PTACs are funded through the Defense Logistics Agency, and the PTAC counselors can help you:
1. Determine your readiness for procurement
2. Complete mandatory and beneficial registrations (i.e. System for Award Management, SAM.gov)
3. Identify your eligibility for special preference programs, such as WOSB, 8(a), HUBZone
4. Identify and pursue opportunities for prime and subcontracting
5. Understand the terminology and requirements for solicitations, bids and proposals
How valuable is PTAC assistance? Ask Amy Montgomery. She is the owner of Warehouse Supplies Online (WSO) in Maiden, NC. WSO is a distributor of standard and custom material handling products including dock equipment, plastic containers, fixed and adjustable pallet rack and plastic pallets. Wanting to expand her business from primarily commercial into the federal market, she went to the North Carolina Small Business & Technology Development Center. Amy met with a Procurement Technical Assistance Counselor (PTAC) on how to get started. There she received one-on-one counseling and attended classes on how to do business with the government.
In her first 18 months of business, Amy won a Defense Logistics Agency contract for over $2 million. Her federal contract sales are currently at almost $4 million. She continues to submit proposals and is actively seeking additional government contracts.
Here are some important tips for Women Owned Small Businesses to consider:
1. Familiarize yourself with the agencies you are targeting. Make sure you know the process and the appropriate points of contact at that agency
2. Know the Set-Aside rules for small business contracts
3. Use local resources like Women’s Business Centers and PTACs
4. Join women’s and procurement-related organizations and make the most of the networking opportunities available
5. Attend training and trade show events that can help you identify opportunities
6. Take advantage of SBA preference programs such Women-Owned Small Business, 8(a) and HUBZone set asides.
7. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
Whether you are considering government procurement as an option to grow your business, or you are already actively engaged, SBA is here to help.
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Lynn Douthett was appointed District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration's North Carolina District Office in June 2010. She oversees a staff of 15 employees and the delivery of agency programs such as financial assistance, management counseling and business development throughout the state of North Carolina, including three alternate worksite areas (Asheville, Raleigh and Wilmington).
www.wipp.org