Omaha, Nebraska – A free program that helped Nebraska businesses grow their organizations with $162,079,983 in state contracts in 2021 is getting a new name.
The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), one of five programs within the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, is rebranding as the NBDC’s Nebraska APEX Accelerator.
The program has an important role in the country. The US government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, and each year contracts are available to companies at the local, state and federal levels. Contracts transcend industries, from construction to hospitality. The newly named Nebraska APEX Accelerator helps Nebraska companies earn a share of these contracts by helping them find opportunities, prepare bids and manage an incredibly detailed application process.
“Government contracting is an area that many business owners don’t think about when trying to grow their organizations,” said Veronica Doga, program director of NBDC’s APEX Accelerator. “But the government needs all kinds of goods and services. Our goal is to ensure that Nebraska businesses are cashing in on these opportunities and bringing those dollars to the Nebraska economy.”
For example, last year a consultant helped a Nebraska company win a contract worth up to $36 million to build a shelter for wild horses and donkeys. Another consultant helped a media relations firm renew its eligibility to provide media monitoring services to government bodies. Another helped a small sanitation company grow its business exponentially through government contracts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It can be a complicated and overwhelming area to get into, but that’s why we’re here. We do not charge for our services, and any for-profit company can turn to us for support,” said Doga.
Consultants also help companies apply for certifications that can help them gain an edge in competing for contracts targeted at certain types of businesses, such as minority-owned, women-owned small businesses or HUBZones.
The program hosts events to help business owners improve their knowledge base and network. One such upcoming opportunity is the Meet the Buyers spring conference, held in Omaha on April 20, 2023. The event allows business owners to meet directly with government agency buyers to showcase their goods and services, ask questions and learn about upcoming contracting opportunities.
The rebranding from PTAC to APEX Accelerator is occurring nationally, with administration of the program moving from the Defense Logistics Agency to the Department of Defense’s Office of Small Business Programs.
“Every business owner in Nebraska should ask themselves whether government contracting might be a good fit for their business model,” said Catherine Lang, executive director of the Nebraska Business Development Center. “And if they are not sure, our consultants can help. There are so many opportunities that Nebraska businesses could take advantage of.”