APTAC-Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, getting government down to business.

Thanks to PTAC assistance, PTAC clients have been awarded over 99,000 contracts and subcontracts totalling over $14.188 billion a year. Below are just a few examples of how PTACs have helped companies just like yours.

Veterans National Contracting, LLC
Tennessee
A Vietnam War veteran with over 30 years experience in the construction industry, Jerry Bechel decided to form his own business in 2007. "I didn't know where to start, but I knew I had to do everything right from the beginning," Bechel said. Counselors with the University of Tennessee PTAC helped Bechel prepare documentation and meet registration requirements necessary to start his business and become an LLC (Limited Liability Company). "They helped me at every turn," said Bechel. "They have had an answer for every problem or question I have had along the way." With their assistance, he then began to attend conferences, meet contract officers, build relationships and learn government contracting requirements. In just a few months, Bechel's hard work led to the award of a $1.2 million contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to replace nearly 3,000 aging light fixtures at the Memphis VA Medical Center with more energy-efficient lighting. With hospitals, schools and government buildings facing similar needs of updating their energy systems, Bechel anticipates a growing demand for his services. With help from PTAC counselors, he has structured and registered his business so he can meet the demands.

Textron Marine & Land
Slidell, Louisiana
Textron Marine & Land is a prime contractor devoted to the design, production, and support of advanced marine craft, light armored combat vehicles, turrets and related subsystems. They went to the Louisiana PTAC for help with small business outreach and developing a small business subcontracting plan for their DoD acquisitions efforts. The PTAC thoroughly reviewed - and provided guidance regarding - their small business plan and even helped them organize their first "meet the buyer's day" during which company officials met with small businesses from all over Louisiana. Thanks to the PTACs help, they were able to submit an excellent small business plan and in March of 2008 they were awarded a $58 million DoD contract to build 82 Armored Security Vehicles. This award will provide a backlog of work well into 2010 for over 1200 workers in Southeast Louisiana. "...we hope to continue to enjoy a close relationship with the Louisiana PTAC to help educate, stimulate and empower our Textron people to share messages of inclusion and diversity in our business units." - Joseph Cauvin, Textron

Talbot QD Mounts
Grand Blanc, Michigan
Talbot QD Mounts is a manufacturer of specialty quick detaching mounts for hand-held guns. Before contacting the PTAC, they had been manufacturing for over 5 years but had never received a military contract. With the help of the Gennessee PTAC, they were awarded a first contract with the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey for six specialty mounts. Subsequently, arrangements were made for their mounts to be tested at the sniper school at Fort Benning, Georgia. After thorough testing, Talbot received a DoD contract valued at over $150,000 for their unique product. They are now working on several prototypes for other weapons, and have purchased $100,000 in new equipment to handle the increased workload. "The services provided by the PTAC have exceeded any expectations I might have had. I wouldn't have this contract without their assistance" - Al Talbot, Owner

Bryton Technology
Toulon, Illinois
Bryton Technology Inc, which manufactures quality electrical cable and cable harness assembly equipment used in harsh environmental conditions such as satellite launch vehicles, airplane and helicopter engines, military radios, simulators, military trucks, and tanks is on a growth spurt assisted by the Illinois Central College Procurement Technical Assistance Center. The ICC PTAC helped Bryton Technology start their government contracting business from scratch and see it grow, providing military specifications, bid histories, technical data packages, Cage Code identification, buying activities codes, and solicitation identification so that Bryton could successfully bid and win government contracts. This 25 person manufacturing company has seen its sales increase by well over 80% in each of the last three years, and has sold more than $1 million to the Department of Defense, Unicor and other prime contractors during that time.

HX5, LLC
Pensicola, Florida
HX5 is a small, woman-owned company that provides professional technical, management and business services. The Florida PTAC worked closely with them to help them secure - and expedite - their 8(a) certification. As a result, they were recently awarded their first 8(a) contract with the Army Corp of Engineers for $3.5 million. Owner Margarita Howard writes "Our ability to secure this work was in no small part a direct result of the tremendous assistance we received from the PTAC. We cannot thank you enough for the support you have provided HX5. We look forward to working closely with you and the PTAC in the future. It is an exciting time for our company, and we are proud to consider yourself and the PTAC an integral part of HX5's success."

McCormick Asphalt Paving and Excavating
Ozark, Arkansas
Martha Moore, the owner of this small, minority/woman owned construction firm has been a client of the Arkansas Procurement Assistance Center since January 2004. She has eagerly taken advantage of all the services they offer, including courses, information in their weekly client briefings and on their website, their bid-match service, and one-on-one counseling on a range of issues, from updating their CCR to improve visibility to federal customers - to understanding communications from customers regarding 8(a) negotiated awards. Her efforts have really paid off. In July 2006, she received a $4.9 million contract from the Army Corps of Engineers, and that same year was named “Minority Contractor of the Year” by SBA’s Little Rock District. Since then, her company has been awarded contracts totaling $16,403,000, with 29 individual contracts ranging from $10,000 to a $6-million IDIQ with Army Corps of Engineers dated May 28, 2008, for multiple year task orders to repair revetments and dikes on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. They also received SBA’s “Family-Owned Business of the Year” award for 2008!

NewBold
Rocky Mount, Virginia
NewBold has been a Southwest Virginia Community College (SWVCC) PTAC client since 2001, and with their help has been supplying ID dog tags to all branches of the military – both active and reserve – since 2004 under a GSA contract. They are the only company in the world building an ID dog tag machine in the United States. NewBold Manager Michael Kelley writes, “In the past year, your procurement counselor Vin Greenan has been invaluable to us in resolving protest-related issues surrounding an award made to an unqualified firm and also with a timely response to us reference a protest filed against an award made to NewBold with the GAO. The PTAC’s intervention/assistance helped resolve the issue for the award (amount $1,577,460.) This order was for 244 Addressograph Model 320 ID Dog Tag embossers to support the production of the ID Dog Tags used by the US Army Recruiting Command’s 41 Battalions. … The PTACs are extremely valuable assets all around the country - the multi-faceted training and timely assistance are so very important to companies like ours.”

SPACE, Inc.
Flint, Michigan
Space is a woman-owned company specializing in functional office interiors which has been working with the Genesee PTAC since 2002. During the first couple of years the PTAC helped Space locate various opportunities throughout the state and country, providing help in reviewing and submitting quotes on various contract solicitations. SPACE initially won a few contracts and near the end of 2003, the PTAC start working with them on a GSA schedule application. Over a three month span company officials met several times with the PTAC staff, and by early 2004, all of their products and services were on schedule with GSA. Through 2005, Space, Inc. had been awarded over 2.5 million in contracts through GSA, and in October 2007 they were awarded another million dollar contract. The Genesee PTAC continues to work closely with SPACE to locate new opportunities and manage their GSA responsibilities.

Hixardt Technologies
Pensacola, Florida
Hixardt Technologies, an information technology and telecommunications firm founded in 2001 by three retired military veterans, recently announced an $18.5 million software support contract with Eglin Air Force Base. Hixardt expects 100% growth over the next 18 months as it explores a number of significant opportunities. They recently received a WIRED grant of $35,000 for job creation and employee training and have hired two growth agents to leverage emerging opportunities. The Eglin contract includes a growth strategy that is expected to create 10 to 15 high-paying jobs over the 5-year term of the contract and represents more than half a million dollars in salaries for the region. Writes Michael E. Hicks Jr., Hixardt’s President/CEO, “ our success is largely … due to the assistance we have received from the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Laura Subel, who is the PTAC Program Manager here in Pensacola, has been truly outstanding in her support of Hixardt. She has helped us time and again with various projects/contracts that have lead to our obtaining this contract.”

Creek Services, Inc.
Terri Hightwoer, Harvey, Louisiana
Terri Hightower had worked for another successful government contractor but branched out to begin her own construction company. The Louisiana PTAC has worked with her since 2003, assisting with her 8a (Native American Indian) and Woman Owned Business certifications, as well as drafting marketing literature and positioning herself to work as a subcontractor for primes. The PTAC helped Creek Services get their first contract award with Barksdale AFB, and then later to identify HUBZone locations and become HUBZone certified. Since Hurricane Katrina, they have worked together actively marketing to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - New Orleans. During fiscal year 2006, Creek Services was awarded $20,277,491 in government contracts.

Southeast X-Ray, Inc.
Ozark, Arkansas.
This small businesses, owned by a Vietnam-era Veteran and his wife, has been a client of the Arkansas Procurement Assistance Center (APAC) since December 2004. APAC worked closely with Southeast X-Ray on several DoD subcontracts to operate medical labs in multiple locations around the country, as well as contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs, consulting regularly on the phone about bid opportunities, bid preparation, and contract negotiations. Over the past two years (ending in June 2008), Southeast X-Ray has been awarded 153 government contracts for a total of $6,496,841, and they have been name “Small Business Persons of the Year” by SBA’s Little Rock District in June 2008. “Much of SXR's success in securing government contracts can be traced back to APAC. Without the knowledge provided by APAC I would not have known where to start looking for a government contract. Needless to say I am an avid APAC supporter!" – Brenda Huntsinger, Operations Manager

Source One Distributors
Wellington, Florida
Decorated Veteran Mark Llano founded Source One in 2003 to supply the military, other federal agencies and large corporations with "best of class" alternate choices of gear at competitive prices. With the help of Carol Hart and the Florida PTAC, he secured 8a, Small Disadvantaged, Minority and Veteran-owned small business certifications, has gotten his products on the GSA schedule and DoD EMall, and has secured a Blanket Purchase Agreement with the Department of State and a Basic Agreement with the White Sands Missile Range. The number of his employees has grown at an average rate of 125% per year and fourth year sales topped $50,000,000. Of his work with the PTAC, he says "... Ms. Carol Hart ... has been an invaluable mentor to me. Without her patience and perspective, navigating the complexities of selling to the government would have been utterly overwhelming."

In early 2005, Source One was contacted by the Marines Systems Command for help in designing a modification to existing body armor to increase the level of protection to the side torso. Source One teamed up with two small businesses that work in the ballistic protection field, working to develop solutions that were just what the Marines wanted, resulting in a contract in excess of $5 million. By the end of the year, their products were being fielded in Iraq. For more information ...

Native Contractors

Adam Nieto, El Paso, TX

Native Contractors, Inc., a Disabled Veteran Owned Business, became a client of the Contract Opportunities Center (a TX PTAC) in the year of 2000. Mr. Nieto, owner, had a desire to expand his business through contracting with the federal government, but had limited computer and marketing skiils. The COC taught him how to utilize the computer to identify opportunities and to facilitate the marketing of his company and provided training pertaining to contracting procedures, bidding techniques, and proposal development. This enabled him to obtain work with state and local governments while pursuing contract opportunities with federal agencies. The company was able to sustain itself with small contracts with local goveernments through 2006 when Mr. Nieto's persistence culminated in being awarded two contracts by the Department of Veterans Affairs worth over $800,000.

Nordic Air, Inc.

Harpersfield, OH

Nordic Air Inc., a small business that designs heating and cooling units, called the Ohio PTAC for assistance in making the jump from a sub-supplier for government contracts to a prime contractor. The company supplies Military Environmental Control Units (ECUs) that provide heating and cooling units housed on a portable trailer that can also include a generator large enough to supply power to an entire encampment. The ECU fits the military rapid-deployment need and is uniquely designed to operate in extreme temperatures that range from the deserts of Iraq to the tundra. The PTAC helped Nordic Air through every step of their first solicitation, which resulted in a $45 million Marine Corps contract in July, 2004. The PTAC has continued to work with Nordic Air, helping them to win an Air Force contract in 2006 and to secure a GSA Schedule contract, broadening their market to all government agencies. For more information ...

Micron Corporation

Tullahoma, Tennessee

Micron Corporation, through a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant, developed an innovative technology to allow easy, efficient maintenance of batteries in large military transport vehicles which could save our forces millions of dollars in equipment and manpower costs. They are now receiving intensive assistance from the Tennessee PTAC and Manufacturing Extension Partnership - both administered through the University of Tennessee's Center for Industrial Services - to navigate the maze of government contracting and creat a company capable of manufacturing and shipping up to 10,000 units a year. The economic impact to Micron and the surrounding community could be as high as $1 million in the first year following a purchase order with the potential to reach $25 million a year in the following years. For more information ...

“Sawfly” Revision Eyewear
The Vermont PTAC worked with this small company recently relocated to Vermont that had developed innovative protective eyewear – helping them to secure test-range opportunities for their product, bringing it to the attention of DoD, and helping them through the acquisitions process. To date, DoD has purchased over 275,000 of this product for use by forces around the world. Company officials recently received this message: “I am 1LT Anthony Aguilar, an Infantry Platoon Leader … currently deployed to Mosul, in Support of OIF. Our patrol was struck by a massive IED on 28FEB2006, launching shrapnel and debris at high velocities toward the vehicle. I was thrown into the hull of the Stryker and later discovered that my eye-pro, the 'Sawfly ' yellow tinted lenses, prevented a shard of shrapnel from contacting my face, saving my eyesight and preventing serious injury. The shrapnel punctured the lens, but did not penetrate. The shrapnel was large enough to dislodge the eyewear from my face and force me into the vehicle. I wore the glasses the rest of the patrol, confident they could still do the job. … Thank you for a great tactical product!” (Picture above: 1LT Anthony Aguilar wearing Revision Eyewear complete with shrapnel)

Rescue Wraps
A small Montana bedding company developed an innovative, lightweight, emergency medical transport bedding system – the “Rescue Wrap”. The Montana PTAC worked to connect the company with DoD and other federal emergency medical officials who might need this product, and helped them to navigate the significant acquisitions and regulatory requirements for becoming a vendor. In 2005, DoD purchased over 1500 “Rescue Wraps” for use all over the world, and orders for 2006 are expected to far exceed that number.

“Brokenbolt” Bolt removal kits
The Jackson, Michigan PTAC is working with a small company that has developed a patented tool which can remove a broken bolt in 9-13 minutes, rather then the several hours the repair would normally take, and adjusted it specifically to the Bradley Tank which has problems with bolts on their side panels sheering off in rough terrain. The PTAC has assisted the company with contacts at TACOM, TARDEC, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Rock Island Arsenal, and many other DoD offices, and helped them to get on the GSA Schedule. They are currently working to have it included on DoD E-mall, to provide the greatest possible access to the kit. A Senior Maintenance Integrator at Fort Leonardwood stated “I would have killed for a tool like this one,” and “Every motor pool should have access to it.”

Virtual Technology Systems
Oklahoma City, OK
As a startup technology company, Virtual Technology Services (VTS) in Oklahoma City turned to the Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network (OBAN - Oklahoma's PTAC) for help selling their skills and experience to a specific need at nearby Tinker AFB. They had the specialized skills needed but no contracting vehicle for Tinker personnel to use in securing their services.

OBAN’s Lynda Speller matched the young company up with an experienced HUBZone company holding an IDIQ contract vehicle for similar services. By teaming, both companies were able to profit from the opportunity that represented about $800,000.

Speller went further by persuading another experienced contractor to mentor VTS in establishing a new accounting system. As a result, VTS received the contract at Tinker and was able to hire eight new full-time employees.

E. Larson Company
Gleason, Wisconsin
E. Larson Company is a small construction business in northern Wisconsin that employs six people. The company's President and owner met with the local PTAC in March, 2004 at an SBA conference in Green Bay. He wanted to increase his company's contracting opportunities with the government. The company was having difficulty finding opportunities to bid on. The PTAC staff reviewed their current government registrations and suggested improvements to better reflect their business status as well as other government sites to register on. The PTAC also researched the possibility of offering construction services to government agencies in northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. From the point of initial contact to August 2004, the PTAC - through market research - provided E. Larson Company with 19 specific construction contacts and solicitations focused on their business capabilities. This information led to a $31,519 award from the USDA Forest Service in May 2004. The PTAC also placed E. Larson Company on a bid match program which has generated additional contracting opportunities from a five state region. With PTAC staff assistance, the company has since won two additional construction contracts worth $133,657.

EM-Assist, Inc.
Sacramento, California
EM-Assist, Inc. is an 8(a), Women-Owned Business, specializing in environmental services, information technology, and construction. The company began working with their local PTAC staff in December 2000. The PTAC counselor encouraged them to attend a conference on Mentor-Protégé (M-P) relationships, and they subsequently initiated a two year M-P agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc. In addition to on-going support from the PTAC on numerous other contracting issues, their PTAC was awarded a contract by Tetra Tech, Inc. to assist the Mentor in providing training and contractual assistance specific to the M-P Program. On March 24, 2004, EM-Assist won the prestigious Department of Defense (DoD) Nunn-Perry Award for superior performance in a mentor-protégé business relationship (shared with large-business mentor, Tetra Tech, Inc.). Since beginning to work with their PTAC, EM-Assist has created 30 new jobs, and quadrupled its revenue. It has been listed as one of the “Sacramento (California) Area’s Top 25 Fastest Growing Companies and Top 25 Environmental / Engineering Companies” for the past three years. EM-Assist’s President, Lynn Meland, writes:

"The PTAC support we have received has directly resulted in new client contacts, improved understanding of DoD procurement procedures, and increased EM-Assist name recognition in the community. In today’s competitive environment, small businesses NEED the Procurement Assistance service provided by The FTC (PTAC)"

David T. Arguello
Rapid City, South Dakota
David Arguello, a small and disadvantaged business, was interested in a concrete contract at Ellsworth Air Force base. The PTAC talked to the contract manager and assisted them with CCR registration and preparation of a bid. The PTAC also assisted him with a personal financial statement required by his banker and some cash flow projections for the loan he sought. He was awarded a contract for the concrete work at the Ellsworth Housing Development worth over $440,000. It should keep him busy for the next two years.

Valtec Aircraft Supply
Connecticut

Valtec is a major supplier of expendable aircraft parts which sold strictly to the Commercial Airline industry and FAA approved 3rd party Repair Stations. After the attacks on 9/11/01, the company faced severe economic loss and had to look to for other avenues of revenue, including possible sales to the Military. Connecticut’s PTAC (“SECTER”) provided intensive guidance, leading them through the necessary steps for contracting. Within 6 months, the company had secured two contracts, direct sales to Tinker, Hill and Patrick Air Force Bases, sales to government prime contractors of over $11,000 and sales to government subcontractors of over $35,000. Joe Ahern, from Valtec, writes:

“Less than 6 months ago, Valtec had a zero government client base and zero knowledge of the processes and procedures. I had no internal resources, no experience and very little time to give to this new venture. I feel we will be expanding our share of awards and sales shortly. I feel confident of that and it’s all due to the efforts of the SECTER Team. I’m still the entire Military Department at Valtec (we hope to change that soon) but I do feel that I have an entire staff with the SECTER Team.”

Amigo Trucking DBA Goode Construction
Anchorage, Alaska
Goode Construction is a minority-owned construction firm in Anchorage, Alaska. The firm's primary owner, Mike Goode, became actively involved with the PTAC when he started his business Amigo Trucking and was living on the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Since that time, Amigo Trucking has grown from a small trucking firm performing as a subcontractor to a construction firm submitting bids as a prime contractor, and has moved its offices to Anchorage for better contracting opportunities. With the assistance of the PTAC, Mr. Goode submitted and received his 8(a) certification, HUBZone certification and Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification.

In 2004, Mr. Goode received his first sole source 8(a) contract with the U.S.Coast Guard in Kodiak, AK to construct a playground. Mr. Goode performed so well that the Coast Guard has invited him to provide similar services to them on a statewide basis. In the four years of active involvement with PTAC Alaska, Goode Construction has reported in excess of $865,000 in government contract awards as a result of PTAC Alaska assistance.

James Construction Group
Louisiana
James Construction Group, a large prime construction contractor, contacted the PTAC when they lost a $10 million contract for Barksdale AFB due to a weak subcontracting plan. The PTAC assisted James in beefing up their subcontracting plan by providing them with a list of small, small disadvantaged, woman-owned, veteran-owned, and HUBZone certified companies that could provide the necessary work. In addition, the PTAC provided James with a checklist government contracting officers utilize when evaluating subcontracting plans and contacted the Department of Veterans Enterprises for a list of additional veteran-owned businesses based in Louisiana. The PTAC also periodically holds a trade fair to address topics of interest to construction firms (bonding, estimating, proposal preparation, and Davis Bacon Act) which allows large primes such as James to exhibit and network with small, SDB, WOB, Veteran-owned, and HUBZone certified companies. James has indicated that the PTAC supplied information and tips regarding preparing technical proposals have been extremely beneficial.

BRI Enterprises, Inc.
Tennessee
President and CEO Wishon Akiens writes to the University of Tennessee PTAC:

“I wanted to personally thank you for your help and expertise in the completion of the solicitation issued to us by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Working closely with you made what appeared to be a challenge of great magnitude, a simple and straightforward process that could only exist through tireless labor you provided us during the entire process. With your assistance, we were able to complete a 129 page solicitation in record time and are now in the final stages of securing our firms awarded government contract that can net approximately $ 1,000,000.00 to $ 5,000,000.00 over the next 1 to 5 years. ... Again, many thanks to you and the entire staff of UT PTAC for a job well done!”

Ohio Department of Development PTAC
A Dayton based 8(a) Minority Company on contract at Wright Patterson Air Force Base working in the MSG laboratory responded to a new solicitation. The new solicitation was an 8(a) set-aside for the same lab. However, the SBA office informed the company their bid would not be accepted. The company contacted the Dayton PTAC stating that they felt they were not being considered appropriately. The PTAC office reviewed the solicitation and held discussions with the government procurement office indicating where the solicitation was not being properly handled. Several weeks later the company was contacted by the agency and informed that their bid would be accepted. The PTAC client was awarded the contract for the new solicitation valued at approximately $168,000.

Savage Excavating
Missouri
Regarding a recently awarded contract with the Corps of Engineers, owner Brad Savage wrote:

“Not only does the MOPTAC deliver the wonderful services it advertises, but also the personnel ... go above and beyond the call of duty. Each and every time I’ve asked for assistance, they’ve delivered. The assistance I have requested ranged from locating bond providers to preparing bid proposals – and they have assisted me in preparing many proposals. ... has been instrumental in my business being certified as a small disadvantaged business ...(which) ... aided in the award of a current contract with the Army Corps of Engineers. ... Additionally after the award of the contract, they relentlessly put in long hours helping me write an environmental, quality control and accident prevention plans. Many thanks to ... the MO PTAC program.”

Yard King
NW Michigan Council of Government PTAC
Traverse City, MI
Yard King is a small manufacturer of yard ramps used for loading trucks. They received a request for solicitation from the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia that included one of the company's part numbers, but they were unfamiliar with the description of the item. They contacted the PTAC for assistance in identifying the item. As a result of the inquiry from the company, the PTAC researched the item, supplied the specifications and assisted the company in responding to the agency via the internet quotation system. Jayne Ritter, Director of Sales for Yard King, wrote the PTAC:

"These standards were new to us. Without the help and dedication that the PTAC shows on a continual basis to Yard King, we would not have been able to complete this process on line, and be awarded this contract. Without the help from the PTAC, Yard King would not have been awarded this contract in the amount of $3,000."

Humble as it is, this company is typical of the myriad of small manufacturers many PTACs deal with.