New Kansas PTAC Subcenter in Topeka creates opportunities for local businesses
For Immediate Release:
Friday, Oct. 6, 2017
News from GO Topeka & EMBD
120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110, Topeka, Kansas 66603
GOTopeka.com
Contact: Glenda Washington, v.p. of entrepreneurial and minority business development, 785.231.6048
TOPEKA, KANSAS – GO Topeka’s Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development program is now a Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center subcenter and Kristi Dunn, who joined EMBD this summer as subcenter director, already is helping area businesses navigate the complex requirements of government contracts and procurement.
“The addition of a PTAC subcenter in Topeka – and Kristi’s skill and experiences as a subcontractor and project manager applied to the role of director – ensure we can provide local businesses with services they need close to home,” said Glenda Washington, vice president of EMBD. “This is a service set we were not previously able to provide. This assistance can mean big things for businesses that meet the required guidelines.”
Dunn, who came to GO Topeka with program development and project implementation experience with NASA, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and other agencies, is providing Topeka area businesses with individualized support and training previously accessible only in the Kansas City area or Wichita.
The Kansas PTAC is headquartered at Wichita State University. PTAC was created by Congress in the 1980s to assist businesses involved in government contracts. Today, Kansas PTAC assists qualified businesses in locating, obtaining and performing federal, state and local government contracts. Kansas PTAC is funded through a partnership that also includes Pittsburg State University, Johnson County Community College, the City of Wichita and now GO Topeka.
PTACs are the bridge between buyer and supplier, Dunn explained, bringing knowledge of both government contracting and the capabilities of contractors to maximize fast, reliable service to our government with better quality and at lower costs. Services include bid-matching, bid preparation assistance, specifications and standards, regulations and certifications, procurement/price history and training seminars. PTACs also can assist small businesses looking to utilize designators such as woman-owned, minority-owned or service disabled veteran-owned.
“My goal is to help some businesses grow by assisting them as they navigate the complex process of working with the government,” Dunn said. “My role is to act as a helpful guide along the way. I also have a robust network across the country of other PTACs and participate in on-going technical training. If I don’t have the answer, I can certainly find someone who does.”
All Kansas PTAC clients must meet specific guidelines and complete a registration process before services can be provided. Information about that process is available at http://www.kansasptac.org. Scheduled training opportunities in Topeka are online at http://gotopeka.umbrellahost.net/training-events/ptac/
“The businesses we work with must be viable and have a track record of quality product or service,” Dunn said. “The first step is to become a Kansas PTAC client. If we can help, we will through every step.”
Dunn has extensive experience working in the complex world of federal and state contracting, with specific experience in program development. As a sub-contractor with NASA, she managed a team based at Kennedy Space Center, providing contracting support to NASA Headquarters. Prior to this role, she was on overseas assignment as a Subject Matter Expert to Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory. This role required interface with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and British Command for shore-side operations. As support staff for the base, she gained extensive knowledge about the individual roles and requirements to successfully navigate multimillion-dollar procurement contracts. Dunn is a graduate of Washburn University.
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A program of GO Topeka, EMBD provides programming, training and financial incentive support opportunities for small businesses throughout Topeka & Shawnee County. Learn more at www.GoTopeka.com.
