The VAR Guy

In separate but similar initiatives, Avnet Technology Solutions (the value-added distributor) and CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) are striving to connect solutions providers with IT projects fueled by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which totals nearly $800 billion. Here’s a look at the Avnet and CompTIA efforts.

Avnet’s Government Contract Watch program  provides partners with access to data from leading research companies, such as Federal Sources, Inc., Center for Digital Government and Carroll’s Publishing Services. Armed with that info, Avnet says, solutions providers can:

• Develop functional business plans and bid proposals based on live government data.
• Understand how to pursue opportunities related to the economic stimulus package through a series of “Driving Solutions” webinars.
• Gain expertise in vertical markets and technology areas related to government spending, such as healthcare and virtualization. This is offered through Avnet’s solutions practices, as well as its HealthPath and GovPath Universities.
• Enhance their government practices and understanding of the government contract and bidding process through Avnet’s GovPath Solutions practice, and its related university.

CompTIA’s Perspective

Meanwhile, CompTIA’s Public Policy team on March 5 will host a Webinar to educate solutions providers about:

• Elements of the stimulus bill that are relevant to IT companies
• Which IT projects are ready to launch immediately
• How changes in the federal tax code can benefit your company immediately
• What new IT spending is expected in the health and education sectors
• How the government plans to allocate billions of dollars in new broadband spending

The VAR Guy has mixed views about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. But as long as IT dollars are out there, qualified solutions providers should grab every dollar they can get.

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