Grow Your Business: Sell Your Products and Services to the Government

August 2026 News, Events, & Updates

August 2026 | Issue 2026-08
 

Government Contracting News and Updates

CMMC Level 1 - Self-Certification Workshop

September 17 - 9:00 a.m. to Noon


Introduction to CMMC Level 1 and its importance for DoD contracting Overview of the 15 basic cybersecurity controls across six domains:


  • Access Control
  • Identification and Authentication
  • Media Protection
  • Physical Protection
  • System and Communications Protection
  • System and Information Integrity
  • How to complete a self-assessment using Project Spectrum’s interactive tools
  • How and what to document for your self-assessment score
  • Submitting your score to SPRS via PIEE


Registration

Other Transaction Authority (OTA)

August 27 - 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.


Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) have proven an effective tool to streamline acquisition, diversify the defense industrial base, and gain access to state-of-the-art technology within a collaborative government/industry environment.


Registration

SBA 8(a) Final Rule


The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently published its final rule removing from the 8(a) Business Development Program the "presumption" of social disadvantage for certain enumerated groups.


  • The rule changes for individually owned firms, not entity-owned firms.
  • The rule applies to new entrants, not existing participants.
  • Should nullify pending litigation challenging presumption of social disadvantage.


Resources:

AI News and Guidance


DCAA - Elements of an Adequate Proposal

September 3 - 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.


Gain a comprehensive understanding of all proposal cost elements, including direct labor, material, subcontracts, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), and indirect rates and obtain practical guidance on what to consider when trying to justify each cost element.


Flyer
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GSA Schedule Training for Rejected Offerors

A new recurring initiative is launching to support industry partners whose Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) offers have been recently rejected. Beginning September 2026, a monthly session for "MAS Offer Resubmittal Review Session" to help vendors better prepare to resubmit their offers begins.

The goal of these sessions is to help vendors better understand common reasons for offer deficiencies, identify resources to assist with resubmission, and navigate the GSA roadmap for submitting a current, complete, and compliant offer:


  • Event: MAS Offer Resubmittal Review Session
  • Date/Time: Recurring, 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm ET (First session: August 11th)
  • Registration: Registration link
  • Q&A Submission: Vendors can submit questions in advance via this Google Form

Meet the Buyer Trainings

Save the Date for State of Michigan Procurement Meet the Buyer


November 18, 2026 - Save The Date


State of Michigan Procurement is inviting Michigan-based businesses to participate in our upcoming Meet the Buyer event this fall.

The event is set for the afternoon of November 18, 2026. It will be held at Lansing Community College's West Campus.

How Meet the Buyer Works

Our Meet the Buyer will provide an up-tempo and innovative way for you to learn about how the State contracts for the goods or services you sell, find out about upcoming solicitation opportunities, and learn about our procurement process.


You’ll connect with multiple buyers across different agencies, in 10-minute sessions, throughout the event in a fast-paced environment. 

Who should attend Meet the Buyer 2026?

This event focuses on vendors who do not currently hold a State of Michigan contract. We encourage you to register if you are new to the state’s purchasing process and are looking to explore contracting with government. We’re hoping to connect with Michigan’s vibrant community. Join us and learn how the state does business with vendors directly from purchasing professionals.


Registration for this event will open soon. A registration link, list of State of Michigan agencies attending, and more details will be sent when registration opens.

Southwest Michigan APEX Accelerator Classes
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Orientation


Learn the foundation information to sell your products and services to the federal, state, and local government. This free seminar will give you the direction you need:


September 10 10:30 a.m.

October 1 - 1:00 p.m.

November 3 - 10:30 a.m.

December 8 - 1:00 p.m.
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Marketing & Research


Learn how to market your business to government agencies and prime contractors. Research the agencies and prime contractors that buy what you sell. Research your competitors' sales and customers.


September 8 - 1:00 p.m.

October 8 - 10:30 a.m.

November 5 - 1:00 p.m.

December 10- 1:00 p.m.
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Capability Statement Preparation


When you’re ready to sell to the government, create a capability statement to share when meeting (in person or virtual) buyers for prime and subcontracting opportunities.


September 3 - 10:30 a.m.

October 13 - 1:00 p.m.

November 12 - 10:30 a.m.

December 3 - 1:00 p.m.

December 15 - 1:00 p.m.

Govology


Govology is a collaborative community raising the competency level of small business to excel in government contracting. These are pre-recorded sessions that we will watch together.


September 9 - 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Cash Flow - Key to Obtaining Government Contracts

December 16 - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Leveraging Policy Information
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Coffee & Contracting: Government Contracting Essentials

These sessions are provided by industry experts. Some are live online and others are pre-recorded webinars.


September 1 - 1:00 p.m.

Unlocking Department of Defense (DoD) Industrial Base - Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS)

September 15 - 11:00 a.m.

Michigan's Technology Landscape

September 22 - 10:00 a.m.

SBA: Women Owned Small Business Certification

Events & Trainings

SCORE Trainings


The APEX Accelerator program was created strictly to assist with government contracting. SCORE (Senior Corp of Retired Executives) is available to assist with business related work. Following are some classes they offer that may be beneficial to you:


August 26 - $10 - Local Visibility Online

September 1 - $10 - The Connection Advantage: Build Trust, Relationships, and Results

September 2 - $10 - Improve Your Visibility in Search and AI

September 9 - $10 - AI for Marketing Made Easy

September 22- $10 - Pricing of Your Products and Services

September 24- $10 - Why Build a Business Plan?
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WISPRO Trainings


The APEX Accelerator of Wisconsin provides trainings by industry experts and government buyers/resources on a regular basis.


Most sessions are 1 hour and virtual unless specified otherwise:


August 25 - Government Contracting & Certification Forum

August 27 - Cyber Thursday - Determining Your Real CMMC Compliance Responsibilities

September 2 - Intellectual Property for Industry

September 9 - DLA Research & Development: Collider Day

September 17 - Mentor-Protege Program for Industry
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Defense Logistics Agency Trainings


The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) offers education about federal/defense contracting directly from government experts in their field.


Small Business Event Calendar


September 3 - NSN Assignment and Federal Cataloging Processes Webinar

September 9 - Industry Collider Day

September 15 - Weapons Support

October 9 - Weapons Support - Navigate

DIBBS Working Group

October 16 - Weapons Support - JCP Certification

Van Andel Global Trade Center


Grand Valley State University's (GVSU's) Van Andel Global Trade Center (VAGTC) is a trusted resource for Michigan businesses looking to expand globally.


They specialize in import and export training, international trade consulting, cultural seminars, and global market entry strategies to help companies navigate the complexities of global trade.


September 19 - New-to-Export Workshop

October 15 - United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

November 10 - ITAR & EAR Compliance Training

SBDC Trainings


The APEX Accelerator program was created strictly to assist with government contracting. The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) were created to assist small businesses with business work from cradle to grave.


August 25 - Introduction to Value Builder

August 28 - Develop Your Exporting Strategic Plan

September 2 - Get the SBDC Advantage for Your Business

September 23 - Build a Powerful Brand

October 7 - Websites: What You Need to Know

October 14 - Start and Grow a YouTube Channel

Project Spectrum
Cybersecurity Trainings


Project Spectrum is a comprehensive, cost-effective platform that provides cybersecurity information, resources, tools, and training.


Their mission is to improve cybersecurity readiness, resiliency, and compliance for small/medium-sized businesses and the federal manufacturing supply chain.


Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Strategic Cybersecurity

VetBizCentral


All trainings are free to military members and their spouses.


August 25 - Launching Your Business

August 27 - Marketing for Veteran Owned Small Businesses

September 1 - AI for VOSB Part 1

September 8 - AI for VOSB Part 2

September 17 - Indiana B2B Reboot

National APEX Accelerator Events


APEX Accelerator is a nationwide program. Programming is provided for all businesses at no cost for attendees.



Registration is required:


September 9 - Understanding FAR Requirements

September 10 - SBA Bonding Program

September 23 - Elements of an Adequate Proposal

Office of Industrial Base Growth - Training


The DoW Office of Industrial Base Growth (IBG) offers live training sessions and on-demand webinars to help businesses and acquisition professionals better understand IBG programs, resources, and requirements for competing in the defense marketplace and strengthening the defense industrial base.

AUGUST

 

SEPTEMBER


OCTOBER

NOVEMBER
 

Live Govology Trainings
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Experts in government contracting provide timely information in the industry.


Contact APEX Accelerators to watch these live with us for free:


August 25 - AI in Government Proposals: How "Writing Help" Can Create Costly Risks

August 27 - Incurred Cost Submissions - Understanding Requirements and Processes

September 1 - Beyond the Micro-Purchase

September 3 - Developing a Compelling Capability Statement

September 10 - Navigating Barriers to Payment Under Cost Reimbursable Contracts

September 15 - Take Advantage of Your Socio-Economic Status Effectively

September 29 - What Can (and should) Contractors Really Say and Do?
 

Contact Us

Shawna McManus

APEX Accelerator Program Director (Center)

mcmanuss@nemcworks.org

(989) 733-8540 Ext. 1
 

Kim Bourner

APEX Accelerator Counselor

bournerk@nemcworks.org

(269) 491-6585

Theresa Chaney-Huggett

APEX Accelerator Counselor

chaney-huggett@nemcworks.org

(269) 243-2787
 
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This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.

Southwest Michigan APEX Accelerator, satellite of Northeast Michigan Consortium (NEMC), is funded in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Northeast Michigan Consortium (NEMC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The reproduction, reformatting, and/or distribution of APEX Accelerator materials in part or in whole, in addition to the reselling of APEX Accelerator services, is strictly, prohibited.
 

Southwest Michigan APEX | www.swmiapex.org
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