Editor’s note: This column is a response to the Q&A in the July 13-19 edition with two co-owners of GSA Results, a Boise firm that helps Idaho companies win federal contracts, and companion firm GSA Direct, which manages federal contracts for companies.
McMillen LLC recently received another contract with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Boise firm has had several multimillion-dollar government contracts over the last few years that have helped the company through the slowdown in the private sector.
McMillen learned about these contracting opportunities through the Idaho Procurement Technical Assistance Center, a free service provided through the state Department of Commerce. Idaho companies have secured more than $500 million since 1985 by using this service.
The PTAC service, specifically designed for Idaho companies, sends daily custom notifications to those signed up for the free service. The email consists of state and federal bid opportunities that match the products/services that each company makes or provides.
Government agencies spend billions of dollars on goods and services every year. Any company, regardless of size, is eligible to compete for these contracts. The majority of federal purchases under $150,000 are set aside for small businesses, which opens new opportunities for many Idaho firms.
There are large awards, too. Last month, North Wind in Idaho Falls won a $12 million contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a project in Alaska. Northern Management Services in Sandpoint won a $9.9 million contract last month with the U.S. Postal Service also, coincidentally, for a project in Alaska. Both of these companies learned of these opportunities through PTAC.
Sending out bid notifications is just one part of what we do. The road to government contracting can be confusing, and we help companies through this process. PTAC provides one-on-one assistance for responding to bid opportunities, educational seminars, classes on how to obtain federal contracting certification, and a listing of hundreds of contracting officers from government agencies and large corporations. We also can supply military specifications, government translation of Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses, and e-commerce assistance.
In October, the Idaho Business Opportunity Conference will provide companies the ability to meet with about 50 government agencies and large corporate purchasing agents. This year, the conference will be Oct. 20 at the Stueckle Sky Center in Boise. Information about the conference will be posted at www.ptac.idaho.gov.
Government contracting isn’t for every business. Stepping into this arena before your business has the resources in place can be overwhelming and can even damage your company. A PTAC counselor can help you determine if your company is ready to take this step.
Our goal is for Idaho businesses to succeed and grow. When companies grow, they hire new employees, and Idaho can certainly use more jobs right now.
There is no charge to be a PTAC member and get on our mailing list for bid notifications. You’ll also hear from us about the other services that might help your business. Government contracting could be a way for your business to find new sources of revenue.
gary.moore@commerce.idaho.gov, 334-2470.
GARY MOORE Program analyst for the Idaho Procurement Technical Assistance Center
