Congressman Platts to Host "Doing Business with the Federal Government"

What:    Federal Procurement Seminar
When:   Thursday, May 7, 2009, 8:00 a.m. to Noon
Where:  Penn State – York Conference Center
              1031 Edgecomb Avenue, York, Pennsylvania

York, PA – Local businesses looking to pursue contract opportunities with the federal government will be able to learn more about the process at the forthcoming “Doing Business with the Federal Government” workshop hosted by U.S. Congressman Todd Platts. Congressman Platts and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will host the event to provide practical, step-by-step guidelines for small businesses hoping to access procurement opportunities across the federal government.

 “The global economic crisis is presenting severe challenges for small businesses throughout the 19th Congressional District and is forcing them to seek new tools to remain competitive,” said Congressman Platts. “This seminar will help local businesses navigate the complex federal contracting process while providing the federal government with new partners that can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of federal programs.”

GSA contracting representatives and colleagues from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center will be on hand to discuss the initial steps in gaining access to the vast federal procurement environment.  GSA is the federal government's manager, buyer, and telecommunications coordinator for billions of dollars worth of products and services annually. GSA buys products ranging from pens and pencils to state-of-the-art technology equipment and services.
The topics to be discussed include:

• Entering and navigating the federal marketplace
• Where to look for federal contract opportunities
• Information about the Defense contracting process
• Loan programs and services offered by SBA to assist small businesses
  
The workshop will conclude with a question and answer session.  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.  Those interested in attending the seminar should contact Mary Weaver in Congressman Platts’ York office via e-mail at Mary.Weaver@mail.house.gov or via phone at 717-600-1919.