Implementation

After the approval of the adjustment plan, the firm may then proceed to the implementation phase. During this phase, the firm will work with private or public sector consultants on the projects outlined in the Adjustment Plan.

Bidding Process

The Great Lakes TAAC staff will assist in finding a consultant by aiding the firm in the following processes:

• Preparing requests for proposals (RFPs) for consulting projects;
• Selecting consultants to whom RFPs will be sent;
• Reviewing and rating of consultant responses;
• Negotiating contracts;
• Monitoring the consultants' performance and final report.
  

Examples of Technical Assistance

The following are just a sampling of the projects that can be undertaken by your company with TAA funds.

MARKETING AND SALES

• web site development
• research and development
• product planning and diversification
• market definition
• competitor analysis
• distribution and merchandising strategies
• review of sales organization
• product pricing
• customer service audit
• customer quoting
• export assistance
• etc.

MANUFACTURING

• quality certifications
• employee training
• facility and equipment layout
• material handling
• inventory control and scheduling
• cost identification and reduction
• productivity improvement
• work measurement and standards
• lean manufacturing
• six sigma
• total quality systems
• etc.

MANAGEMENT AND SYSTEMS

• financial planning and restructuring
• cost accounting
• organizational analysis
• human resource planning
• MRP II system analysis and design
• software selection and applications
• etc.