Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

Local SBDCs are an excellent source of information, counseling and assistance for state and local procurement opportunities. Many offer formal procurement seminars or one-on-one counseling by procurement experts. In addition to educational services, some SBDC sponsor vendor fairs, trade shows, and matchmaking events to help their small business clients obtain government business. See here for more information about SBDCs and how to contact the center nearest you.

National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO)

http://www.naspo.org/

NASPO publishes a CD, Vendor Guide: How to Do Business with the States that contains detailed information on the requirements, process and contacts needed to win state contracts. If you intend to do business with more than one state, this will save you valuable time learning the ropes for each state. The cost is $60 ($50 for members) and can be ordered from the NASPO website. The website also contains a directory of purchasing directors, with links.

U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance

http://www.uscommunities.org

U.S. Communities is a national group purchasing alliance for state and local governments. As a cooperative purchasing initiative, it is designed to allow state and local governments to purchase products using contracts competitively awarded by other agencies. Suppliers are able to reach a larger potential customer base with such cooperative purchasing vehicles.

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)

The Department of Defense through the Defense Logistics Agency awards grants to various organizations throughout the country to assist businesses wanting to do business with federal, state and local governments. Highly trained and experienced personnel are available to provide procurement assistance through one-on-one counseling and/or procurement conferences/seminars. Specific services may include: identifying marketing opportunities; providing bidding opportunities; advising and assisting businesses in the preparation and submission of applications, certifications, and registrations; assisting with post-award functions such as quality, accounting systems, and payment; explaining government procurement regulations, terms and procedures; and assisting with Electronic Business. Refer to http://www.aptac-us.org/new for the PTAC nearest you.

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