Seminar on basics of government contracting
Jan. 22, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- After a December program attracted more than a dozen businesspeople interested in working with the government, Western Michigan University is repeating the workshop, which outlines the basics of landing federal and state contracts.
Sponsored by WMU's Southwest Michigan Technical Assistance Center, "Government Contracting Basics" will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce Building, 346 W. Michigan Ave. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for the free event, which is open to the public. Those interested in attending should reserve a seat by contacting Janice Campbell at (269) 387-2005 or <janice.campbell@wmich.edu>.
"Government contracts are an excellent source of stability for businesses that go up and down with the economy," says Michael Black, director of the Southwest Michigan TAC, who will lead the workshop. "For any business looking to break into government contracting, it's important to learn the basics. There are a lot of regulations and paperwork people should familiarize themselves with before that first contract is one the line."
At the seminar, Black will tell attendees how to register to bid on federal and state contracts; discuss special contracting programs for woman-owned, small disadvantaged and HUBZone businesses; review forms, regulations and laws; and reveal steps for success in landing and executing government contracts. Black stresses that the program is aimed at businesspeople with no prior government contracting experience.
Under the umbrella of WMU's Haworth College of Business and its Office of Business Development Services, the Southwest Michigan Technical Assistance Center offers free assistance to area companies interested in doing business with the government. Annually, center director Michael Black and his staff help businesses secure more than $28 million in government contracts.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu