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Source:Bloomberg For a government contractor, there’s nothing more satisfying than receiving the award of a “must-win” multi-year federal or defense contract. Such wins always require total teamwork excellence. What’s not so obvious is that the teamwork may start 18 to 24 months before the agency issues its Request for Proposal. Here’s how (and why) to build a business case for your pre-RFP marketing campaign. Click HERE to read the rest of the article.

Source: GovconWire 1. 2023 appropriations followed by the return of budget uncertainty. Questions about government budgets and spendings always seem to be at the top of the list. Congress provided agencies and the companies that serve them with a holiday gift by passing appropriations for 2023. The omnibus bill provides $1.7 trillion in funding for FY 2023, an increase of roughly 8 percent from the prior year. While that provides near term certainty, stability and growth for federal agencies with changes in Congress and the debt ceiling approaching, uncertainty is likely to return as we approach FY 2024. 2. Inflation outlook. Questions about impacts from inflation go hand-in-hand with uncertainty about the budget. Although inflation rates are expected to decline at least somewhat, government contractors across a wide range of industries are still experiencing challenges or recovering from a period of heavy inflation. Going forward, they will continue to experience some inflationary increases in intermediate and final goods, energy and talent. With costs higher and increased competition, contractors will need to take a close look at pricing strategies and make sure they are using all the tools they have available to remain competitive. Click HERE to read the rest of the article.

Source: Bloomberg Ongoing geopolitical developments such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and tensions between China and Taiwan have continued to fuel higher US military spending. The demand for military weapons is the strongest it has been in years, with historic investments by US allies and partners, and record US national defense funding that jumped by $76 billion to $858 billion for fiscal year 2023. This includes $816.7 billion specifically for the Pentagon. President Joe Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law in late December, targeting defense readiness across the board, including shipbuilding and aircraft, as well as munitions and military exercises around the world. For government defense contractors, accelerated spending, strict regulatory requirements, and motivated regulators bring elevated enforcement risk. Click HERE to read the rest of the article.

WEBINARS This is your chance to experience some of our most popular classes and outreach events on demand. Watch the videos below and learn how to become a successful government contractor. Start with the PTAC Core Classes, then scroll down to progress onto a variety of topics below. For LIVE training, review our schedule of classes HERE . For Subtitles - select the CC symbol at the bottom of the video screen. ​ PTAC Core Classes Play Video Play Video 01:29:43 Selling to the Government in 2023 - Maryland PTAC's 3rd Annual Roundtable Are you wondering how to do business with the government? Do you have a strategic plan to win local, state, or federal contracts? If you are asking yourself these questions then you need to watch this virtual event. Join the team at the Maryland PTAC for a Roundtable discussion on what small businesses in Maryland can expect in the procurement world in 2023 plus how your PTAC counselor can help you avoid the pitfalls and support your growth This is a great opportunity to kick off the new year and learn strategies and tips from procurement experts on how you can make 2023 your best contracting year ever. Don't Miss it! BONUS!, hear some PTAC clients share their stories on how they became successful government contractors. SPEAKERS: Maryland PTAC Team (Procurement Specialists & VA Certified Counselors) Thomas Chon, President/CEO, Tetra Fields LLC Eno Nzesi– CEO, Numa Management Associates Sign up for no cost counseling with the Maryland PTAC (Maryland Businesses only) at https://mdptac.org/getting-started Play Video Play Video 01:00:34 The VA's Center for Verification Program & Evaluation & Transition to SBA (NEW!) Learn about the latest changes with the CVE Program and transition to SBA in January 2023. in this 1-hour webinar. Here's some of what we cover in this webinar: - What is CVE and who needs it? - Why is VA’s CVE verification program moving to the SBA?. - How will the SBA address the VA’s Veterans First authority once the database transfers to the SBA? Watch VA certified counselor, Pamela Minor, explain how this program could give your veteran-owned business greater opportunities to gain government contracts. Instructor Pamela Minor, PTAC Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor Veterans: Get advice about the new system for the verification program from your PTAC counselor - find your local PTAC at https://www.aptac-us.org/find-a-ptac/ Play Video Play Video 57:04 Group Training for Potential Government Contractors Find your local PTAC for free counseling on government contracting at https://www.aptac-us.org/find-a-ptac/ *This class is strictly for Beginners* Are you ready for government contracting? Have you considered the investment in time and resources your company needs to enter the government marketplace? This workshop is an introduction to government contracting and will show you how to get your ducks in a row to prepare for life as a successful government contractor. You will also learn what the Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center does for small businesses and how it can help you prepare for government contracting success. Attendees will learn: · What government buyers and primes want · What makes a contractor responsible to FAR · How and why to research potential customers · How to develop an intelligence list · Why to watch for contract awards · What not to do when contracting · How to become a Maryland PTAC client and get one on one counseling This introductory class will show you how to determine if government contracts are right for your business. About the Instructor Akiesha M. Foster currently serves as a Maryland PTAC Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor. Play Video Play Video 07:01 Get a Unique Entity ID In this video, we will show how to get your Unique Entity ID without needing to complete an entity registration on SAM.gov. The information shown in this video is correct as of April 4, 2022. Play Video Play Video 01:03:21 How To Read & Understand A Federal Government Solicitation In this video, led by MDPTAC counselor, Arthenia LeFlore, you will learn how to read and understand a federal government solicitation. Sign up for free counseling at https://mdptac.org/ #mdptac #govcon #smallbusiness Play Video Play Video 34:47 Understanding & Overcoming the Hurdle of Past Performance as a Small Business You’re a new business and you lack the past performance as a company. This 1 hour webinar describes how to overcome the hurdle or catch 22 of gaining past performance as a new business. Companies won’t consider your products and services without past performance but how can you get past performance without consideration? What does your past performance "snapshot" resemble when submitting bids? Learn how to effectively leverage past performance to meet bid requirements. Don’t let past performance hinder you from competing. Maximize your past performance snapshot and start winning work in the lucrative world of contracts. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Jo Deans, https://capstonemc-llc.com/ Sign up for free government contracting webinars https://mdptac.ecenterdirect.com/events Play Video Play Video 51:18 Capability Statements Maryland PTAC counselor, Arthenia Leflore, shows you to how create a successful capability statement. You will learn to distill the information that is most important to a particular decision-maker, state it in a clear concise manner and reinforce its importance to the prospect. Sign up to become an MDPTAC client at https://mdptac.org #mdptac #govcon #smallbusiness Play Video Play Video 01:00:02 Procurement Terminology Made Easy Contracting lingo got you all confused? Watch this short introductory webinar which covers preliminary steps that a potential contractor needs to understand and how government agencies make purchases. mdptac.org All Videos Play Video Play Video 01:24:33 Managing Your Company Finances Utilizing the Indirect Rate Cost Methodology This webinar focuses on the importance of internally tracking the most important Key Performance Indicator (KPI) when you are a government contractor: YOUR INDIRECT RATES. It also shows you why they are so important and how you can use them to improve the financial performance of your company. Often indirect rate tracking is only associated with the need to report to the government or for proposal purposes, however, the real use of the indirect rates is for internal management purposes. This webinar focuses on indirect rates as an effective management tool. It also shows the need for any government contractor to have an effective ERP tool to track and manage this KPI effectively. The participants will be able to see and understand the concepts of pools and their relation with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), its calculations, and how to manage and interpret the results of these KPI and use them as an effective benchmark as well to making financial decisions that could have a lasting effect on your company finances. Who should watch: Business owners and government contractors About the Instructor This class is taught by Mr. Gregory Llinas, the founder of GL-Solutions, an 8(a), SWaM Certified business specializing in accounting, financial management, program and project planning, and control. Mr. Llinas has more than 25 years of experience in Federal Government Contracting, has managed over half a dozen organizations at the executive level, including Business Development, Operations Management, and Executive Leadership. https://www.gl-solutionsinc.com/ Sign up for free government contracting classes at https://mdptac.ecenterdirect.com/events Play Video Play Video 46:15 NASA SEWP (Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement) Training SEWP V Industry Provider Training (Brought to you by Maryland APEX Accelerator) - Formerly PTAC This is an in depth training presentation being offered free of charge by the NASA SEWP Program Management Office. This session is great for individuals unfamiliar with the NASA SEWP V contract as well as for anyone looking for a refresher. In this session we will address: What is NASA SEWP Which Federal agencies use SEWP What products and services can be acquired through SEWP Why do federal contract officers choose SEWP Emerging federal acquisition trends How you can leverage NASA SEWP for your federal sales and marketing efforts Who should watch: Companies that want to sell to the federal government and learn about how they can leverage the SEWP contract. Instructor Marc Wishnow NASA SEWP - Industry Team Lead Learn more about Government Contracting by signing up for free webinars with the Maryland APEX Accelerator - https://mdptac.ecenterdirect.com/events Play Video Play Video 01:29:43 Selling to the Government in 2023 - Maryland PTAC's 3rd Annual Roundtable Are you wondering how to do business with the government? Do you have a strategic plan to win local, state, or federal contracts? If you are asking yourself these questions then you need to watch this virtual event. Join the team at the Maryland PTAC for a Roundtable discussion on what small businesses in Maryland can expect in the procurement world in 2023 plus how your PTAC counselor can help you avoid the pitfalls and support your growth This is a great opportunity to kick off the new year and learn strategies and tips from procurement experts on how you can make 2023 your best contracting year ever. Don't Miss it! BONUS!, hear some PTAC clients share their stories on how they became successful government contractors. SPEAKERS: Maryland PTAC Team (Procurement Specialists & VA Certified Counselors) Thomas Chon, President/CEO, Tetra Fields LLC Eno Nzesi– CEO, Numa Management Associates Sign up for no cost counseling with the Maryland PTAC (Maryland Businesses only) at https://mdptac.org/getting-started Play Video Play Video 38:19 Monitoring Subcontracts - DCAA The presentation will provide an overview of what a contractor should know about subcontracting: subcontract selection, subcontracting requirements, and the responsibilities of the prime contractor. The applicable FAR requirements will be discussed as well as the business systems involved with monitoring subcontracts. Participants will learn what information is required to be submitted with the annual incurred cost submission and what the subcontractor will need to provide to the prime. Finally, common deficiencies and frequently asked questions. About the Instructor Mr. Joseph Greger is the Small Business Program Manager at DCAA Headquarters in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this capacity, he serves as the program manager and audit expert for the small business program with a responsibility to provide assistance, consultation, and internal control with regard to audit requirements and their application to small business. Need advice on your government contracting goals? Sign up with your local PTAC for assistance at no cost - https://www.aptac-us.org/find-a-ptac/ Play Video Play Video 01:00:34 The VA's Center for Verification Program & Evaluation & Transition to SBA (NEW!) Learn about the latest changes with the CVE Program and transition to SBA in January 2023. in this 1-hour webinar. Here's some of what we cover in this webinar: - What is CVE and who needs it? - Why is VA’s CVE verification program moving to the SBA?. - How will the SBA address the VA’s Veterans First authority once the database transfers to the SBA? Watch VA certified counselor, Pamela Minor, explain how this program could give your veteran-owned business greater opportunities to gain government contracts. Instructor Pamela Minor, PTAC Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor Veterans: Get advice about the new system for the verification program from your PTAC counselor - find your local PTAC at https://www.aptac-us.org/find-a-ptac/ Play Video Play Video 57:04 Group Training for Potential Government Contractors Find your local PTAC for free counseling on government contracting at https://www.aptac-us.org/find-a-ptac/ *This class is strictly for Beginners* Are you ready for government contracting? Have you considered the investment in time and resources your company needs to enter the government marketplace? This workshop is an introduction to government contracting and will show you how to get your ducks in a row to prepare for life as a successful government contractor. You will also learn what the Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center does for small businesses and how it can help you prepare for government contracting success. Attendees will learn: · What government buyers and primes want · What makes a contractor responsible to FAR · How and why to research potential customers · How to develop an intelligence list · Why to watch for contract awards · What not to do when contracting · How to become a Maryland PTAC client and get one on one counseling This introductory class will show you how to determine if government contracts are right for your business. About the Instructor Akiesha M. Foster currently serves as a Maryland PTAC Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor. Play Video Play Video 01:40:50 Women Succeeding in Government Contracting The federal government's goal is to award 5% of all federal contracts to women-owned businesses. Join this free virtual event to learn how you can get a piece of the pie. Learn from women who have built successful businesses selling to the government. We will explore their stories, experiences, and advice on how to overcome adversity and continue to thrive. You will also learn what the Small Business Administration and the Baltimore Metro Women's Business Center offer to assist women-owned businesses. SPEAKERS Diedra Henry-Spires, Senior Advisor for COVID Programs, Office of the Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Ann Frank, GCDF, Morgan State University, Director, Baltimore Metro Women’s Business Center (WBC) Brenda Doles - RN, MBA, President, HealthCare Resolution Services (HCRS) Eno Nzesi– CEO, Numa Management Associates Sonya Hopson - CEO, Sage Services Group LLC Sign up for free govcon counseling at https://mdptac.org/getting-started Play Video Play Video 59:34 5 Steps to a Successful OSDBU Meeting You have finally recovered from the shutdown and you are now ready to build your pipeline for the coming year. You want to target a specific agency, but you need more information. Someone suggests you visit that agency’s OSDBU (Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization) to identify contracting opportunities. But you are not sure how to contact them or what to say when you meet with them. We came up with five things every company should do prior to meeting with an OSDBU. In this webinar, I will be sharing these five strategies with you. About Your Instructor Robert P. “Bob” Rogers, Jr. is an internet marketing consultant with Chesapeake Digital Solutions, LLC. https://mydigitalwsi.com/ Sign up for no cost government contracting counseling with your local PTAC - https://www.aptac-us.org/find-a-ptac/ Play Video Play Video 48:43 Matchmaker Event Prep – You Don’t Benefit If You Don’t Prep Don’t attend another matchmaking event without being prepared. This webinar will discuss the necessary steps to successfully take advantage of matchmaking sessions whether virtual or in-person. Join us as we discuss the activities necessary before, during, and after the matchmaker event. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Jo Deans, https://capstonemc-llc.com/ brings thirty years of insights, relationships, and proven experience as a Government contracting growth executive, business leader, and trusted advisor. She has successfully supported the program and mission objectives of defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies while exclusively working for and leading talented small businesses. Watch more great govcon webinars at https://www.youtube.com/c/PTACAdministrator Load More

​ How to Get Started ​ We help Maryland businesses identify, compete for, and win government contracts. Get Started Here SERVICES Counseling Services The Maryland PTAC provides small business counseling to Maryland-based small businesses in the Government Contracting arena at NO cost. MDPTAC has played an instrumental role in expanding the number of businesses capable of participating in government contracts all across the state. Sign up here. Training Services View upcoming workshops, webinars, and conferences of interest to government contractors. Events are held online/throughout the region and hosted by MDPTAC, local partners, and government agencies. Sign up for a class here . Bid Matching Services Maryland PTAC’s Electronic Bid Matching service will save your company valuable time and money by locating federal, state, local, and foreign bid opportunities and delivering them to you daily by e-mail. This service is for PTAC clients only. Apply here Get Help with SAM We help companies register and update their SAM information every day. Our specialists are well-versed in how SAM works and can guide you through the process quickly and efficiently. Sign up to speak to a counselor here. ​ SERVICES PTAC BECOMES APEX ACCELERATOR For more information, click here. ABOUT The Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MD PTAC) opened its doors in 2002 in an effort to assist the Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) Procurement Technical Assistance Program in expanding the number of businesses capable of participating in government contracting. The Procurement Technical Assistance Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense. We achieve this mission by: Providing businesses with an understanding of the requirements of government contracting and the market know-how they need to obtain and successfully perform federal, state, and local government contracts. Supporting government agencies in reaching and working with the suppliers they need. REGISTER TODAY ABOUT TESTIMONIALS Testimonials Play Video Play Video 01:08 I am a very happy MDPTAC client! Lakeysha Claxton, CEO of Homeland Custodial Services, attended the Maryland PTAC event with the EPA. She loved the networking opportunities and is already scheduled to meet with an EPA rep about contracting opportunities. Sign up for an MDPTAC event today - https://mdptac.ecenterdirect.com/events?centerid=44 Play Video Play Video 00:25 I learned so much at this event, thank you MDPTAC! Lashun Lawson, President of Total Global Solutions, attended the Maryland PTAC event with the EPA. She loved the networking opportunities and is looking forward to participating in more PTAC events. . Sign up for an MDPTAC event today - https://mdptac.ecenterdirect.com/events?centerid=44 Play Video Play Video 01:06 I got to network with agency reps, which is great! Chasey Sunshine, Founder of Reliable Solutions, attended the Maryland PTAC event with the EPA. She loved the networking opportunities with both other businesses and agency officers. Sign up for an MDPTAC event today - https://mdptac.ecenterdirect.com/events?centerid=44 Play Video Play Video 07:21 Jerome Taylor on the 2019 INC 500 List. Maryland PTAC client of the month - Jerome Taylor, CEO Digital Forensic Services, LLC was included in the 2019 INC 5000 List. Jerome explains how he achieved exponential growth in just a few years and how the PTAC helped him achieve success. Become a PTAC client today at mdptac.org Play Video Play Video 01:04 I Learned the Importance of Teaming at this PTAC HUBZone Event https://mdptac.org/ HUBZone Connections Event, May 2, 2019. Over 300 small business owners, agencies and prime contractors participated in the Maryland PTAC HUBZone Connections event on May 2, 2019, at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center in College Park, MD. There were opportunities for HUBZone screening, matchmaking, workforce interviews, panel discussions, and networking. "This was one of the most interesting and well organized events I've ever been to..." - Event Attendee. Thank you to our supporting partners: Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation University of Maryland HUBZone Contractors National Council Small Business Administration Prince Georges County Economic Development Corporation Sign up for FREE government contracting advice at https://mdptac.org/ Play Video Play Video 01:12 The Whole Day Was Amazing! https://mdptac.org/ HUBZone Connections Event, May 2, 2019. Over 300 small business owners, agencies and prime contractors participated in the Maryland PTAC HUBZone Connections event on May 2, 2019, at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center in College Park, MD. There were opportunities for HUBZone screening, matchmaking, workforce interviews, panel discussions, and networking. "This was one of the most interesting and well organized events I've ever been to..." - Event Attendee. Thank you to our supporting partners: Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation University of Maryland HUBZone Contractors National Council Small Business Administration Prince Georges County Economic Development Corporation Sign up for FREE government contracting advice at https://mdptac.org/ Play Video Play Video 01:50 The Matchmaking Was Outstanding! https://mdptac.org/ HUBZone Connections Event, May 2, 2019. Over 300 small business owners, agencies and prime contractors participated in the Maryland PTAC HUBZone Connections event on May 2, 2019, at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center in College Park, MD. There were opportunities for HUBZone screening, matchmaking, workforce interviews, panel discussions, and networking. "This was one of the most interesting and well organized events I've ever been to..." - Event Attendee. Thank you to our supporting partners: Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation University of Maryland HUBZone Contractors National Council Small Business Administration Prince Georges County Economic Development Corporation Sign up for FREE government contracting advice at https://mdptac.org/ Play Video Play Video 01:56 Run Straight to PTAC! https://mdptac.org/ HUBZone Connections Event, May 2, 2019. Over 300 small business owners, agencies and prime contractors participated in the Maryland PTAC HUBZone Connections event on May 2, 2019, at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center in College Park, MD. There were opportunities for HUBZone screening, matchmaking, workforce interviews, panel discussions, and networking. "This was one of the most interesting and well organized events I've ever been to..." - Event Attendee. Thank you to our supporting partners: Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation University of Maryland HUBZone Contractors National Council Small Business Administration Prince Georges County Economic Development Corporation Sign up for FREE government contracting advice at https://mdptac.org/ Play Video Play Video 00:49 Patrice LOVES the Maryland PTAC! Find out Why Patrice LOVES the Maryland PTAC! " Today was a great class. They gave us practical information that we could immediately use..." Patrice Berry - EB Enterprises, LLC. Check out our schedule for local government contracting classes in your area: https://mdptac.ecenterdirect.com/events?centerid=44 CLICK HERE FOR MORE TESTIMONIALS 2,051 Total Counseling Hours 2021 HIGHLIGHTS $65 Million In Contract Awards 3,942 Total Attendees at Training Events CONTACT Inquiries The Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) has its headquarters in College Park, MD, but we are located at seven other locations in order to assist all Maryland-based small businesses in their contracting efforts. Register for no-cost one on one counseling here . Once you are registered, a PTAC counselor will be in touch within 30 business days. If you need immediate help, call the office at 301 405 6550 for assistance. Head Office 5825 University Research Court Suite 1300 College Park, MD 20740 [email protected] Tel: 301-405-6550 Fax: 301-314-6550 How Are We Doing? https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/feedback Success! Message received. Send CONTACT PARTNERS

PTAC Rebranding to APEX Accelerators in 2023 The Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) is rebranding. The centers you go to for help at no cost will be called APEX Accelerators instead of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) from 2023. ​ The APEX Accelerators program, under the management of the Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), plays a critical role in the Department’s efforts to identify and engage with a wide range of businesses entering and participating in the defense supply chain. The program provides the education and training that all businesses need to participate to become capable of participating in DOD and other government contracts. There are more than 90 APEX Accelerators , formerly known as PTACs, assisting businesses in 49 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas, and in regions established by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the U.S. Department of the Interior. But don't worry, we will still bring you the same service at no cost. SAME GREAT SERVICE - DIFFERENT NAME! ​ Bear with us as we make branding changes over the coming year. Learn more HERE ​ ​​