Government Contracting
The Idaho Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
Government agencies spend billions of dollars on goods and services every year. Any company, regardless of size, is eligible to compete for these contracts. The majority of federal purchases under $150,000 are set aside for small businesses, which opens new opportunities for many Idaho firms. Idaho Department of Commerce can help your company access this immense market through the Idaho PTAC. The Idaho PTAC assists local businesses in securing over $100,000,000.00 in federal contracts annually. Working with the Idaho PTAC is timely, efficient and productive. Using specially designed bid tracking software to access a variety of procurement systems, the Idaho PTAC alerts you to potential new customers and provides information on new opportunities that match your company’s product and service profile.
The Idaho PTAC covers the entire state of Idaho representing businesses in all 44 Idaho counties.
The Idaho PTAC is a service available to all Idaho businesses and is a great tool to expand your sales and
marketing reach. Best of all, your membership is free.
For any questions please call 208-334-2470 or email: gary.moore@commerce.idaho.gov or lee.velten@commerce.idaho.gov
Workshop & Event Details
FCC Initial Orientation Workshop
The Federal Contractor Certification (FCC) is a free training program designed to help participants understand federal contracting, respond competently to solicitations and perform successfully once they have won a contract. Originally created for veterans, it's now available to non-veteran business owners as well. What's the advantage of getting certified? While this program does not guarantee any contracts, it does give you another tool in preparing a winning proposal and performing well on a contract award. Certification demonstrates to federal contracting personnel that you have the knowledge and skills to lead your business in performing successfully on a government contract. It means you've absorbed the most up-to-date federal contracting training content. It means you're serious, and know what you're doing. And in this economy, any competitive advantage helps! The program consists of four levels of certification. Each level consists of about 40 hours of self-paced coursework and an on-site final exam. Each successive level is built upon completion of all previous levels. There is no charge for the initial workshop and follow-on training is also FREE. Keep checking this website for future dates/times/locations.
ONLINE TRAINING
The Defense Acquisition University training site is back on line for all people who were or are interested in taking the Federal Contracting Certification Course(s). Please contact Lee Velten (208) 334-2470 for more details.
Information on Doing Business With...
ITD DBE Newsletters Jun 2011 http://www.itd.idaho.gov/civil/pdf/Jun11.pdf
ITD DBE Newsletter 12 month archive http://www.itd.idaho.gov/civil/dbeforms.htm
FAQs
Getting Started
I’m new to government contracting. How do I sell to the federal government?
REGISTRATIONS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTING The iUpdate site for Dun & Bradstreet where you can register to obtain a DUNS number or log in to review your DUNS number information is: https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/viewiUpdateHome.htm After obtaining a DUNS number you will have to register in the System for Award Management (SAM). The SAM site is You will first need to create an account in SAM (very similar to iUpdate) and then either migrate your account (if you already have a CAGE code and were previously registered in CCR) or under the MY SAM dashboard select Manage Entity then Register New Entity. If you are already in SAM and need to update information, then under the MY SAM dashboard select Manage Entity then Complete Registration.
Local Resources
Where can I get information on HUBZone and 8(a) certification?
These programs are available through the US Small Business Administration.
Where can I get information on becoming a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)?
This program is available through the Idaho Department of Transportation.
Where can I get information on selling to the State of Idaho?
This information is available through the Idaho Department of Administration/Division of Purchasing.