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Minding our own business for September 4, 2004 Linda Hirvonen, Delta County Economic Development Alliance Government Procurement In seeking to expand their marketing base, many small businesses ask about getting contacts with government agencies. State and federal government agencies not only purchase in bulk, but they purchase a wide variety of goods and services. There are a number of ways to begin the process for government procurement, and there are several agencies to assist. One of the best ways to begin on the state level is by attending the upcoming “Doing Business with the State” event on Tuesday, September 14th. Hosted by MEDC and 1st Step, this FREE Business Opportunity Forum at the Ramada Inn in Marquette will help entrepreneurs maximize their opportunities with state agencies. They will repeat the session on Wednesday, September 15th, at the Ojibway Hotel in the Soo. In both cases, state agencies will be available between 8:30 – 11:30 to talk specifically about registering as a vendor, accessing the state purchasing websites, becoming certified for business with MDOT, and becoming an MDOT pre-qualified construction contractor or consultant. No pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Deanna Richeson at MEDC 571-241-2471 or richesond@michigan.org. Then on September 27th, Representative Bart Stupak will host a day-long federal workshop at NMU with segments on: federal procurement, imports/exports, and financing options. Lunch and materials are included in the $25 fee before Sept 20 or $35 at the door. Anyone interested in learning more about how to register can call or e-mail me, as details will be available by the time this is published. Some specific information I gleaned from last year’s state forum included the following about agencies and places to look for assistance. This year’s forum should include updates and further information. The Federal workshop will go beyond procurement to include areas of import/export and SBA/USDA involvement in projects. The Department of Management and Budget handles most of the State government procurement. Much of the information needed about selling to or buying from the state can be found at www.michigan.gov/doingbusiness. This handy website has several categories to explore including a bids list and has information about the two major sections of government procurement: acquisitions and infrastructure. Clicking “Becoming a business partner” will give you forms and information about registering as a vendor. There is also information for those interested in buying things from the state. The general telephone number for those with questions is (517) 335-0230 In addition, the State Of Michigan - Agency Procurement List provides the name and phone number of the person in charge of purchasing products and services at each state agency. Some state departments and agencies have been given delegated purchasing authority for purchases of supplies, materials, equipment and services up to $25,000; purchases over $25,000 are managed by the DMB. To view the Agency Procurement List,.go to www.Michigan.gov/documents/vendrlst_16352_7.doc. A key resource for assisting Michigan businesses in obtaining and performing on federal, state and local government contracts are the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) of Michigan. Our PTAC office is located in Traverse City, but their service to UP businesses has been excellent. Our main contact there is Jim Haslinger (231-929-5036). Their website is www.nwm.org/business/procure. Counseling and electronic bid matching scans are among PTACs most valuable and time saving services. Bid Match provides a report specific to your company's product or service wide for variety of government bid opportunities, including those from the FedBizOpps database, DLA's bulletin boards, various EDI systems, state and local agencies, and foreign entities. To ensure that you see only those bids you are interested in, they will help you develop search profiles, containing keywords, Product Service Codes (PSC/FSCs), National Stock Numbers (NSNs), Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. Another service of the PTAC’s is assistance completing Central Contractor Registration (CCR), SBA's PRO-Net, State of Michigan Vendor Registration, or any other registration to be on government bid lists. They will assist you in collecting the information you will need for CCR, PRO-Net, and the State of Michigan Vendor Registration. Finally, PTAC’s can help small businesses in identifying subcontracting assistance. The Federal Government has a legislated policy that small, small disadvantaged, 8(a) certified, women-owned small, HUBZone (we’re a HUBZone), veteran owned, and service disabled veteran owned concerns shall have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in the performance of Federal contracts. Federal contractors are required to carry out this policy in the awarding of subcontracts to the fullest extent consistent with the efficient performance of the contract. Becoming familiar with the resources, and talking directly with state and federal agencies made available through these upcoming procurement events should provide a solid foundation for businesses of all sizes and product/service mixes if they have an interest in selling to the government. http://www.michlmi.org/workdev/layout020301.jsp Come Grow with Us in Delta County! Linda A Hirvonen, Executive Director Delta County Economic Development Alliance 230 Ludington Street Escanaba MI 49829 (906) 786-2192 or fax (906) 786-8830. |
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