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APEX Accelerators across the nation will celebrate National APEX Day on October 8, 2025.
We celebrate the success of the tens of thousands of businesses that have leveraged APEX Accelerators’ training and technical assistance to successfully compete for and win federal, state and local government contracts!
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Government Contracting
During a Government Shutdown
The federal government is currently experiencing a lapse in funding, and while the full impact will vary depending on your agency partners and contract type, businesses with federal contracts should be aware of potential disruptions. These may include:
- Delays in contract awards or modifications.
- Paused payments or reimbursements.
- Limited availability of federal staff or contracting officers.
For additional guidance, we recommend reviewing this article from the Washington APEX. It offers practical tips that may help you navigate this period with greater confidence.
If you have questions or need support, contact your local APEX Accelerator consultant.
| | | | Networking and Industry Events | | |
Department of Defense Mentor-Protege Program Summit 2025
Date: October 20 - 22
Location: Arlington, VA
The 2025 DoD Mentor-Protege Program Summit is the premier annual training event focused on fostering high-impact partnerships between small businesses, experienced prime contractors, and defense industry leaders.
This year's theme, "Bringing Opportunities: Scaling Innovation for National Defense," highlights the essential role of collaboration in accelerating innovation and strengthening the defense industrial base.
The annual MPP Summit offers a unique platform for small businesses, prime contractors, and government stakeholders to connect, learn, and align efforts to meet national security priorities.
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DLA Training - Packaging Program Training, Knowledge and Opportunites
Dates: October 17th
Time: Starting at 12pm -3pm EST
Location: Virtual
This TKO webinar is a course that teaches vendors the necessary steps to print and apply labels while using the correct packaging, marking, and pallets in accordance with contract requirements for material shipped to the Defense Logistics Agency. This session is free.
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OASIS + Training
Date: October 7th
Time: 1 p.m. ET - 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Virtual
Join us for Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) training for the OASIS+ contract program. DPA training is required for any staff to post a solicitation in GSA eBuy; however, only a warranted Contracting Officer may obtain the DPA Cert.
| | | Other Small Business Event Calendars | | Need to know Cyber Security Information | |
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CMMC 2.0 is Here: Key Dates, Rules, and Resources
On September 10, 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) published its final Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) rule in the Federal Register, which takes effect on November 10, 2025 -- officially launching a three-year rollout of cybersecurity requirements across DoD contracts.
This announcement delivers the news businesses have been waiting for, and it is now official. Beginning November 10, contracting officers will include the new CMMC requirements in new solicitations and contracts, making cybersecurity a formal part of doing business with DoD and strengthening national security through strong cyber hygiene. In the meantime, underlying cybersecurity responsibilities remain in effect and continue to apply.
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Critical Technology Areas
The U.S. has outlined 14 critical technology areas essential to national security, organized into three categories: Seed Areas of Emerging Opportunity, Effective Adoption Areas, and Defense-Specific Needs. These technologies—including artificial intelligence, advanced computing, biotechnology, and hypersonics—are central to maintaining the nation’s competitive edge and safeguarding defense capabilities.
Read More
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Michigan
Assistance Program
Funded by a grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) and administered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, BBCetc provides SBIR/STTR proposal development services to technology-based entrepreneurs and early-stage companies throughout Michigan.
The program provides training and one-one-one proposal preparation assistance to qualified companies, with the costs of these services covered primarily by the program as described below.
Program components include:
- SBIR/STTR Training
- SBIR/STTR Proposal Development Assistance
- Statewide Outreach
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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.
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Does your company fall in one of these categories?
- Advanced and Networked Sensors, Sending 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 Technologies (Advanced)
- Human-Machine Interfaces
- Hypersonic
If so, please contact your APEX Accelerator Counselor!
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Interested in Research and Development- Innovation?
Check out different opportunities here --->
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October
Topics and Q&A
Topic Q&A is now available on the Topics and Topic Q&A page in DSIP. Proposers may submit technical questions through Topic Q&A page at: Topics and Topic Search (SITIS)
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The SBA SUBNet has been Redesigned
The Small Business Administration’s Subcontracting Network System (SUBNet) has been redesigned.
According to the Defense Acquisition University, the new system is expected to be available again on Monday, September 22, 2025. As with the old version, the public will still be able to view subcontracting opportunity postings for free without creating an account, but access will now be provided through SBA’s Prime and Subcontracting page. However, prime contractors with subcontracting plans who want to post opportunities will need to re-register in the new SUBNet system starting on or after September 22.
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October MAS Office Hours:
Updated Economic Price Adjustment clause
Join us for an informative session on the updated Economic Price Adjustment, or EPA, clause. This session will:
- Provide a comprehensive overview of the new clause
- Explain the reasons behind the update
- Guide you through the process of incorporating it into your MAS contract.
We’ll also highlight available resources to ensure a smooth transition and answer any questions you may have.
Oct 16, 2025
2 p.m. ET - 3 p.m. ET
Online Virtual
🔗 Watch prior sessions on our MAS PMO YouTube playlist.
| | Made in Michigan: News & Resources | | |
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New Platform to Connect Manufacturers with Resources
The Michigan Hub for Manufacturers is a free, centralized platform that connects Michigan-based manufacturers with programs, services, and funding opportunities that support business growth, innovation, and resilience. Designed for early-stage companies to established firms, the platform also provides access to advisors, courses, and partner resources.
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Michigan
Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation
Michigan’s Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), part of the MEDC, works to strengthen the state’s $30 billion defense and aerospace industry supporting more than 166,000 jobs. ODAI helps businesses compete for federal contracts through proposal assistance, a bid targeting system, and partnerships with APEX Accelerators, and universities statewide and others to drive innovation and highlight Michigan’s advanced manufacturing strengths.
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PROPOSAL WRITING SERVICES
GRANT PROGRAM
The Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) an operation of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is now offering the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation Proposal Writing Assistance Grant to assist Michigan companies in writing a bid response to a Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contract opportunity.
Winning grant awards will subsidize services contracted through one of the ODAI pre-qualified proposal-writing service firms. Based on the information provided by the applicant, ODAI will determine the amount of funding offered, not to exceed 50 percent or $10,000.
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Thinking about selling your products or services outside the U.S.? Already exporting and ready to go further? Quesitons on ITAR compliance?
Connect with the local experts at
Van Andel Global Trade Center
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Meet our Host:
Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED), the host organization for the West Michigan APEX Accelerator, has been supporting Muskegon County businesses since 1999. GMED helps drive investment, business growth, and job creation while connecting companies to resources, incentives, and workforce development opportunities.
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Visit our Website and Socials!
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