SUCCESS STORY
JASZ Technology
When
the owners of JASZ Technology (http://www.jasztech.com/)
decided to take their company from a part-time, weekend-and-evening endeavor
to a full-time business, they knew that the federal government could be a great
customer. However, they were unsure of the federal procurement process and looked
to North Carolina Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for assistance.
Located in Raleigh, NC, JASZ is an Information Technology (IT)
company that provides a variety of services including hardware equipment; software
applications; website hosting; custom web applications; and website design,
technical support, and consulting. JASZ Technology knew they had a solid team
in place but needed some guidance before jumping into the federal marketplace.
Their PTAC counselor's first priority was to see how JASZ was positioned to
do business with the federal government and if they qualified for any federal
preference programs. Following a review, he suggested that the company consider
the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program
(http://www.sba.gov/8abd/). Working
together, the company submitted an 8(a) application and is waiting for a response
from the SBA. Additionally, JASZ is currently planning their proposal for the
General Services Administration (GSA) schedule 70 IT program (http://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/ElibMain/ElibHome).
When it came to competing for contracts, JASZ found six solicitations that looked
like a possible fit for their services. One of those solicitations was a Department
of Defense (DoD)-funded project on behalf of the Defense Activities Non-Traditional
Educational Support (DANTES) (see http://www.dantes.doded.mil).
Working with the counselor, the company crafted and submitted a proposal. After
careful consideration and review, the DoD awarded the contract · valued
in excess of $244,000 · to JASZ. The contract will allow the company
to further strengthen its financial position and provide a stable foundation
for future growth, while providing the war-fighter with access to a better education,
regardless of location. After acquiring their first government contract, JASZ
Technology has been approached by such larger corporations as Cisco, CompTIA,
Pearson VUE, and Innovative Technology Research to partner on additional government
ventures.
Company President Antoinette L. Taylor said, "We are tremendously grateful
to have the services of the SBTDC available to us. Without the assistance of
the SBTDC, I am certain it would have taken longer than three months to break
into the government contracting market. I am confident with the SBTDC's help,
we will achieve more of our milestones exponentially faster than anticipated."