New Guard Video Highlights Economic Impact and PTAC Help
The Missouri National Guard’s commitment to the people of Missouri goes beyond serving in times of emergency. In a recently produced video, the Guard highlights the important role it plays in the state’s economy by using its purchasing power in local communities and with local small businesses – a role supported by the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MOPTAC).
The Guard estimates its statewide economic impact at over $1 billion, with its purchases ranging from catered meals, groceries and supplies for its armories to large construction projects. Government purchase cards are widely used with local merchants for purchases under $3,000. But they are particularly proud of their contracting record, with 89% of their competitive awards being made to small businesses, which is where the MOPTAC comes in. In their video, the Guard encourages small businesses interested in selling to them to contact the PTAC. Major Timothy Kohls, Supervisory Contract Specialist with the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office (USFPO), says of MOPTAC, “They are the #1 resource for information on how to do business with the government.”
The video goes on to feature MOPTAC Specialist Carolyn Jones, who works every day helping small businesses sell to government agencies. Carolyn confirms the importance of the Guard to her state. “An entity like the National Guard, who procures its products and services from small business in Missouri has an immediate impact, because the contractors may have to rent additional office space, they may have to hire additional employees, they may need more equipment and supplies, and all of this has a direct impact on Missouri’s economy,” she explains.
And she should know. She helped Lantern Creek Productions, a St. Louis video production firm, to identify and bid on the contract to create the Missouri National Guard’s video, illustrating once again how PTACs facilitate and support the relationships between small businesses and government agencies, strengthening both local economies and our government overall.
For help with Government Contracting: contact your nearest Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Funded through Cooperative Agreements between the U.S. Department of Defense and state and local governments/institutions, PTACs provide free and low-cost assistance in virtually all areas of government contracting.