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ABOVE: Tammy holds a workshop to inform constituents about federal contracting opportunities.
I firmly believe that Wisconsin should receive its fair share of federal dollars. That is why I have made it a priority to assist my constituents in identifying the many opportunities for receiving federal small business assistance, gaining federal contracts, and competing for federal grants.
There are numerous federal funding programs authorized for a variety of important research projects that help to advance our national knowledge base. In other instances, federal grant programs are authorized for national objectives such as improving health care access, modernizing our transportation and communication infrastructures, providing care for the disabled, and many other worthwhile objectives.
In general, federal grants are given to state and local governments and other organizations that are pursuing activities that have national relevance. However, grants continue to be one of the most widely misunderstood sources of federal funding.
Federal Assistance for Small Businesses
There are dozens of federal programs to assist small businesses. Some are designed to improve the capacity of small businesses to grow and expand. Others offer low-interest or guaranteed loans, advice, counseling, and mentoriship.
For small business information and assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA), visit the SBA's Wisconsin District Office website, at www.sba.gov/localresources/district/wi/index.html.
The SBA Regional Office in Madison frequently offers seminars and information sessions on a variety of topics. Contact them directly at 740 Regent St., Suite 100, in Madison, or call (608) 264-5261 [TTY: (608) 264-5333].
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also offers useful, free resources for small business on their website at http://www.irs.gov/smallbiz.
Business Contracting with the Federal Government
The federal government contracts with private businesses for purchases of equipment, materials, and services. This contracting presents an extraordinary variety of opportunities for Wisconsin businesses. Office equipment, furnishings, and supplies are all purchased by contract with federal agencies. Other contracting opportunities are more specialized, and cover a wide range of activities, services, and products, from laser production to management seminars to food services. For information on business contracting opportunities currently available, visit http://www.fedbizopps.gov
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Federal Grants
The Process. The federal grant process is fairly complex. Most grant programs are authorized by Congress. Some are reauthorized each year, while others are approved for longer periods before they must be reauthorized. A few grant programs are created under the discretionary authority of federal agencies, and are only indirectly overseen by Congress.
Once authorized, a grant program must receive funding through annual appropriations by Congress. This is part of the annual federal budget process.
Once the grant programs have been funded, the federal agencies responsible for their administration design procedures for application, judging the proposals, funding, and grant monitoring in accordance with other laws and regulations. The availability of a federal grant is then announced in the Federal Register, and may also be announced in other media, including the agency's website.
Federal grant programs are highly competitive and winning approval for these grants can be difficult. Application procedures are often complicated with many requirements designed to ensure accountability and the approval processes are typically long in duration, with extensive monitoring of federally funded programs.
How I Can Help: Despite the many hurdles that are part of the process, each year local programs that have met all the requirements are approved for funding. I hope to help in this competitive arena in a variety of ways. Should you decide to apply for a federal grant, I have put together a guide to the federal grant application process. This "InfoPack" is available by calling my Beloit office at 608-362-2800.
Once you have obtained information regarding a federal grant, developed your proposal, and completed the application, you may also wish to contact me to request a Congressional Letter of Support. I have provided guidelines on how to request a Letter of Support below.
Although a letter of support is no guarantee that a project will be funded, it sometimes can help when the process is highly competitive. It is another way, beyond providing this information, that I can partner with you to make sure our fair share of federal grant dollars make their way to Wisconsin and fund local, worthwhile projects here at home.
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