Landing state and local government contracts topic of Edinburg training
EDINBURG — Business owners wanting to provide goods and services to state and local governments are encouraged to attend the upcoming Businesses in Development Certification Program beginning May 27 in Edinburg.
Ronnie Zamora, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent in Willacy County, said the free program is designed to help Historically Underutilized Businesses, also known as HUB vendors, work with state entities that participate in a statewide bidding process.
“There are over 200 Texas agencies, universities, school districts and industries that take part in this bidding system,” he said. “This program is designed to help local businesses work with these entities.”
Prairie View A&M University’s Community and Economic Development unit has been working with the Texas Comptroller’s purchasing division to focus on strategies that help businesses land state contracts, Zamora said.
“That collaboration led to the development of the free BID Certification Program,” he said. “Seven courses will be held beginning May 27 and ending July 29.”
Those who complete the training will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion and will be included in a list of trained vendors that is shared with the network of state purchasers.
Classes will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the University of Texas Rio South Texas Regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center, 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Drive, Suite 1.235, in Edinburg.
Dates and course topics include:
— May 27, Historically Underutilized Business overview.
— June 10, Maintaining your record requirements.
— June 17, Business/marketing plan overview.
— July 1, Contracting/bids through prime vendors.
— July 15, Business and credit.
— July 29, Negotiations, suppliers and required insurance.
— July 29, Program conclusions, review and program ceremony.
Because space is limited, seats should be confirmed by calling the Community and Economic Development office at 956-689-2412.
