Cybersecurity Requirements for DoD Contracts are Here! Are you Ready?
New DoD Level 1 CMMC Cybersecurity Rules Now in Contracts
Starting November 10th, the Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented new cybersecurity requirements that directly impact contractors across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Known as CMMC Level 1, these rules are now being integrated into DoD contracts, and the message is clear: if your company does not meet Level 1 standards, it will not be eligible to work on contracts that require them. Read More!
CMMC Cohorts returning January, February, and March 2026
If your business is pursuing or performing on Department of Defense contracts, you now need to be CMMC Level 1 compliant. Learn More!
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Virtual unless otherwise noted
Focused Classes | Monthly Meetings | Series Courses
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North Olympic APEX Accelerator Forks Office Hours
11/18/2025 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Forks, WA
Join NOP APEX Accelerator for in person office hours to allow clients to pop in for questions or conversation during this time. This does not need to be prescheduled; you can stop in if you are available! We can cover any topics or discuss any issue you may need assistance with.
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Understanding Capability Statements (In Person)
11/19/2025 | 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Tessera, 4525 Auto Center Way, Bremerton, WA
This class is for firms with a desire to learn about the differences between federal and state capability statements. Knowing how to speak the correct language when writing a capability statement is half the battle. Be prepared to learn the importance of having the right elements to describe what your business does and the importance of knowing what each agency wants to see in a capability statement.
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Surviving Difficult Contracting Times
11/20/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
In today’s uncertain contracting environment, small businesses face shifting budgets, delayed payments, and changing federal priorities. This session offers practical strategies to navigate and sustain your operations when times get tough.
Participants will learn how to manage cash flow, maintain compliance, strengthen client relationships, and prepare for recovery once the market stabilizes. Whether you're adjusting to a federal shutdown or broader economic pressures, this discussion will help you plan ahead and protect your business.
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Understanding Capabilities Statements
12/3/2025 | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
This class is for firms with a desire to learn about the differences between federal and state capability statements. Knowing how to speak the correct language when writing a capability statement is half the battle. Be prepared to learn the importance of having the right elements to describe what your business does and the importance of knowing what each agency wants to see in a capability statement.
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Forma Construction - Lacey Education and Family Center (L.E.A.F. Center) Project Opportunity
12/4/2025 | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
500 Columbia St NW, Suite 200, Olympia WA 98501-4447
This session will feature one of our most impactful community projects, the LEAF Center (Lacey Education And Family Center) for North Thurston Public Schools. Join to learn about project insights, partnership opportunities, and a detailed overview of the LEAF Center project from the design and construction team.
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Researching the Government Marketplace
12/5/2025 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Lacey Makerspace, Lacey, WA
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 two unique worksheets to help guide your research efforts.
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Meet the Agencies - North Olympic APEX Accelerator
12/9/2025 | 10:00 AM -12:00 PM
135 Solana Pkwy, Sequim WA 98382-3507
Join North Olympic APEX Accelerator for Meet the Agencies, an exciting opportunity to connect directly with local, state, and federal agencies to learn about upcoming projects and contracting opportunities. This event is designed to help businesses build relationships, ask questions, and discover how to do business with government buyers. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and gain valuable insights!
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How to Do Business with the Forest Service - VIPR
12/10/2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Would you like to work with the Region 6 Fire Suppression each year during fire season? Not quite sure where to start?
Please join to learn about how to get started to bid on VIPR agreements for the Forest Service, Region 6 Fire Suppression.
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Washington Electronic Business Solutions/Department Enterprise Services Training
12/10/2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
This session is great for small businesses, contractors, and anyone interested in public contracting in Washington State.
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Advanced PortGen Virtual 2025: Celebration of Small Business!
12/16/2025 4:00PM - 6:30PM PDT
Port of Seattle, Pier 69 Atrium, 2701 Alaskan Way, Seattle WA
In partnership with the PortGen Accelerator Program, we are excited to be part of this special in-person event. Please join us as we celebrate the achievements of our program participants and connect with industry partners, subject matter experts, prime contractors, and agency representatives.
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Intro to the GSA
12/17/2025 | 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Are you looking to navigate the world of GSA schedules and government contracting? Join us for an informative session with the NOP APEX Accelerator and the GSA. Join via zoom!
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Local Government Purchasing & MRSC Rosters
11/19/2025 | 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.
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Wednesday with the Deputy for Small Business - NUWC Keyport
11/20/2025 and 12/17/2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Virtual and Poulsbo, WA
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).
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State Contracting Opportunities & Open House – DES
11/20/2025 and 12/18/2025 | 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.
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Contracting Coffee Hour
12/3/2025 | 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.
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University of Washington Virtual Workshops for Suppliers
12/4/2025 | 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.
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APEX & SBDC First Friday Follow-Up
12/5/2025 | 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.
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Doing Business with the City of Seattle
12/5/2025 | 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.
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Cómo Hacer Negocios Con La Ciudad De Seattle
12/5/2025 | 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.
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APEX: Prime Connect
12/10/2025 | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
A structured matchmaking event for Primes and Subcontractors to connect with primes about future projects. December Prime Connect presenter is Courtney Fraga with Skanska.
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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.
Washington APEX Accelerator Recorded webinars are available
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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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