To become a client, use the
Online Client Application to access Native PTAC services and benefits.

The Native PTAC also provides training classes, seminars, conferences and trade shows. In addition the Native PTAC has customized software to identify wide-ranging bid and contracting opportunities with government agencies.

Services

The Native PTAC provides free assistance with the following:

Interpretation of Solicitations
Native PTAC can help decipher solicitations by reviewing contract clauses, terms, definitions and requirements to ensure your interactions with bid target agencies are correct, complete and powerful.

Assistance with government registrations and certifications
Certain certifications and registrations are required to contract with various levels of governmental agencies, while others help businesses to be more competitive in the government marketplace. Native PTAC provides assistance with Central Contractor Registration (CCR), Online Representations & Certifications Application (ORCA) registration.

Marketing Assistance
Native PTAC helps determine where the key markets are for your products and services. They also work to bridge opportunities between buyers and suppliers.

Specifications, Standards and Drawings
Native PTAC also helps locate necessary documents for solicitations.

All other areas of selling to the government
It is our job to assist small businesses with selling to local, state, and federal government agencies and government prime contractors. If a small business has questions in any area of selling to the government we will work to help answer those questions. This can range from packaging requirements, technology, to practicing a presentation. Click here to contact your outreach center.

Training and Seminars
Native PTAC hosts a number of training sessions and seminars throughout the year to provide the practical, hands-on information you need to do business with the government. Topics have included local procurement opportunities, government certifications, construction and bonding, and doing business with GSA. View the Calendar for current trainings in your area. PTAC provides advice and assistance free of charge. However, the Native PTAC has developed fee services to meet the specialized needs of our clients.

Federal Services

Doing Business with the Government – where do I start?
The Native PTAC provides free assistance with the following:

  1. Get a computer (or access to one) & get on the Internet! More and more government business is being conducted online. Even if you don’t have your own website, you must at least have an email address.
  2. Find your DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number. The D&B D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit identification sequence, which provides unique identifiers of single business entities, while linking corporate family structures together. This process is free of charge and should only take a few minutes. You can get this number by calling Dun & Bradstreet at (866) 705-5711 and tell them you are doing government contracting
  3. Find out your NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes. These are codes that describe what your business does. http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html. Be sure to keep these codes handy, as you will need them when filling out Government registrations or searching for bids.
  4. Register with the Central Contractors Registration. Their website is located at http://www.ccr.gov/index.asp. The website contains a very useful handbook which you can print out and use to complete the application. Companies who want to do business with the Federal Government are required to be registered in CCR. Select Start New Registration or click the following site to go right to it: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/scripts/indexnew.asp After 24 hours you will be issued a CAGE code. The Federal Government use this CAGE code when it pays you for goods and services. Be sure to save your User ID, Passwords, MPIN and Security Question answers in a safe place.
  5. After signing up for CCR, be sure to fill out the additional information provided by the SBA to register in the Dynamic Small Business Search at the CCR website. This provides a database for you to market your company and for government contractors and prime contractors to use when they are looking for vendors.
  6. (OPTIONAL BUT REQUIRED FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTS) After signing up for CCR, Be sure to complete your ORCA (Online Representations and Certification application) at http://orca.bpn.gov/. This registration allows you to enter your reps and certs information just once for use on all future government contracts.
  7. (OPTIONAL) Visit the General Services Administration website at http://www.gsa.gov. Check out the GSA schedule and see the variety of goods and services listed. You may want to consider applying for a GSA contract (called a “schedule”) which allows government buyers to purchase from you at a prearranged price. You can find out how to apply for a GSA schedule at their website. click here to print " Doing Business With GSA" national brochure

Most Federal agencies have positions especially designed to assist small businesses. Find out if the agencies you want to do business with have a Small Business office you can contact for assistance. The website at http://www.osdbu.gov/Listofmembers.htm is a great place to start.

TIPS TO REMEMBER:

  • Print out online applications and fill them out on paper before doing them online.
  • Always keep copies of applications you have done online, mailed and faxed in. And be sure you write down the dates you submitted the applications on the copies.
  • Always write down and keep any passwords, registration numbers, MPINS or TPINS. These can be very hard to replace if you lose them!
  • Don’t hesitate to call the help lines on websites if you have questions. Once again, keep track of who and when you called.
  • If you call a help line and aren’t satisfied with the person you are talking to, document the call, hang up, call back and talk to someone else.
  • Keep documentation of everything! You may need it in the future.

FirstGov
www.FirstGov.gov

Whatever you want or need from the U.S. government, it's here on FirstGov.gov. You'll find a rich treasure of online information, services and resources.

E-Gov
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/egov/

Expanding E-Government is the President’s goal of utilizing technology to improve how the Federal Government serves you, citizens, businesses and agencies alike. This website provides an overview of the program, the Presidential E-Government Initiatives and the Federal Enterprise Architecture. Please discover the many ways Federal employees are serving citizens, businesses and local communities via E-Government.

Regulations.gov
http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main

On this U.S. Government Web site you can find, view, and comment on regulations and other actions for all Federal agencies.

White House
http://www.whitehouse.gov/

SBA
http://www.sba.gov/

Programs and services to help you start, grow and succeed The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. IRS -- Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small Find it Fast! Know what you're looking for and want to find it fast? Select business topics using our A-Z listing, or by business type such as sole proprietor, corporation, etc. We also provide links to major business subjects, such as Business Expenses, which provides a gateway to all related information on that subject.

State & Local Services

The Washington State PTACs provide free assistance with the following:

Access Washington
http://www.access.wa.gov/ The Official State Government Web site

General Administration
http://www.ga.wa.gov/webs/ Washington's Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) The Department of General Administration (GA) is responsible for a variety of services that support the operations of other state agencies and enable them to focus on their core missions. Our customer commitment is to be both responsive and responsible. Don’t forget about your local government agencies and entities. Check with your local cities, ports, school districts, counties and other local agencies for information on their purchasing practices, small works rosters, vendor lists, etc. Best to do a google search to locate them. Contact your local PTAC provider for more information

OMWBE
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/
http://www.omwbe.wa.gov/

State Program-The Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises administers the state certification program pursuant to Chapter 39.19, Revised Code of Washington. The purpose of the state program is to maximize the opportunities for the minority and women business enterprises (MWBEs) to participate in public works projects and to provide goods and services to state agencies and educational institutions. Bona fide minority and women owned business can participate in the state program by becoming certified by OMWBE.

Federal Program By contract with the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT). OMWBE also processes applications for certification for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

Small Business Programs available in Washington State U.S. Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov/wa/seattle/index.html

Programs and services to help you start, grow and succeed. To find out where your local SBA office is located visit the Web site above. Your Company may qualify for SBA procurement certifications such as HUBZone, SDB or 8a. They also have information to assist Veteran owned businesses. SBA is an excellent procurement resource and offers seminars and assistance to companies interested in doing business with the government.

SCORE
http://www.score.org

Counselors to America's Small Business is America's premier source of free & confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs. Get biz advice today SCORE is a Resource Partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration

Women's Business Centers (WBC's)
http://www.nwwbc.org/

The Office of Women's Business Ownership is an integral component of Entrepreneurial Development's network of training and counseling services. It oversees a network of Women’s Business Centers. The centers are designed to assist women achieve their dreams and improve their communities by helping them start and run successful businesses, regardless of social or financial disadvantage, race, ethnicity or business background.

Community Capital Development (CCD)
http://www.seattleccd.com/

Non-profit community development organization and certified community development financial institution; providing access to capital and business assistance to low-income, women, and minority entrepeneurs and small business in distressed and undeserved communities in Washington State. For information, classes and events; visit the Web site above.

Everett Area Chamber of Commerce
http://www.everettchamber.com/

The Everett Area Chamber of Commerce is a strong advocate for business policies that make Snohomish County and Washington State an effective place to do business. It is a resource center overflowing with information and access to experts and business programs. For information and events; visit the Web site above.

Washington Technical Center (WTC)
http://www.watechcenter.org/

WTC is a statewide economic development agency focused on technology and innovation by:
  • Providing funding support and access to capital
  • Facilitating research collaboration
  • Offering business services support
  • Providing access to laboratory facilities
  • Investing in emerging industries

Office of Small Business Development Centers
http://www.wsbdc.org/

Our Business Advisors have certified broad-based skills and significant experience as business owners or managers. We provide one-on-one, confidential assistance at no charge for management and technical business affairs such as:

  • Start, purchase or sale of a business
  • Choosing and incorporating new technology
  • Financial management
  • Business plan development
  • Market plan development
  • Business research

Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council
http://www.nmbc.biz/home/

For over 30 years, the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) has been linking major corporations and public agencies to minority-owned businesses, a multi-billion dollar sector representing and impacting today's global economy. The NMBC currently serves the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Alaska.