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Featured Event

Advanced PortGen


The Advanced PortGen Instructors were Awesome! The information was thoughtfully presented by staff and easy to follow.” ~ 2024 Small Business PortGen Participant


Advanced PortGen 2025 is a training series designed for small, minority, and women-owned businesses wanting to learn how to be successful with government contracting. Each 1 hour webinar focuses on topics important to Port of Seattle vendors. Sessions are led by industry experts and valuable resource partners. To learn more, visit this page.


September 24 – You Won! Now What?

October 1 – Prevailing Wage Compliance

October 8 – Indirect Cost Rates

October 15 – Positioning Your Firm to Work with the Port

October 22 – Bonding Basics for Small Businesses

October 29 – Advanced Bonding Strategies for your Small Business

November 5 – Construction Contracting at the Port of Seattle

December 16 – Celebration of Small Business

Events

Virtual unless otherwise noted

Focused Classes | Monthly Meetings | Series Courses | Tradeshows

Focused Classes

Preparing to Bid: WA State Audio Visual Solutions

9/16/2025 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Explore Tips & Tools for preparing to bid the statewide contract for Professional Auditing and Financial Services. In the session, participants will dissect the solicitation using take-home tools including a pre-bid checklist and bid/no-bid decision matrix which can be customized for their unique needs.

Capabilities Statement - Writing for Impact

9/17/2025 | 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

For firms interested in networking and developing relationships with local, state and federal government agencies. A Capability Statement is like a resume for your business. Get ready to create or improve your firm's capabilities statement to increase your visibility with government agencies. Subject Matter Expert Sandy Bjorgen will lead us through an exercise of writing for impact and being memorable.

DIBBS Deep-Dive Part 2: Market Research & Solicitations

9/23/2025 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Are you a manufacturer or distributor looking to break into defense contracting? This part 2 of 3 workshop offers a comprehensive overview of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), including market research and solicitations. DIBBS is your starting point for doing business with one of the largest logistics operations in the world. Whether you're new to federal contracting or expanding into the DLA space, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how the system works, what opportunities look like, and how to start preparing for success.

Multiple Award Construction Contracts (MACC)

9/24/2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

What is MACC or MATOC? How do they work?

In this class, you will learn the process of the Department of Defense awarding MACCs and MATOCs from public notices to issuing task orders.

You will also learn about the opportunities to be a subcontractor.

Tacoma Grit City Connect: Construct Your Future

9/25/2025 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 1721 E 56th St, Tacoma, WA, 98404 and Hybrid

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.

Researching the Government Marketplace

9/26/2025 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Learn how to use free, publicly available research tools to answer questions like, "Who in the government buys what my business sells?" "How much does the government spend on my products or services?" "Who are my competitors in the government marketplace?" Walk away with a helpful worksheet to guide your research efforts.

Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act - Insurance

10/1/2025 | 3:30 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

South Sound Entrepreneurship Week - GovCon 101: The Importance of Market Research

10/2/2025 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | 4851 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409

South Sound Entrepreneurship Week is a five-day celebration of the South Sound's vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Led by local entrepreneurs and fueled by our city's unique startup ecosystem, this event is your gateway to discovering Tacoma's innovative heartbeat. Those attending will gain valuable tools and resources for every stage of the entrepreneurship journey; from ideation, to starting a new business, or scaling an existing business.

Networking Know How

Workshop Prep | 10/7/2025 | 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Full Workshop | 10/8/2025 | 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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.

Cybersecurity for Executive Leaders - CMMC | Clark County Manufacturers

10/8/2025 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 805 Broadway St, Vancouver, WA, 98660

This 4-hour in-person workshop equips executive leaders, especially in small and mid-sized companies in the manufacturing and defense sectors—with the strategic understanding of cybersecurity risks and the critical role the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) plays in securing defense-related operations.

WSDOT Construction & Design Open House 

10/8/2025 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 15700 Dayton Ave N, Shoreline, WA, 98133

WSDOT’s open house is a free, in-person networking event for contractors and consultants interested in road preservation, construction, fish passage and other projects in King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island and Whatcom counties.

Monthly Sessions

State Contracting Opportunities & Open House – DES

9/18/2025 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

10/17/2025 | 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.

Wednesday with the Deputy for Small Business NUWC Keyport

9/24/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | 19225 8th Ave NE, St 201, Poulsbo, WA, 98370 and Hybrid

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. Industry will learn about the types of supplies and service contract opportunities, set-aside opportunities, and how to do business with the Command. Industry will also hear from Washington State APEX Accelerator and other Small Business Deputies (if available).

Oportunidades de contratación y jornada de puertas abiertas en el estado de Washington (en español) -DES

9/25/2025 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

El cuarto jueves de cada mes, el Departamento de Servicios Empresariales del Estado de Washington (DES) organiza una jornada de puertas abiertas y oportunidades de contratación estatal. Se trata de una conversación interactiva con profesionales de adquisiciones estatales que brindarán información y perspectivas sobre cómo hacer negocios con el estado de Washington.

Contracting Coffee Hour

10/1/2025 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

If you want the inside scoop on what it takes to win government contracts we invite you to attend our Contractor Coffee Hour.

University of Washington Virtual Workshops for Suppliers

10/2/2025 | 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.  

APEX & SBDC First Friday Follow-Up

10/3/2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 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.  

Doing Business with the City of Seattle

10/3/2025 | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Join us at for our “First Fridays” online Doing Business with the City of Seattle event to meet Purchasing and Contracting staff who are part of our purchasing, consultant contracting and construction/public works teams. 

Cómo Hacer Negocios Con La Ciudad De Seattle

10/3/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

¿Está interesado en hacer negocios con la ciudad de Seattle? ¿Le gustaría aprender más sobre compras y contrataciones con la ciudad de Seattle? Entonces acompáñenos para recibir información sobre cómo hacer negocios con la ciudad de Seattle.

Local Government Purchasing & MRSC Rosters

10/8/2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This session will explore how local government agencies find businesses to buy from and how they use the Rosters to hire consultants, purchase public works, goods, and services including maintenance services.

APEX: Prime Connect

10/8/2025 | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

A structured matchmaking event for Primes and Subcontractors to connect with primes about future projects. October Prime Connect presenters are Donna Fraser with Dutra Group and Mona Carlson with Nova Group.

Series Courses

CMMC Level 1 (Department of Defense Cybersecurity) Readiness Workshop Series

Doing business with the Department of Defense? Contractors and suppliers must now meet CMMC Level 1 cybersecurity requirements to stay eligible for defense contracts. Washington APEX Accelerator is offering a guided workshop series now through March 2026 to help on your road to compliance.

Each cohort includes:

  • One live virtual kick off meeting
  • Access to on demand presentations, learning resources, and ready-made self-assessment tools to streamline your assessment process.
  • Three (3) live 1-hour Q&A sessions
  • All sessions are 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM


Registration for October Is Open

10/3/2025 Cohort Kick Off Meeting    

10/10/2025 Overview of Requirements and Scoping   

10/17/2025 Building an SSP  

10/24/2025 Self-Assessment

Tradeshows & Conferences

2025 Regional Contracting Forum

9/17/2025 | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | 2402 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA, 98002

2025 Washington State Business Fair (Biz Fair)

9/20/2025 | 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM | Pierce College – Puyallup Campus, 1601 39th Ave SE, Puyallup WA, 98374

Central Regional Contracting Forum - WSDOT

9/26/2025 | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM | 10 N 8th St, Yakima, WA, 98901

Local Procurement Symposium - Kittitas County

10/1/2025 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Hotel Windrow, 502 N Main St, Ellensburg, WA, 98926

Meet the Contractors

10/7/2025 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Clark College, Gaiser Hall,1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA, 98663

2025 Pierce County Thriving Together Resource Event

10/8/2025 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM | STAR Center, 3873 S 66th St, Tacoma, WA, 98409 

CMMC-PNW 2025

10/27/2025 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM and 10/28/2025  9:00AM - 3:00 PM | 15347 Suquamish Way NE, Suquamish, WA, 98392 

2025 North Puget Sound Contracting Conference (Region 4)

11/6/2025 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Lynnwood Event Center, 3711 196th St SW, Lynnwood WA 98036  

Meet the BIGS! Doing Business with the Government 2025

11/12/2025 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Northern Quest Resort and Casino, 100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, WA, 99001

Govology classes, live and on demand, are Free for Washington APEX Accelerator clients – contact your Washington APEX Accelerator advisor for access. Click here for Govology’s live classes.


Recorded webinars available

Contracting Opportunities

Receive federal, state, and local solicitations in your e-mail every day!

Learn more about Bid Match here

Washington State Department of Enterprise Services 

Snow and Ice Removal Services Kelso and Seattle Due: 9/17/25 

00224: Audio-Visual Solutions Due: 9/22/2025

04324: Bulk Food Due: 9/22/25

Minor Roof Repair and Routine Preventative Maintenance Services 24-0003 Due: 9/29/25

06225: Generator Maintenance, Repair, and Parts Services Due: 10/3/25

05624: Fuel Station Inspection and Repair Services Due: 10/6/25

05825: Professional Auditing & Financial Services Due: 10/6/25

Air Charter Services Due: 11/7/25

City of Kirkland

2025-2026 Rapid Response Services Funding Due: 9/22/25

Washington State Department of Transportation 

Stormwater Analytical Services Due: 9/29/25

HYDROLOGY DATABASE Due: 10/24/25

Office of Science and Technology Policy

RFI: National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing Due: 9/30/25

Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission

Executive Leadership Development FY26 Due: 10/1/25

Peer Support Network & Mental Health Professional Directory Due: 10/21/25

Bouten

Pullman Regional Hospital Bid Advertisement Due: 9/15/25

Prospect Construction

Mount Saint Helens Sediment Retention Structure Crest Raise Due: 9/18/25

Contact Us


Contact a Government Contracting Specialist for assistance with all your government contracting questions.


info@washingtonapex.org


ASK APEX

Main Center

Thurston EDC

4220 6th Ave.

Lacey, WA 98503

360-860-6945


Administrative Staff

Tiffany Scroggs, Program Director

Marnie Tyson

Tori Stoner


SBIR/STTR Program

Kate Hoy


Thurston EDC

Grady Smith

Leslie Miller


Washington APEX

Accelerator in Pierce County

Trena Payton

Maryam Lynch-Tate

Economic Alliance Snohomish County

Cara Buckingham

Mark Johnson


Greater Spokane Inc.

Aleesha Roedel


Columbia River Economic Development Council

Leslie Miller


Green River College

Darrell Sundell

Melinda Martirosian


Kitsap Economic Development Alliance

Mary Jo Juarez

James Davis

Terry Homburg


Tri-City Regional Chamber

of Commerce

Maria Alleman

Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTube

Washington APEX Accelerator provides technical assistance to help Washington businesses successfully compete in the government marketplace. This APEX Accelerator is funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.


A program of the Thurston Economic Development Council, in partnership with the following subcenters:

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