(Charleston, W. Va.) – West Virginia State Senator Glenn Jeffries (D-Putnam) announced today that funding has been secured to meet the state match for the Regional Contracting Assistance Center (RCAC). The RCAC is a non-profit organization which helps state companies, including veteran, minority and women-owned businesses compete for contracts with federal, state and local government agencies. Since 1987, RCAC has been funded by grants from the federal Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the State of West Virginia and private companies.

“We all know this is an extremely tough budget time for our state, but RCAC is so important to business owners who want to compete for government contracts,” Jeffries said. “Navigating the federal contract process can be complicated, but RCAC makes it easier for business owners in our state.”

Senator Jeffries was contacted by RCAC after funding for the state matching grant was left out of the state budget. He contacted the offices of Governor Jim Justice and Secretary of Commerce Woody Thrasher, for assistance.

“Governor Justice and Secretary Thrasher both recognized that we have to protect the important work that the RCAC does for our business community,” said Jeffries. “For our investment of $115,000 to match the U.S. Department of Defense grant of more than $400,000, we will keep this office working for West Virginians.”

Jeffries outlined several benefits for West Virginia of the work of RCAC:

• Since 2015, West Virginia clients of RCAC have received more than $256 million in contract awards, resulting in 2,694 jobs;
• West Virginia’s revenue from corporate, individual and property taxes from the contracts is estimated to be 477% of investment, or more than $1 million yearly;
• RCAC provides the only certified Veterans Verification Counselors in West Virginia;
• RCAC offers free assistance with System for Award Management (SAM) registration and renewal, which saves state businesses thousands of dollars.

Jeffries encouraged business owners who may be interested in the services of Regional Contracting Assistance Center to contact the office at 1116 Smith Street, Suite 202, Charleston, W. Va 25301, (304)344-2546, rcac@rcacwv.com or on the web at rcacwv.com.