Published March 2002

Network with government agencies at conference

While not always readily apparent, numerous sources can provide businesses in Snohomish County with new pathways for growth.

While the Economic Development Council of Snohomish County has been concentrating on attracting technology-based businesses, we keep vigilant for new chances to expand traditional sources of business opportunities that can contribute to our community’s prosperity and strength.

The government sector is one such source. Whether local, state or federal, government agencies depend on companies of all sizes to help achieve their missions and goals. We are fortunate in Snohomish County to host the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), an agency that serves as a form of “matchmaker,” matching the needs of government agencies to local businesses that can deliver them.

Under a contract with the Defense Department’s Defense Logistics Agency, the Snohomish County EDC provides the PTAC offices and resources to perform this critically important business development mission.

The center, one of 84 such agencies throughout the nation, currently serves most of Washington state and has seven outreach centers in Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Everett, Tacoma, Wenatchee, Richland and Vancouver.

In the past four years, the PTAC has assisted Washington state clients in receiving over $210 million in contracts with government agencies. The center has generated over $16 million in federal, state and local awards for businesses in just the past 12 months.

Next month, businesses in Snohomish County and throughout Washington have an exciting opportunity to become part of this business-government dynamic. Alliance 2002, a one-day procurement training conference and trade show, will allow businesses to “display their wares” and services to many federal and state government procurement agencies, including most branches within the Department of Defense.

The conference will be Wednesday, April 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. This is the fourth annual event and typically attracts over 100 companies for a one-stop opportunity to participate and learn the intricacies of governmental procurement activities.

The Snohomish County EDC/PTAC is the lead sponsor. This year, the event has taken on added significance with Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell co-sponsoring the event.

Alliance 2002 sets the stage for small-business representatives to network with federal and state agency buyers and contracting officers and learn about current procurement opportunities.

Training sessions will cover current information on new contracting methods, emerging new performance standards and new technologies. Participants will receive significant training that will provide the tools to bid and contract successfully with government agencies while hearing and sharing success stories with other business owners.

Special attention will be placed on the ability to connect with these agencies electronically. A “cybergarden” will provide hands-on access to the new technologies that are providing government buying agencies and large businesses the ability to interact with suppliers, trading partners and customers online in real time, saving time and money on every transaction.

I urge all small businesses in Snohomish County to learn more about the enormous potential that exists by building alliances with the many government agencies that need privately generated services to complete their missions.

Registration and complete details regarding Alliance 2002 can be obtained at www.ectag.org/alliance2002. Additional information is available by calling EDC/PTAC at 425-743-4567.

Deborah Knutson is President of the Snohomish County Economic Development Council. She can be reached at 425-743-4567 or by e-mail to dknutson@snoedc.org.

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