By John McPhaul
jpmchaul@gmail.com
The Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its Spanish initials), through its Federal Contracting Center (FeCC) office, announced that, from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023, $562,559,762 in federal contracts were awarded to companies in Puerto Rico.
The benefiting companies specialize in services of lodging and food service, administrative services, agriculture, aviculture, fishing, training and recreation, finance and insurance, sanitation attention and social service; also information services, construction, professional services, science, technology, public administration, real estate, renting, transportation, warehousing and wholesaling.
This achievement is in part the result of the services provided by the FeCC, an APEX Accelerator, which seeks to expand the number of companies ready to participate in government contracts.
“The mission of the FeCC is to position companies as qualified bidders in the federal and state government market. So the services they offer are through individualized consultations and training. They are free of cost, which is of great benefit to our merchants,” explained Manuel Cidre, secretary of the DDEC.
According to Pedro J. Acevedo, the manager of FeCC, in order to celebrate the achievements made thanks to existing customers, two special events have been coordinated that aim to strengthen ties between organizations and prepare companies to offer their products to the federal government.
“To get companies to comply as bidders and for communication with the federal government to be effective, participants must be prepared. For that, we will hold a Round Table to discuss the opportunities and challenges, with the DDEC, PRMA, CUD, College of Engineers and Surveyors, Association of General Contractors, representatives of the Federal Government and FeCC. In addition, an Open House to inform those interested will be held. So we urge you not to miss this opportunity,” said Pedro J. Acevedo.
The manager referred to the activities of APEX Day 2023, an “Open House” that will be held at the DDEC Theater (9 355 F.D. Roosevelt Ave. Hato Rey) today, Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where information about the federal government and all advisory services and incentives available in the DDEC will be provided. There will be special talks from the Office of Business Development, Office of Business Incentives, Office of Permit Management (OGPe), Labor Connection Program, and Trade and Export Program.