| 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. |
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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
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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 »
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PTAC Program Team Changes
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Mark Mills, the long serving PTAC Program Director for North Carolina has departed the organization effective the 16th of May. The interim director for the program is Scott Barker who has been the PTAC advisor out of the ECU office for the past three years. In addition to movement in the director position, PTAC also welcomes two new counselors to the team - each with impressive backgrounds: Jared Whitcomb who will be working out of the TRIAD region as the Supply Chain advisor, and James Chestnut who will be working out of the Wilmington PTAC office as the Government Contracting advisor. Welcome to each of the new team members. The PTAC Team thanks Mark for his 11 years of service as the N.C. PTAC Program Director and wishes him the best of luck as he transitions into a new phase of life.
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COVID-19 Government Contracting Update
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As a result of the implementation of several COVID-19 related restrictions, the following information is provided that affords small businesses relief meeting some deadlines:
- SAM Accounts - Any business that has an active SAM registration that was set to expire between March 27th and May 31st have been granted an extension on this expiration for an additional 60 days.
- SDVOSB Recertifications - Any service-disabled veteran-owned small business that had a suspense to re-certify their qualifications have been afforded an extension for 60 days.
- 8(a) Program Participants - Any company that is currently enrolled in the 8(a) developmental program can suspend their participation in the nine-year program for up to one year, if interested.
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Effective October 15, 2020, the current self-certification option from
certify.sba.gov
will no longer be available. Firms will have to certify through either SBA's new, free online certification process or through an approved Third-Party Certifier (TPC), at a cost.
Firms
seeking WOSB and EDWOSB set-aside contracts, will be required to use authorized third-party certifiers to qualify for such contracts. For more information on the subject, see the information at the link here:
WOSB Update
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The Journey to Government Contracting
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By Sue Crotts, NC PTAC Advisor, Triad Region
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When I meet with a new PTAC Client, I love to learn about their interests and goals. For many, getting government contracts is on the top of their list. Whether the business already has federal government contract experience, state or local experience or only private sector experience, it is my goal to help them map out a strategic plan and draft a timeline to follow on their journey to reach their goals.
I introduce a diagram of a mountain, with a path leading to the top. The path looks easy at the bottom but becomes steeper and windier closer to the top. At the top is a flag that symbolizes government contracts. With this diagram, we look at three vehicles for getting to the top of the mountain. One is a rocket ship, another is a runner, and the third is a donkey. It seems that the less experience a business has in government contracting, the more likely they are to be thinking of taking a rocket ship to the top. This would actually result in missing the top entirely, so we focus on the runner, who can readily handle certain tasks and functions and vary their pace to a walk as the terrain gets more difficult. Then we focus on the donkey, who slowly goes up the hardest section of the course to the finish.
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Success Story
Advanced Security Solutions, A PTAC Success Story
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By Sue Crotts, NC PTAC Advisor, Triad Region
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One of the most satisfying parts of my job as a PTAC Advisor is hearing from a client about how I have helped their business. Advanced Security Solutions is a small business that provides security systems and integration services. They have had some prior success with getting federal contracts, however suffered a decline in business, after the loss of his wife and partner. It was difficult to perform at the same level and after five years, he contacted the NCMBC who referred him to me. I met with the owner for the first time and strongly encouraged him to find a resource to help fill this gap. He hired a person to take on all things government contracting related. Her background was in banking and accounting, but she quickly learned everything she could about government contracting.
We covered everything from the very basics of how to navigate the Beta.Sam.gov website, information such as links to other sites where they can pursue potential bidding opportunities. We reviewed a solicitation and draft bid response together in detail to develop the government contracting staff person's experience and understanding. I provided feedback on correspondence sent to contracting officers, enabling this person to easily build a good rapport. We reviewed various registrations in BetaSam.gov and the NC Secretary of State to assure data matches, which also aided with the future registrations with State of North Carolina, local municipal offices, and universities.
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