WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to support Rhode Island's small and family-owned businesses, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) announced that the Rhode Island Procurement Technical Assistance Center (RI PTAC) will receive $241,000 in federal funding to help local businesses compete for government contracts from the Department of Defense and other federal, state, and local agencies. RI PTAC has been awarded a $482,264 cost-sharing PTAC Department of Defense (DOD) agreement with the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RI EDC), which will split the cost of the grant with DOD.

Last year, RI PTAC's clients reported over $166 million in contracts and subcontracts, supporting over 3,300 jobs in Rhode Island. Employers participating in this year's program reported adding 183 jobs in the first six months of 2008.

"The Rhode Island Procurement Technical Assistance Center has helped generate jobs and strengthened our local economy. I commend its dedicated team of professionals for successfully shepherding Rhode Island's businesses through the procurement process," said Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who has championed the PTAC program throughout his career and helped secure $9 million for the national program in defense appropriations spending for fiscal year 2009.

The federal government spends over $350 million per year procuring goods and services, which provides significant opportunities for small businesses and suppliers. Acquisition workforce reductions, contract bundling, and E-government have increased the demand for PTACs. RI PTAC's free services include one-on-one counseling sessions, classes, seminars, outreach, and matchmaking events.

"Senator Reed has been integral in supporting funding for the Defense Logistics Agency's Procurement Technical Assistance Program, which plays a vital role in assuring the growth in sales by Rhode Island businesses to the government. Thus supporting both the creation of high wage jobs and promoting technology innovation," said Saul Kaplan, Executive Director, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.

The only criteria for program participation are an established business, e-commerce capabilities, a presence in Rhode Island, and an interest in the government market. Funding for RI PTAC is provided by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Defense Logistics Agency and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.

"The RI PTAC is very proud to have been hosted by the EDC for over 22 years. As a small business development service, it has been very effective in preparing Rhode Island companies to compete in the federal, state, and local government markets. With the announcement of this new award, we look forward to continuing to help Rhode Island businesses succeed and grow," stated Dorothy Reynolds, RI PTAC Program Manager.

There are currently 93 PTAC centers in 49 states that form a nationwide network of support for businesses seeking to market their products and services to federal, state, and local agencies.