UCF Business Incubation Client eligible for significant opportunities in government contracting

Orlando, Fla., September 18, 2024 – A key milestone for many companies is when they become certified in a program designed to help improve contracting wins with government entities.

After a lengthy process, Orlando-based IS4TS has achieved 8(a) certification by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which created the program “to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”

“In such a competitive environment, receiving this designation is critical to our company’s growth and success,” says Hamid Elkheir, general manager, IS4TS. “It is not an easy certification to receive, and we’re pleased to be able to utilize this to provide our services on a greater scale.”

IS4TS was formed in 2016 and supplies military and commercial clients with spare parts for aircraft, tools, and equipment, along with providing engineering, technical and field services.

The company’s leadership has more than two decades of experience in this field, including working for some of the largest contractors in the world, like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Airbus.

That list of clients should expand with the 8(a) designation. According to the Small Business Administration, “certified firms in the 8(a) program can:

  • Efficiently compete and receive set-aside and sole-source contracts
  • Receive one-on-one business development assistance for their nine-year term from dedicated Business Opportunity Specialists focused on helping firms grow and accomplish their business objectives
  • Pursue opportunity for mentorship from experienced and technically capable firms through the SBA Mentor-Protégé program
  • Connect with procurement and compliance experts who understand regulations in the context of business growth, finance, and government contracting
  • Pursue joint ventures with established businesses to increase capacity
  • Qualify to receive federal surplus property on a priority basis
  • Receive free training from SBA’s Empower to Grow program”

IS4TS is also certified as a Minority Business Enterprise and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Florida.

“It’s important for any company that works with the government to ensure they have received any designations they are eligible for because they can be so beneficial,” says Carol Ann Logue, director, of programs & operations, Innovation Districts & Incubation Program, University of Central Florida. “That’s why we work with our clients to help them accomplish goals such as this one.”

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For more information, please contact:

IS4TS: Hamid Elkheir, 321-305-0863,  a.elkheir@is4tsusa.com

UCF Business Incubation Program: Carol Ann Dykes Logue, 407-635-9882, carolann.dykeslogue@ucf.edu or Alan Byrd, Alan Byrd & Associates, 407-415-8470, Alan@ByrdConnections.com

About IS4TS: IS4TS LLC provides premium supply chain management expertise, which extends beyond procurement and logistics. We can monitor your stock levels, expiration dates, and inform you when it is time to reorder. We can assist you with remote warehousing solutions in the most difficult of regions. IS4TS LLC is dedicated to your complete satisfaction and we are proud to be your trusted provider of equipment, tools, spare parts, and training & consultation services. We are your supply chain solution and more. For more information, please visit is4tsusa.com

About the UCF Business Incubation Program: The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high-growth/impact enterprises. Since 1999, this award-winning program has provided vital business development resources resulting in over 300 local startup companies reaching their potential faster and graduating into the community where they continue to grow and positively impact the local economy.

With nine facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Eustis, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs. In 2023, current incubator clients supported over 1,000 employees and generated over $120 million in revenue.  Nineteen companies graduated from the program and remained in the local community. For more information, visit  www.incubator.ucf.edu.