August 2020 - In This Issue:
ABOUT US

The PTAC is a business and technology extension program of the UNC System. Our purpose is to generate employment and improve the general economic condition of the state by assisting North Carolina companies, including those eligible for business development programs for local, state and federal government contracts. We provide procurement technical assistance by offering no-fee and confidential counseling on selling your products and/or services to the appropriate local, state or federal government agency.

THE TEAM
Interim PTAC Director 
Elizabeth City / Greenville
252.737.1369


PTAC Advisor 
Asheville / Cullowhee
828.251.6025


PTAC Advisor 
Raleigh / Chapel Hill / Durham
919.513.0623


PTAC Advisor 
Fayetteville / Pembroke
910.672.1359
PTAC Advisor/Events Coordinator
Hickory / Boone
828.322.5379


JACQUIE SPEARMAN
PTAC Advisor
Charlotte
704.687.0443


SUE CROTTS
PTAC Advisor
Triad
336.256.9302


JAMES CHESTNUT
PTAC Advisor
Wilmington
910.962.3566


JARED WHITCOMB
Supply Chain Advisor
Statewide
704.351.8146

UPCOMING EVENTS
August 11, 2020
September 8, 2020
Webinar
October 8, 2020
Webinar
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
ACCELERATE: A BLOG FOR CEOs OF MID-SIZED FIRMS
SBTDC's Strategy and Growth Services blog, Accelerate, helps CEOs of mid-sized companies make business and leadership improvements through helpful insight, resources, and tools.
Learn more »


TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION SERVICES
The SBTDC's Technology Commercialization Services team provides business counseling to small to mid-sized business owners, university researchers, and entrepreneurs looking to advance their innovations to the marketplace.
Learn more »


INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The SBTDC's International Business Development Specialists assists small and mid-sized businesses with export planning and exporting.
Learn more »
Federal Agencies expected to spend almost $200B on acquisition in Q4 2020; Are you ready?
By Pam Racer, PTAC Advisor, Western Carolina University
Hold on tight!! The federal fourth quarter is here; the money is flowing and it's going to be a busy 10 weeks for many contracting officers and vendors. There are more than 98,000 active procurements on beta.sam.gov and an unknown number of thousands of task orders under the schedules program at the General Services Administration, the assorted GWACs and other multiple award contracts across the government.

Federal Agencies are expected to spend $194 billion between mid-July and September 30th, according to Bloomberg Government.  The biggest slices of the pie will come from Professional services with about $32 billion to spend and from the Technology arena with about $28 billion to spend.

Read more
PTAC Trivia Question:  How many current 8(a) certified companies are there in North Carolina?

DoD Small Business Government Contractor Support COVID-19 Contingency Store 
By Pam Racer, PTAC Advisor, Western Carolina University
Are you a small business working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and need a place to buy PPE for your company?  The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has created a new small business marketplace within FedMall allowing DoD Small Business Contractors to exclusively browse and shop for non-medical PPE and similar material offered by the commercial supplier community.

On 22 July, the Defense Acquisition University conducted a webcast for small businesses in the Defense Industrial Base outlining the addition of non-medical personal protection equipment and materials available through FedMall.  James Mette, FedMall Program Manager, is responsible for the sustainment and development of the Department of Defense E-Commerce solution.  Mr. Mette leads a team of 75 civil service and contract employees, providing an online catalog of 63 million items that generate over $300M in annual sales to DoD activities.

Read more
Success Story 
Mind Your Business, Inc.:  A company of principles, stepping up in response to COVID-19.
By Pam Racer, PTAC Advisor, Western Carolina University
Founder and CEO Karen Caruso started Mind Your Business, Inc. ("MYB") from her own basement in 1996. Her intent initially was simply to screen a nanny who would care for her own children. Finding it near impossible to find a company that offered such employee screening services to private individuals, she started her own. Karen Caruso's mission is to help her clients to make better, more informed hiring decisions. Through her dedication to accuracy, high-quality service, and excellence, Caruso has created a company that empowers her clients, her employees, and her community. Thanks to these values, MYB has become a leading nationwide provider of background investigations, EEO investigations, and drug-screening services. MYB now stands as a testament to what a big vision, diligent, careful processes, and the passionate pursuit of reliable pre-screening can accomplish. MYB is a Woman-Owned Small Business with SBA 8(a) and HUBZone certification.

Read more

PTAC Trivia Answer:  90 Companies in North Carolina currently hold active 8(a) certifications.

SELLING TO THE GOVERNMENT

5 West Hargett St., Suite 600
Raleigh, NC 27601
919.600.5998