Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) has received a $435,000 cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to support Iowa businesses through the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP).

PTAP, funded in part by the DOD, provides assistance to business in marketing products and services to the federal, state and local governments.

“Pursuing government contracts is an easy, cost-effective way to build business,” said CIRAS Program Manager David Bogaczyk. “Through PTAP, we’re helping Iowa companies gain more government contracts, expand their businesses and, ultimately, hire more employees.”

CIRAS has directed the statewide program in Iowa since 2001 and the federal funding level of $435,000 for 2012-13 is equivalent to 2011-12.