The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved $1.4 million to fund the new entrance and access road leading to the Flight 93 memorial in Somerset County. Someone is going to have to build it, and that's what Thursday night's meeting with the National Park Service was all about: helping local contractors get the job.

Video conference technology was a huge help as a packed room of about 50 local vendors got a lesson in federal contracting.

"It's very technical applying for these large construction jobs," said Joann Hanley with the National Park Service. "They are learning what the steps are in applying."

The ultimate goal is to make sure the local vendors have a chance to be part of the construction of the Flight 93 permanent memorial. Bids are expected to start going out in August and September. Officials with the National Park Service and the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce want to make sure the vendors are ready to play with the big boys.

"We are really excited about the number of people here," said Ron Aldom with the Chamber of Commerce. "Federal proposals are tough and we want to make sure they are understanding the bidding process."

Among the local businesses that are interested in being part of the historic project is Special Lite Products out of Westmoreland County. It makes decorative signs and lighting for Arlington National Cemetery and others.

"We just thought this would be a great fit for our product, and it is almost in our own back yard which makes it something very special," said Scott Siegel with Special Lite Products.

The construction deadline for the Flight 93 memorial is the 10th anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2011.