These pre-approved contracts are used to buy commonly used products, services, and solutions needed to fulfill their missions and day-to-day operations. These opportunities are rarely announced on the FedBizOpps site in Step 7 above, but are normally competed amongst pre-qualified vendors already under contract. www.gsa.gov
Step 10: Seek additional assistance, as needed, in the federal civilian and/or DoD
marketplaces. Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) are federally-funded organizations that offer free help. PTACs can be found at http://www.dla.mil/db/procurem.htm
Step 11: Familiarize yourself with the budget forecasts for your targeted agencies. Each federal agency typically produces an Annual Procurement Forecast, as required by the Small Business Act, which is maintained by their Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) or equivalent. You may contact each agency OSDBU for specifics. www.firstqov.gov. Use this budget to determine if they are good prospects for you.
Step 12: Explore subcontracting opportunities.
Regardless of your product or service, it is important that you do not neglect a very large secondary market - subcontracting opportunities through prime contractors. Although there is no single point of entry for subcontracting opportunities in the federal civilian procurement marketplace, SBA s SUB-Net is a valuable source for obtaining information on subcontracting opportunities. Prime contractors, government, commercial, and educational entities, may post solicitations or notices here. www.sba.gov/sub-net
For DoD -The SADBU Website lists all major DoD prime contractors by state and provides a point of contact (Small Business Liaison Officer) within each firm. Investigate potential opportunities with these firms. Many of these firms also have websites that may be useful. Partnering with a prime contractor as their subcontractor can be an excellent entry platform to the federal marketplace. http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/
Step 13: Investigate government programs.
There are several SBA programs that may be of interest to you, such as the 8(a) Business Development Mentor-Prot g Program, the Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Research Program and the Technology Resources Network. www.sba.gov
There are several DoD programs, some derived from the aforementioned programs, that may also be of interest to you, such as the Mentor-Prot g Program, the Small Business Innovation Research Program, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions Program. Information on these and other programs is available on the SADBU Website. http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/
Step 14: Market your firm to the right contacts.
Identify your prospective government customers, research their requirements, and familiarize yourself with procurement regulations and strategies require determination, direction, discipline and resources. There are many procuring organizations to consider, and educating yourself about their roles and missions will be no small task, but essential nonetheless.
When it is time to market your product or service, present your capabilities directly to the people who buy it. Wherever possible, arrange marketing visits to agency project and program personnel. Provide catalogues and brochures to key personnel within the agencies. Many Federal agencies hold small business fairs that emphasize how to do business with the government and provide information regarding their program activities. Realize that, like your own, their time is valuable/limited. If the match is a good one, you may be able to provide them with a cost-effective, quality solution to their requirements.
Gloria Berthold is CEO of TargetGov.tv. She teaches federal government marketing strategies through national audio conferences and in-person speaking engagements.
Check www.targetgov.tv for more information.
Bookmark it:
Step 1: Identify your product or service.
It is necessary to know the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and the Federal Supply Classification (FSC) code for your product or service. Most federal government product/service listings and procurements are identified by their NAICS code and/or FSC code. You can find the codes relating to your business at these web sites: NAICS codes: http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html and FSC codes: http://fpdcapp.gsa.gov/pls/fpdsweb/PscWiz
Step 2. Check with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine that your business falls within the established table of small business size standards based on NAICS. www.sba.gov You may be very surprised just how big a company can be and still be considered small in the eyes of the federal government.
Step 3: Obtain a DUNS Number from Dunn & Bradstreet. This is a business identification number that is used much like a person uses a social security number. If you do not have a DUNS Number, contact Dun and Bradstreet to obtain one. www.dnb.com There is no charge for assigning a DUNS number and you must have one to proceed.
Step 4: Register in the Centralized Contractor Registration (CCR) System.
You must be registered in CCR to be awarded a contract from any federal civilian or military agencies. CCR is a database designed to hold information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. CCR also affords you the opportunity for fast electronic payment of your invoices. www.ccr.gov And you will want to get paid quickly!
Step 5: Determine if your firm qualifies for 8(a), SDB or HUBZone certification. These certifications are detailed at www.sba.gov. They are essentially for companies that are owned by individuals who have experienced some sort of disadvantage in the business environment. This may be based on economic factors, race or geographic location. Firms with these certifications may compete for set-aside contracts those contracts specifically designated for certified companies.
Step 6: Register in Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA).
ORCA is a brand-new e-Government initiative that was designed to replace the paper based Representations and Certifications process. This will be a central repository of all of your company s certifications and can be accessed by any federal agency. http://orca.bpn.gov
Step 7: Begin to search for current federal government procurement opportunities.
Identify current procurement opportunities in your product or service area by checking at the FedBizOpps web site, the federal civilian and military government single point of entry for many opportunities over $25,000. Once you start to search for current open bids you will get a good feel for the market for your products and services. www.fedbizopps.gov
Step 8: Familiarize yourself with both the federal Civilian and Department of Defense (DoD) contracting legal procedures. The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) can be found at http://www.arnet.gov/far/. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) are located at http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dfars/index.htm. These are the legal regulations for federal acquisitions. While they are not light reading if you are serious about federal procurements, you need to know and understand the legal requirements and regulations pertaining to federal contracts. This is a good time to look for an attorney who is experienced in federal procurement policies.
Step 9: Investigate if getting on the GSA Schedule is right for you. Federal agencies can use General Services Administration s (GSA) Federal Supply Service (FSS) Schedule Contracts and Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) to make purchases. These pre-approved contracts are used to buy commonly used products, services, and solutions needed to fulfill their missions and day-to-day operations. These opportunities are rarely announced on the FedBizOpps site in Step 7 above, but are normally competed amongst pre-qualified vendors already under contract. www.gsa.gov
Step 10: Seek additional assistance, as needed, in the federal civilian and/or DoD
marketplaces. Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) are federally-funded organizations that offer free help. PTACs can be found at http://www.dla.mil/db/procurem.htm
Step 11: Familiarize yourself with the budget forecasts for your targeted agencies. Each federal agency typically produces an Annual Procurement Forecast, as required by the Small Business Act, which is maintained by their Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) or equivalent. You may contact each agency OSDBU for specifics. www.firstqov.gov. Use this budget to determine if they are good prospects for you.
Step 12: Explore subcontracting opportunities.
Regardless of your product or service, it is important that you do not neglect a very large secondary market - subcontracting opportunities through prime contractors. Although there is no single point of entry for subcontracting opportunities in the federal civilian procurement marketplace, SBA s SUB-Net is a valuable source for obtaining information on subcontracting opportunities. Prime contractors, government, commercial, and educational entities, may post solicitations or notices here. www.sba.gov/sub-net
For DoD -The SADBU Website lists all major DoD prime contractors by state and provides a point of contact (Small Business Liaison Officer) within each firm. Investigate potential opportunities with these firms. Many of these firms also have websites that may be useful. Partnering with a prime contractor as their subcontractor can be an excellent entry platform to the federal marketplace. http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/
Step 13: Investigate government programs.
There are several SBA programs that may be of interest to you, such as the 8(a) Business Development Mentor-Prot g Program, the Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Research Program and the Technology Resources Network. www.sba.gov
There are several DoD programs, some derived from the aforementioned programs, that may also be of interest to you, such as the Mentor-Prot g Program, the Small Business Innovation Research Program, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions Program. Information on these and other programs is available on the SADBU Website. http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/
Step 14: Market your firm to the right contacts.
Identify your prospective government customers, research their requirements, and familiarize yourself with procurement regulations and strategies require determination, direction, discipline and resources. There are many procuring organizations to consider, and educating yourself about their roles and missions will be no small task, but essential nonetheless.
When it is time to market your product or service, present your capabilities directly to the people who buy it. Wherever possible, arrange marketing visits to agency project and program personnel. Provide catalogues and brochures to key personnel within the agencies. Many Federal agencies hold small business fairs that emphasize how to do business with the government and provide information regarding their program activities. Realize that, like your own, their time is valuable/limited. If the match is a good one, you may be able to provide them with a cost-effective, quality solution to their requirements.
Gloria Berthold is CEO of TargetGov.tv. She teaches federal government marketing strategies through national audio conferences and in-person speaking engagements.
Check www.targetgov.tv for more information.
Bookmark it:
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Can I Afford Health Insurance?
Considering the cost of health care, a better question would be: "Can I afford NOT to have a health insurance? ". Indeed, medical costs are a leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States. A scheme & 39; health insurance must be an essential element of any financial plan liable & 39; that it is married or single. Even young, healthy adults should bear in mind that & 39; one & 39; visit to the emergency room of & 39; can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars, and intensive care can cost thousands per day. And & 39; is not even counting the costs of prescription drugs.
There are measures to minimize the costs of health insurance & 39;. Many employers offer health insurance as a benefit for employees. Group rates d & 39; health insurance such as this are generally lower than the rates & 39; private insurance, employers can negotiate better pricing as a group. Workers and unions may also propose & 39; group health insurance for their members. Spouses and children can often be added to most employees health plan, although the rate will be higher. Premiums for subsidized by the employer & 39; d & 39; health insurance can be deducted from the employee pays & 39;, often with pre-tax dollars, increasing the savings & 39;. Many employers offer multiple health plans. The employee may be able to select from PPO, HMO, and traditional plans. Compare options, check the policy to determine what medical expenses are covered, and select the package that suits most of the needs of you and / or your family.
If a & 39; n is not available, coverage & d 39; private health insurance is available. L & 39; private health insurance is usually more expensive than group d & 39; insurance, but there are ways to reduce the rates. Shop and compare the rates that companies are choosing different & 39; health insurance. & 39; Health insurance companies usually offer lower rates for younger people, for non-smokers and those who had a normal weight. Rates will be higher, or deny coverage for pre-existing health conditions, for those working in high-risk occupations, and those who engage in high-risk activities such as race cars driving.
A newcomer to the health insurance & 39;, c & 39; is health plans & 39; Savings Account or HSA. An HSA allows the individual & 39; d & 39; s & 39; save money to pay the costs of health care routine, deductibles and co-pays. L & 39; IRS allows the money to be set aside pre-tax as well. HSAs are matched with a plan & 39; health insurance with low premiums and high deductible to cover major health expenses. In a sense, & 39; individual is "self-insured" for health care routine, with a major medical plan for more spending. Many experts predict that HSAs will become more popular in time as an alternative to the & 39; insurance plans.
Whatever traditional health plan that you choose, health care coverage is essential. A major surgery and / or the provision of care & 39; stay critcal could easily bankrupt any individual or & 39; a family. Consider the options available. Be sure of what is and & 39; n is not covered, and & 39; examine how this coverage is appropriate for your situation. Business & Technologies.com
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There are measures to minimize the costs of health insurance & 39;. Many employers offer health insurance as a benefit for employees. Group rates d & 39; health insurance such as this are generally lower than the rates & 39; private insurance, employers can negotiate better pricing as a group. Workers and unions may also propose & 39; group health insurance for their members. Spouses and children can often be added to most employees health plan, although the rate will be higher. Premiums for subsidized by the employer & 39; d & 39; health insurance can be deducted from the employee pays & 39;, often with pre-tax dollars, increasing the savings & 39;. Many employers offer multiple health plans. The employee may be able to select from PPO, HMO, and traditional plans. Compare options, check the policy to determine what medical expenses are covered, and select the package that suits most of the needs of you and / or your family.
If a & 39; n is not available, coverage & d 39; private health insurance is available. L & 39; private health insurance is usually more expensive than group d & 39; insurance, but there are ways to reduce the rates. Shop and compare the rates that companies are choosing different & 39; health insurance. & 39; Health insurance companies usually offer lower rates for younger people, for non-smokers and those who had a normal weight. Rates will be higher, or deny coverage for pre-existing health conditions, for those working in high-risk occupations, and those who engage in high-risk activities such as race cars driving.
A newcomer to the health insurance & 39;, c & 39; is health plans & 39; Savings Account or HSA. An HSA allows the individual & 39; d & 39; s & 39; save money to pay the costs of health care routine, deductibles and co-pays. L & 39; IRS allows the money to be set aside pre-tax as well. HSAs are matched with a plan & 39; health insurance with low premiums and high deductible to cover major health expenses. In a sense, & 39; individual is "self-insured" for health care routine, with a major medical plan for more spending. Many experts predict that HSAs will become more popular in time as an alternative to the & 39; insurance plans.
Whatever traditional health plan that you choose, health care coverage is essential. A major surgery and / or the provision of care & 39; stay critcal could easily bankrupt any individual or & 39; a family. Consider the options available. Be sure of what is and & 39; n is not covered, and & 39; examine how this coverage is appropriate for your situation. Business & Technologies.com
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