VIP FAQs

What is the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)?

VIP is a 3-day, 27-hour comprehensive certification program for veteran businesses to increase their ability to win government contracts by establishing best business practices. An initiative of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation (MCCCF), VIP is designed by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce GovConNet program. VIP launched on September 10, 2009.

Who is eligible for the VIP program?

Eligible applicants must: 

1. be a veteran business owner, or principal or C-level executive for a veteran-owned business 
2. have been in business for at least 2 years with a minimum of 3-4 full time employees
3. have experience working on government contracts as a prime and/or sub-contractor to a prime
4. have annual revenues less than $25 million

VIP enrollment is open nationwide.

How much does it cost?

Fully funded by the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation and VIP sponsors, the program is at no cost to participants. Travel expenses are not covered.

How many applicants will be enrolled in the VIP?

Class size is limited to 50 individuals per session.

What is presented to each VIP graduate?

A Congressional citation and the VIP certification seal for use online and in print. 

In addition to attending VIP sessions, what else is included in enrollment?

Hotel:
Overnight accommodations for three (3) nights are available for up to 25 participants.
Overnight guests are able to secure additional nights, if desired at their own expense.

Meals:
Meals and Snacks will be provided for all participants at no charge. Overnight guests will receive three meals a day in addition to snacks, and day participants will receive lunches and snacks throughout the program.  Breakfast and Dinner is not included for day participants; however there will be a welcome breakfast reception the first day and a graduation reception the last day. Additionally, day participants may purchase meals a la carte in any of the hotel cafeterias or restaurants if desired.

Travel:
Travel expenses are not covered. 

What are the upcoming dates and location?

Dates:  October 16, 17, 18, 2012

           March 22 – March 24, 2011 (Completed)
           June 7 – June 9, 2011 (Completed)
           October 18 – October 20, 2011 (Completed)

Location: The Bolger Hotel and Conference Center
              9600 Newbridge Drive
              Potomac, MD 20854-4436

How do I register for the program?

Registration is open. Complete the online application to be considered for the next VIP session.

What topics will be covered by the VIP curriculum?

• Contracting/Teaming Agreements
• Human Resources
• Compliance and Systems Approvals
• Insurance
• Internal Controls
• Accounting/Budgets/Developing Rates
• Marketing, Proposals, and Capture
• Certifications

Who are the class instructors?

Top executives from professional service companies will be leading the VIP program. Executives from AOC Key Solutions, Aronson LLC, C2 Portfolio, Inc., Catapult Technology, Cordia Partners, Deltek/INPUT, Design to Delivery, Inc., L-3 STRATIS, Lockheed Martin Corporation, PilieroMazza PLLC, TargetGov, The Insurance Exchange, Inc., and WATKINS MEEGAN will be participating in this program. View the full list of instructors.

For any additional questions, please contact Barbara Ashe, President, Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation, at bashe@mcccmd.com or (301) 738-0015 x215.