Fraud Alert!
There are third-party service providers offering similar services as Vermont APEX Accelerator (formerly VT PTAC) but for a fee. There are also scammers looking to gain access to your private information, often disguising as a government entity. A surge in unsolicited offers from these two groups is taking place most likely bolstered by the recent changes to the System for Award Management (SAM). Please use caution when receiving unsolicited offers. Always take a name, phone number and physical mailing address that can be used to confirm whether the company and offer are legitimate. Remember, there is NO FEE to register in SAM. If you receive an email, call, or letter from a company claiming to represent SAM, contact a Vermont APEX Accelerator counselor to confirm its legitimacy.
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES
State of Vermont Bid Board
The Vermont Bid Board is a searchable database of state, federal, municipal and private sector open and awarded contracts. You can also post and view bids, see awarded contracts and if you're a Vermont company, sign up for automatic notification bid notices.
Buildings and General Services - Office of Purchasing and Contracting
For a list of current bid opportunities.
Vermont Agency of Transportation - Contract Administration
For a list of advertised construction projects.
SAM.gov
The System for Award Management (SAM) is the official U.S. Government system for registering to do business with the federal government and review federal business opportunities. Registration at SAM.gov is 100% free. FedBizOpps / FBO.gov has been moved to SAM.gov and is now Contract Opportunities. Anyone interested in doing business with the federal government can use this system to search opportunities.
Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System
The DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) is a web-based application that provides the capability to search for, view, and submit secure quotes and other procurement information for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) items of supply.
Navy Electronic Commerce Online
This site is your link to the world of Navy Electronic Business Opportunities.
U.S. General Services Administration
Vendors can connect with a wide range of government opportunities.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Connect with agency buying officers, prime contractors and other businesses through our nationally recognized partnerships and networking events.
Keep up to date on upcoming Matchmaker events in your area. A Matchmaker is a not-to-be-missed networking event where Vermont small businesses will have the opportunity to meet the procurement and prime contractors and representatives from state and federal government agencies in a series of 10-minute one-on-one appointments. Find out more.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
Vermont APEX Accelerator (formerly VT PTAC) is part of network of procurement technical assistance centers throughout the U.S. that share one common goal: to provide business with an understanding of the requirements of government contracting and the know-how to obtain and successfully perform federal state and local contracts.
APTAC is the professional organization of and for DLA-funded APEX Accelerators Program. APEX Accelerator Centers have been established in almost every state to provide direct services to businesses. To locate an APEX Accelerator in another state or territory, visit the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) website.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
This program provides procurement preferences to Veteran-Owned and controlled small businesses, the business must be Verified as an eligible firm and be registered in the VIP database. For more information about the Vets First Verification Program visit https://www.va.gov/osdbu/verification/.
All counselors at the Vermont APEX Accelerator (formerly VT PTAC) are certified by the VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) to navigate the Vets First Verification Program. Counselors assists Veterans with determining if their business is eligible for the Vets First Contracting Program or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program. Once eligibility is confirmed, counselors can assist Veterans to market their SDVOSB or Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) status and understand SDVOSB and VOSB opportunities for government contracts. Veterans can learn about the requirements of the Vets First Contracting Program, and other services offered to Veterans free of charge, by contacting a Vermont APEX Accelerator counselor.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA has various available federal preference programs that may jump-start your federal contracting business. This effort is focused on creating an environment where maximum participation by small businesses. Available support includes financing, training, counseling, communication, and procurement and legislative policies. Click here to find out how you can take advantage of these federal preference programs.
- 8(a) Business Development Program
- Historically Underutilized Business Zone Program (HUBZone)
- Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP)
- Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
Vermont National Guard Partnership
The Vermont APEX Accelerator (formerly VT PTAC) works closely with the National Guard Association of Vermont (NGA-VT) to strengthen the relationship between NGA-VT and the local business community in the National Guard Association of Vermont’s Corporate Partnership Program. Members of the Vermont National Guard are a citizen armed force. When activated they perform their mission and when inactive they work and live their lives in our communities. To date, members of our National Guard have agreed to assist Vermont companies in their efforts to attract Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. Over the last year, with a pilot group of six companies, National Guard personnel have assisted Vermont companies by assisting with networking, sales, and marketing.
Assist
Access defense and federal specifications and standards, handbooks, descriptions, and technical documents.
Cybersecurity Regulation Compliance
Companies doing business with the Department of Defense (DOD) supply chains must have adequate information security measures in place. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was introduced in 2020. CMMC applies to all companies with defense contracts – even those not handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Contact a Vermont APEX Accelerator counselor for assistance. You can also visit Project Spectrum for additional assistance with cybersecurity preparedness.
Defense Pricing and Contracting
Responsible for pricing and contracting policy matters across the Department of Defense.
Federal Acquisition Regulation
The FAR is the principal set of rules regarding federal government procurement in the United States.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Looking into doing business with FEMA? Learn about the four-step process and where to find opportunities.
Federal Product Codes
Federal product and service codes are used by the United States government to describe the products, services, and research and development purchased by the government. To locate a list of Federal Product Codes visit http://support.outreachsystems.com/resources/tables/pscs/.
North American Industry Classification System
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. To locate a list of classification codes visit https://www.census.gov/naics/. The NAICS Size Standards are established by the SBA’s Administrator.
PIEE / WAWF
The Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) is the primary electronic procurement application for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. The Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) module allows vendors and government officials to submit and process invoices, and all required contract documentation. It’s a one-stop system to check invoicing status and access tax statements. Contact a Vermont APEX Accelerator counselor for assistance.
Small Business Innovation Research
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. Find out more. Contact a Vermont APEX Accelerator counselor for assistance.