Technical assistance

Government technical assistance encompasses a variety of programs and services aimed at supporting individuals, businesses, communities, and other governmental bodies in achieving specific objectives or overcoming challenges. Below are detailed descriptions of some key programs:

For Individuals and Businesses

• Empower to Grow Program: Previously known as the 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program, this initiative by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps disadvantaged small businesses grow, particularly in government contracting. It provides free business courses, tailored training, and one-on-one consulting.

• APEX Accelerators: Formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), these centers guide businesses through the government contracting process, helping them find, win, and perform on government contracts at local and federal levels. Run by National Apex Accelerator Alliance.

• Federal Contracting Assistance: The SBA also offers guidance through Procurement Center Representatives (PCRs) and Commercial Market Representatives (CMRs) to ensure small businesses have opportunities in federal procurement.
  • https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/federal-contracting-assistance

For Local Governments and Communities

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Technical Assistance: DOT provides targeted support to communities, regions, or organizations to help deploy federal funding and build local capacity for transportation plans and projects.
  • https://www.transportation.gov/grants/dot-navigator/technical-assistance-resources

• EPA Smart Growth Programs: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports programs like "Local Foods, Local Places" and "Recreation Economy for Rural Communities" to aid in community planning and development with a focus on sustainability and economic revitalization.
  • https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/smart-growth-technical-assistance-programs

• State and Local Energy Programs: Through the Department of Energy, programs such as Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) provide tailored assistance in renewable power, grid, transportation, and buildings sectors to foster local clean energy deployment.
  • https://www.energy.gov/eere/technical-assistance

For Economic Development

• EDA's National Technical Assistance: The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) supports projects with a national scope to disseminate best practices and provide technical assistance for economic development.
  • https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/research-and-national-technical-assistance/national-technical-assistance

• EDA's Local Technical Assistance: This program addresses knowledge gaps in distressed areas, aiding public and nonprofit leaders in making informed economic development decisions.
  • https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/local-technical-assistance

For International Aid and Development

• International Technical Assistance: This program leverages the expertise of U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) employees to assist other countries in capacity building, focusing on natural resource management and conservation.
  • International Technical Assistance Program
  • https://www.doi.gov/intl/itap

• Office of Technical Assistance (OTA): OTA helps developing nations improve their public financial management and safeguard their financial sectors, providing direct advisory and training..
  • Department of Treasury
  • https://home.treasury.gov/about/offices/international-affairs/technical-assistance

Agricultural and Environmental Support

• Conservation Technical Assistance: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers personalized advice and resources to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners to implement conservation practices.
  • Department of Agriculture
  • https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-technical-assistance