Washington PTAC works with hundreds of businesses across the state that seek success in the government marketplace. In the Business Spotlight, we share their stories of success to inspire others.  If you have a story to share, please contact Tiffany Scroggs at programmanager@washingtonptac.org. 

 

Carmen Nazario launched her business in her basement in 1997. As a single mother, Nazario had a strong desire to succeed, and has grown ELYON International from a one-person shop to a 40-employee company. They provide specialized services to both federal and commercial customers, including comprehensive Program and Project Management, IT consulting, geospatial support and professional staffing support services. 

 

Most recently, ELYON International won a Bureau of Land Management 5-year contract for GIS Services.  "We were really excited about this success.  The opportunity was competed full and open through the GSA Schedule e-buy system," explained VP Josh Sisco. They believe they were competitive because of their strong track record of delivering a quality service at a competitive price.

 

Nazario has worked hard over the years to learn as much as possible about the marketplace and how to compete.  While in the SBA's 8a program, Carmen was awarded a scholarship to attend the 8a Academy at Howard University. Prior to that, she participated in the Tucks Minority Business Executive Program at Dartmouth.  Nazario and her senior management team attend numerous trade shows and training events throughout the year, continuously seeking to gain knowledge that will help the business to deliver quality services to its valued customers. This hard work has paid off.  Elyon was awarded the Small Business Administrations's Minority Business Person of the Year in 2009 by the Oregon SBA office.

 

"We've worked with Washington PTAC and Oregon's GCAP from the beginning," explained Nazario. "PTAC is always available to answer my on the spot questions.  I can't think of a more outstanding organization," she said. 

 

Nazario continues, "I learned about the GSA Schedules at a government event years ago where PTAC facilitated a work shop on 'How to obtain a GSA Schedule'.  The information I learned from that workshop helped me later pursue and obtain a GSA Schedule."

 

The ELYON management team plans to continue to grow the company by fostering existing relationships and targeting other federal agencies by building off the company's strong past performance.  One of the biggest challenges is finding the time to bid on all the work that's available. "We're too busy to look at every RFP!" said Nazario.

 

Learn more about ELYON International at  www.elyoninternational.com

 

Photo courtesy of Roger Gomez.

Zepher Incorporated, an engineering, project management, and product development company, won Manufacturer of the Year (Small Firm) at Seattle Business Magazine's Washington Manufacturing Awards last week.

"This is a really exciting time for Zepher. This award is also about recognition of the improvements we've made to our quality system as well as the commitment we've made to the industry." says Andy Mack, President and Co-founder. 

Highlights:

• Keynote Address: Leigh Jones, District Director, OFCCP
• Presentation on the Governor's Disability Employment Task Force
• Employer Panel:  Sharing best practices for recruiting and hiring skilled individuals with disabilities
• Demonstration of the Talent Acquisition Portal (TAP) by Kathy West-Evans

For more information:  

Send an email to: info@wsbln.org or watch for registration information on WSLBN's website: www.wsbln.org

 

For an overview of the Section 503 Final Rules, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Financial Contract Compliance Program site here.

  

 

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Prime Contractors from around Washington State frequently contact PTAC in hopes of finding small businesses to submit a subcontracting quote with their bid packages. 

 

If you are a Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, HUBZone Certified, 8(a) Certified, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, or Woman Owned Small Business, and are interested in working with Prime Contractors on proposals make sure to respond with the information requested from each contractor.

 

For the most up to date listing please visit www.washingtonptac.org/blog or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

 

Current Opportunities:

 

UW Medical Center Expansion Phase II

Mortenson Construction

 

I-5 M Street to Portland Ave

Flatiron Constructors

 

 Tactical Operations Center in Oak Harbor

Mortenson Construction

 

Lane, Grout, Arleta, and Creston Schools

Portland Public Schools

 

Outreach Event

Kiewit Infrastructure

 

 

Other Contracting Opportunities: 

JBLM Contracting Opportunities

Guest speakers will include:

• Governor Jay Inslee
• The Honorable Norm Dicks, Former U.S. Congressman
• The Honorable Slade Gorton, Former U.S. Senator
• Major General Terry Ferrell, Commanding General, 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord
• COL H. CHARLES HODGES, JR., Joint Base Commander, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
• Jeremiah Gertler, Specialist in Military Aviation, United States Congressional Research Service         

The mission of the Pacific Northwest Defense Symposium is to create an environment that enables attendees to share relevant information, identify critical issues, learn about regional military installation opportunities and increase awareness of current defense and national security initiatives. 

(253) 680-7054

Tom Westerlund