September 12, 2022
Washington PTAC is pleased to announce the opening of a new full-time advising position for the Thurston County region.
Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
Thurston Economic Development Council
Position Description: PTAC Advisor for Main Center serving Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pacific Counties
Position Open Date: September 12, 2022. Open until at least October 3 or until filled.
Position Title:
Procurement Technical Assistance Center Advisor
Position Purpose: Washington State is home to a significant amount of government agency buying activity including Joint Base Lewis McChord, Naval Base Kitsap, Fairchild Air Force Base, US National Park Service, the Veterans Administration, the General Service Administration, and state and local government to name a few. These agencies purchase a wide array of products and services each day, representing a significant opportunity for businesses in our region. Navigating government contracting regulations and procedures can be a daunting task. The Procurement Technical Assistance Center Counselor helps businesses understand how to find, bid on, win, and perform on government contracts so that they can diversify their customer base and create jobs.
Thurston EDC, through the PTAC Program, seeks to ensure firms in the region are winning government contracts and subcontracts so that they can grow/diversify their business and further contribute to the economic vibrancy of our community. By providing technical assistance on how to find contracts, bid on them responsively, and comply with post-award terms and conditions, firms in the region are more likely to succeed long-term in the marketplace. Last year, businesses that worked with PTAC won $300 million in government contracts.
About the Organization: The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is a private non-profit organization, governed by a Board of Directors. As the lead economic development organization in Thurston County our mission is to create a vital and sustainable economy throughout the county and region that supports the livelihood and values of our residents. We do this by:
- Connecting local businesses with experts and resources that help them remain competitive,
- Creating and delivering strategic messages that attract new investment to our community
- Working with our community partners to enhance our collective prosperity
The Procurement Technical Assistance Center is a program of the Thurston EDC. The PTAC program funded in part by the Department of Defense and administered through the Department of Defense. Prior to applying, please learn more by visiting: www.thurstonedc.com, www.washingtonptac.org.
Position Responsibilities:
- Guide businesses through the process of assessing their capacity/suitability for government contracting
- Guide businesses through the process of finding, bidding, and performing on government contracts and sub- contracts
- Conduct outreach to businesses throughout Washington State about government contracting opportunities with federal, state and local governments as well as prime contractors. Outreach to small, women owned, minority owned, and veteran owned businesses is a critical part of our work plan.
- Assist businesses with government registrations (i.e. www.sam.gov) and certifications (SBA’s Hubzone, 8a, etc) related to selling to the government, finding opportunities, marketing to government buyers, bidding, getting paid, proposal development, interpretation of regulations, and more. Assistance is provided primarily through workshops and one-on-one counseling with the businesses by phone, in person or by email
- Coordinate workshops and events that increase knowledge of government contracting
- Attend outreach events to ensure awareness of PTAC services
- Enroll businesses in the PTAC’s electronic bid-match service
- Review and disseminate bid opportunities and subcontracting opportunities to clients
- Develop and maintain relationships with federal, state and local government agencies and prime contractors
- Develop and maintain relationships with other business resource providers throughout the region.
- Meet or exceed program goals for number of counseling sessions, events, etc. Keep counseling reporting database up to date at least weekly.
- Collaborate with other PTAC counselors throughout the state and region to share best practices
- Complete training courses that are relevant to the needs of clients and attend training events as budget allows.
- Other duties as assigned
Onboarding/Training: Candidates without all the preferred skills and experience are still encouraged to apply. The role of a PTAC advisor is unique; The successful candidate will have access to strong mentorship from experienced advisors, training, and formal online curriculum developed by the Association of PTACs.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn business and government contracting principles and how to apply them to the client business success strategy.
- Strong computer skills to research government marketplace and navigate registrations and online government systems
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects
- Ability to listen critically to identify needs and solve problems
- Strong, professional written communication skills
- Strong verbal communication skills, including public speaking in front of large and diverse audiences
- Ability to take complicated material and create concise curriculum for adult learners
- Resourcefulness – you will frequently have to research answers to a business’ questions with little direction
- Work well within a team environment and collaborative approach to work
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
Other Preferred Experience:
- Experience providing assistance to small businesses
- Experience working within a business that sells to the government
- Experience as a contracting officer for a federal, state, or local government agency
Salary Scale: $68,000 – $74,000 Annually
Working Conditions: Professional office environment – Daily use of computer required. Some travel by automobile is required throughout service area. PTAC has a strong team approach to delivering products and services to the community and businesses. The successful candidate should be comfortable with this type of collaborative working environment.
Thurston EDC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against an employee or client on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or the presence of any disability.
This is a full-time salaried position that is exempt from overtime. All full time employees are offered a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, paid vacation and holidays and a matching retirement plan.
Thurston EDC office is located in Lacey, WA. Some remote work may be authorized. In-person meetings and events will likely occur at least 2 days per week.
To Apply: Questions about this position are encouraged from interested applicants.
- Email the following to [email protected]
- Cover letter that includes a brief description of your experience with government contracting and advising businesses.
- Resume that highlights your experience with government contracting and advising businesses
- Please include “PTAC Position” in the subject line of the email.