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Madison Area
Technical College Receives 65% Federal Funding Increase
to Help Wisconsin Businesses Compete for Government Business
The United States
Department of Defense today awarded Madison Area Technical College (MATC)
a grant for $348,054, a 65% increase over last year, to provide Wisconsin
businesses free technical and marketing services to help them compete
for government contracts. The grant issued to MATC continues the efforts
of the college's Business Procurement Assistance Center (BPAC).
This year’s
award marks the Business Procurement Assistance Center’s 15-year
anniversary. Since 1988, MATC has competed with national success for this
federal grant and has helped Wisconsin businesses win nearly $1 billion
of government contracts. Last year alone, BPAC helped 1,300 Wisconsin
businesses win over $132 million in government contracts, a record-breaking
year, resulting in the creation and retention of over 3,000 jobs.
“This grant
award, increased from $210,000to $348,054 per year, demonstrates the federal
government not only wants BPAC to continue, but to expand services,”
states Dr. Rose Ann Findlen, acting president of MATC. She notes that
the additional funding will allow BPAC to offer more services to clients.
According to a recent Department of Defense report, BPAC received the
highest quality rating possible. The report states, “The center is
well managed and an effective asset in the defense procurement system…
Their performance is excellent.”
"We are proud
of BPAC’s accomplishments. To receive an award with such a significant
increase in federal funding is an honor,” states Findlen. “Economic
development is a vital part of our college’s mission. Given the economic
slow down, dwindling manufacturing jobs and the closing of Wisconsin businesses,
selling to the federal government is an increasingly important way to
bring new business to the state and fuel Wisconsin’s economic recovery.”
"Capturing
a greater share of federal procurement spending is a major focus of Gov.
Doyle's Grow Wisconsin initiative," said Department of Commerce Secretary
Cory L. Nettles. "I congratulate Madison Area Technical College for
its success in obtaining this grant and for its ongoing efforts to help
Wisconsin businesses compete for and win federal contracts."
Wisconsin businesses certainly have the ability to compete in the huge
government market, says Denise Kornetzke, BPAC program manager. “The
federal government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world,
with an average spending rate of $42 million per hour. Government purchases
are seeking three things @ high-quality products and services, on-time
delivery and competitive prices. Our Wisconsin businesses can meet those
demands.
“But,”
she adds, “businesses need to know how to compete in this vast market.
And that’s what BPAC is all about, empowering Wisconsin businesses
to compete and win. Competing in the government market is like learning
how to ride a bike. At first, you need someone to guide you and provide
advice but soon, you’re off and running.”
In an effort to
provide business assistance, BPAC has produced it’s first online
training course, called “Federal Contracting: 101 The Basics”.
“We needed an efficient way to teach businesses all over the state
about tapping into the federal government market and we had to make it
accessible and convenient for the businessperson. The web provided the
answer,” explains Kornetzke. Businesses will not need any special
software or plug-ins to view the free 10-minute presentation, available
at http://matcmadison.edu/bpac/webinar.htm
In addition to
the online training, BPAC offers individual business assistance and conducts
a variety of training events. All BPAC services are provided free of charge.
Over 30 workshops are planned throughout Wisconsin over the next year,
including upcoming training classes to be held October 15 at Gateway Technical
College in Sturtevant and October 23 at Fox Valley Technical College in
Appleton. A complete list of training events and registration information
is available at http://matcmadison.edu/bpac/events.htm.
Businesses may
learn more about BPAC services and training events, by calling (608) 243-4490
or visiting http://matcmadison.edu/bpac
.
MATC is one of
the largest of the Wisconsin Technical College System’s 16 colleges.
An important part of MATC’s mission is to support economic development
in Wisconsin. The college provides a comprehensive curriculum of technical,
liberal arts and science, adult basic education and life enrichment studies
and activities, and customized employee training. MATC serves approximately
50,000 individuals each year.
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Last
Modified:
August 11, 2003
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