Funding For Government Contract Assistance Center Announced By Hochul

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – Today, Representative Kathy Hochul (NY-26) announced that nearly $300,000 in federal funding has been awarded to the World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) to establish the Niagara Procurement Technical Assistance Center (Niagara PTAC) at Niagara University. In June, Rep. Hochul sent a letter to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in support of the WTCBN’s proposal.

The Niagara PTAC will enable WTCBN to offer programmatic development, workshops, seminars, one-on-one counseling, extensive curriculum development, outreach efforts, and business visits for area companies.

“Our region is poised for future growth and the Niagara PTAC will help maximize federal contract awards by mentoring qualified contractors in government procurement, while enhancing small business competitiveness,” said Rep. Hochul. “This grant is another step toward ensuring our small businesses have the support and resources necessary to succeed. I look forward to continuing to partner with World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara as we work to reposition Western New York in the global economy.”

“We are excited to create new opportunities and awareness for small businesses and veterans in Niagara County while launching a new office to house the PTAC and World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara,” said Ken Franasiak, President, Calamar, Inc.

The Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) was authorized by Congress in 1985 in an effort to expand the number of businesses capable of participating in the Government Marketplace.  Administered by the Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the program provides matching funds through cooperative agreements with state and local governments and non-profit organizations for the establishment of PTACs to provide procurement assistance.

Niagara County is home to more than 3,600 businesses that have less than 500 employees. Those businesses employ over 35,000 people and produce an annual payroll of nearly $1 billion.

Over the past three years, WTCBN has assisted local companies in securing $38.7 million in new export sales and helped create or retain over 200 jobs.

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