The Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center at Wichita State University was recently recognized for making an impact on the Kansas business community with the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Center's (APTAC) Human Impact Award.

According to APTAC, the Human Impact Award is meant to recognize a center that has made a positive contribution to client businesses or to the community, going above and beyond the normal PTAC duties and making a difference in the lives of others and in the communities we call home, reminding us all that our successes are not always measured in dollars and cents.

Among the 98 centers, this award is given to the center that most helped the client’s business or community.

The Kansas PTAC assists businesses in locating, obtaining and performing federal, state and local government contracts.

Terri Bennett, Kansas PTAC director, was also named president-elect of APTAC national association.

“This position will enable the Kansas PTAC to be apprised of contracting trends and initiatives that will assist it in evolving its services for the betterment of Kansas businesses,” said Bennett. “And I will be able to help formulate the roles and relationships of APTAC with various federal agencies, which will also assist all of the centers across the country.

“Agencies and people involved in government contracting will know that Wichita State takes initiative and leadership roles in order to positively contribute to our nation’s success.”

In 2013, the Kansas PTAC program at Wichita State helped Kansas small business obtain 433 contracts awards worth more than $32 million. The Kansas PTAC has been a part of Wichita State since 2013.

“The Kansas PTAC program is staffed by highly-experienced procurement professionals,” said Bennett. “Our location at Wichita State has been an important component for its success.”

PTACs offer clients a variety of go-to-market preparation assistance including classes, seminars, marketing and networking services. PTACs hire individuals experienced in government contract specifications in order assist clients in successfully competing for government contracts.