Training & Events

Local/Regional

THE 18TH ANNUAL GREATER MINNESOTA GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT FAIR

Register for the MN PTAC on October 25, 2022 from 9am - 3pm (CDT) for no cost. 
Registration Deadline: 10/21/2022 4:00 PM (CDT)

Point of Contact: Christina Nebel-Dickerson (651) 201-2629
Location: Grand Casino Mille Lacs 777 Grand Avenue, Onamia MN 56359

Program Format: Multi-session Course
Training Topics: Government Contracting, Procurement Fair, Selling to Government, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Subcontracting, Woman-owned Businesses
Description: A premiere event on selling products and services to the government. Small businesses interested in doing business with government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend. The fair will provide an opportunity for small businesses to learn about special programs designed to provide better access to the government marketplace. A trade show will be open throughout the day in addition to a variety of workshops including Basics of Selling to the Government, HUBZone Certification, Cybersecurity, etc. You will have 8 workshops in 2 tracks to choose from, along with the opportunity to visit with 20+ representatives from State & Federal Government Agencies, Large Businesses, and Resource Providers on the trade floor. The event is free and open to all businesses - registration is required.

Instructions:   Free event, Registration Required

UPCOMING PROCUREMENT WEBINARS - UPDATED REGULARLY:

Monthly Webinar Log-in Instructions

The following series of webinars are hosted in partnership with MN PTAC, North Dakota and South Dakota PTACs, and SBA District Offices. Webinars typically take place the first Tuesday of every month from 9-10 a.m. Central Time. 

• October 4 – Cybersecurity: Updates on the Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
  9 – 10 a.m. Central Time
  CMMC 2.0 Updates: Changes to the cybersecurity requirements of DoD Suppliers. What has changed and what remains, please join us as we do a detailed walk-through of the controls. Translate the CMMC requirements into a language that manufacturers-not cybersecurity experts can understand. Provide an up-to-date dive into the CMMC practice families. Overview of requirements. We will also look at the new civil cyber-fraud initiative that will hold accountable entities or individuals that put U.S. information or systems at risk.
• November 1 - Doing Business with the VA and Veteran Verification 
  9 – 10 a.m. Central Time
  Learn how the VA buys, what they buy and how you can participate. Learn how your business can support the mission of the VA. The Veterans Health Administration has a Veterans First Contracting Program to qualify Service-Disabled Veteran and Veteran Owned Small Businesses must be verified through the Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) this session will give a brief overview of the application and review process. Learn about the Veteran’s Business Outreach Center (VBOC). This program is a one-stop-shop for service members, veterans and military spouses looking to start, purchase, or grow a business.
• December 6 - Understanding Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
  9 – 10 a.m. Central Time
  This presentation will help you understand the basic elements of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, more commonly known as the FAR. This presentation will include what the FAR is, what it covers, and how it is structured. We will discuss the various and notable FAR clauses and their meanings, as well as explain some of the main supplements to the FAR, especially the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations, or, the DFARS. Finally, we will discuss how the FAR is woven into government contracts and guides each step of the government acquisition process, even with not explicitly referenced. By the end of this presentation, you will have no reason to fear the FAR!
• January 10 Changes in Government Contracting
  9 – 10 a.m. Central Time
  Learn about the entity validation process in sam.gov, which is a critical step in the process of doing business with the federal government. Validation is required when you register an entity, renew your entity registration each year, get a Unique Entity ID, and update or change your entity’s name or address. This webinar will discuss things you need to do to stay up-to-date and contract ready.
• February 7 - Legislative Update
  9 – 10 a.m. Central Time
  Government contracting laws and regulations often do not follow commercial contracting practices and are constantly changing. In this class government contract lawyer Tim Connelly will review recent court decisions and changes to regulations impacting how small business government contractors bid on, win, and perform contracts with government agencies. Topics include important developments related to Veteran-owned business certification, the use of a small business’s past performance in awarding contracts, small business compliance issues, and cybersecurity regulations.
  

QUARTERLY STRATEGIC TEAMING ALLIANCE ROUNDTABLES

Join us for the second of a series of STAR roundtables, hosted by regional PTACs in alliance with Northrop Grumman Corporation, designed to assist small businesses navigate and benefit from doing business with the federal government and large business contractors. Connect with panelists from a variety of large and small businesses currently successfully performing as prime and subcontractors. Learn helpful tips to assist you in achieving your government contracting goals. This is a series of events and new panelists that will provide unique information at each roundtable! 

This event will be held on September 15 at 9am CDT. This series is held every third month of each quarter on the third Thursday. The future date will be December 15.

MEET THE BUYERS CONFERENCE

Meet the Buyers Scottsbluff is a three-day government contracting experience for businesses to advance their contracting knowledge, connect with other business owners, and network directly with agency representatives. Register now for the opportunity to market your product/service to this network at the event on October 18th-20th, 2022. 

NORTH DAKOTA 11TH ANNUAL GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT FAIR

This annual government procurement fair will offer workshops where you can learn about local, state, and federal government market sectors. In addition, you will learn how to complete registrations, about available solicitations, how to do business with federal agencies, and more.

Attendees will be provided an educational environment and the ability to network and share their capabilities with key stakeholders.

Register today for the in-person procurement fair on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023.