Massachusetts Procurement Technical Assistance Center

 

Solving the Puzzle of Government Contracting

 

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) business advisors are dedicated to providing assistance in bidding, managing and performing on government contracts. Much of the counseling is performed at the client's firm location, making the technical support delivery available in a timely and cost effective manner.

Client firms receive an understanding of contracting requirements and the know-how to obtain and successfully perform federal, state and local government contracts. Small businesses headquartered in Massachusetts and in business for at least one year can subscribe to a free bid-matching service informing them of bidding opportunities (when electronically available) matching their specific product and/or service profiles. PTAC provides a wide range of assistance, such as: guidance on initial registrations and small business certifications, researching procurement histories, small business matchmaking conferences, proposal guidance and review, contract performance issues and much more.

E-commerce, including registering, bidding and performing on-line, in a paperless environment is a vital part of federal contracting. The counseling staff supports vendors in those efforts. Technical data, such as military specifications, standards, pricing histories and technical information by part number is supplied.

  • To determine the center closest to your location, please click here for an alphabetical listing.

  • Complete our online Request for Counseling form to have a business advisor contact you for an appointment.


Small Businesses

Whether you are new to government contracting or you have sought contracts in the past, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center can help you! Bidding on government contracts is a time-consuming, yet worthwhile process. PTAC is here to guide you through the process and give you information and referral on how to be more competitive. Our services are free and easy to access. Our experienced staff is fully mobile and ready to work with you at your location.

PTAC can assist your firm by:

  • Assessing your potential as a government contractor

  • Identifying government contract and subcontract opportunities

  • Providing specifications and standards

  • Assisting with contract management


Large Businesses

Traditionally, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers have worked to help small businesses negotiate through the government contracting maze. Yet, with the continually changing procurement and subcontracting regulations, more and more large businesses are turning to its local PTAC for contracting advice. To help answer some of the questions that large businesses have about contracting, the Massachusetts PTAC has put together a package of contracting services that contract managers can access to make the business of subcontracting run smoother.

PTAC can assist your company with:

  • Review subcontracting plans - fine tuning of individual, commercial and master plans

  • Diversification of your subcontracting pool - providing access to over 1,000 small businesses that may help fulfill your subcontracting goals

  • Mentor Protégé Program Participation - helping your company identify protégé candidates and providing contracting technical assistance to both parties

  • Publicity Assistance - arranging small business showcase events, extending invitations to appropriate small businesses, dignitaries and legislators when possible

  • Electronic Bid Match Assistance - broadcasting your subcontracting opportunities to appropriate small businesses
     

View presentation of services in English or Spanish (pdf).
 

Diversity & Inclusion

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center as a program of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to our services.

By contacting our office at 413-545-6303 and requesting at least two weeks in advance, every attempt will be made to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities and those who need translation services.