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Washington APEX Accelerator is pleased to welcome Tori Stoner to the APEX Accelerator’s Administrative team. Tori is the Washington APEX Accelerator Program Coordinator. Tori studied at the Evergreen State College. Her prior work experience includes small business management, non-profit legal intake, Washington State Legislature experience for two legislative sessions and document management experience as a mortgage closing specialist. If you call APEX's main number, be sure to say Welcome to Tori!

In case you missed it: Your Washington PTAC is now Washington APEX Accelerator! You may have noticed our exciting switch from PTAC to APEX last month. Trust that while we have a new name, we will still provide the same amazing government contracting assistance that we’ve provided for 30+ years.

“It’s an exciting time for Washington PTAC as we join our colleagues around the country in rebranding to APEX Accelerator. With this rebrand, we will have enhanced visibility and support from our partners at the federal government," commented program director Tiffany Scroggs.

Upcoming or Current SBIR/STTR Releases

Small business innovation research (SBIR) funding is available to small businesses working on cutting-edge technology. Find out if the federal government has a need for your innovation.

• Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Due September 19. See the link for details
• Department of Health and Human Services (NIH) – Released 2024 Omnibus July 12; multiple due dates. See the link for details
• Department of Defense – The third release of the year is out! See the link for details.

You can find more information and relevant links on the SBIR Website.

Upcoming Events for Innovators

SBIR/STTR "Ask Us" Webinar series: Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) Plan

9/13/2023       12:00 pm - 1:30 pm      

This is a series of seven weekly Q&A webinars prior to the October 10, 2023, application deadline, so plan to join some or all of these meetings! Join the DOE SBIR/STTR webinar series on FY 2024 Phase I Release 1 SBIR/STTR Application Process Q&As. Bring your questions to us!

Find other events on the APEX Calendar

SBIR 101:Presented by ARC WA

9/15/2023       9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

This presentation will introduce innovators to the basics of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Plenty of time for Q&A!

Find other events on the APEX Calendar

Other Funding

Navy R &D BAA – Development of Naval Power and Energy Systems

**For no-cost guidance on this announcement, contact the NW Tech Bridge

Need a Challenge? Check out Challenge.gov for exciting opportunities!

Questions? Kate Hoy, [email protected]

Focused Classes

Washington State Student Achievement Council Data Management System Pre-bid conference

9/6/2023         9:00 AM- 10:30 AM      

WSAC is looking for innovative proposals that make the administrative process for WJI efficient and streamlined and enables the WSAC to comply with EDA data requirements. The DMS needs to be specifically designed for industry-demand-driven, partnership training programs. This type of work is very complex and evolves over time; it involves multiple partners, doing various training programs at varying times, and ultimately will include a minimum of ten partnerships.

Government Contractors: Profile #30 CalTech- Jennifer Shaus & Associates 9/6/2023         9:00 AM- 10:00 AM                  

Top 40 US Federal Government Contractors

This webinar series will uncover the Top 40 US Federal Government Contractors (by revenue), Data source is USASpending.gov. We will look at the following data points for each contractor: Company Profile, Small Business Liaison Contact Details, Company Contract Trends, Defense vs Civilian, Subcontracting Opportunities, Other Relevant Information.

Free Training for Construction Contractors - Lynnwood/Edmonds          

9/8/2023         8:00 PM - 5:00 PM       

Edmonds Community College, Snoqualmie Hall

20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood, WA      

A day of comprehensive training for construction contractors covering everything from prevailing wage on public works and creating a construction contract to how to find bids and market to government agencies and getting paid.

Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act          

9/13/2023       3:00 PM - 4:30 PM       

Did you know the Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act applies to your business if you perform work around "navigable" waterways?

You will learn:

• Details of the Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act
• Why special insurance is needed for navigable waterways
• Consequences of not having the appropriate insurance coverage
• SBA contact information to confirm if your firm is subject to the Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act 
• Where to find surety companies to purchase insurance policies.

Business Basics and Government Contracting for Native Owned Businesses - Business Smart

9/13/2023       10:00 AM - 11:30 AM   

Tulalip Tribes of Washington

6406 Marine Drive, Tulalip, WA, 98271

Native-owned businesses are invited to attend a series of workshops dedicated to business basics and government contracting. Attend one or all five sessions. This series marks an important partnership between EASC, Tulalip TERO Office, Washington APEX Accelerator (formerly WA PTAC), SBDC, American Indian Chamber Education Fund APEX Accelerator, and Northwest Native APEX Accelerator.

A Sweet End to Summer: MWBE/Small & Minority Businesses Mixer and Dessert Party   

9/13/2023       4:00 PM- 6:00 PM                    

Luther Burbank Park

2040 84th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA, 98040

A Sweet End to Summer: MWBE/Small & Minority Businesses Mixer and Dessert Party.

City of Tacoma Equity in Contracting 101 & Small Business Technical Assistance Workshop

9/13/2023       11:00 AM - 12:30 PM                           

City of Tacoma Municipal Building

747 Market St, Rm 243 Tacoma, WA, 98402     

As part of its ongoing work to address disparities for historically underutilized businesses owned by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, the City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) team is hosting a workshop on technical assistance and resources available to small businesses

Laying the Groundwork - Mount Vernon

9/14/2023       10 AM to 11 AM             

Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County

1932 E. College Way, Suite B, Mt Vernon, WA 98273

If you're thinking of getting into government contracting, this event is for you. Join us in-person at the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County to start laying the groundwork for future work. 

Business Basics and Government Contracting for Native Owned Businesses: Laying the Groundwork

9/18/2023       10:00 AM - 11:3AM      

Tulalip Tribes of Washington

6406 Marine Drive, Tulalip, WA, 98271

Native-owned businesses are invited to attend a series of workshops dedicated to business basics and government contracting. Attend one or all five sessions. This series marks an important partnership between EASC, Tulalip TERO Office, Washington APEX Accelerator (formerly WA PTAC), SBDC, American Indian Chamber Education Fund APEX Accelerator, and Northwest Native APEX Accelerator.

Business Basics and Government Contracting for Native Owned Businesses: Utilizing Your WA APEX

9/19/2023       10:00 AM - 11:3AM      

Tulalip Tribes of Washington

6406 Marine Drive, Tulalip, WA, 98271

Native-owned businesses are invited to attend a series of workshops dedicated to business basics and government contracting. Attend one or all five sessions. This series marks an important partnership between EASC, Tulalip TERO Office, Washington APEX Accelerator (formerly WA PTAC), SBDC, American Indian Chamber Education Fund APEX Accelerator, and Northwest Native APEX Accelerator.

Networking Know How 

9/20/2023       9:00 AM - 12:00 PM     

Being well-networked plays a key role in government contracting success. Find out what you need to know and do to put your best self forward.

Doing Business with the City of Olympia: Tree Removal and Tree Pruning

9/28/2023    11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Please join representatives from the City of Olympia and Washington APEX Accelerators to discuss upcoming contract opportunities for tree removal and tree pruning services. This is an excellent opportunity for those who may be new to working with state or local entities, as well as those who have worked with the City in the past, to learn about planned solicitations for future on-call contracts.

Monthly Sessions

Contracting Coffee Hour

9/6/2023        8:00 AM - 10:00 AM   

Got contracting questions? We have answers!

University of Washington Virtual Workshops for Suppliers         

9/7/2023         10:30 AM - 12:00 PM   

The orientations will provide a learning opportunity to assist in navigating potential business prospects at the University and with other state agencies, as well as educational and other resources to assist businesses. 

PTAC & SBDC First Friday Follow-up

9/1/2023        12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Friday Follow-up is an open forum, round table for businesses to get answers from your local PTAC counselor and SBDC Advisor. Bring your questions regarding government contracting and learn from knowledgeable Small Business Experts. Our main focus is to share resources for growing your business.

PTAC: Prime Connect

9/13/2023        8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

A structured matchmaking event for Primes and Subcontractors to connect on future projects.

Wednesday with the Deputies for Small Business

9/27/2023        8:00 AM - 9:00 AM   

Wednesday with the Deputy for Small Business is an opportunity for Industry partners to learn about doing business with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport.

Doing Business with the state – DES

9/21/2023      3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

On the third Thursday of the month, the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) facilitates an interactive conversation with state procurement professionals who can provide information and insight on how to do business with the state.        

Yes You Can! Contracts with the Government

9/20/2023      3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center

7130 West Grandridge Blvd.

Kennewick, WA, 99336 

PPH is a dynamic initiative aimed at facilitating learning and fostering growth among our valued PTAC clients. This program brings together local businesses owners in an engaging forum designed to provide invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of procurement. 

Si Se Puede - Contratos con el Gobierno

9/20/2023      4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center

7130 West Grandridge Blvd.

Kennewick, WA, 99336 

Si Se Puede - Contratos con el Gobierno” es una iniciativa dinámica destinada a facilitar el aprendizaje y fomentar el crecimiento entre nuestros valiosos clientes de PTAC. Este programa reúne a los propietarios de empresas locales en un foro atractivo diseñado para brindar información valiosa sobre el mundo de las compras en constante evolución.

Series Courses

Port of Seattle’s Advanced PortGen

A 5-week virtual training series followed by an in-person resources fair and networking event for small, minority and women-owned businesses wanting to learn how to be successful with government contracting. Learn how to identify requirements to be responsive and gather resources to support your efforts in selling to the Port of Seattle and other agencies.

Tuesdays 3 – 5 PM

Register

• Government Contracting, 9/12/2023
• Business Development, 9/19/2023
• Prevailing Wage Compliance, 9/26/2023
• Bonding and Insurance, 10/3/2023
• Financial Considerations, 10/10/2023
• Resource Fair (in-person at Tabor 100), 10/17/2023

Tradeshows

Washington Regional Contracting Forum

9/20/2023, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Washington State BizFair

9/23/2023, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Pierce County Thriving Together Resource Event 10/18/2023, 8:30am - 12:30pm in Lakewood

SAVE THE DATE: Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council Conference 10/24/2023

North Puget Sound Contracting Conference

10/26/2023, 10:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Meet the BIGS! Doing Business with the Government

11/2/2023, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM

Govology classes, live and on-demand, are Free for Washington APEX clients – contact your APEX counselor for access. Click here for the list of Govology this month’s live classes. 

Recorded webinars available 

Washington APEX Accelerator, formerly Washington PTAC provides technical assistance to help Washington businesses successfully compete in the government marketplace. A program of the Thurston Economic Development Council, in partnership with the following subcenters: