Free seminar for small businesses looks at government contracting

Owners of small businesses are invited to join Wayne State University's Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for a free seminar about getting involved in the field of government contracting.

The federal government purchases more than $500 billion in goods and services each year, and the State of Michigan uses more than 1,000 multiyear contracts. Learn how to get in on the action by attending Government Contracting 101.

Participants will learn how to become successful contractors and what services and resources are available to help small businesses with the government market.

Opportunities within both federal and state programs will be covered in the three-hour session. Participants will learn how to:

- Classify products and services.

- Apply for small business programs.

- Find opportunities in specific product areas.

- Master the bid process.

- Identify different types of solicitations.

- Register as a state vendor.

- Market products and services.

- Use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 27; March 23; May 18; and June 22 on the Wayne State campus in Suite 3101 of the Maccabees Building, 5057 Woodward Ave. in Detroit.

PTAC is a grant-funded service providing eligible business clients with the marketing and technical assistance needed to sell goods and services to the federal government, particularly the Department of Defense. In the last year, Wayne State's PTAC worked with more than 270 local companies who have obtained contracts worth more than $40 million.

This seminar is free but advance registration is required. Email PTAC Program Manager Abby Cheatham at a.l.cheatham@wayne.edu to reserve a seat, or call 313-577-0132 for details.

Published: Tue, Jan 12, 2016