Hey, Jenine.

I recently attended an Oregon Small Business Summit. There was a mountain of information! I got confused. I think there was something about sam.gov and a mound of other resources. Will you help me navigate?

-Miles A. Head

Dear Miles A. Head,

Owning a business can be a tough climb. It is important to elevate your business and use the resources available to you. Sam.gov is one of many government resources available to assist you.

However, before you try to move that mountain, I recommend that you start your journey with Oregon’s APEX Accelerator.  When you “Become a Client,” APEX will be your trail guide and will to target assistance to your unique business needs, assist in gathering necessary information to register for SAM, and assist from the beginning of the process so you can understand government contracting and if it is right for you. A list of APEX services can be found on their website.

Now that I’ve peaked your interest, did you know that there are many agencies at the state level that have services and classes to help you with the uphill struggle of elevating your business? Just ask.

If you are inclined to journey on other roads, let “Ask Jenine” be your compass. I won’t leave you directionless. I’ll help you fill your backpack full of anticipation and link you to the correct gear and guides to ready you for your business adventure.

Don’t be intimidated if it feels like a rocky road to success. With the right altitude, anything is possible!

Jenine

To submit your own question to Jenine, click the link below.

Oregon Small Business Summit is coming to Astoria on Wednesday, March 19^th at the Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your business, this summit is the perfect chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and discover technical support for small business programs.  Additionally, four Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board (CCB) continuing education credits will be offered to those attending the event. Registration is free, but space is limited. 

What You Can Expect from the Summit:

• Learn what you need to know when starting a business, workforce development, and exploring state and federal contracts.
• How to collaborate with local, state and federal partners.
• Receive technical assistance and information on small business programs and state contracting opportunities.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
• Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Location: Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center: 1988 Newmark Ave, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

• Cost: Free (Registration required)
• Includes: Refreshments, presentations, lunch and workshops

March marks both Irish History Month and Women’s History Month—an opportunity to reflect on the rich legacies of cultural resilience and leadership that continue to shape our world today. The Office of Procurement Equity is proud to celebrate this month by highlighting two influential books that speak to the power of inclusion, representation, and historical continuity in shaping equitable societies.

The first book, How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill, explores how Irish scholars and leaders preserved knowledge and culture following the fall of Rome. Cahill’s work reminds us of the profound impact cultural preservation has on modern civilization, emphasizing how diverse voices and inclusive efforts help societies remain cohesive and thrive. Among the figures highlighted in this book is Queen Medb, a powerful and strategic leader whose influence continues to inspire discussions on leadership and equity.

The second book, Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, examines the barriers women face in leadership and provides strategies to navigate and overcome these challenges. Sandberg’s book underscores the importance of creating workplaces that foster gender equity and acknowledges the systemic obstacles that still exist for women striving for leadership roles. From historic figures like Queen Medb to modern trailblazers like Sandberg herself, this book calls attention to the need for continued advocacy in creating equitable opportunities for all.

At the Office of Procurement Equity, we recognize that history informs the work we do today. By understanding the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities, we gain deeper insights into the equity efforts we champion. We encourage you to join us in honoring the resilience and contributions of Irish heritage and women leaders past and present. Let’s continue striving for an inclusive future together.

Join us in celebration and reflection. As we reflect on the past month, we invite you to engage with these books, participate in discussions, and reflect on how history informs our collective efforts toward equity. Together, we can honor the past while shaping a more inclusive and just future.

-Prof Chris Wilson

In Oregon procurement, remediation ensures contract performance by addressing deficiencies and enforcing obligations. While not explicitly defined in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS), its principles appear in ORS chapters 71 and 72, which incorporates the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).

ORS 71.3050 states that remedies should be “liberally administered” to restore the aggrieved party. In procurement, remediation includes steps to correct performance failures, such as requiring corrective action plans, withholding payments, or, if necessary, contract terminations. These options ensure both buyers and sellers have a structured way to resolve issues efficiently while maintaining fairness in government contracting. ORS 72.7110 outlines buyer remedies like refunds or replacement goods, while ORS 72.7030 details seller options such as reclaiming goods or contract termination. Additionally, ORS 72.7190 allows parties to modify or limit contractual remedies.

UCC 1-201(b)(32) defines a remedy as:

“Any remedial right to which an aggrieved party is entitled with or without resort or tribunal.”

UCC 1-201(b)(33) defines a remedial right as:

“A right of recourse or redress, including a right to claim damages or other relief for breach of contract.”

Understanding remediation and how it works inside a contract improves enforcement and procurement efficiency for both the buyer and seller.