(Most) Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Doing Business with the Government and Were Afraid to Ask ... the PTAC FAQ
Frequently asked questions, answered!
In a previous issue of Missouri Business eNews, we offered "Guiding Your Business Toward Selling to the Government." That article explained how federal, state and local governments spend more than $800 billion annually on various products and services, much of which is with small businesses.
Government contracts can be tremendous revenue streams for new and established businesses. However, understanding the process and learning how to begin can be overwhelming.
If you are ready to consider bidding on government contracts, you may want to explore the new "Selling to the Government FAQ." The FAQ will help explain the process, language and how to obtain assistance. Visit the MO PTAC FAQ at www.missouribusiness.net/ptac/faq.asp.
Procurement Technical Assistance Center Results
From Oct. 1, 2006 to Jun. 30, 2007, MO PTAC clients received 1,307 awards totaling more than $181 million.
Cumulative numbers since Oct. 1, 1992: 9,661 total contracts totaling $1,132,000,000
Business Going Green
Contractors see green future
While the construction industry has taken a few blows to the chin, contractors who are building energy efficient and environmentally smart buildings and homes may be gaining a competitive edge, according to Marie Steinwachs, director of the Environmental Assistance Center for MU Extension's business development program.
Across the state, Missourians are embracing green building principles as a way to boost energy efficiency and improve their indoor environment. Belcher Homes in Kirkwood, Mo., has seen a 100 percent increase in revenues in the past year due to the demand for green housing. The company is doing preliminary work on a 290-home sustainable-design residential development.
Belcher is also contractor for the Rainbow Center's new green housing unit for people with developmental disabilities. Besides energy efficient appliances and lighting, heat pumps, automatic faucets and natural lighting, the St. Louis County home contains no petroleum-based building materials.
The Columbia (Mo.) Water and Light Department has partnered with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to train contractors in energy efficient, whole house design and renovation. Contractors can market their company as "green" and reduce customers' utility bills. Call 573-874-7325 for more information.
Green builders also can take advantage of subsidies and grants. Green Communities, a program of Enterprise, awards grants of up to $50,000 to developers committed to providing green affordable housing. Visit www.greencommunitiesonline.org/about-essentials-grants.asp for details.
Other related resources:
- Energy Star - virtual tour of an energy efficient home and ways business can improve energy efficiency by 20 percent to 30 percent www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=behind_the_walls.btw_landing
- U.S. Green Building Council - membership, training, events and featured projects www.usgbc.org
- MU Extension Department of Environmental Design provides an extensive directory of green building resources extension.missouri.edu/edninfo/linksdirectory.htm
Can a Design Revolution Meet Humanity's Greatest Challenge?
Bob Berkebile, FAIA Principal, BNIM Architects, Inc.
Bob is a leading authority on sustainable design, instrumental in the formation of the U.S. Green Building Council and founding chairman of the AIA's National Committee on the Environment.
Williams Lecture Series – FREE and open to public
University of Missouri, Columbia, Memorial Union
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
For more information, visit:
arch.missouri.edu/posters/Bob%20copy.pdf
IRS Roundup
Reducing the federal tax gap
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service recently released an IRS report addressing the agency's efforts to improve voluntary compliance with federal tax laws.
The IRS report, "Reducing the Federal Tax Gap: A Report on Improving Voluntary Compliance," builds on the seven components of the "Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing the Tax Gap," issued by the Treasury Department in September 2006:
- Reducing Opportunities for Evasion
- Making a Multi-Year Commitment to Research
- Continuing Improvements in Information Technology
- Improving Compliance Activities
- Enhancing Taxpayer Service
- Reforming and Simplifying the Tax Law
- Coordinating with Partners and Stakeholders
In each of these areas, the report sets out compliance objectives and initiatives, along with targeted completion dates, that the IRS will implement to improve tax compliance over the next several years.
The report, available at www.treas.gov/press/releases/reports/otptaxgapstrategy%20final.pdf 
, also reflects the commitment of the IRS to ensure fairness, observe taxpayer rights, and reduce taxpayer burden for those in compliance.
For tax guidance specific to small businesses, visit the IRS Small Business Resource Guide on the MissouriBusiness.net Web site at www.missouribusiness.net/irs
At Your Service
Profile: Rayanna Anderson
Rayanna Anderson, director of the Missouri State University SBDC in Springfield, received a B.A. degree in general business from Missouri State, with minors in management and psychology. She worked for the retailer Dillard's for ten years before returning to the university to earn an M.B.A. with a focus in marketing. Anderson began working at the SBDC in Springfield on the same day she began her graduate classes, serving as a business consultant for five years before being promoted to assistant director. The 16-year veteran of the SBDC was named director of the center this summer.
Get to know Rayanna in the following Q&A.
Q. What are some of the memorable businesses you've worked with?
A. I've consulted more than 2,000 clients – not including the students in the classes that I teach. One of my favorite projects was an emergency veterinary clinic. I prepared and wrote a marketing plan for the clinic, coordinating with 10 area vets. The vet clinic is currently in its 12th year – it's a very successful venture. In fact, last year the clinic actually purchased a $500,000 building.
Q. What has your experience taught you about small business?
A. You must understand cash flow. The financial statements tell a story and you've got to learn to read them. Mastering the statements helps businesses succeed. Take a class if you need help in learning the particulars.
Q. What's unique about the Southwest region?
A. I just read the greater Springfield area is now comprised of more than 450,000 people. We've been extremely fortunate with the area's growth. It creates need and economic development. The banks here are pro-small business and they do a lot of lending, which is great. We are also seeing a renewed interest in international business. We are even offering training in NAFTA to meet that need.
Q. Are there other trends you see?
A. I am seeing a lot of businesses that are aimed at the baby-boomers having great success. I'm helping a doctor expand his clinic – one that offers treatments such as botox, liposuction, laser – to another location in Kansas City. I am also assisting with a $3.5 million renovation of a residential care center.
Q. What do you hope to accomplish as director of the Missouri State University SBDC?
A. I'm really excited about my new position. I see many opportunities for the SBDC. In fact, I think the Missouri SBDC has never been stronger or been in a better position to make things happen. My ultimate focus in Springfield is on impact. There are so many things we can do to make a difference in the business community and those things ultimately result in capital investment, increases in sales and ultimately job creation. My plans are to use the successes of the past to (build on) the impact of the future. I have a great (but small) staff that does a fantastic job. We are looking to grow with the replacement of the small business consultant position, if anyone is interested!
Contact Anderson at RayannaAnderson@MissouriState.edu or phone 417-836-5685.
Send this newsletter to a friend
Read the full stories and previous newsletters on our web site at www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter
For more information about doing business in Missouri, visit the web sites at www.missouribusiness.net or contact one of our service centers. You can find a list at www.missouribusiness.net/sbdc/centers.asp
Subscribe to this newsletter at www.missouribusiness.net/newsletter_sign_up.asp. Unsubscribe information is found at the bottom of each eNews letter. We will never share or sell your e-mail address to others.
