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MATCHMAKING FAQ

​What Is Matchmaking?

 

There are two ways in which a small business is able to meet with government buyers or prime contractors, which is through scheduled and unscheduled matchmaking.

 

How Does Matchmaking Work?

 

Matchmaking operates as a rapid interviewing process. The structure and flow of the appointment is determined by the personnel of the buying organizations conducting the interview(s). 

 

Government buyers and large prime contractors will be seated at tables. Small businesses will be able to meet with them on a one-on-one basis for ten minute increments. When time is up, small businesses must conclude and allow for the next small business. We ask that you please be considerate of the buyers' time limits and other small businesses as you would like others to do the same. 

 

Based on the total available appointments, you can select eight unique meeting requests; remember, your selection does not guarantee a meeting with a buyer, for the following potential reasons(s):

  • A buyer may not have a need for the product(s) and/or service(s) that you sell

  • You may not have the certifications the buyer needs to do business

  • You may not have the professional licenses a buyer is looking for to do business

  • Other reason(s) relevant to the Buyer

Unscheduled

Unscheduled Matchmaking

 

Unscheduled Matchmaking allows small businesses to meet with government buyers on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

This is a great opportunity for businesses to see what products or services the buyer is seeking along with marketing the quality of their product or service. Businesses will have ten minutes to meet with government buyers until a moderator signals the end of the session. From there the small business must conclude their meeting and move on to the next.

 

We recommend reviewing the opportunities available through government buyers in attendance as well as using the PTACGo! (Event APP) or this website prior to your meeting.

 

Opportunities will be posted 14 days before the event. We ask that you please be considerate of time limits, as you would like others to do the same.

 

*These meetings do not require scheduled appointments.

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The request form is for those who want to pre-schedule meetings. Unscheduled meetings are on a ***first-come-first served basis*** there is no guarantee that a buyer is available or a meeting can be confirmed. Times and Buyers are subject to change.

Scheduled

Scheduled Matchmaking

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Scheduled Matchmaking are pre-scheduled meetings to help the small business identify a government buyer or prime contractor that has a specific need.

 

The small businesses are pre-screened and assigned to meet with a government agency or large prime contractor representatives.

 

The small business will have a preset allotted time of ten minutes scheduled to meet during the event. Those who request this service on their registration will be sent an email 14 days before the event begins.

 

You will select your meeting requests at this time and will be issued a schedule no later than 72 hours before the event. We ask you review the buyers' opportunities and select based upon their requests. Some buyers may have open opportunities available, with no restrictions. We ask that you please be considerate of time limits, as you would like others to do the same.

 

Process to select Buyers for pre-scheduled meetings:

 

Rules posted at the top pre-scheduled meeting form must be reviewed prior to selection. 

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Sellers (small businesses) who have registered for the Matchmaker are eligible to do pre-scheduling.  You will receive a meeting request form so that you may request meetings with agencies and prime contractors.    Please see the opportunities page frequently as new prime contractors and agencies are registering daily. Meeting schedules will be available via your email 72 hours before the Matchmaker.  You must pre-schedule before receiving a confirmed schedule. 

 

What Is A Matchmaker?

 

Matchmaker or Speed Partnering are one-on-one sessions that connect small businesses with federal, state, local government agencies, and large prime contractors.

 

Speed partnering is like speed dating for your business, but with scheduled appointments/matches based on a firm's capabilities and the buyer's needs.

 

What to Do Before the Matchmaker?

 

  • Look at the list of the government agencies and prime contractors who will be attending the Matchmaker and their procurement opportunities. Make sure to target the organizations that are looking for the products and/or services that you provide.

  • Complete Market Research - The websites for each government agency and prime contractor are the best source to determine whether they might be candidates for your service or product. Remember, use your time wisely!

  • Prepare Effective Marketing - Remember to bring your business cards and corporate capability statements. Also, make sure your website and marketing materials are up to date before giving out your information.

  • Update Registrations - Make sure that you are registered with each level of government in order to do business with each agency and prime. Important registrations include: System for Award Management (SAM), Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS). Make sure you have current local or state certifications, bonding and insurance information.

 

 

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