On October 19, 2026 UH APEX Accelerator had the honor and privilege to host Department of War, Office of Industrial Base Growth Leadership in our offices. James Mishmash, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Growth,& Director of Small Business Programs and Khalil Mack, Deputy Director, Office of Industrial Base Growth, Director, Defense Marketplace Readiness met with UH APEX Leadership to discuss ongoing efforts in preparing local small businesses to work with the Federal Government. | Recent efforts by the Trump administration to tamp down fraud have included an increased enforcement of regulations regarding the use of unique addresses by contractors. Learn more about this issue and what you can do to reduce risk to your organization. | |
Critical! Action Required! New timeline for PIEE account deactivation (2026-JUL-27 00:00 UTC) System: All, Message For: All Users Read Dismiss
On OCT 14th, 2026, PIEE will implement a configuration change to the amount of time an account may be left unused before it goes into an inactive status.
This means you will need to log into your PIEE account at least every 34 days to keep your account active. Previously this was set to 60 days.
Who: All PIEE account holders
What: Log into your PIEE account at least every 34 days to keep it active
When: Wed, 15 Oct 2026 17:00 EST
Why: This change is to comply with DoW and DLA cyber security standards
Where to Locate the Notice:
The notice is on the PIEE login page under System Messages:
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Go to the PIEE login page.
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Select “View All System Messages.”
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Find the message titled “New timeline for PIEE account deactivation,” posted July 27, 2026.
It states that PIEE will implement the change on October 14, 2026, and users must log in at least every 34 days, rather than every 60 days, to keep their accounts active.
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NO-COST CYBERSECURITY SERVICES FOR THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE
The National Security Agency's Cybersecurity Collaboration Center (CCC) is how NSA scales intel-driven cybersecurity through open, collaborative partnerships. The CCC works with industry, interagency, and international partners to harden the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, operationalize NSA's unique insights on nation-state cyber threats, jointly create mitigations guidance for emerging activity and chronic cybersecurity challenges, and secure emerging technologies. NSA's Cybersecurity Collaboration Center was stood up in December 2020. Since then, the CCC has grown its partner base to more than 1900+ bi-directional collaborative relationships. Through these partnerships, the CCC is able to scale prevention, detection, and mitigation techniques to billions of endpoints worldwide.
For small and medium businesses supporting critical DoD supply chains, NSA's CCC also provides no-cost cybersecurity services. These include Protective Domain Name System (PDNS, or a DNS filtering service), Attack Surface Management (ASM), Continuous Automatous Penetration Testing (CAPT) and non-public, DIB specific NSA threat intelligence. These services help small and medium businesses reduce their risk of a costly cybersecurity incident and better protect sensitive USG information residing on private sector networks.
| UH APEX Accelerator On-Demand Webinars | | |
Select your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes
This webinar will teach you how to use the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes website to select your codes. NAICS codes are industry codes used to describe the goods and services (including construction) you want to sell to the federal, state, and local government agencies.
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I'm Certified, Now What?
Your certification application is approved and now you are eligible to compete for prime contract and subcontract opportunities. If you are unsure how to compete for these opportunities or how to market yourself to government agencies, this workshop will provide you information about how you can use the benefits of your certification to compete for government contracts.
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On-Demand Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI)
This webinar provides an essential overview of Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) and its impact on federal contracting and federal contractors. Participants will learn how FOCI is defined, why it matters for eligibility—especially in defense and security-related contracts—and how government agencies assess risk. The session also covers common risk factors, disclosure requirements, and practical mitigation strategies that allow businesses to remain competitive while protecting national security interests. This webinar is ideal for companies pursuing government contracts. For, this briefing offers actionable guidance to navigate compliance and position your firm for success.
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On-Demand Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III
This webinar provides APEX Accelerator Clients with an overview of the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Program and how it supports the expansion of U.S. industrial capacity for national defense. Participants will learn how DPA Title III funding works, the types of projects and industries prioritized by the Department of War, and how small and mid-sized manufacturers can position themselves for future opportunities. The session also highlights practical strategies for aligning business capabilities with national defense supply chain needs, developing strong partnerships, and navigating federal contracting processes with support from the UH APEX Accelerator.
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On-Demand: Understanding the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program for Federal Contractors
Participants will learn program eligibility requirements, the roles and responsibilities of mentors and protégés, the benefits of SBA-approved Joint Ventures, common compliance pitfalls, and the application process. The webinar also highlights best practices for developing successful mentor-protégé relationships and leveraging the program to increase federal contracting success.This session will help you determine whether the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program aligns with your organization's growth strategy and federal contracting goals.
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On-Demand: Department of War (DoW) Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) Overview for Small Businesses
Participants will learn program eligibility requirements, benefits for protégés and mentors, available developmental assistance, funding structures, and the steps required to establish a successful mentor-protégé agreement. Whether you are seeking to expand your defense contracting opportunities, enhance your capabilities, or build relationships within the federal marketplace, this webinar will provide valuable insights into leveraging the DoW MPP as part of your federal growth strategy.
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On-Demand Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS)
Participants will gain insight into priority sectors, understand how IBAS funding and contracting pathways work, and learn how to align their capabilities with current defense needs. The session will also provide practical guidance on identifying opportunities, strengthening compliance readiness, and leveraging APEX resources to pursue prime and subcontracting roles.
| | Partner Live Workshops & Information Session | | Project Spectrum: A Resource Worth Knowing About. | | The Mentor-Protégé Program: Growth Through Partnership | | For Industry: Understanding Intellectual Property & Data Rights in Department of War Contracting | | |
As a client of UH APEX Accelerator, you can attend the
Govology webinars below at no cost to you.
1. Click "Buy Now" button.
2. Enter the Coupon and click Apply. If you do not know the coupon code, please email the UH APEX Accelerator at uhapex@central.uh.edu to request the code. If you are an active client of the UH APEX Accelerator, we will reply back with the coupon code.
3. Click Proceed to Checkout to complete your registration.
4. Fill out the registration form and click Place Order.
Once you complete UH APEX Accelerator and Govology registrations, you will receive a confirmation email. The Govology confirmation will have the webinar link. If you don’t receive it, contact support@govology.com.
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How to Competitively Respond to a Sources Sought and Influence the Acquisition (2026 Update)
Format: Live webinar (on-demand recording available on November 19, 2026)
Date: November 10, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
Presented by: Joshua Frank (RSM Federal)
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Capturing the Moving Market: Upgrading Your Federal Intelligence Strategy
Format: Live webinar (on-demand recording available on November 19, 2026)
Date: November 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
Presented by: Amber Hart (The Pulse of GovCon™)
Learning Credits: 1.5 CPEs, 1.5 ATCs
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Request for Equitable Adjustments: Why Leave Money on the Table When You Are Entitled to It?
Format: Live webinar (on-demand recording available on November 26, 2026)
Date: November 17, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
Presented by: Jacquin Gilchrist, Esq. and Christian Granados, Esq. (The Gilchrist Law Firm, P.A.)
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Mastering State and Local (SLED) Certifications: A Practical Guide for Small Business Contractors
Format: Live webinar (on-demand recording available on November 26, 2026)
Date: November 19, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
Presented by: Ashley Duwel (Duwel Dev, LLC)
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Coffee & Issues with Carroll Bernard
Join Govology President and Co-Founder Carroll Bernard Streaming Live! on Facebook and YouTube for Coffee and Issues on Fridays at 12:00 PM CT.
Bring your issues related to winning business in the government marketplace and get suggestions for solving them. If you'd like to participate in the live Q&A, please register for the Zoom call.
Before you register, please click here to complete a brief survey to submit your issue and any additional details we should know before the call.
| | Learn How to Submit a Texas Statewide HUB Program Application! | | |
The Texas Statewide Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program
application is submitted online. The program offers no-cost training on how to complete an application, including all required documents, in the HUB B2G System. It is designed for both current certified firms and first-time certification applicants.
To get started, select the link below to access the Texas Statewide HUB System. On the website, click the link titled “System Training” to view the current list of training opportunities. Choose the session titled “Online Certification Application – Vendor Training.”
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Virtual Workshop Series | Presented by Harris County DEEO
Join the DEEO and the Harris County Purchasing Office on Tuesdays of every other month to learn more on how to do business with Harris County.
These sessions will guide you through the process of becoming a vendor and help you navigate business opportunities with Harris County.
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Industry training: making market research easy - enhancing industry partnerships
As an industry partner, you can provide valuable market research data to inform the purchasing decisions of GSA customers. Participating in our research allows you to showcase your products and services to potential buyers and play a key role in helping government agencies make informed and efficient purchasing decisions. But why choose Market Research As a Service over traditional market research methods? Our research is 100 times easier and more efficient, making it a great business development activity for your company. Plus, by participating in MRAS, you can reach a wider audience of government buyers and increase your visibility in the market.
We offer monthly industry training seminars to help you get started and make the most of your participation in MRAS. CLPs will not be issued for these webinars.
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How to do Business with HISD
Are you interested in becoming a vendor with HISD? Join us to learn what you need to know to become a successful vendor and be prepared for future contracting opportunities with HISD.
During this session, participants will receive an overview of the district's procurement process, learn how to properly complete the required Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) documentation, and understand the insurance requirements that vendors must meet. It will also cover key compliance expectations and best practices for submitting complete and responsive solicitation documents.
Whether you are new to government contracting or looking to expand your business opportunities, this session will help you understand the requirements to prepare and compete for upcoming solicitations.
Topics include:
· Overview of doing business with one of the largest school districts in Texas
· Vendor registration and procurement process overview
· How to properly complete required HUB documentation
· Insurance requirements for prospective vendors
· Best practices for responding to upcoming solicitations
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Threats to our country’s critical infrastructure are at an all-time high, and disruptions put public safety, the economy, and national security at risk. The Billington Critical Infrastructure CyberSecurity Summit will convene senior cybersecurity decision makers from government and industry to discuss how to build resilience across the four lifeline sectors and beyond.
Two of the nation’s most senior cyber leaders — Nick Andersen, Acting Director of CISA, and Brett Leatherman, Assistant Director of the FBI Cyber Division — are newly confirmed for the Billington Critical Infrastructure CyberSecurity Summit, November 17–18 in San Antonio.
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Join the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) and the Office of Acquisition and Logistics (OAL) for an engagement that will include relevant and timely information on VA’s Contracting Systems.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) in October 2025 to identify potential solutions for a comprehensive Contract Management System, or CMS. As part of VA’s ongoing modernization efforts, solutions are being considered to enhance procurement operations. The focus of this engagement is to educate industry on the VA’s current systems.
Please note: This session is strictly informational. There will be no performance work statement, solicitation, or acquisition details presented or discussed.
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GSA Wants Your Feedback to Enhance Domestic Preference in GSA Acquisition Programs - Market Research
In accordance with Executive Order 14392 “Ensuring Truthful Advertising of Products Claiming to be Made in America” and in order to advance the Administration's policy to revitalize American manufacturing and promote American workers, the General Services Administration (GSA) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI). The RFI seeks input from industry stakeholders on how to regenerate an important part of the American economy by making it easier to buy American products through GSA Advantage. Only responses submitted through the RFI link below will be accepted. Responses submitted through any other means will NOT be evaluated or recorded.
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The University of Houston APEX Accelerator offers education and guidance to individuals interested in selling their goods and services to federal, state, and local government. The UH APEX Accelerator provides no-cost government contracting assistance to individuals in 28 counties in and around the cities of Houston, Beaumont, and College Station. Visit our website to see a list of the counties we serve.
This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.
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