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Navigating Procurement Changes: Three Steps for Small Businesses Amid DBE Program Changes and the Federal Shutdown 

Small businesses that rely on government contracting are facing a double challenge this season: the new federal rules around the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program and disruptions tied to the government shutdown. Together, these shifts could impact competitive advantages and pipeline visibility, especially for firms that rely heavily on their DBE status or those that must continue performing without timely payment. 

Three steps firms can take to stay informed, reduce risk, and position themselves for stability and growth. Read More...

More News

• DoD CMMC Pulse Survey The Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs is seeking feedback from small businesses on your current readiness, concerns, challenges, and ongoing efforts related to the rollout of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements, which begin appearing in DoD contracts on November 10, 2025. 
• WEBS Update: New solicitation webpage - DES has added information to the current opportunities page and has a new public page where you can view information about past solicitations. 

Register for these classes

11/4/2025 Government Shutdown: What to do now and how to recover  

11/20/2025 Surviving Difficult Contracting Times 

News from the Washington APEX SBIR Program

Small business innovation research (SBIR) funding is available to small businesses working on cutting edge technology. Your Washington APEX Accelerator SBIR Program can help prospective SBIR applicants navigate the submission process confidently.

Events and Other Announcements

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference

11/19 – 11/21/2025

J.W. Marriott, Washington, DC

Connect directly with over $4 billion in early-stage funding. Learn how to compete for funding while networking with global industry scouts, investors, and key federal leadership representing the nation's largest seed fund.

DARPA’s BTO BIO Fair 2025 

November 12, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST 

Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key 

1900 Fort Myer Drive 

Arlington, VA 22209 

Other Important Links

• Find all current SBIR releases, SBIR.gov
• Find assistance on SBIR in general, ARC WA

Events

In Person

Airway Heights, WA

11/12/2025 Meet the BIGS! Doing Business with the Government 2025

Bremerton, WA 

11/7/2025 Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act Lunch and Learn (Lunch Provided)

11/19/2025 Understanding Capability Statements 

Lynnwood, WA 

11/6/2025 2025 North Puget Sound Contracting Conference 

Mount Vernon, WA

11/13/2025 DoD Cybersecurity 101 - What Defense Contractors Must Know About CMMC 

Olympia, WA  

11/10/2025 FORMA Constructions Building Partnerships (HYBRID)

Poulsbo, WA  

11/20/2025 Wednesday with the Deputy for Small Business (HYBRID)

Tacoma, WA

11/7/2025 Korsmo Construction & TPS Trades and Hiring Fair 

1/17/2025 City of Tacoma Certification with WA State OMWBE Workshop (HYBRID)

Online

11/4/2025 Government Shutdown: What to do now and how to recover  

11/5/2025 Steps Leading to a WASHINGTON STATE Contract 

11/5/2025 Contracting Coffee Hour 

11/5/2025 Advanced PortGen Virtual 2025: Construction Contracting at the Port 

11/6/2025 University of Washington Virtual Workshops for Suppliers 

11/7/2025 First Fridays: Doing Business with the City of Seattle 

11/7/2025 COMO HACER NEGOCIOS CON LA CIUDAD DE SEATTLE 

11/7/2025 APEX & SBDC First Friday Follow-Up 

11/12/2025 APEX: Prime Connect with Kiewit Construction and The Dutra Group

11/19/2025 Local Government Purchasing & MRSC Rosters 

11/20/2025 Prevailing Wage Training for Contractors WA LNI 

11/20/2025 Surviving Difficult Contracting Times 

11/20/2025 State Contracting Opportunities & Open House – DES 

11/20/2025 Architecture, Engineering & Professional Services Consultant Orientation: How to do Business with King County

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 available

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

Learn more about Bid Match here

Washington State Department of Enterprise Services 

16222 Information & Cybersecurity Due Date: 12/03/2025 

24-0009-2 Envelope Production Materials Due Date: 11/26/2025 

24-0009-1 Envelope Production Materials Due Date: 11/17/2025 

Statewide Road Surface and Repair Materials 05124 Due Date: 11/14/2025 

Air Charter Services Due Date: 11/07/2025 

Statewide Medical Diagnostic Testing Services Due Date: 11/06/2025

Washington State Department of Transportation 

Airport Leasing Rates and Fees Consultant Due Date: 11/14/2025 

Washington Department of Social and Health Services 

RFP #2535-878 WA Cares Community Assistance Network Due Date: 11/23/2025 

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:

Washington APEX Accelerator