IRgA member Jay Magenheim of Ideal Scanners & Systems got great news on September 30: A major government scanning project was approved. Thirteen hours later his client locked the doors!
The government shutdown has affected countless businesses in Washington and across the country, but Magenheim's story says it all. Here is his email to Ed Avis, IRgA managing director:
Hi Ed:
Concerning your request “about how the government shutdown is affecting IRgA members,“ feel free to share this with your readers.
It is hard to do business in the Washington DC area and not be affected by government in some capacity. Ideal has a GSA contact. Below is a real email, and it represents a significant opportunity over 10 months of hurry up and wait.
Jay,
I wanted to wait and see what happened on the Hill before letting you know where we are. I'll open with the good news.
Yesterday, Sept 30, I made my final presentation before our Project Review Board. The project was unanimously approved. This is GREAT news.
The rub of course was the uncertainty of what would happen with Congress. As of now, as I am sure you are aware, we are "out of business". So, it all comes down to a question of money. I am optimistic but until we are back and running everything is up in the air.
It would almost be funny if it wasn't so frustrating. We get over the final hurdle and 13 hours later Congress shuts the Government down.
I'll keep you posted once we are back.
Thanks
George Government Agency Person
The next day I (Jay) replied and received back: "Due to the Government Shutdown/Furlough I will be out of the office until a resolution has been realized."
Thank You,
George Government Agency Person
…………………………………………….
Regards,
Jay Magenheim
President
IDEAL Scanners & Systems, Inc.
Office 301-468-2050 Ex 1201
Mobile 301-717-7820