OR -APEX Accelerator

Oregon APEX Accelerator News and Events

Oregon Apex Accelerator is celebrating our 40th Anniversary!!

How to Do Business with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

When: Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, 10:00-11:30 AM

Where: 234 SW Washington St. Portland, OR 97204

The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest federal purchasers of goods and services in the nation. Whether you are new to government contracting or looking to expand your federal customer base, understanding how the VA buys is critical to positioning your business for success.

Join us for an informative session focused on how small businesses can navigate VA procurement opportunities, connect with VA buyers, and prepare to compete for contracts.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• How the Department of Veterans Affairs purchases products and services

• Small business programs and contracting opportunities available through the VA

• How to identify and pursue VA contracting opportunities

• Understanding Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business programs

• Tips for marketing your business to the VA

• Resources available through the VA and Oregon APEX Accelerator

• Common mistakes businesses make when pursuing federal contracts

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Small businesses interested in federal contracting

• Veteran-owned businesses

• Service-disabled veteran-owned businesses

• Existing government contractors seeking VA opportunities

• Construction, professional services, manufacturing, technology, and service-based firms

• Businesses looking to

For More information and to register click here.

Learn about Industrial Base Assessment and Sustainment (IBAS) Program

When: Wednesday July 15th 9:00-10:00 AM

Where: Virtual

The Industrial Base Assessment and Sustainment (IBAS) Program is a Department of Defense initiative that strengthens the U.S. defense industrial base by identifying critical vulnerabilities—such as fragile suppliers, outdated manufacturing capabilities, or gaps in workforce skills—and investing in targeted projects to fix them.

Through detailed assessments and strategic sustainment funding, IBAS helps

modernize production, expand capacity for essential materials and technologies, and ensure that at‑risk or unique industrial capabilities remain viable. Its overarching goal is to maintain a resilient, secure, and technologically competitive industrial base capable of meeting current and future national security demands.

For more information and to register click here.

Registering with OregonBuys and Tips for Success

When: Wednesday August 26th 2026, 10:00-11:00 AM

Where: Virtual

Contracting with the State of Oregon using OregonBuys involves registering as a vendor, identifying opportunities, and submitting bids or proposals through the OregonBuys system.

OregonBuys is the State of Oregon’s eProcurement system, used for:

• Posting procurement opportunities

• Managing solicitations and contracts

• Allowing vendors to register and submit bids online

Types of Solicitations:

• RFP (Request for Proposal): Best value, complex services/products.

• ITB (Invitation to Bid): Lowest price wins, straightforward purchases.

• RFQ (Request for Quote): Informal or simplified purchases.

For more information and to register click here.

3rd Annual Portland area Meet the Buyers When: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 8:00 AM-2:00 PM

Where: Clackamas Community College

7726 SE Harmony Rd. Milwaukie, OR 97222-1269

Meet procurement representatives from public agencies.

• Learn how to compete for government contracts.

• Build relationships that can help your business succeed.

• Explore financing options with small business lenders.

• Speak with insurance professionals about business risk and coverage.

• Connect with economic development organizations supporting business growth.

• Network with Chamber of Commerce and community partners.

• Connect with prime contractors seeking qualified small

For more information and to register click here.

Why Market Research Wins Federal Contracts

The Oregon APEX Accelerator, SBA, and SBDC will be conducting in person training on Federal Market Research in Burns October 6th 2026

Ontario on October 7th 2026

Pendleton on October 20th 2026

Baker City on October 21st 2026

In federal contracting, the companies that win are rarely the ones chasing every notice that lands on SAM.gov. They are the ones who did their homework first. Market research turns scattered effort into a focused pipeline – showing you which agencies actually buy what you sell, who the incumbents are, what they pay, and when contracts come up for recompete. That intelligence is what separates a hopeful bid from a winning one.

Why it pays off:

Target the right agencies. Focus on customers with steady spending in your NAICS codes instead of long-shot opportunities.

Price with confidence. Historical award data on USAspending.gov reveals realistic ranges before you ever submit a proposal.

Engage early. Responding to Sources Sought and RFIs shapes requirements and builds visibility months ahead of competitors.

Know the competition. Identify incumbents, expiring contracts, and potential teaming partners well before the recompete.

Stop wasting effort. A disciplined bid decision beats blindly chasing every opportunity that appears.

The payoff is sustainable growth: stronger proposals, smarter pricing, higher win rates, and a pipeline grounded in real federal spending data – not guesswork.

The registration links for these in person trainings and other important information will be available soon.

Governor’s Marketplace Conference & Tradeshow





Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Location: Ko-Kwel Casino, 3201 Tremont Ave., North Bend, OR, 97459

This free, one-day conference offers a dynamic platform for businesses to engage directly with state agencies, local governments, and key industry partners. Whether you're new to public contracting or looking to expand your reach, the Governor’s Marketplace is your gateway to valuable insights, networking, and resources.

for more information and to register click here.

Oregon Apex Accelerator will now offer Spanish translation by appointment only. If you need special Spanish translation assistance, please contact our office to set up an appointment, please call 541-736-1088 or email info@gcap.org. Si necesita asistencia en Español, por favor de hacer una cita con nuestro oficina a 541-736-1088 or info@gcap.org, Gracias.

This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense

Oregon Apex Accelerator is an Organization for Economic Initiatives, Inc. (OEI) program.  

OEI receives matching funding from Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD).

Sincerely,

Dee Edwards

Program Manager

Oregon Apex Accelerator

info@gcap.org

541-736-1088