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.
Heart & Core Athletic Apparel
Minneapolis, MN Founded in 2009, Heart & Core owners Jen Swendseid and Lara Severson worked closely with the Minnesota PTAC to win a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) contract to produce thousands of sports bras for the Army which will be available through an online ordering program used by deployed soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and other location. The PTAC helped Heart & Core to navigate the complexities of the contract requirements, including establishing their credentials with regard to experience, price and technical evaluations and ratings, and the necessity of lining up domestic manufacturing facilities and sourcing materials. The one year contract, with four option years, could result in the sale of 60,000 to 300,000. bras at a total value of slightly $2 million in sales. Venagas Engineering Management and Construction, Inc.
El Paso, Texas Located in a HUBzone, Venagas Engineering (VEMAC) has been in business since 2003 and became interested in doing business with the federal government in July of 2009. After receiving assistance with registrations, certifications and marketing from the El Paso Contract Opportunities Center PTAC, VEMAC was awarded a contract in October 2009 with the Army Corps of Engineers for $16, 200,000 and another contract valued at $9, 399,782 with the same agency in January 2010. Educational Outback, Inc.
Fairbanks, Alaska Reba and Ja'net Coutermarsh are the owners of Educational Outback, Inc., a small, woman and minority owned company they formed in 2005 to provide educational materials and office supplies to a niche market in Fairbanks, Alaska. Struggling in the current weak economy, they came to the Alaska PTAC in March 2010 looking for assistance with their HUBZone application. PTAC counselors not only aided them in resolving their application issues and with follow-up documentation requested by the SBA, but over a period of several months helped them identify industry codes, evaluate competitors, build a composite business profile and perform valuable market research. They were also encouraged to attend the Alaska PTAC's annual Interior Region Procurement Fair held in Fairbanks each spring, which they did, as well as aggressively marketing their business and pursuing contract opportunities provided through the Alaska PTAC's Bid Match service. On August 3, 2010, just over 4 months after their first contact with the Alaska PTAC, they were awarded a contract of $49,579 from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Daycare Center. Reba Coutermarsh writes "This contract has saved our business. Thank you for your help. We are continuing to submit solicitations." 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
McCormick Asphalt Paving and Excavating
NewBold SPACE, Inc. Hixardt Technologies
Southeast X-Ray, Inc.
Source One Distributors 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, TXNative 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, OHNordic 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
Rescue Wraps
A small “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 Virtual Technology Systems 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.
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