Mr. Carlos Rivera, President & CEO of Vysnova Partners, Inc, provides an overview of OCONUS operations as an Omnibus participant as well as key success points for supporting DoD support functions for programs overseas.

1. OCONUS Operations
Vysnova Partners, Inc.
Mr. Carlos Rivera
President & CEO

2. Introduction
Even though it sounds like there are endless of opportunities; running a
business with international operations has many challenges. Especially
if it is a small or mid size businesses, you are taking a bigger risk than
you think. There are many obstacles when going global.
Furthermore supporting DoD-funded OCONUS Life Science Research
and Public Health programs has additional challenges that need to be
considered.
Nonetheless with proper planning and careful execution you can
operate successful programs OCONUS.

3. Common Challenges
• Corporate Leadership – you must invest significant time and energy
• Legal
• Human resources and labor law compliance
• Countries have laws against some type of sales
• Intellectual property rights
• Ability to operate legally
• Banking
• Data privacy laws
• Human Capital Development (Capacity building across all areas)
• Language and Culture - you must develop cultural savvy prior to
entering the country

4. Common Challenges
• Working Across Time Zone – Must be prepared to have 24-hour
management capabilities and customer care
• Currency – Fluctuations can affect your profitability. Could also lead to
compliance problems.
• Product Delivery
• Unexpected high shipping cost
• Negotiating Customs and Import taxes
• Delays in transit
• Currency

5. Other Considerations
• Human Subject Protection rules (HHS, DOD, and Local)
• IRB Support
• Ensuring Contract Compliance
• Ensuring FAR Compliance

6. Key Success Factors
• Find Local Legal support
• Link with Capable Local Partners
• Make sure that you properly vet local partners
• Take advantage of US Department of Commerce programs (Trade Office)
• Research best practices for local operations

7. Key Success Factors
• Develop operation procedures ahead of time
• Develop verifiable processes for any activity that involves funds
• Understand that local staff are in many cases better qualified to do
the work
• Respect your local partner firms
• Have lots of patience

8. About Vysnova Partners
Vysnova Partners Inc. (Vysnova) is a fast growing firm that partners with
government and commercial clients to deliver professional and technical
services on a worldwide basis. We provide a broad range of professional and
institutional support services across multiple areas which include
management consulting, public/global health, research and development,
and Government Operations & Acquisition Support.
Advancing the health and well-being of communities worldwide is at the
core of Vysnova’s mission. Vysnova’s management team has over 30 years of
experience working within and with US Government organizations. Vysnova'
primary focus is on providing subject matter expertise and institutional
support to its clients.

9. About Vysnova Partners
Our staff has carried project activities working with USG, local institutional
partners, NGOs and/or other implementation partners in the United States and
the following countries:
Botswana, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia,
Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mexico, Namibia, Peru, Philippines,
Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Thailand, Rwanda,
Uganda, UAE, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Our clients include; Department of Defense, US Agency for International
Development, Department of State, Department of Health and Human
Services, and the Veterans Administration.

10. Contact Information
Vysnova Partners
1112 16th Street
Suite 540
Washington, DC 20036
Carlos Rivera
(USN/MSC/Retired)
Email: crivera@Vysnova.com