Government and Industry Procurement The U.S. government is the world's largest buyer of products and services. Purchases by military and civilian installations amount to nearly $200 billion a year, and include everything from complex space vehicles to janitorial services to cancer research. In short, the government buys just about every category of commodity and service available. NORBIC advises Illinois companies on procurement opportunities and keeps them abreast of changes in the procurement process at the federal, State of Illinois, and local municipal levels. Technical expertise and assistance are offered in proposal preparation, the procurement process, and contract administration. NORBIC also offers assistance with small business preference programs, including Small Women Owned Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Veteran, and 8(a) Certification Assistance. NORBIC is a dedicated Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and its government business development services are provided to area businesses through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and the United States Department of Defense. Our Funders NORBIC's free and low cost business assistance programs are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the U.S. Department of Defense, the City of Chicago, and matching funds from corporate and foundation partners.