Government Contracting - Procurement Technical Assistance Center

ptacInterested in doing business with the largest buyer in the US?  Washington APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) can help.  The Washington APEX Accelerator program is designed to help firms in all areas of selling to the government - local, state, federal and primes contractors.  If a firm has questions in any area of selling to the government we work with them to get answers.  Washington APEX Accelerator seeks to increase the amount of government contracts and subcontracts awarded to Washington state firms.

APEX Accelerator services are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistic Agency and Economic Alliance Snohomish County which allows for business owners to receive these services at no cost.

Economic Alliance Snohomish County sees the value this program provides to business owners wanting to grow within the government marketplace and has supported this program for many years.

PTAC conference booth

Contact Cara Buckingham or call (425) 248-4223 to learn how APEX Accelerator can help grow your business!

Services Provided by PTAC Counselors

Training Workshops and Events

PTAC hosts a number of training workshops and outreach events throughout the year to provide practical, hands-on information you need to do business with the government.  Workshop topics have included how to find local procurement opportunities, applying for certifications, construction and bonding, marketing your strengths in a capabilities statement, doing business with GSA, and how to perform a solicitation review and prepare a response.  PTAC sponsored events range from Meet the Buyers (local, state and federal) to specific programs within the federal government such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.  The Washington PTAC events calendar is full of opportunities to learn and grow within the government marketplace.

Market Assistance

Help determine the target markets for your product and service through market research.  Provide guidance with developing a marketing strategy.  PTAC works to bridge opportunities between buyers and suppliers through matchmaking events and other outreach methods.  

Interpretation of Solicitations

Help to decipher solicitations by reviewing contract clauses, terms, definitions and requirements to ensure your interactions with bid target agencies are correct, complete and powerful.

Specifications, Standards and Drawings

Help locate necessary documents for solicitations.

Assistance with Government Registrations and Certifications

Help navigate the world of registrations and certifications.  Certain registrations and certifications are required to contract with various levels of government agencies, while others help firms to be more competitive in the government marketplace.  PTAC provides assistance with System for Award Management (SAM) registration, SBA Dynamic Small Business Search, Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) certification, 8(a) certification, Veteran-Owned (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned certification, Washington State certifications and certifications for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB).

Computerized Bid Match Service

This is a software tool which searches numerous government databases for bids which match your firm's criteria.  Some of these searches include System for Award Management (SAM), Washington Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS), General Services Administration (GSA), Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) buying commands and other agencies.  Bid leads are sent via email daily.  There is a 30-day free trial to test out this tool and after the trial period it’s $165 annually. 

Business Owner Testimonials

“I have been working with the federal government on both sides of the table for almost 50 years and the PTAC workshops still serve me well as a refresher and serve as an important reminder the many lessons learned over these years.  Thank you PTAC!”

 — Thomas  – TN Federal Consulting 

 

“PTAC counselors have a wealth of knowledge about the government procurement arena. They are also effective advocates for small businesses trying to navigate government contracts. Considering the challenges small businesses face to stay competitive against mid to large corporations in the “lowest-price wins” bidding environment, it is crucial to be able to access the expertise and assistance that PTAC provides at no cost.

 — Cara Buckingham, Birch Equipment Rental and Sales

 

"Working with PTAC is the ultimate way for small businesses to be in business for themselves but not by themselves; their organization is an important mechanism to propel companies forward in the space of government contracting.

From helping me construct a solid capability statement, assisting with market research, government contracting education classes, webinars, researching active RFQ’s and more.  Lisa has shared so many helpful resources with me to be successful selling to my target agencies.  I am forever grateful and look forward to continuing working with her. "

 — Maurice - The MLJ Group

Procurement Counselor

Whether you are just getting started in government contracting or a seasoned pro, Washington PTAC can help you grow your business.