January 2021 NewsBlast!
The Northwest Michigan Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is a not-for-profit organization helping companies in northwest Michigan and the Upper Peninsula successfully obtain and perform under local, state, and federal government contracts. Links are provided for your convenience and are safe to the best of our knowledge.

In 2021, our Procurement Counselors spent more than 1600 hours counseling 155 clients reporting over $58M in contract awards.

We are excited to serve YOU in 2022!
"From COVID to supply chain issues to tech glitches, FY 2021 was one of the most challenging for federal contracting"
Congratulations Leo!
Leo Isleib, N.W. Michigan PTAC Procurement Counselor (located in Marquette) earned his Professional Certificate in Contract Management from Duke University.

Great work Leo!
CMMC 2.0 Simplifies Requirements But Raises Risks for Government Contractors
For the third time in five years, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced new, comprehensive cybersecurity standards for government contractors and subcontractors to ensure the protection of sensitive unclassified information.
Increased Hourly Minimum Wage for Contractors
President Biden’s Executive Order to increase the hourly minimum wage to $15 for employees on covered federal contracts goes into effect on January 30, 2022 in all U.S. states and territories.
Who Knew!
Did you know that the Forest Service is looking for a small business to supply them with campground toilets? Who knew?!

The Forest Service works with many businesses in the pursuit of attaining their mission. Each region of the Forest Service provides information about doing business with that specific Forest Service region.

Interested in doing business with the Forest Service or other Department of Agriculture agencies, contact us for no cost assistance!

New Infrastructure Bill and its Impact on Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in the Construction Industry
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act —which makes a portion of its $1.2 trillion available for surface transportation projects was signed by President Joe Biden on November 15, 2021. The new infrastructure package dedicates substantial amounts to be expended on DBE firms.

  • The law provides that not less than 10% of the amounts made available under Division A, Division C, and funds for highway safety research & development shall be expended to DBEs, unless the Secretary of the DOT determines otherwise  
  • To be certified as a DBE, a firm must be a for-profit small business and it must be majority-owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
  • Congress placed an emphasis on prompt payment to DBE contractors and subcontractors
  • There will be a sharp increase in contracting opportunities for DBEs at the federal, state, and local levels in the next five years  

Call your PTAC for assistance with DBE certification  
Opportunity Alert
We have a large Prime looking for companies that can supply the following:

Thread: V-T-295, Type II, Class A, Size E, Foliage Green 504

Tape: MIL-T-5038, Type III, 1” wide, Foliage Green 504

Cloth: Cordura, MIL-C-43734, Class III, Foliage Green 504

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), 35 gauge, black

MOLLE System Attachments
Buckle Placement (male and female)
Leg and Waist Straps

Berry Compliant and Made in the USA

If your company has the above capabilities, please complete the Opportunity Alert – Spreadsheet and return to [email protected] by January 13, 2022.



Please forward this information to anyone/company you feel would benefit.

Any questions, about this opportunity alert, please contact Kara at [email protected] or 231-929-5076
Northwest Michigan PTAC Training
Getting the Most from Your Daily Bid Match Service - Webinar

January 12, 2022
11:00am-12:30pm

Bid match services can be an essential tool in your government contracting strategy. But, are you using it effectively? During this live webinar we will discuss bid match systems and provide tips for effectively using bid match results.

The Northwest Michigan PTAC offers bid match service to our clients at no cost.
Selling to the State of Michigan - Webinar

January 20, 2022
11:00am-12:30pm

This webinar will cover the basics of what you need to know to get started on your way to selling to the State of Michigan. Topics include an overview of Michigan s procurement process, which state agencies are in charge of buying what, how you can find opportunities, and what resources are available to help.
Let's Go FAR - Basics of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) - Webinar

February 15, 2022
11:00am-12:30pm

Federal agencies and government contractors must follow the rules and policies in the FAR. This course will provide an overview of the FAR, covering basic concepts that federal contractors should know. It will also explain how to navigate the FAR and how to use it to your advantage.
Other Events of Interest
Hannover Messe Trade Mission: 

Automation Alley and MEDC’s International Trade Program invite companies to register for an upcoming trade mission to Hannover Messe, one of the world's largest trade shows dedicated to the topic of industry development. Participants will discover new products and groundbreaking solutions along the entire industrial value chain, including applications in industrial automation, IT/information communication technologies, energy and environmental technologies, process/production engineering and R&D. 

Registration closes February 16, 2022
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land & Maritime Supplier Conference

Mark your calendars for the 2022 Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land & Maritime Supplier Conference being held on April 6-7, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. More information on this event is coming soon. As the nation’s combat logistics support agency, the DLA manages the end-to-end global defense supply chain – from raw materials to end user disposition – for the five military services, 11 combatant commands, other federal, state and local agencies and partner and allied nations. DLA procures more than $41.8 billion in goods and services annually on behalf of its customers.
MDEX 2022 - Michigan Defense Exposition and Detroit Arsenal Opportunities Conference

April 20 - 21, 2022
MiCareer Quest Northwest 2022

MiCareerQuest is a career and college readiness event for 9th grade students.
The event will expose Northwest Michigan students to exciting careers and endless opportunities.

May 12, 2022
The Procurement Technical Assistance Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency. This PTAC is funded in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)