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Show OCTOBER 12,2006 Page 4 THE GARFIELD COUNTY INSIDER GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WILL HOST FIRST-EVER PROCUREMENT SYMPOSIUM Every year the federal government spends billions of dollars purchasing everything from weapons systems and information technology to uniforms and custodial work. State and local governments also spend millions of dollars purchasing goods and services each year. Are Utah companies getting their share of those contracting dollars? According to Fred Lange, director of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center ( PTAC ) in the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), there are billions of dollars in contracts issued each year for which Utah businesses could compete; however, many of those contracts go to out-of-state vendors because Utah companies aren't in the game. For example, he says catering services for the last air show at Hill Air Force Base went to an out-of-state vendor, despite the fact that numerous Utah caterers could probably have provided the services, had they competed for the bid. In total, Utah prime and subcontracting companies are currently selling $ 1.9 billion per year in government and military contracts and Lange says the potential is there to add in excess of $3 billion more. Last year Utah small businesses garnered well over $50 million in government contracts, which equates to approximately 2,000 new or retai ned jobs. "But we think that can be surpassed," Lange says. If a Utah company sells a product or service to the general population, it is likely that same product or service can be sold to a federal government agency or state government. From lawn maintenance, catering and asphalt services to paper products, aircraft engine parts and high technology support, the opportunities are huge and Lange says becoming an approved supplier is easier than many Utah businesses believe. Even businesses that believe they are too small can become sub-contractors to larger prime contractors. For example, Lange says prime contractors in Utah are currently looking for subcontracting companies in electro-mechanical assembly, custom molded rubber products and sheet metal fabrication shops. "I'm convinced the real success comes from helping smaller companies team up with the large government contractors. The mentor/prote'ge' relationship between a large contractor and a subcontractor can help the small business develop the confidence, cash flow, and track record necessary to become a viable government contractor." Furthermore, many federal contracts require that'the prime contractors outsource a portion of the work to small businesses, so the state is becoming very proactive in working with large contractors to develop mentoring or teaming relationships with small Utah businesses. Consequently, garnering more government contracting dollars for Utah companies is the objective of Utah's first-ever procurement symposium , hosted by GOED this October 19. Utah companies interested in government contracting opportunities should plan to attend the symposium at the SouthTowne Exposition Center (9575 S. State Street, Sandy) from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lange says businesses, whether large or small, will have the opportunity to meet senior officials from Air Force and Army purchasing, V eterans Affairs, State purchasing and local government purchasing offices. The symposium wjll also feature a keynote address by former U.S. Senator Jake Gam, and a luncheon address by GOED Executive Director Jason Perry. Lange says breakout sessions will be conducted by individuals and panels who will teach Utah companies the processes, pitfalls and successes, that are possible via government contracting. Attendees can register for the symposium online or email their registration information to PTAC@utah.gov . For more information call Myrna Hill, (801) 538-8775. Getting in the Contracting Game Lange says getting in the contract-. ing game requires four steps and the PTAC program is there to help Utah companies through the process: 1. Obtain a DUNS number. 2. Register on CCR.gov—a prerequisite to doing business with the federal government. 3. Use GOED's proprietary software to find contracting opportunities—PTAC will help you define your business services with key words that the software uses to match what you do with available contracting opportunities. Once set up, you can view bidding opportunities via the Internet. 4. Submit your bids. GOED operates nine regional PTAC offices at various locations around the state and small businesses are invited to contact any of them for assistance. "Our help is free, it's quick, and it's to the point," says Lange. How many minutes do I need? When do nights and weekends start? Do I need text messaging? Am I paying for roaming? It's a jungle of cellular plans out there. Don't get lost in features you don't need and fees you don't want. South Central Communications makes it simple to get the perfect cellular plan. South Central rj COMMUNICATIONS www.SouthCentralCommunications.com Jungle Plan only $ 60 00 Gel the NEW Kyocera© STROBE Phoneat any South Central Store! per month* You Get: • 1,200 minutes per month • Unlimited long distance • Unlimited Nights & Weekends And your choice of any two: • 1,000 Text Messages per month • FREE companion phone • 10 Friends & Family on Any network • 400 Bonus Minutes • 120 Additional Roaming minutes • Unlimited in-network calling Cedar City 535 S. 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