Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL) is hosting a business development forum on Friday, March 5th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  The seminar, titled “Doing Business with Government Agencies”, will take place at News-Journal Center, Gillespie Theater, 221 North Beach Street, Daytona Beach.
        Following introductory remarks by Rep. Mica, Assistant District Director for the Small Business Administration, Ken Hamilton, will provide an overview of doing business with the federal government.  Ken will outline the seven certification programs often required of businesses and how to apply and get certified.
        Linda Hosey of the General Services Administration (GSA) will continue the program with an explanation of how smaller businesses can gain entrances to the federal community.  Linda will explain how GSA will work with participating businesses to be prescreened to be a federal contractor and will help interested parties get on the multi-awards schedule.
        Tony Espinosa of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) will discuss and explain how to fill out the required paperwork and teach small business marketing strategies and how to identify government contracts.
         Fred Springer, former Deputy Director of the Florida Department of Management Services and Director of State Purchasing, will continue the program by explaining State contracting and business opportunities.  Johnny Richardson, as both the Manager of Purchasing and Contracts Division of Orange County and the Vice President of the Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers, will further explain contracting opportunities at the State and county levels.
        Finally, representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Florida Department of Transportation will discuss specific upcoming contracts in our area.
        Mica concluded, “One of my top priorities in the 7th Congressional District has been to assist and promote economic and business development opportunities.  I am pleased to partner with these individuals as we strive to improve the economic situation in our community.”