Selling to the Government
Government agencies and large corporations buy the same types of things most businesses do; professional services, supplies, landscaping services and so on. Selling to government agencies can be tricky though, and that’s where Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (“PTAC”) come in to play.
PTAC offices provide small businesses throughout the region with assistance in submitting and understanding bidding opportunities and contracts. Often, they also support businesses in gaining certifications for women-, veteran- and minority-owned businesses.
Becoming Certified
Certification programs can help you market your business to both large business and governments. Many large corporations and governmental entities set-aside a percentage of their purchasing contracts for small businesses, minority and/or women owned businesses. Becoming “certified” as one or more of these types of businesses enables a company to bid on contracting opportunities. MWBE.com offers a pathway to certification.
Most government entities will require a company to at least go through a streamlined or shortened verification process that is specific to that agency. Certification can take from 30-90 days.
The following Resource Partners assist in procurement and certification:
Baltimore CitiBuy
Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center
Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council
Department of Public Works - Boards and Commissions
The Office of Boards and Commissions prequalifies all construction contractors and design consultants intending to perform contracts with the City of Baltimore that exceed $25,000.00
EMaryland Marketplace
ETC (Emerging Technology Centers)
Greater Baltimore Urban League
The Greater Baltimore Urban League, Inc. (GBUL) is one of the local affiliates of the National Urban League– a nonprofit, nonpartisan, multi-ethnic, social service organization. Through direct service delivery, advocacy, referrals, community capacity building, information dissemination and technical assistance, the League accomplishes its mission to improve social and economic conditions and opportunities for African-Americans and other people who face barriers to full participation in American society.
Lexington Business Center
Shared Office Space and Conference Room.
Free WiFi.
Free Black and White printing.
Mail/package receipt and storage.
Small Conference room for use by members.
Business Center also provide Business Coaching at a discount to members.
Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc.
Maryland Department of Commerce
Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance - MDPTAP
Maryland PTAP, which serves as a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), is funded in part through a cooperative agreement from the Department of Defense (DoD) through a program that is administered by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The content of any written materials or verbal communications of the PTAC does not necessarily reflect the official views of or imply endorsement by DoD or DLA.