In this issue:
- SDVOSB Self-Certification Final Deadline
- SBA Certification Upgrade
- Opportunity Alert For Machine Shops
- Innovation (new monthly newsletter segment!)
| |
What Clients Say About Their APEX Accelerator | |
"Thank you for helping small businesses in Michigan! We greatly appreciate your partnership!" -- B&P Manufacturing |
|
SDVOSB Self-Certification Final Deadline | |
SBA Certification Upgrade | |
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is upgrading how their customers apply for and manage their federal contracting certifications. The new system is expected to be available for new applications in early September, 2024; no new applications will be accepted after August 13. More information on this process - and the upgraded system - will be released soon. If your firm faces a proposal deadline that may be impacted by your certification process, you are encouraged to contact them at certifications@sba.gov. |
|
Opportunity Alert For Machine Shops | |
|
A large prime is seeking capable suppliers for the following commodities:
-Large Castings
-Gear and Spline Precision Machining
-Mill and Turn Precision Machining
-Hardlines: Hoses, Tubes, Bending
-Friction Disks and Brake Plates - Braking System
-Threaded Rods - Swiss Turn Lathes
-Electrical/PCBA
If you can supply any of the above, please be prepared to have an active SAM.gov account, and an updated capability statement. Submit your capability statement to krhoda@westmiapex.org. If you need help with your capability statement, contact your APEX counselor for assistance.
|
|
Innovation - Government - Industry
- Academia Collaboration
| |
|
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Patents and Patent Applications are Available for Licensing
The ERDC seeks to collaborate with more innovators in industry, academia, and other sectors to address some of the nation’s most challenging problems in civil and military engineering, geospatial sciences, water resources, and environmental sciences for the Army, Department of Defense, civilian agencies, and our Nation’s public good
ERDC continually develops innovations to benefit the Army and the Nation’s needs. ERDC’s Office of Research and Technology Transfer (ORTT), along with its Partnership Intermediaries, are tasked with helping industry benefit from these inventions by widely disseminating the technologies for incorporation back into military application and/or broader non-military use. To protect the Government’s interests, the technologies are patented, marketed, and licensed to partners for commercial applications.
Many of ERDC’s patents and patent applications are available for licensing. Learn more at https://www.erdcwerx.org/erdc/.
|
|
DARPA's Biological Technologies Office is soliciting innovative proposals to identify and optimize novel molecules that exhibit inhibitory effects on Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) gene editing processes. For more details on this grant opportunity, see https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/354978.
|
|
|
Our federal and state governments seem to buy everything under the sun! This section highlights unique government purchases that may surprise you.
| |
|
The U.S. Army is seeking a small business to "provide wrestling mats" in Lansing, MI. Who knew!?
The mission of the United States Army is to deploy, fight, and win our nation's wars by providing ready, prompt, and sustained land dominance as part of the joint force of all U.S. military.
Learn more about the Army's mission at: https://www.goarmy.com/explore-the-army/purpose-legacy.html.
| |
|
NW Michigan APEX Accelerator Training | |
DCAA Pricing Series, Part 2
Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)
Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to partner with the DCAA in their monthly training series. Part 2 of the Pricing Series includes Indirect Costs and Rates and Monitoring Subcontracts.
Not sure how to build your indirect rates? Experts from DCAA will define direct versus indirect costs, what general indirect rate structures look like, and the relationship between indirect pools and bases. Additionally, the DCAA will discuss the life cycle of indirect rates, then build example indirect rates using the four-step method in allocating indirect costs to Government Contracts.
Confused about what your requirements as a prime contractor are when it comes to your selection and oversite of your subcontracts? The DCAA will provide information about navigating through the world of subcontracting. Discussion will include the documentation of subcontract selections, subcontracting requirements, and the responsibilities of a prime contractor. Additionally, the DCAA will highlight the importance of monitoring subcontracts, what information is required when submitting your annual incurred cost submission, as well as what the subcontractor will need to provide to the prime contractor.
No fee to attend, but registration is required.
August 7, 2024
2pm - 4pm EDT
Webinar
| | |
Marketing to Government Agencies & Prime Contractors
Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator
Marketing to government agencies shares many similarities with marketing to commercial customers. To succeed in this arena, it's crucial to identify your target market, understand the unique needs of your customers, develop a compelling value proposition, and effectively communicate your value proposition to potential buyers. In this pre-recorded webinar, Govology co-founder Carroll Bernard will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for mastering the art of marketing to government agencies.
During the course, you will gain knowledge on the following key topics:
- Conducting thorough market research tailored specifically to the government sector, utilizing a blend of online tools and primary research methods such as agency interviews.
- Identifying and creating essential marketing materials for engaging with government agencies and learning how to leverage them effectively.
- Crafting a strong value proposition that resonates with target customers, emphasizing the unique benefits of your products or services.
- Understanding the process of responding to sources sought notices to increase your chances of getting an opportunity set aside.
By the end of this course, you will know practical strategies and best practices to navigate the complexities of marketing to government agencies successfully. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your marketing skills and expand your reach in the government marketplace.
Session to be led by LeAnne Kachmarsky. No fee to attend, but registration is required.
August 22, 2024
10am - noon EDT
Webinar
| | |
DCAA Billing Series
Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)
Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to announce the upcoming DCAA Billing Series, including Provisional Billing Rates and Barriers to Payments from a DCAA Perspective.
Cost reimbursable contract awards are great for small businesses because of the opportunity for frequent monthly billing. One requirement of cost reimbursable awards and monthly invoicing to the government is the need for Provisional Billing Rates (PBRs). Join experts from DCAA as they define PBRs, their purpose, and the procedures for establishing these rates. Additionally, the DCAA will discuss when PBRs need to be submitted to DCAA for approval, the type of information that should be included in a PBR package, and the importance of monitoring your business’ expenditures throughout the year.
Congratulations! You have your first cost reimbursable award! Now what? The DCAA will define what types of contracts are eligible for interim reimbursement, DCAA’s responsibility, and regulatory oversight your company should be familiar with. The DCAA will dive into the preparation of vouchers, the SF 1034, and the DCAA pre-payment assessment. Learn examples of noncompliances DCAA finds when reviewing interim vouchers and how your small business can avoid them. Additionally, the DCAA will provide an overview on how to navigate the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment formerly known as PIEE, the system your business will use to submit interim vouchers.
No fee to attend, but registration is required.
September 4, 2024
2pm - 4pm EDT
Webinar
| | |
State of Michigan Contracting 101 - Let's Do Business
Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator
Please join us for a presentation on “Let’s Do Business” with the State of Michigan presented by procurement experts with the Department of Technology Management and Budget (DTMB) Procurement Office, which serves as the Central Purchasing office for the State of Michigan.
Each year, the DTMB oversees hundreds of multi-year contracts valued at billions of dollars. Did you know that the State of Michigan has an Extended Purchasing Program that allows cities, counties, and other local units of government to use state contracts?
This webinar will cover the basics of what you need to know to get started on your way to selling to the State of Michigan. Topics include an overview of the state’s procurement process, which state agencies are in charge of buying what, how you can find opportunities, what resources are available to help, and recent changes made to SIGMA VSS that make it more user-friendly.
Key topics:
- What does the State buy?
- Who does the buying?
- Where to find opportunities?
- Registering as a vendor
- What is SIGMA VSS?
- Central Procurement Contract List
- Extended purchasing program
- State purchasing preferences
- What is GDBE (Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises)?
Session to be led by LeAnne Kachmarsky. No fee to attend, but registration is required.
September 10, 2024
2pm - 3:30pm EDT
Webinar
| | |
Doing Business With the Federal Reserve Bank
National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)
Join the NVBDC and event host DTE at the DTE headquarters in Detroit, MI, on August 8 for this matchmaking event! NVBDC and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago combine their resources to bring together an event assembled with top professionals delivering exceptional presentations.Opportunities are available from government agencies and corporations seeking Certified Veteran-Owned suppliers. This signature matchmaking event creates a one-on-one platform for Veteran suppliers to present their capabilities.
August 8, 2024
East Lansing, MI
| | |
146th NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition
The National Guard Association of the United States
The NGAUS General Conference is the Association’s annual business meeting. Army and Air National Guard officers from all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia gather to network, set their legislative agenda and hear from America’s civilian and military leaders. Family members, industry representatives and local officials also attend.
The theme for the conference will be The National Guard: Built to Defend America. The theme makes a statement about who we are, what we do and where we will gather to conduct the business of our association.
Attendees and exhibitors welcome.
August 23-26, 2024
Detroit, MI
| | |
DoD Seeks Info On Critical Technology Fields | |
|
The Department of Defense is interested in learning about businesses, including university spin-off and entrepreneurial sole proprietors, working on the US critical and emerging technologies and DOD critical technology areas. Does yours fall in one of these categories?
* Advanced and Networked Sensors, Sensing, and Signature
* Advanced Manufacturing
* Advanced Materials
* Artificial Intelligence
* Biotechnologies
* Communication and Networking Technologies
* Computing and Software (Advanced)
* Cyber and Integrated Sensing
* Directed Energy
* Financial Technologies
* Future Generation Wireless Technology (FutureG)
* Gas Turbine Engine Technologies (Advanced)
* Human-Machine Interfaces
* Hypersonics
If yes, please contact your APEX Accelerator counselor.
| |
|
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.
Did you know that Foreign Ownership, Control, and Influence (FOCI) training is now required for all SBIR and STTR companies? You can find the link to the FOCI training course here.
1. Follow the instructions to sign up for an account on Project Spectrum
2. Log in to Project Spectrum
3. Find the Training Course on “Understanding Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI)”
4. Copy the provided password
5. Click on the course and log in to Encite.io using your email address and the copied password
6. Enroll in the course
7. Follow course instructions and learn!
Learn more about SBIR/STTR programs at https://www.sbir.gov/about.
Learn more about Foreign-Ownership Control or Influence at https://www.dcsa.mil/Industrial-Security/Entity-Vetting-Facility-Clearances-FOCI/Foreign-Ownership-Control-or-Influence/.
| |
Info on the Defense Production Act Title III | |
Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA) provides unique authorities, under which the United States Government (heretofore referred to as the “Government” or “USG”) may provide appropriate incentives to create, maintain, protect, expand, or restore the productive capacities of domestic sources for critical components, critical technology items, and industrial resources essential for the execution of the national security strategy of the United States. The principal objective of all DPA Title III investments is to strengthen and expand these domestic productive capacities and to ensure Government access to critical technology items well into the future. Learn more at https://www.businessdefense.gov/ibr/mceip/dpai/dpat3/docs/DPA-TitleIII-Overview.pdf. | |
Strengthen Your Online Fortress With These Essential Cybersecurity Tips
[1] Use robust passwords and manage them securely with a password manager
[2] Add an extra layer of defense by enabling multi-factor authentication
[3] Stay vigilant against phishing attempts; recognize and report suspicious emails or messages
immediately
[4] Keep your devices shielded by regularly updating software; patches often fix vulnerabilities
| |
Cybersecurity Support from the Michigan SBDC
The risk for security threats is certainly daunting, but the Michigan SBDC is here to provide valuable guides, consulting, webinars and more to protect your business from hackers. See more on their website.
| |
The DoD Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) initiated Project Spectrum as a comprehensive platform to provide no-cost tools and training needed to increase cybersecurity awareness and maintain compliance in accordance with DoD contracting requirements. | |
CyberSmart Grant Program
Operated in partnership with the Economic Growth Institute, the Michigan Defense Center is offering Michigan’s small and medium-sized defense contractors a comprehensive one-stop shop to NIST SP 800-171 compliance to save this nation’s federal supply chain—and your business. If qualified, your business can contract with a pre-approved vendor who will provide expertise to ensure your business complies with updated Department of Defense cybersecurity regulations.
The CyberSmart grant program, conducted in two phases, offers reduced pricing on a gap analysis, in addition to up to $22,500 in cost share grant funding to address identified deficiencies within your business’s IT infrastructure. For more information on the program, please reach out to Project Manager, Brooke Sweeney at brenaes@umich.edu.
| |
|
The Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator is a not-for-profit organization helping companies in northwest Michigan and the Upper Peninsula successfully obtain and perform under local, state, and federal government contracts. All of our services are provided at no charge.
The Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator is funded in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.
| | | | |
