PTACs can help Small Businesses to:

• Determine suitability for contracting

• Secure necessary registrations – such as the Department of Defense’s Central Contractor Registration, SBA’s PRO-Net, and other government vendor databases

• Determine eligibilityfor – and secure - SDB, 8(a), HUBzone, and other certifications

• Networkwith potential buyers, prime contractors and/or teaming partners

•  Identify Bid Opportunities

• Prepare bid proposals– including obtaining procurement histories, specifications and drawings and determining pricing

• Navigate post-award contract performance issues– including interfacing with the agency, developing cost-accounting systems, audit preparations and developing environmental and safety plans

Providing Outreach for DoD’s new acquisition policies

PTACs are a vital, unique resource for the Office of the Secretary of Defense to provide important information on new acquisitions procedures, specialized solicitations, or contracting information. 
Noteworthy examples are current outreach efforts on behalf of OSD for the new acquisition policies regarding Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) – which tracks inventories through computer networks connected with microchips "tagged" to products, and Unique Identification (UID) which will enable easy access to information about DoD possessions that will make acquisition, repair, and deployment of items faster and more efficient.
The PTACs are DoD's official RFID small business outreach and training organization.  Over 300 PTAC staff have received in-depth training on RFID technology and how it will impact DoD suppliers. In turn, they are:

• Conducting classes and seminars for small businesses around the country regarding RFID policy.  Over 90 such events have been held since mid-2005; others continue to be scheduled around the country in response to need and interest.

• Providing individual counseling regarding RFID as appropriate.

• Notifying approximately 100,000 companies about the RFID policy.

Supporting Federal Acquisitions Offices
Most PTACs work closely with the Defense Contract Management Administration, Defense Supply Centers, military installations, the Department of Energy, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management, and many other agencies.  PTAC services for federal agencies include:
Outreach Events
PTACs regularly sponsor conferences at the request of agencies to disseminate information to contractors. These events provide information on new acquisitions procedures, specialized solicitations, or contracting information.

Targeted Contractor Assistance
PTACs are contacted by federal buying officials requesting assistance for specific companies they wish to contract with, but which lack necessary certifications or other criteria for a contract award.
Locating Specialized Contractors
PTACs help identify contractors that provide a specialized product or service or that will help to fulfill procurement goals for 8(a), HUBZone, Woman-owned or Veteran-owned businesses.

Problem Solving
PTACs are called upon to help resolve problems with contractors.
Solicitation Development
PTACs help draft solicitations directed at small businesses or set-aside for specific categories of small business, such as 8(a) or HUBZone. They also work with large prime contractors to develop appropriate subcontracting plans.

Referrals
Every day, federal acquisitions staff and agency small business specialists send vendors and potential vendors to their local PTACs for the many types of assistance they need to engage in the procurement process.