Frank Bacon featured in Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator:
Focus on Client Success:
Frank Bacon Machinery Sales Co.
Frank Bacon Machinery Sale Co.’s remarkable success story is a testament to their unwavering dedication and passion for working with the Federal Government. Frank Bacon Machinery Sales Co. achieved a significant milestone by securing a highly sought-after government contract through sheer hard work, persistence, and diligence. This narrative showcases the outstanding accomplishments of Frank Bacon Machinery Sales Co. and underscores the pivotal role played by Macomb Regional Apex Accelerator in its triumphant journey.
The company was formed in 1953 when Mr. Frank Bacon envisioned buying and selling used machinery. This vision became a reality when he purchased a small building in Detroit, Michigan, and began running operations independently. In 1975, they required more space as the business was booming. An 8,500-square-foot facility in Warren, MI, would suit the business well, housing six employees. Recently, in 2019 as the scaling of operations continued, capacity became an issue, and they acquired a 30,000 square-foot facility. This space was necessary to continue the rebuilding operations and maintain a complex inventory warehouse. Today with 20 employees, they continue to grow and are proud to offer a new line of material testing equipment.
Frank Bacon Machinery Sales Co. is known for having the world’s most extensive inventory of surplus testing and inspection equipment. Their substantial growth stemmed from the commitment to providing their customers with the highest quality modernized products at the most affordable prices. They remain family-owned and operated with the same quality and guarantee. The company’s reconditioned testing and inspection equipment can be retrofitted to improve its performance and capabilities. They work with their customers to customize the machines to specific testing requirements.
Today, Frank Bacon Machinery Sales Co, is a tenacious Women-Owned Small Business based in the Macomb region. They encountered formidable obstacles while pursuing government contracts. However, their relentless pursuit of success and unyielding commitment to excellence positioned them as standout contenders. In June of 2022, Chuck Hermes, Technical Sales, reached out to Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator with a request for clarification and to further understand the cyber security compliance requirements for a particular contract opportunity. After submitting the Intake documents required to become a client, Maureen Miller, Procurement Specialist, contacted Chuck.
Maureen deliberately answered the questions and provided additional resources to become NIST 800-171 compliant. They discussed potential CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) and JCP (Joint Certification Program) obstacles to this desired contract. A common issue in many contracts today is access to the TDP (Technical Data Packages), which houses the blueprints or instructions for the products required to be manufactured. Some of these include items that are considered CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) or are Export Controlled due to being part of the United States Munitions List. These packages require a JCP certification to view such information legally. Chuck was informed that his company would need the JCP certification to proceed with this opportunity. A process which includes various other protocols to be met that would take months to complete, in turn costing the company thousands of dollars. After research and many conversations facilitated by Mrs. Miller, the contracting team was able to override the requirement and successfully award the contract.
The award was from the Department of Defense in the amount of approximately $211,000.00. They were a first-time award recipient and were responsible for procurement of two machines: (1) Tensile Testers-60,000 pounds, and (1) Tensile Tester-120,000 pounds, in support of the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center. (RIA-JMTC)
Shortly after the award was actioned Frank Bacon’s team contacted Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator for help with invoicing utilizing WAWF (Wide Area Workflow). This is the system that the federal government uses for invoicing, receipt, and acceptance of procurement actions. Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator was able to conduct some individualized training and the staff was able to successfully complete the process of government invoice.
Macomb Regional Apex Accelerator worked closely with Frank Bacon Machinery Sales Co., providing unwavering support and strategic guidance throughout this federal procurement journey. Through tailored mentoring, specialized training, and expert advice, the Apex Accelerator equipped Frank Bacon Machinery Sales Co. with the tools necessary to navigate the intricacies of government contracting. They overcame some major obstacles and developed a winning strategy. This company embraced the guidance of Apex Accelerator, honing their skills in proposal development, contract compliance, and navigating the complex procurement process. Their tireless efforts and meticulous attention to detail enabled them to craft a compelling proposal that perfectly aligned with the government’s objectives. Overall, the exceptional quality of their proposal, combined with their unwavering commitment to excellence, caught decision-makers’ attention, ultimately leading to the award of a prestigious government contract with the Department of Defense. This accomplishment solidified Frank Bacon Machinery Sales Co.’s position as a leading player in the industry.
Macomb Regional Apex Accelerator takes immense pride in Frank Bacon Machinery Sales Co.’s extraordinary achievement. Frank Bacon Machinery’s remarkable journey, from overcoming challenges to securing a coveted government contract, exemplifies the power of hard work, persistence, and critical problem-solving. They achieved a significant milestone that will propel their business to new heights. This contract will lead to recurring maintenance and calibration services yearly. Macomb Regional Apex Accelerator celebrates this remarkable accomplishment. It reaffirms the commitment to fostering the success of small businesses, like Frank Bacon Machinery Sales Co., in pursuing government contracts.
Lee Harrison II, Procurement Specialist
Contact Frank Bacon Today!
If you have any questions or are looking for a tensile tester please contact a sales engineer at Frank Bacon. We will walk you through the whole process and give you a customized turnkey machine.
Phone: 586.756.4280
Toll Free: 800- 394-4280