The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) School of Business is embarking on a venture to provide training services and technical assistance to U.S. Virgin Islands small businesses that want to sell products and services to federal, state and the local Virgin Islands government. UVI will be the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to house a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) thanks to a $400K grant from the Defense Logistics Agency, Office of Small Business Programs. Work on establishing the PTAC and hiring a director will begin immediately.
“I congratulate our School of Business and all involved in securing the grant and making this initiative a reality,” said UVI President David Hall. “UVI is proud to be a pioneer among HBCUs in creating greater opportunities for small businesses in our communities. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, leading in innovation and creating jobs for our citizens. We look forward to contributing to their prosperity.”
“Establishment of a PTAC in the U.S. Virgin Islands is the type of initiative that truly creates far-reaching benefits for multiple constituents. The center will be seen as a resource that is an asset to not only the School of Business and the university of the Virgin Islands, but for small businesses and citizens of the Virgin Islands territory at large,” said Kendra L. Harris, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business.
PTACs help small businesses in a variety of ways with their efforts to win government contracts. A PTAC can help businesses register in the system for award management (SAM) and other government vendor sites. These sites help agencies and contractors find small businesses based on type, ability, size, location and more.
In addition, the center can help small businesses such as women-owned, minority-owned and HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) businesses, with certifications and research on past contracts, including proposals and solicitations. Furthermore, the PTAC can provide recommendations to businesses and even assist with post-award contract administration requirements for small businesses.
“The VISBDC has been an advocate for the PTAC from the beginning, and we are very excited for its fruition,” said Ted Gutierrez, state director of the V.I. Small Business Development Center, which is also housed in the UVI School of Business.
“Through the combined efforts of the VISBDC and the PTAC, small businesses in the VI can benefit from a full range of services and resources to help them grow and become more competitive in our global environment. Our team looks forward to the collaboration,” Gutierrez said.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.
