Using PTACs for Government Procurement and Technical Assistance

If you’re researching information on how to learn more about government contract work, most likely you’ve heard of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs). Whether you’re new to government contract work or want to brush up on your marketing or sales processes, you’re likely to find PTACs a great resource.

What are PTACs?

Authorized in 1985 by Congress, the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) helps to increase the number of proficient businesses engaging in the government marketplace. The program, administered by the Department of Defense Logistics (DLA), establishes PTACs to provide government procurement assistance and matching funds through cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations and state and local governments.

PTACs often reflect the communities and areas in which they serve, so they vary in size and shape. A small percentage of PTACs are administered by state governments, while others work in partnership with community colleges, universities, local economic development corporations, or other institutions in the local area. Some PTACs exclusively serve Native American owned businesses and operate within areas where there are Bureaus of Indian Affairs. Many PTACs are affiliated in some way with Business Development Centers or other small business programs.

How can I Find More Information on PTACs in my Area?

If you’re interested in finding out more about PTACs in general, visit www.aptac-us.org. You will find information on contracting news, government contracting assistance, APTAC members, resources and a clear definition of what a PTAC is.

There are currently 92 PTACs that form a network of procurement professionals who can help you better understand government contracting. To look for a PTAC near you, visit the Find a Procurement Technical Assistance Center webpage, where you can search for a PTAC according to a counselor’s last name or by state.

Over the last year, PTAC clients were awarded $13.6 billion, thanks to the help of PTAC assistance. The government has a goal to award 23% of government contract work to small businesses. After meeting that goal in 1999, the government didn’t meet it again until 2005. So, the number of awarded government contracts for small businesses are on the rise, which can be attributed to PTACs. If you’d like to read real stories about how companies like yours have been helped by PTACs, visit the PTAC’s client success stories page.

Where Else can I Find Government Contracting Assistance?

The PTAC lists a number of suggested resources if you want to look at all options for government contracting assistance:

• Contracting Officers (Often called COs or KOs) are involved in establishing agency requirements and determining the proper source for the supply or service.
• Contracting Agents/Specialists should be contacted with questions relating to specific procurement opportunities.
• Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLO) are the representatives of prime contractors. They should be contacted concerning potential government subcontracting opportunities and potential teaming or partnering opportunities.
• Small Business Specialists should be contacted concerting general questions relating to contracting with the government. These specialists work for the agency and should be a good inside resource for that buying office. They are sometimes identified or referred to as small and disadvantaged business utilization specialists (SADBUS) or the office of small business development and utilization (OSDBU).