On May 2nd, 2019, GTPAC provided support at the Georgia National Guard vendor expo at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, GA. Vendors who attended the expo were allowed to showcase their products and services to buyers from the Georgia National Guard’s logistics, human resources, medical, equipment, training, operations, and information technology units.
The event was organized by Derrick A. Thomas, a Contract Specialist with the Georgia National Guard. The Georgia National Guard makes a strong effort each year to reach out to small businesses in the local community who desire to do business with the Guard.
GTPAC Program Manager Andrew Smith spoke at the event and provided some general tips and advice to contractors in attendance. “To be a successful government contractor, you have to have the basics covered. You need to be registered in SAM, the SBA Dynamic Small Business Search (“DSBS”) database, and you need to develop a smart marketing strategy if you want to have a chance to win simplified acquisitions or subcontracting opportunities.”
GTPAC and Procurement Technical Assitance Centers located in all 50 states, regularly provided free assistance to businesses who need help with the SAM and SBA DSBS registration process.
Smith continued, “The government will not buy from you if they do not know about you, and the value of your products or services, so attending events like this where you can interact with government buyers, showcase your products and services, and meet prime contractors who are looking for subcontractors is essential if you want to have success in the government market. I thank the Georgia National Guard for making this opportunity available to the local business community.”