ANNUAL REPORT 2014

A message from the executive director of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company:

Antonio L. Medina Executive Director, Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico continues to advance on its economic development roadmap, driving important efforts to protect and diversify our key industrial segments. As we move forward in this endeavor, we also look for new means to drive additional business opportunities to those companies that already belong to our industrial footprint. Not only do we explore new segments, but also encourage increasing our participation in relevant markets, such as the federal contracting market, which represents over $500 billion annually.

At PRIDCO we provide the resources that our local businesses need to find and engage new business opportunities in the federal market. For 30 years, our Federal Contracting Center (FeCC) has provided important services and support for companies in this process. With over $65 million in contracts awarded this year to FeCC supported local companies, our vision is to continue to increase this number, fostering job creation and investment in Puerto Rico.

I personally encourage each and every business owner in Puerto Rico to explore how their products and services could fit the demands of federal agencies. This could be the next step to the evolution of many businesses in Puerto Rico and we are eager to support them in the process.

A message from the Acting Manager of the Federal Contracting Center, Barbara Rivera-Chinea

The annual report gives us the opportunity to evaluate and communicate our success over the past year, and throughout this process, identify new initiatives where we can continue to support our business community. It is with great pleasure that we present to you the FeCC’s 2014 Annual Report.

In 2014, we have accomplished our goals by providing assistance to our clients, reinforcing our strategic alliances, and continuously developing our technical capabilities attaining new levels of expertise and certifications.

Our success mostly depends on our client’s success, and ultimately on our contribution to Puerto Rico’s economic development. Year after year, the FeCC has aided Puerto Rico businesses in the process of applying, attaining, and managing federal contracts.

Following this endeavor, in 2014 the FeCC was able to assist over 900 businesses with their federal procurement processes, and contributed to the award of $65.3 million in federal contracts.

Simultaneously, we dedicated a great deal of time in building and maintaining business relationships with our partners to keep moving forward in our contracting efforts, resulting in an increase of 135% in the training program sessions offered and impacting more businesses with fewer resources.

Our achievements were possible through teamwork. Key elements to last year’s success included our counselor’s dedication, responsibility and commitment to our mission, and ultimately to our goals. I feel extraordinarily privileged to work for this organization and to be part of FeCC team.

The federal government marketplace certainly represents an unmeasurable opportunity to Puerto Rico businesses looking to expand and contribute to the economy. While Puerto Rico steadily has maintained an average of $400 million participation in the federal market, we are confident that the biggest opportunities are still ahead. Moving forward, the FeCC will continue to explore opportunities and focus on improving its services to support our clients and ensure long-term growth.

We are excited to share that each member of our team has obtained the CVE (Center for Verification and Evaluation) Certification from the US Department of Veterans, which enables us to better serve our veteran entrepreneurial community.

About Us

The Puerto Rico Federal Contracting Center (FeCC), also known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), is a division of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO) focused in assisting local businesses to sell their goods and services to the federal government. The FeCC is part of a nationwide network of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, a DoD funded program through cooperative agreements to assist US businesses in pursuing federal procurement opportunities.

FeCC services are provided at no cost to any business located in Puerto Rico that is interested in selling their products or services to the Federal Government. Any qualified business that has potential and interest to sell to the federal government is welcome to apply for our services.

“The Puerto Rico Federal Contracting Center (FeCC), is funded in part through a cooperative agreement from the Department of Defense (DOD) through a program that is administered by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The content of any written materials or verbal communications of the FeCC does not necessarily reflect the official views of or imply endorsement by DOD or DLA.”

Our mission is to proactively position businesses in the federal government market while actively assisting and matchmaking

companies with available federal contracts

Our vision is to become PR's gateway for federal contracting opportunities by increasing local business participation in federal

contracts.

The strength and success of the Puerto Rico Federal Contracting Center lies first and foremost with its team of dedicated professionals, who are fully committed to support PRIDCO’s endeavors and the local business community’s needs at all times.

As part of our ongoing commitment to exceed our customers expectations in a constantly changing environment of federal procurement standards and requirements, our agents participate in continuing education programs and seminars, and specialized courses.

Our goal is to generate employment and improve the general economy of Puerto Rico by assisting business firms to obtain and perform under federal government contracts.

Our Team

Nildalisse Rodríguez Mónica GonzálezBárbara

Rivera

Pedro AcevedoMarjuli David Rey Torres

Lynette Serrano Tristana Vásquez

FeCC 2014

Currently on FeCC’s team

In 2014, all FeCC counselors and managers obtained the Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) Certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, enabling them to better assist veteran

owned businesses to attain their Verification in order to be eligible for VA contract set-asides.

54%

19%

11%

9%

2% 4%

Clients Diversity

Disadvantanged firms Women-Owned Business8(a) FirmsVeteran-Owned Firms HUBZone FirmsOther than Small

The FeCC currently serves 900 active clients. Below is the breakdown of the counseling activity by

client socioeconomic segment.

Evaluation Factor Achieved

Active Client Base 900

Counseling hours 1,552

Counseling activity 1,792 sessions

Conferences / attendees 44 / 1,693

Contract Awards $65.3 million in federal contract awards to FeCC’s active clients

Jobs created / Retained 1,307

A snapshot of FeCC Metrics

Active clients are businesses that have received one-on-one counseling for more than 30 minutes, or have participated in our events during 2014. Counseling hours refer to one-on-one client sessions.

Return on Investment

$1 invested in FeCC generated $18,867 in contracts awarded

$1,000 invested in FeCC generated 6.93 jobs

Seminars and Conferences

Events

Sponsored Outreach

44 Seminars and conferences were sponsored or participated (Outreach)1,693 entrepreneurs participated in FeCC’s 2014 training program

24 trainings events were created and offered by FeCC counselors. These events were presented in different format, such as: seminars, e-labs, matchmaking, conferences and

workshops

20 events were attended by the FeCC staff in liaison with entrepreneurs entities such as:

Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, Minority Enterprise Development Center, Puerto Rico IT Cluster, Small Business Administration, Professional College of Engineers and Land Surveyors of Puerto Rico, PR United Retailers Association, PR Products Association, PR Manufacturers

Association, EZ GSA, PYMES, PRIMEX, Aerospace & Defense Space Cluster, USDOT, CPA Association of PR and federal agencies.

Sponsored events are conferences, workshops, seminars , matchmaking or similar events hosted by the FeCC or others, where FeCC staff has served as a main speaker or resource.

Outreach refers to other events where the FeCC has participated to provide general awareness or guidance about its services.

What our clients are saying about our events

“Excellent presentation. Straight to the point and useful information. I will be interested in a meeting soon to discuss my business. Thanks!”

“Excellent opportunity for businesses in a stagnated economic environment. Providing effective tools to get real opportunities. Keep doing them – Job well

done!”“Profesionalismo extremo, mucha esperanza para el futuro.”

“¡El presentador excelente!”

“El recurso muy agradable, muy amable y muy bien preparado.”

“Very useful and user-friendly fundamentals essential to get your business going with the Federal Government. Great Presentation”.

“Excelente seminario. Muy informativo y explicativo. Muy buena orientación inicial.” El seminario estuvo excelente; la conferenciante estuvo muy amena, con pleno

conocimiento de los temas. Muchas felicidades por este seminario y espero que continúen ofreciéndolo.”

“La exponente domina la materia y transmite confianza.”

“Excellent!”“Excellent job and tons of useful information.”

Success Stories

Cafetería Industrial

Agency: Department of the Army, 877-933-3243Amount - $58,118.70Cafeteria Industrial is a company that provides catered food services to both, public and private sectors since 1989. The company became PTAC client in 2013 and has been participating in different seminars and matchmaking to pursue federal business opportunities. FeCC counselor also assisted the client in understanding the FAR clauses and the procurement process for solicitation number W912C3-14-Q-008A. Consequently, a $58,118.70 contract was awarded to the company.

Twins Landscaping Corp.

Agency – Department of the Army, Amount - $3,874,180Twins Landscaping Corp. is a company that offers ground and landscaping services, to both public and private clients since 1997. The company became PTAC client in 2009, and has received counseling and has participated in different seminars and matchmaking events looking to pursue federal business opportunities. As a result a $3,874,180 contract was awarded to the company in 2014.

Maglez Engineering and Contractor Corp

Agency: Puerto Rico National Guard Award Amount: 4,027,200 Maglez Engineering and Contractor Corp. is a small disadvantaged business providing construction services with more than 10 years of experience. The company became FeCC client in 2010 looking for guidance and support to penetrate the federal market and pursue new business opportunities. As a direct result of the FeCC’s contribution and assistance Maglez Engineering & Contractor, Corp. was awarded their first federal contract for the construction of an additional building at the Maneuver area training and equipment site at Camp Santiago in Salinas, Puerto Rico. The total dollar amount of the contract was $4,027,200.00.

Success Stories Arco Caribe Architect PSC

Agency: Centers for Disease Control / US Coast Guard Award amount: $133,846.00Arco Caribe Architect PSC is a professional Service Corporation rendering Architectural / Engineering Design and/or Construction . As a result of FeCC’s contribution and assistance to Arco Caribe Architects PSC, the company has been approved under the 8(a) SBA Business Development Program. Also, during their first year under the Program the company was awarded five (5) federal contracts for architectural services of a total dollar amount of $133,846.00.

Building Fast Cleaning Service, Corp.

Agency: U S Coast Guard Award amount: $34,736Building Fast Cleaning Service, Corp. is a facility maintenance and management services provider. BFCS is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned small business established in 1993 by its principal, Mr. Sergio Romeu Díaz, a veteran business man looking to pursue new challenges in the federal government market; considering his socioeconomic status and entrepreneur vision.As a result of FeCC’s contribution and assistance the company was awarded their first federal contract HSCG28-15-P-7W1035 for janitorial services, dollar amount of $34,736.00. This contract created 2 part time direct jobs. Also, the company was officially verified as a SDVOSB.

United Forms & Graphics, Inc

Agency: Puerto Rico National Guard Award amount: $9,820United Forms & Graphics, Inc was established in 1994 to help customers differentiate themselves through the correct use of the Promotional Products and Commercial Printing.As a result of FeCC/PTAC’s contribution and assistance to United Forms and Graphics Inc. the company was awarded their first federal contract for the promotional items, dollar amount of $9,820.

Partners & Client Reviews “The Federal Contracting Center is one of SBA’s most valuable partners in Puerto Rico. Their commitment to small business development is exemplary. We look forward to our continued collaboration in assisting small businesses succeed for many years to come.”-Gracias/Thank you,Yvette T. Collazo District Director, Puerto Rico & US Virgin IslandsU.S. Small Business Administration

“PTAC was an essential element that drove the formal establishment of our company in the federal marketplace since 2001. FeCC‘s team bring professional customer service, the personnel is highly committed with the industry. I got certified (2014) under the 8(a) program with the guidance of FeCC. I would strongly recommend the FeCC service to any business owner.”-Héctor Collazo, President , Gema Contractors

“FeCC and its’ PTAC Counselor, Nildalisse Rodríguez-Ortiz, has helped me in many ways. I have received assistance with SAM’s registration, technical support in WAWF, understood how FAR works and guidance on how to work with federal agencies. FeCC’s seminars and workshops have been very helpful. I feel thankful to have the opportunity to grow my business in an educated way with professionals who knows the market.”Marilyn MelendezGeneral Manager, United Forms & Graphics Inc.

“The Federal Contracting Center (FeCC) as the local PTAC is known, has come under my supervision since 2014. During this time, we have seen and managed several changes within the organization but have kept our efforts and focus on the programs mission and goals. I can genuinely say that I feel very proud to be overseeing these efforts and even more so of the impact that the work has on our community. ”Jaime Yordán, Director Business DevelopmentPuerto Rico Industrial Development Company

I would like to take the time expressing my appreciation with the Federal Contracting Center personnel, Puerto Rico, which has far exceeded my expectations. They continue to work with my organization with respect and professionalism as we remain establishing further organizational opportunities in the Federal market.Nelson Romeu, VicepresidentBuilding Fast Cleaning Service Corp

Partners & Client Reviews “For the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, it’s being very helpful to count with FeCC’s help and support. Thanks to the open communication with the FeCC staff , we have developed an excellent working team. As a result, we have awarded more contracts to PR small business firms, helping the growth of the local economy.” Mil gracias,Mariano Torres Feliciano, MSgt, PRANGContracting Specialist

I wish to take this opportunity to express my most meaningful gratitude in the manner in which the Federal Contracting Center personnel, in Puerto Rico, has worked with our company in identifying business opportunities. The employees outstanding professionalism and knowledge of basic market research tools are truly an asset that reflects on the goals of the FeCC/ PRIDCO office in Puerto Rico. Andrés Rivera, Federal Contracts OfficerMartel, Inc

According to the 2014 Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Performance Review, FeCC’s management team “received an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’, due to extraordinary

efforts in exceeding their goals, successful conference outreach, organized and precise recordkeeping, having all clients certification brought up to standards”. Also, the report

acknowledges the clients surveys and interviews, having an exceptional reputation and positive outcome in assisting clients with their Small Business needs.

Working with FEEC, Prime Air Corp. expanded its services to the Government market in 2008 offering specialized services in the logistics, transportation and warehousing industry. With the assistance of FEEC, Prime Air has secured several federal contracts and have established great relationship and rapport with local federal agencies by providing great service.FeCC is an excellent resource to help your business growth.Iris Vincent,President, Prime Air Corp

“I would like to recognize the professional support that the FeCC provided us during 2014. We thank the team for helping us achieved the 8(a) certification and the required registrations. We also hope to work closely this year with the FeCC”. Francisco San Miguel President, Confianza Exterminating Corp.

Going the extra mile

Dun & Bradstreet Alliance

The first step to be eligible to receive federal contracts or grants is obtaining a DUNS number, a unique identification number for each business physical location, assigned by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) .

In 2013 D&B incorporated the use of a new and more secure system, known as iupdate, to process all DUNS number requests. The iupdate requires that every individual who access the system has to go through authentication, which is done by validating its address. Due to address incompatibility between Puerto Rico and the US formatting system, businesses in Puerto generally failed the authentication requirement. Therefore, businesses had to submit a list of official documents along with an affidavit in order to obtain a DUNS number or update their existing record; causing them to incur in additional costs while delaying the process. Looking towards a solution, the FeCC escalated the situation to D&B’s attention, who agreed to waive the standardized requirements if requests were processed through the FeCC. Thanks to this solution, entities in Puerto Rico can submit their DUNS requests at no cost and hassle free through the FeCC website. This approach not only supports Puerto Rico’s contracting efforts, but is also being extended to assist Puerto Rico’s grantees to facilitate their federal funds access. The FeCC currently receives and processes an average of 40 D&B requests per month.

Supporting state and local contracting efforts

The FeCC supported the San Juan Municipality in their effort of registering its vendors in SAM (System for Award Management). Due to federal funding requirements the Municipality management had to require its vendors to be registered in SAM in order to check any active exclusions in the Excluded Parties List System (suspended and debarred business and individuals) as a prerequisite for their contract award or renewal. Our center’s support and assistance has facilitated the registration process through D&B and SAM permitting the contract renewal between local vendors and the state agency in a timely manner.

Going the extra mile

Puerto Rico Information Technology Cluster: PRisIT

In 2014, the FeCC continued with its unconditional support of the Puerto Rico Information Technology Cluster (PRIT Cluster) through its role as a member of the Board of Directors. Last year, the PRIT Cluster organized and sponsored the first CIO & IT Leadership Conference in San Juan, a key milestone for the IT industry in Puerto Rico. The event resulted with a massive participation of approximately 700 attendees from the IT sector. The key purpose of the event was to position the IT industry as one of the key pillars of Puerto Rico’s economic development.

The FeCC actively coordinated and supported all of PRisIT’s efforts throughout the year.

The PRIT Cluster gathers experienced companies, ready to serve IT government and private needs, in an effort to reinforce and develop the sector’s competitiveness and capabilities to better serve new markets. Since its establishment in 2010, the Cluster has been consistent in strengthening its strategies and building collaborative relationships with Academia, industry leaders, key partners and associations, while receiving support from the Government of Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico IT sector provides competitive IT solutions by capitalizing on the experience and skills of its cluster members.

Working with the Small Business Administration (SBA)

The collaboration between the Federal Contracting Center (FeCC) and the US Small Business Administration (SBA) shows, once again, the importance of teamwork:

In 2014, the FeCC participated as a speaker or technical resource at approximately 12 SBA training and outreach events.

Our relationship with the SBA Regional Director has helped increase the number of local 8(a) certified companies

FeCC’s Gallery

The Professional College of Engineers and Land Surveyors

of Puerto Rico, 2014 Convention

Bárbara Rivera and Migdalia Rosado, Executive Director, PRIMEX

Francisco San Miguel (FeCC client) at the SBA

Matchmaking, Coamo

Rey Torres & Nildalisse Rodríguez SBA Matchmaking , Coamo

Bárbara Rivera and Officials from the Defense Contract Audit Agency

(DCAA) @ PR CPA Association

FeCC’s Gallery

Federal Proposal Development Seminar

“How to approach a contracting officer”-Nildalisse Rodríguez, Edwin Méndez, Fort Buchanan Directorate of Contracting, MAJ Carlos Rivera, Supervisory Contract Specialist, USPFO-Puerto Rico, Olga Rodríguez, Contracting Officer U. S. General Services Administration, Mrs. Iris Vincent, President Prime Air Corp

PR Manufacturers Association Scott Orbach, EZ GSA

Thank you

The FeCC team would like to take this opportunity to thank PRIDCO and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for their partnership and support, year after year, and enabling the continuance of our program by making the services we provide to our clients possible.

Also, we would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to PRIDCO employees, our team, and all coworkers and colleagues in every department that help us in so many ways and create an enjoyable and collaborative environment everyday.

A special thank you to our clients and partners for trusting and allowing us to contribute to their businesses and entities in a professional and valuable way.

Contact InformationVisit our website: www.federalcontractingpr.com

and follow us on

Federal Contracting Center fecc@pridco.pr.gov

Lynette Serrano 787.758.4747 x. 3181 Lynette.serrano@pridco.pr.gov

Nildalisse Rodríguez 787.758.4747 x. 3179 Nildalisse.rodriguez@pridco.pr.gov

Rey Torres 787.758.4747 x. 3180 Rey.torres@pridco.pr.gov

Bárbara Rivera 787.758.4747 x. 3175 Barbara.rivera@pridco.pr.gov

Pedro Acevedo 787.758.4747 x. 3177 Pedro.acevedo@pridco.pr.gov

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 362350, San Juan PR 00936-2350 ■ Street Address: 355 FD Roosevelt Ave, Hato Rey, PR 00918