When establishing your business development strategy, you should consider all the costs that are involved with implementing the plan. These costs can make a difference on your Return on Investment, otherwise known as ROI. However, there are free resources or low-cost resources that you should also consider and PTAC is one of those resources. PTAC is a free resource (not really free as it is partially paid by your tax dollars) available to assist you through the federal procurement process. There are ninety-four Procurement Technical Assistance Centers with over 300 local offices nationwide. Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) was authorized by Congress in 1985 in an effort to expand the number of businesses capable of participating in the government marketplace. The program is administered by the Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the programs provide matching funds through cooperative agreements with state and local governments and non-profit organizations for the establishment of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers to provide procurement assistance. These procurement professionals work to help local businesses compete successfully in the government marketplace.
Assistance Provided
PTAC professionals can help you determine your suitability for government contracting. The government marketplace has unique challenges that can be overwhelming at times or ruin a company that does not have the maturity or resources available to them. Talking to a PTAC professional will reassure you that your business development strategy is viable. If your plan is not viable then they can provide guidance on ways to improve your plan so you can capitalize on it.
Securing Registrations
PTAC can ensure that you are registered with the various databases necessary to participate in the federal marketplace, including the System for Award Management (SAM), SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search and other government vendor databases. One of the most common mistakes that small businesses make when registering in SAM is that they do not fill out the online capability narrative, or don’t enter their bonding information. After all, you want to put forth the best impression. Why not have a professional help you?
Is part of your business development strategy to apply for a set-aside program? (8(a), SDB, HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB)? A PTAC counselor can help you determine if you meet any of these certifications and guide you through the steps to obtain them. These professionals have helped thousands of businesses achieve these certifications. They also have contacts with procurement professionals that can answer any question that you may have.
Marketing
Do you need help determining which offices or individuals are likely to need your product or service and what is the best way to contact them? Meet with a local PTAC counselor for your marketing assistance. In many cases, PTACs will have workshops where local government officials will attend and provide procurement opportunities that agency has available. This is a great way to meet with these officials and get your Capability Statement in front of them.
Matchmaking
PTAC’s sponsor regular “matchmaking” events providing opportunities for your business to meet with federal agencies, prime contractors and other businesses that may offer teaming or subcontracting opportunities. Sometimes they will work with other agencies and offer exclusive meetings just for their clients. It is definitely worth signing up as a client just to stay informed.
Finding Solicitations
PTAC can notify you daily of federal opportunities that you are eligible to bid on. They have a bid matching program that will reach out to not only the federal government but state and local governments as well. (At least in our local area). This saves you the trouble of having to go to multiple websites on a daily basis. However, make sure that your profile is catching all the opportunities before you totally rely on this one website. It does not hurt to double check!
Proposal Preparation
Do you need help with proposal preparation? Contact your local PTAC office for assistance. They are a great resource to walk you through the process and tell you things that you may need to change.
As you can tell PTAC offers a lot of services to you. I have worked with a number of PTACs through the years and they do provide a valuable service. There are times when you are just stumped, and you call your local PTAC office and they have the solution you been looking for. To find the nearest PTAC to you click here.
As you can tell PTAC offers a variety of services and would be a great resource as you implement your business development strategy.
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