SOBRO PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (PTAC)
“SoBro PTAC is funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) through the Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) to help business with the government contracting process; the center also serves as a resource for small businesses to obtain information and training related to the contracting process with DOD, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and with governments prime contractors to help businesses grow.”
Services Include:
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Identifying marketing opportunities for clients consistent with the client’s products and services
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Completion of certifications and registrations such as HUB Zone, 8(a), Dun & Brad Street, System for Award Management (SAM) and more
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Advising and assisting clients in the preparation and proper submission of applications, certification, registrations, etc. in order to do business with government entities
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One on one assistance with completion of NYC or NYS M/WBE (Minority/Women Business Enterprise) Certification application, and bidding process
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Individual counseling on contracting needs
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Business development workshops and seminars
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Outreach and networking opportunities
What is PTAC?
PTAC is a Procurement Technical Assistance Center. A PTAC helps local businesses find opportunities to bid on government contracting work, and provides technical assistance throughout the process. Since 1991 SoBro’s PTAC has been providing a wide range of assistance — free of charge — to businesses that are interested in growing their business in the federal arena through one-on-one counseling sessions, classes, seminars and matchmaking events.
SoBro PTAC has served over 2,000 small businesses, with clients winning contracts totaling over $200 million. Our current clients represent a diverse set of sectors and include architectural firms, construction and building trade companies, manufacturing, food industry, information technology, janitorial services, and financial services businesses. SoBro Procurement Technical assistance Center (PTAC) offers a comprehensive array of services that assist small businesses in achieving success.
Identifying marketing opportunities for clients consistent with the client’s products and services
Completion of certifications and registrations such as HUBZone, 8(a), Dun & Bradstreet, System for Award Management (SAM), and more
Advising and assisting clients in the preparation and proper submission of applications, certification, registrations, etc. in order to do business with government entities
One-on-one assistance with the completion of NYC or NYS M/WBE (Minority/Women Business Enterprise) certification applications and bidding processes
Individual counseling on contracting needs
Business development workshops and seminars
Outreach and networking opportunities
The SoBro Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency.
Prince Ofori
President, IKNA Construction
Much of my success as a construction contractor is attributable to SoBro. Its Procurement Technical Assistance Center helped me get certified as a New York City Minority-Owned Business Enterprise and as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. They also spent countless hours with me building my capabilities statement and assisting me in my search for contract opportunities.
As a result, I have been able to secure subcontracts for the hardening of NYC Transit Authority subway stations worth more than $650,000. After the COVID-19 pandemic came about, SoBro PTAC helped me secure a $163,795 Paycheck Protection Program loan to keep my company going.
Thanks to SoBro PTAC, I expect my company to grow in its success for many years to come.
Linder Washington
Owner, BE Washington
My company has been a client of SoBro’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center for more than 10 years. During that time, we have secured more than $1.8 million in contracts from the federal government. This level of business success would have been unachievable without PTAC’s assistance in getting my business certified as an 8(a) business development, HUBZone, and EDWOSB company. PTAC staff has also lavished time and attention on me in a variety of areas, including ensuring compliance with government certification rules and regulations and reporting requirements.
Calvin Walters
President, Walters & Walters, Inc.
Whenever I am having an issue with my business, I ask the SOBRO PTAC staff for assistance and they are always there to support my business. I am so appreciative and thankful for their help. As a result, my company was awarded contract from MTA and NYC Housing Authority close to $2.0 million dollars and as a minority and small business-owned company, this contract will help to change my life and the lives of future generations.
PTAC Testimonials
Core Services
Determining Suitability for Contracting
The government marketplace poses unique challenges that can overwhelm a company that does not have the maturity or resources to meet them. SoBRO’s PTAC can help you determine if your company is ready for government opportunities and how to best position yourself to succeed.
Securing Necessary Suitability for Contracting
We can help make sure you are registered with the databases necessary for you to participate in the government marketplace, including the System for Award Management Registration (SAM), the SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search, and other government databases.
SDB, 8(a), Hub Zone & Other Certification
Certain small businesses are eligible for preferred status in some government solicitations. We can help you determine eligibility and guide you through the steps necessary to secure them.
Researching Procurement Histories
“What agencies have bought products like yours in the past? Which companies have been awarded these contracts?” Answers to these questions will guide your marketing strategy and give you a competitive edge. We can help you ask the right questions and get the information you need to succeed.
Identifying Bid Opportunities
Locating government bid opportunities can be very time consuming. Electronic bid matching scans a variety of government agencies to provide a report specific to your company’s product or service. Bid Match provides a wide variety of government bid opportunities including those from the FedBizOpps database, DLA’s bulletin boards, various EDI systems, and state and local agencies. To ensure that you see only those bids you are interested in, we help you develop search profiles that contain keywords, Product Service Codes (PSC/FSCs), and North American Industry Classification Codes (NAICS).
We can make sure that you are notified – on a daily basis – of all government contract opportunities your company is eligible to bid on.
Proposal Preparation
A procurement specialist can help you navigate even the most difficult solicitation package, including securing necessary specifications and drawings and determining pricing. You will never need to pass up a great contract opportunity just because the solicitation is too complicated.
Networking
SoBRO’s PTAC sponsors regular workshops and educational events, providing critical opportunities to connect with agency buying officers, prime contractors and other businesses that offer teaming or subcontracting opportunities.
Contract Performance Issue
Even after you have been awarded a contract, SoBRO’s PTAC may be able to help with certain contract performance issues, such as negotiating and interfacing with the agency, developing a cost-accounting system, bonding and interim financing, developing environmental, and more.
Workshops
PTAC conducts a series of workshops to prepare businesses to effectively utilize its services. Topics include: Introduction to Government Contracting; Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise certification assistance (M/WBE); 8(a) Certification Assistance; HUB Zone & other SBA Initiatives; Marketing Techniques and Strategies; Introduction to E-Commerce; Business Financing; and How to Prepare a GSA Federal Supply Schedule Proposal.
Annual Bronx Business Expo
Hosted by SoBRO PTAC, this annual expo is the longest running business expo in the Bronx. The expo offers resources on how to become a better business owner, make more informed business decisions and improve productivity.