Maine APEX Newsletter: August 2025

Helping businesses find, win and perform on government contracts • maineapex.com

August 2025 Newsletter

PM’s Corner

A bimonthly feature from the Maine APEX Director, Miranda Pelkey

Major Changes Coming to the SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search

After more than 15 years of using the same setup, the SBA has introduced a redesigned version of the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS), now available in beta as the new Small Business Search (SBS) site. This updated platform offers a modern interface for locating small businesses involved in federal contracting and is set to eventually replace the DSBS. While the structure and fields currently mirror those of the old system, the beta version is expected to evolve as the SBA gathers feedback from users—including small businesses, government agencies, and large companies looking for small business partners. According to the SBA, all existing DSBS data has already been migrated to the new platform ahead of its full launch. The SBA plans to provide more information about the official release soon, but in the meantime, small businesses are encouraged to check their listings on the beta site and keep their SAM.gov profiles up to date.

Should you have questions regarding your businesses listing in DSBS or any of the changes implemented in the coming weeks, please reach out to your APEX counselor for assistance.

Changes to SAM.gov

Jessica Crowley, Procurement Counselor for Washington County

As APEX Accelerators, we often see first hand changes in the common portals and systems we use on a daily basis. This month, the System of Award Management (SAM), received a process update. Things are more condensed and user-friendly when walking through the SAM registration process. I have had many clients reach out and ask about the different page setups and the response has been very positive.

Not familiar with SAM.gov?

This beneficial website offers entity registration and management. The Unique Entity Identifier is the primary identifier for entities doing business with the federal government. UEI replaced the DUNS number a few years ago. An UEI might be needed for different funding avenues like federal and state grants or federal contracts. In SAM.gov, you can also access previous and current contract opportunities, and check the status of other businesses registration statuses. There are other uses for SAM.gov too, like wage determinations and other key features. If you are in need of assistance with SAM.gov, please contact your APEX Accelerator today!

Artificial Intelligence and Government Contracting

Dana Delano, APP, Procurement Counselor serving Aroostook County

If you are like me, your current Artificial Intelligence or AI knowledge base is weak at best. Yes, we have been hearing about it for close to a decade now, but has it really affected how we do business? The answer is most likely no. Things are changing rapidly, and AI will be at the forefront of many of those changes.

With the growing popularity of AI and the development of tools like ChatGPT, there is an increased necessity for businesses to understand and apply AI knowledge in their practice. The integration of AI in government operations, particularly within aerospace, military, and government procurement contracts, is gaining momentum due to its potential to enhance efficiency and strategic capabilities. Government departments and agencies are steadily incorporating AI language and programs to save time, money, and ease of operations, which in turn, will force us to do the same as well.

Artificial Intelligence is being increasingly incorporated into various facets of government operations to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. The IRS, GSA, DOD, and DHS have already begun utilizing AI programs to put together solicitations and to assist with bid reviews and Awards. The more sophisticated they become, the more you will need to learn their methods and terminologies so that your proposal will stand out when AI programs review it.

Maine APEX is keeping a close eye on the ongoing development of Artificial Intelligence programs and how government agencies will utilize them for contracting purposes. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your APEX counselor. It is what we do.