“One of the best-kept secrets*” in the business resource arena is getting better. The Procurement Technical Assistance Program (along with its PTACs – Procurement Technical Assistance Centers) is changing its name to the APEX Accelerator program as it redefines its vision and mission. The program offers assistance to small businesses interested in selling their goods or services to the government, educational institutions, and Tribal entities. The change will help the program increase and improve its program offerings, said Therese Rivera, Program Manager of New Mexico APEX Accelerator.
The APEX Accelerator 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 help a wide range of businesses enter and participate in the defense supply chain. The program provides education and training to ensure that all businesses can become capable of participating in federal, state, and local government contracts.
PTAP Centers were under the Defense Logistics Agency of the Department of Defense.
Still under the DoD, the program’s move to the Office of Small Business Programs was done to better align APEX Accelerators with the other business offerings of the OSBP, said Rivera. The change is expected to increase collaboration among those programs.
APEX Accelerator advisors offer free confidential one-to-one counseling, and training in areas including:
- How to register your business in government databases
- Research strategies for accessing federal, state, & local government markets
- How to market yourself to the government
- How to respond effectively to a request for proposal (RFP) and a request for quotation (RFQ)
- How to obtain federal Set-Aside certifications for which you qualify
- Federal accounting and invoicing practices
- Post-award guidance
- Understanding government regulations
- How to be “Contract Ready”
- Advantages of teaming with other companies
The program is still in the process of transitioning, however, it has unveiled a new logo and website domain. Website content is currently being updated to reflect improvements in the program and depict the changed name and logo.
“We are excited about this new chapter in our organization’s history, and we are confident that this
rebranding will allow us to better serve the business community in New Mexico,” said Rivera. “This new name reflects our commitment to accelerating the growth of businesses in the state of New Mexico and helping entrepreneurs and innovators reach their full potential through government contracting.”
Read one company’s story of achieving growth through government contracting with the help of the program. (The 2019 story uses the PTAC name.)
Visit the New Mexico APEX Accelerator website.
*Quote from video accessible at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH67FRSFp4w