In this month's issue, we spotlight the largely untapped resource of federal and state government contracts. 

Many local companies do take advantage of these opportunities, while many others simply do not - be it lack of understanding of things like CAGE codes or DUNS numbers or simply not knowing what procurement resources and opportunities exist to help companies.

I hope you find this issue's (and the previous issue's) information beneficial.

For more information on any article, you may reach me via our HELPWEB or at any of the contact information given below.

Matchforce / NC Military Business Center 

Matchforce is a web-based tool provided by the State of NC and the NC Military Business Center (NCMBC) to individuals and government purchasers worldwide and to companies in NC.

The tool matches the following: government purchases to NC suppliers, individuals to job opportunities with NC companies; and NC companies to government business opportunities, potential business partners and potential employee profiles.

As of March 4, there were more than 9500 contracts waiting to be matched, with hundreds added daily - with contracts ranging from high energy laser R&D to supplying mattress padding.

Though free, the site does require registration to view the contracts, as well as to be matched.

For assistance with Matchforce or the NCMBC, please contact our Charlotte Metro representative.

Procurement Technical Assistance

If the procurement process in general continues to baffle, turn to the NC Procurement Technical Assistance Center (NC PTAC).

Fortunately, there is a local contact (Mark Mills) for the Center, based out of the Small Business and Technology Development Center in Hickory. 

The Center provides procurement technical assistance by offering no fee and confidential counseling on selling your products and/or services to the appropriate government agency.

NC PTAC counselors provide assistance in such areas as:

• Identifying preference eligibility and complete applicable certifications

• Understanding solicitation requirements and terminology

• Locating specifications and standards

• Reviewing bids and proposals

• Assisting in completing mandatory/beneficial registrations

• Searching government databases to identify opportunities

For further assistance, please click here and/or contact our local counselor, Mark Mills at (828) 345-1115 or mmills@sbdtc.org

Committee of 100 Member Spotlight

CFA (Carolina First Associates, LLC) is a professional insurance broker that has been servicing Hickory and the surrounding area since 1980.

With over 50 years of combined experience, CFA specializes in employer/group insurance benefits and individual benefits, while offering a whole host of products. 

To learn more, you are invited to contact the staff at Carolina First Associates, LLC.