WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman John P. Murtha, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, announced today that Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI), California University of Pennsylvania (CAL U), and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) have been awarded a cost-sharing Department of Defense (DoD) Procurement Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement.

“The Department of Defense Procurement Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement utilizes the expertise of area organizations to assist local companies in identifying and competing for federal and state contracts,” said Murtha.  “These partnerships have diversified our local economy and help to attract additional jobs and businesses to our region.”

The value of the Agreement for JARI is $335,999.  The Department of Defense will provide $251,999, or 75 percent, and JARI must raise the difference through local sources and in-kind contributions.  JARI will use this funding to assist local companies to compete for government contracts and to continue the successful Showcase of Commerce annual event.  JARI has participated in the Agreement every year since 1990.

The value of the Agreement for CAL U is $349,968.  The Department of Defense will provide $167,285, or 47.8 percent, and CAL U receives a grant from the Scaife Foundation to make up the difference.  CAL U will use this funding to assist local companies compete to for federal, state and local government contracts and subcontracts.  CAL U has participated in the Agreement every year since 1985. 

The value of the Agreement for IUP is $312,277.  IUP partners with the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette in Greensburg and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission in Pittsburgh to provide assistance to contract seeking firms in Indiana, Armstrong, Westmoreland, Fayette, and Allegheny Counties.  The Department of Defense will provide $182,157, or 58.3 percent, and the IUP partnership will make up the difference.  IUP will use this funding to work one-on-one with existing and growing companies interested in pursuing government contracts.  IUP has participated in the Agreement every year since 1991. 

# # #