Wayne State's Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) on Sept. 11 will host two workshops to help Detroit businesses get - and keep - successful commercial contracts with local, state and federal government clients.
A morning workshop, Government Contracting 201, will provide a business-friendly overview of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, which contains thousands of pages of regulations governing how federal agencies purchase goods and services. The afternoon workshop, GSA Overview, covers the basic requirements and process to earn a spot on the General Services Administration schedule, a critical first-step to enjoying a long-term business relationship with government purchasers. The workshops are free and will be held respectively from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. in the WSU Student Center, Room Hillberry A, on the university's main campus.
Wayne State's PTAC assists businesses who want to sell products or services to the government through a host of services aimed at finding contracts, bidding to obtain those contracts, and fulfilling those contracts through strict adherence with government regulation. Helping businesses secure repeat or additional business is a principal objective.
"The PTAC at Wayne State is a key driver of business opportunities and growth for Detroit businesses. It connects the city's businesses with coveted potential clients: government agencies whose need to buy products and services is vast and unyielding," said Ahmad Ezzeddine, associate vice president for educational outreach and international programs. "Detroit companies that have won government contracts as a result of working with our WSU PTAC have reported consistent and substantial revenues, which have helped them expand their operations and create new jobs."
Because adherence to federal regulations is key to successful government contracting, PTAC's morning session on FAR will explain the rules that drive the acquisition process in addition to companies' rights as contractor. Topics include contract formats, methods of purchase, types of contracts, simplified acquisitions, the Defense Contract Management Agency, and International Traffic In Arms Regulations. Meanwhile, the GSA Overview will explain contracts, known as Multiple Award Schedules and Federal Supply Schedule, that are established for a period of five years with three options to renew. It is designed to familiarize the business owner with the requirements of becoming a schedule holder in order to determine if this is an avenue they may want to pursue.
To RSVP, visit the WSU Event Calendar and select Government Contracting 201 http://events.wayne.edu/rsvp/government-contracting-201/ and GSA Overview http://events.wayne.edu/rsvp/gsa-overview/.
More information is available from Abby L. Cheatham,
WSU PTAC program manager, at 313-577-0132 or at a.l.cheatham@wayne.edu.