By now you know that the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) offers assistance to Georgia businesses seeking information about and help with government contracting issues.

The question you are probably asking yourself is how do I arrange for some one-on-one assistance?

GTPAC Counselors addressed over 8,000 counseling requests last year. Because of the high demand for our services, we take a systematic approach to providing help.

Here’s the best way to obtain our help:

• If your need for government contracting assistance is general in nature (“How do I register?”  “Who buys what I sell?”), then you should first consider attending one of GTPAC’s classes.  Take a look at all the topics covered (click on the TRAINING tab at the top of this page) and pick the one most relevant to your needs.  By attending a class, you’ll benefit from several hours structured instruction, plus handouts and other class resources which will be made available to you.
• Remember, in order to receive our counseling in any comprehensive way, you must become a registered client of GTPAC.  You can find details on how to become a client at ABOUT US .
• If, after taking relevant classes, you feel you need individualized help, consider sending an email to one of our Procurement Counselors.  If you have a question about a particular government solicitation document, be sure to give us the solicitation number and identify the government agency.  Make sure the “Subject” line of your email is relevant to the topic you are addressing, as that will help us identify the category of help you need and prioritize our response.  Also, be sure to identify yourself and your business name.  All of these points constitute good email etiquette — something that’s very important when you begin to communicate with government contracting officials.  We promise you a prompt response to your email; if you don’t hear back from us wihin a day or two, inquire again — remember, email is not foolproof.
• Going over your draft bid or proposal in response to a government solicitation is an ideal reason for meeting one-on-one with a GTPAC Counselor.  Call or email the Counselor nearest you to set up an appointment.  Here are some other tips to make the meeting productive:  1) Provide us with a copy of the government solicitation in advance of the meeting (email the document or provide us with the URL where it’s posted) and note your questions or the points you don’t understand; and 2)  Make your best effort and us your first draft of your response (digital documents via e-mail attachment).   If you follow these preparation steps, your Counselor will be prepared to meet with you and can give you the maximum amount of assistance. 

Remember, mastery of government contracting comes about as a result of lots of reading as well as trial and error.  The first bid proposal you prepare will be the hardest.  Each one you prepare after that will become a little bit easier.  Government language and requirements will become more and more familiar.  GTPAC will provide you with the instruction and tools along the way.  Take heart, be tenacious … and you will succeed.

© 2010 Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center – All Rights Reserved.