- Allegheny County
- Armstrong County
- Beaver County
- Butler County
- Fayette County
- Greene County
- Washington County
- Westmoreland County
About GACO
The Government Agency Coordination Office (GACO) is an APEX Accelerator based at PennWest California, with satellite offices in Pittsburgh and Cranberry Township. Funded through a cooperative agreement between Pennsylvania Western University and the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs, GACO provides education, training, and one-on-one counseling to help local businesses navigate government contracting. As part of the national APEX Accelerator network, the program supports the development of capable contractors prepared to deliver goods and services to the Department of Defense and other government agencies. GACO assists businesses seeking to sell to federal, state, and local governments, as well as to government prime contractors. From navigating registrations to identifying bid opportunities, GACO supports businesses at every stage of the contracting journey. Through this program, GACO strengthens the Western Pennsylvania economy and supports the region’s business community. We are your strategic partner for turning government contracting opportunities into real business success.
GACO serves businesses in these Pennsylvania counties:
Since 1985, the office has helped companies to obtain more than $4.9 billion in contracts.
GACO Services
GACO's services to the region's business community include:
- One-on-one counseling on government procurement policies.
- Identifying codes for federal government contracting.
- Notifying companies of bid opportunities.
- Assisting with government registrations.
- Advising on subcontracting opportunities and contracts.
- Advising on bid preparation.
- Conducting seminars and webinars on government contracting.
- Hosting procurement fairs for face-to-face marketing.
- Notifying businesses of subcontracting opportunities:
Bid Opportunity Board
GACO Events
Please check back later for upcoming events.
Other Events
Newsletters
November 2025 Newsletter
August 2025 Newsletter
May 2025 Newsletter
February 2025 Newsletter
November 2024 Newsletter
August 2024 Newsletter
February 2024 Newsletter
August 2023 Newsletter
May 2023 Newsletter
Become a GACO Client
Businesses interested in GACO services must complete this client application. You may choose the office location that is most convenient for you.
Contact Us
PennWest California Office
GACO
Box 20
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419-1394
Phone: 724-938-5881
Email: GACOAPEXAccelerator@pennwest.edu
Kate Lacey Glodek, Director
Email: glodek@pennwest.edu
Dr. Pricilla A. Robertson, Government Contracting Specialist
Email: robertson@pennwest.edu
Tracy Julian, Contracting Coordinator
Email: julian@pennwest.edu
PennWest Pittsburgh Office
GACO
700 River Avenue, Suite 220
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-237-6098
Valerie Kachur, Government Contracting Specialist
Email: kachur_v@pennwest.edu
PennWest Regional Learning Alliance Office
GACO
850 Cranberry Woods Dr, Suite 2220
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Phone: 724-741-1004
James D. Free, Government Contracting Specialist
Email: free_j@pennwest.edu
View GACO Resources
Find useful links and publications on federal, state and local resources, e-business reference sources, resources for veteran-owned businesses, business codes, certifications and self-certifications, and more.
This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.
Please give the DoD Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) your feedback on GACO’s performance at APEX Accelerators
Also funded through a grant from the Allegheny Foundation.