News

News

Connecting non-traditional suppliers to contracting opportunities 

A “non-traditional” supplier is typically a research and development firm, developing high tech or producing biomedical advancements or other cutting edge innovations.  These suppliers typically avoid working with government agencies due to the complicated and arduous process.  But the federal government provides a variety of ways to contract with these suppliers who need more streamlined relaxed contractual obligations.   

SBIR/STTR Phase 3 contract – Successful SBIR/STTR awardees are eligible for sole source contracts when completing Phase 2 of their research.  

OTAs – Other Transaction Authority contracts are available to contracting officers who want to access innovative research and or developments in the private sector.  

R & D NAICS codes – Use NAICS codes 541715, 541712, 541714, to search on SAM.gov for R & D opportunities. 

Work via a consortium – Consortiums bring together suppliers and researchers to help facilitate the development of technology, prototype initiatives and pressing R&D.  

Want to know more? Visit Innovation Station at Alliance Northwest to make connections and learn more about these and other opportunities! 

Bid Opportunities

Upcoming Events - Virtual unless otherwise noted

Keep scrolling to find upcoming events divided into four categories:

• Series Courses
• Focused Classes
• Monthly Meetings
• Tradeshows and Conferences

Upcoming Events - Series Courses

Washington PTAC, an APEX Accelerator, has created a 10 part virtual Public Works Contracting Series for contractors wanting to know how to perform on public works projects.  The target audience are contractors ready to transition into public works.  For contractors new to public works there will be a number of ah ha moments throughout the training series.  You will learn from instructors with years of experience in the topics they are presenting.  Their real life experiences lend to the curriculum and enhance the conversations.  

Expect to receive resource tools to support the session’s main points.  The 2-hour sessions start at 3:00 on Tuesdays. If you are interested in learning more about public works contracting get registered. 

Fundamental Sessions 

Session 1 – Introduction to Public Works – February 14th 

Session 2 – Fundamentals – February 21st 

Session 3 – Bonding – February 28th 

Session 4 – Accounting – March 3rd 

Session 5 – Insurance – March 10th 

Bidding Sessions 

Session 6 – Business Plan and Pursuit Schedule – April 4th 

Session 7 – Spec and Schedule – April 11th 

Session 8 – Pricing – April 18th 

Session 9 – Bidding – April 25th 

Session 10 – After Bid Submission Etiquette – May 2nd

Uncovering Government Contracting Opportunities (Business Expert Session) 

2/9/2023, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM  

This session will provide market research tips and techniques to help businesses find opportunities to bid on. Public sector marketplaces offer significant opportunities for many small, woman owned businesses. Women owned certifications and the competitive advantages they offer for both federal and state government agencies and primes will also be explored. 

Voluntary Proposer Meeting - Portage Bay Bridge & Roanoke Lid Project 

 2/9/2023, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM  

Hybrid: in-person and virtual  

WSDOT NW Regional Office, 15700 Dayton Ave North 2nd Floor (Rooms 257-259), Shoreline WA 98133 

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the SR 520 Program are hosting a hybrid (in person and online) Voluntary Proposer Meeting on February 9 for proposers, interested consultants and construction contractors to learn more about the upcoming Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid Project construction. 

Teaming Concepts and Strategies 

 2/10/2023, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM  

If you are interested in learning more about Teaming Strategies in the government marketplace this interactive workshop is for you.  Understanding how to properly team with Primes is a critical step in government contracting.  Instructor Matthew Rhinehart, owner of MastPoint has 20+ years of experience with the federal government market is ready to share his knowledge and provide informational tools.  

Steps Leading to a Federal Contract 

2/15/2023, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM  

The federal government's process to award a contract is like nothing you've experienced before. There are multiple steps to complete, in order to compete and be awarded a federal contract. 

You will learn: 

• Each required step to complete for a federal contract  
• Efficiency Tips and Tricks  
• How to get solicitations as soon as they are posted on sam.gov 
• Two extra bonus topics regarding post award (debriefs & contractor performance evaluations)  

Who in the government buys what I sell? 

2/16/2023, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM  

Learn how and where to find government contract opportunities. The session will also review the SBA's DSBS (Dynamic Small Business Search) as a no-cost marketing tool. 

Marketing for Government Contracts (Business Expert Session) 

2/23/2023, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM  

Marketing your products or services to government customers is much different than selling in the commercial sector. Explore the basics of how government customers buy and how you can position your firm to be considered. Participants will also learn how you can leverage your women owned business status when contracting with the government.  

Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs) 

2/23/2023, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM 

After contract award, often there are contract modifications. You may find yourself needing to submit a Request for Equitable Adjustment (REA) and not knowing what's required. 

This class will identify and provide: 

• The difference between a claim and an REA 
• Requirements for submitting an REA 
• REA checklist 

Upcoming Events - Monthly Sessions

Contracting Coffee Hour, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM       

Got contracting questions? We have answers!

2/1/2023, 3/1/2023  

University of Washington Virtual Workshops for Suppliers

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM 

The orientations will provide a learning opportunity to assist in navigating potential business prospects at the University and with other state agencies, as well as educational and other resources to assist businesses.   

2/2/2023, 3/2/2023 

PTAC & SBDC First Friday Follow-up, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 

Friday Follow-up is an open forum, round table for businesses to get answers from your local PTAC counselor and SBDC Advisor. Bring your questions regarding government contracting and learn from knowledgeable Small Business Experts. Our main focus is to share resources for growing your business. 

2/3/2023, 3/3/2023 

Wednesday with the Deputy for Small Business, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM  

Wednesday with the Deputy for Small Business is an opportunity for Industry partners to learn about doing business with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport.  

2/22/2023, 3/29/2023 

Doing Business with the state – DES, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM 

On the third Thursday of the month, the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) facilitates an interactive conversation with state procurement professionals who can provide information and insight on how to do business with the state. 

2/16/2023 

Upcoming Events - Tradeshows and Conferences

PNDC: Supply Chain Opportunities Conference

2/14/2023, Clackamas, OR 

Meet the Agencies—Vancouver

2/16/2023 Camas WA 

2023 NUWC Division Keyport Industry Day

3/14/2023 Keyport WA 

Alliance Northwest 2023

3/16/2023 Greater Tacoma Convention Center, WA 

Bridging Partnerships

4/12/2023 Kennewick WA

Govology classes, live and on demand, are Free for Washington PTAC clients – contact your PTAC counselor for access. Click here for the list of Govology this month’s live classes. 

Recorded webinars available.