March 3, 2000

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Procurement Technical Assistance Program of Alabama recently became one of only a few economic development programs in the country to help member businesses obtain more than $2 billion in contracts from federal, state and local agencies. The program is a part of the Alabama Small Business Development Consortium (ASBDC) headquartered at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency and the State of Alabama.

The economic impact to the state from the $2 billion in contracts represents more than 50,000 jobs created or retained within Alabama, said Charles Hopson, ASBDC procurement director.

“The two billion in contract wins for small businesses in Alabama represents an economic milestone for our state,” said John Sandefur, ASBDC state director. “It is the result of a long-term, dedicated effort by many people in the procurement assistance program, both past and present.”

In recognition of reaching the $2 billion mark, the program will receive the Procurement Achievement Award presented by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency during a noon luncheon March 22 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. The luncheon is part of the two-day Business Partnering and Opportunity Conference and Exhibition. The conference for small businesses interested in doing business with the government will include exhibits and representatives from federal, state and local government agencies as well as educational programs and networking opportunities.

For more information about the Procurement Technical Assistance Program of Alabama, call Charles Hopson, (205) 943-6750 or e-mail charlesh@uab.edu.