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The Government Contracting Assistance Program is a business and technology extension program of the UNC System. Our purpose is to generate employment and improve the general economic condition of the state by assisting North Carolina companies, including those eligible for business development programs for local, state, and federal government contracts. We provide government contracting assistance by offering no-fee and confidential counseling on selling your products and/or services to the appropriate local, state or federal government agency.
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GCAP Director
(252) 737-1369
GCAP Counselor
Asheville / Cullowhee
(828) 251-6025
GCAP Counselor
Raleigh / Chapel Hill / Durham / Elizabeth City
(919) 513-0623
GCAP Counselor
Fayetteville / Pembroke
(910) 672-1359
GCAP Counselor/Events Coordinator
Hickory / Boone
(828) 322-5379
JACQUIE SPEARMAN
GCAP Counselor
Charlotte
(704) 687-0443
SUE CROTTS
GCAP Counselor
Triad
(336) 256-9302
JAMES CHESTNUT
GCAP Counselor
Wilmington / Greenville
(910) 962-3566
JARED WHITCOMB
GCAP Supply Chain Specialist
Statewide
(704) 351-8146
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In-State Contracting Opportunities Are an Option for Businesses to Get a Foot in the Government Contracting Door
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Robin Livingston, Fayetteville GCAP Counselor
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I talk to a lot of business owners interested in pursuing government contracting opportunities. They have done the research and know that the Department of Defense is one of the largest consumers when it comes to federal spending. Federal contracting is a great opportunity if you have the knowledge and capability to secure and complete the terms and conditions of the contract. Your ability to provide the product of service may not be enough. In most cases, COs or Contracting Officers, require past performance before considering awarding your business contract solicitation. In other words, they want references. One way to get that past performance is through sub-contracting or local and state opportunities.
The North Carolina Department of Administration is an excellent resource for business owners who are interested in contracting opportunities at the local and state level. This state department provides business owners with the rules and regulations involving contracting in North Carolina. They keep you abreast of federal and state legislative changes that may impact your business.
Their website has links to most of the state agencies in North Carolina where you can find contracting opportunities and learn how to do business with that agency. They provide you with business resource links and information on set aside programs at the state and federal levels. The department can forecast state contracting opportunities. They also assist with submitting bids. Using the North Carolina Department of Administration resources can help a business owner with building the past performance required to secure those federal contracts.
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DoD Issues Final Rule Regarding Telecommunications Equipment and Services From China and Russia
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Earlier this year, the Department of Defense issued a final rule amending the DFARS to implement sections of the National Defense Authorization Act regarding the procurement of telecommunications equipment or services. The final rule bars the use of certain telecommunications equipment or services from certain Chinese entities and from other entities that the Secretary of Defense reasonably believes to be owned or controlled by or otherwise connected to, the government of China or Russia. Its specific targets are China's Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corp. Huawei, a pioneer of 5G wireless technology and reportedly the world's largest supplier of network equipment, has been accused by the U.S. of espionage and intellectual property theft. ZTE, a telecom company that is also heavily involved in the development of 5G networks, has been fined for illegally exporting U.S. technology to Iran and North Korea, in violation of economic sanctions.
Companies looking to contract with the DoD must ensure due diligence in determining whether any of their systems incorporate Huawei or ZTE technology. They will need to start with a complete inventory of equipment, then undertake a similar examination of all contractors and sub-contractors throughout their supply chains. Finally, they will have to determine whether any of those entities are using prohibited equipment that is a "substantial or essential" part of their work for the government.
It is anticipated that these restrictions will become even more tighter in the future likely seeing all federal agencies prohibited from entering into contracts with companies that use Huawei equipment.
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South Carolina Becomes Host to Second GCAP
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Scott Barker, GCAP Director
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The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently designated its government contracting counseling services as the Government Contracting Assistance Program (GCAP) thus becoming the second program in the country following North Carolina. The development has led to some ideas about launching a 'Contracting in the Carolinas' approach moving forward to assist businesses in each state better pursue government contracting opportunities.
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Opportunities Trade Show Coming to Asheville in March
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Scott Barker, GCAP Director
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Back in March of 2020, all was set for the biennial reverse trade show know as "Opportunities" to take place in Asheville. About ten days prior to the actual event, it was cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The Raleigh-based "Marketplace" event normally held in May of even numbered years was also canceled due to COVID. We are happy to announce that we will hold the "Opportunities" event in Asheville on the 14th of March 2022. This upcoming event will also include participation of the South Carolina GCAP team and should be very worthwhile to attend. Please mark your calendars - more information to follow.
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Success Story
Columbus Masonry & Construction
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Robin Livingston, Fayetteville GCAP Counselor
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Columbus Masonry & Construction, Inc. is an American Indian, woman owned, general contracting company established in 1989. CMC is physically located in Bolton, NC. They put their clients' visions first and are committed to accuracy, safety, and quality service. CMC currently holds a General Contractors License in residential, commercial, industrial, and public utilities. They have past performance with the U.S. Coast Guard, NAVFAC, U.S. Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, and the Department of Transportation. CMC has DBE, WBE, and HUBZone certifications and is a successful graduate of the 8(a) Program.
Ms. Emma Jacobs is the President and CEO. She has the overall responsibility for the operations of CMC Building, Inc. Ms. Jacobs and her late husband, John Jacobs, was referred to SBTDC in 2005. They initially were receiving assistance with structuring their business for contracting opportunities. They have received assistance with training, registrations, and certifications. We have assisted with identifying local, state, and federal contracting opportunities.
In the past five years CMC has been awarded over $66,617,011 in government contracts. They continue to thrive in the private and government sectors. They have built lasting relationships with our local and military communities.
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