Mississippi's PTAC Program Offers Assistance With Government Contracts

Last week I shared with you information on the federal Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) and their Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) nationwide.  This week I would like to share with you more information on the Mississippi PTAC program and how we can assist you.

Our office in Biloxi is called the South Mississippi Contract Procurement Center (SMCPC) and we are a part of the Mississippi Procurement Technical Assistance Program (MPTAP).  We have what are called Regional Procurement Centers (RPC) strategically placed throughout the state with offices located in Biloxi, Columbus, Greenville, Jackson, and Meridian.  These offices have directors and/or procurement counselors on staff to assist any business with a location in Mississippi pursue federal, state and local government contracts as well as contracts with prime contractors.  Each of our offices service specific counties.  The SMCPC office serves the 15 southern counties in Mississippi. 

The requirements on becoming a client of the MPTAP are fairly easy.... they are as follows:

• You must be a Mississippi business or, if from outside the state, have a physical address in Mississippi.
• You must agree to report quarterly the number and dollar value of contracts you receive whereby you feel that one of our MPTAP offices played a role. 
• You must attend a New Client Orientation (NCO) prior to being accepted as a client.
• You must have an email address and regular access to a computer with internet access.
•  You must complete the on-line registration application, "Client Application" located on our website.
• You must complete our "Self-Certification" form.

Our services are offered at NO CHARGE to our clients.  These services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Electronic bid batch/notification
• Outreach events
• Targeted contractor assistance
• Locating specialized contractors
• Problem solving
• Solicitation guidance
• Referrals
• Various government registrations (i.e. SAM, ORCA, VetBiz, etc)
• Various certifications (i.e. 8(a), HUBZone, DBE, MBE, WBE, EDWOSB, etc)

Please visit our website www.mscpc.com and complete a "Client Application".  If you would like to speak to someone first, all contact information for our offices is located in the tab "MPTAP Network" below the large picture.

SMCPC conducts a group "New Client Orientation" the first Friday of each month.  The next one is scheduled for June 7th.  You have time to be included in this session.  Please complete your application now!

What is "PTAP" and How Can it Help My Business?

The 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. Administered by the Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the program provides matching funds through cooperative agreements with state and local governments and non-profit organizations for the establishment of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) to provide procurement assistance.

PTACs come in many different sizes and shapes, reflecting the needs, priorities and resources of the areas they serve. Some PTACs are administered directly by state governments; others partner with universities, community colleges, local economic development corporations or other local institutions. Some PTACs operate within Bureau of Indian Affairs areas exclusively serving Native American owned businesses. Many are affiliated in some way with Small Business Development Centers and other small business programs. All PTACs are staffed with counselors experienced in government contracting and provide a wide range of services including classes and seminars, individual counseling and easy access to bid opportunities, contract specifications, procurement histories, and other information necessary to successfully compete for government contracts.

Many PTAC counselors have backgrounds in government acquisitions and virtually all receive ongoing training to keep pace with continually evolving acquisitions procedures and policies. The Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) provides a network that allows any PTAC counselor almost instant access to the expertise and experience of over 500 colleagues, as well as real-time information from government agencies regarding new requirements and initiatives.

The best part is that PTACs provide a range of expert services at little or no charge to the business community.  To find a PTAC in your area visit www.aptac-us.org. Visit www.mscpc.com to find an office in Mississippi.