Record $177 Million Level Set by
MO PTAC Clients in Missouri for FY '05

Columbia, Mo., October 28, 2005 — Business clients of the statewide Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (MO PTAC) have achieved a new 12-month level of business volume by recently exceeding the $177 million mark in government contracts for fiscal year 2005, according to Morris Hudson, MO PTAC director based in Columbia.

"Last fiscal year (which ended Sept. 30) our clients collectively received $177.3 million in government business through a total of 1,129 contracts with federal, state and local governments," says Hudson.

The previous best year for government contract volume by MO PTAC clients was 2003 when 331 contracts exceeding a total of $96 million were awarded.

Government agencies awarding contracts include offices from the departments of defense and energy on the federal level, the departments of corrections and transportation at the state level, and numerous local government offices. Individual contract amounts during fiscal year 2005 ranged from a high of $12 million to a low of $17.

"The wide variation in contract amounts results from the broad array of goods and services required by the numerous government offices awarding contracts," says Hudson.

MO PTAC counselors are located in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Rolla and West Plains. They assist Missouri businesses in identifying government contracting opportunities for products or services associated with each company. Counselors also help client firms complete government forms, understand regulations, and fulfill necessary registrations and certifications. MO PTAC specialists also work to develop product-specific databases to help clients pinpoint timely bid leads.

There are five MO PTAC counselors located throughout the state. To contact the one nearest you, go to www.missouribusiness.net/ptac/centers.asp.

In addition to MO PTAC, the University of Missouri Extension' business development programs include the Missouri Small Business Development Centers (MO SBDC) and the Missouri Small Business Technology Development Centers (MO SBTDC).

"All three programs are designed to foster Missouri's economic development by helping enterprising Missourians meet the challenges presented by today's ever-changing business environment," says Hudson.