"The APEX Accelerator is funded in

part through a cooperative agreement

with the Department of Defense."

Upcoming Events:

October 7 - DCAA: Introduction to DCAA and the Audit Process: Understanding the Essentials - Online

The presentation will provide an overview of the Defense Contract Audit Agency including the responsibilities and duties, its mission, organization structure, and types of audits performed. 

October 8 - National APEX Day - Government Contracting Webinar Series - Online

Join the UTRGV APEX Accelerator for our Government Contracting Webinar Series on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hear directly from experts representing the SBA, BuyBoard, DCAA, TxDOT, TCEQ, U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command, and ERDCWERX.

Learn about certifications, vendor registration, contracting opportunities, compliance resources, and programs designed to help small businesses succeed in the government marketplace.

October 13 - How to Develop a Capability Statement | Online

Capability Statements are essential tools for showcasing your organization’s strengths, qualifications, and differentiators for a good understanding of what your company does.

What you’ll learn:

• the key components of an effective capability statement
• How to tailor your document to different audiences and opportunities
• Tips for design and layout best practices

A capability statement is required by most government agencies, helps your business establish connections, and can help your business be remembered.

October 15 - After Certification: What Ongoing CMMC Compliance Really

Looks Like - Online

Achieving certification is only the beginning. This webinar will explore what ongoing compliance means after a CMMC assessment, including monitoring, evidence maintenance, change management, and preparation for future reassessments. Attendees will learn why sustainability matters and how to avoid falling out of compliance over time.

October 22 - ISO 9001 & ISO 14001:2026 Revisions are Here: What to know and do next - Online

Join this high-level webinar to gain an early understanding of the ISO 9001 & ISO 14001:2026 revisions and what it means for your organization.

We’ll highlight the key changes to the Quality and Environmental Management System standards, including increased emphasis on sustainability, climate considerations, and risk-based thinking, and outline what organizations should expect during the transition period.

Attendees will leave with a clear picture of how to begin preparing their systems, processes, and teams for a smooth and successful transition to the updated standards.

Bid Spotlight:

Fire Sprinkler System Design and Installation for Fire Station 1 and 3 (Request for Proposal) *RE-BID* — #RFP 2026-021

The City of Edinburg, Texas, is seeking licensed contractors to design, engineer, permit, and install code-compliant automatic fire sprinkler and alarm systems at two municipal fire stations. The project involves upgrading a 18,000 SQ facility and performing new construction, including underground water line connections, for a 6,000 SQ facility.

For more information:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/cityofedinburg/projects/287598

Close Date: 10/13/2026

HVAC Supplies & Equipment — #RFP # 27-11-16

Weslaco ISD is seeking proposals for the supply of HVAC equipment and supplies. The procurement covers various components including parts, refrigerants, insulation, and full HVAC units throughout the contract period.

For more information:

https://weslacoisd.ionwave.net/PublicDetail.aspx?bidID=394&SourceType=1

Close Date: 10/14/2026

Welding Gases / Medical Oxygen — #2026-092

The City of Laredo, Texas is seeking vendors to provide a supply of welding gases and medical oxygen. The contract term is three years with an optional two-year extension upon mutual agreement.

For more information:

https://cityoflaredo.ionwave.net/PublicDetail.aspx?bidID=4114&SourceType=1

Close Date: 10/15/2026

Are you Interested in Speaking with an

APEX Accelerator Advisor?

To become a client, you just must fill out the registration form:

Once you have completed and submitted the web form, one of our advisors will proceed to schedule a meeting to assist you.

Below are some of the certifications and registrations that APEX Accelerators can assist you with:

• SAM Registration: The System for Award Management
• VetHUB Certification: Veteran Heroes United in Business Certification
• HUBZONE Certification: Historically Underutilized Business Zones Certification
• WOSB Certification: Women-Owned Small Business Certification
• EDWOSB Certification: Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Certification
• 8A Program: 8(a) Business Development Program
• VOSB Certification: Veteran-Owned Small Business
• SDVOSB: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

Attention all Women-Owned Small Businesses:

Have you thought about applying for your

Women-Owned Small Business Certification (WOSB)?

To help provide a level playing field for women business owners, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program. These contracts are for goods and services in specific industries (identified via NAICS code) where WOSBs are underrepresented. Joining the WOSB Federal Contract program makes a business eligible to compete for federal contracts reserved for the program's certified participants.

Check your Eligibility:

✓ Be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens

✓ Have women manage day-to-day operations who also make long-term decisions

✓ Be a Small Business according to SBA Size Standards

Register below to meet with one of our advisors for help with your application:

UTRGV APEX ACCELERATOR

PROGRAM IMPACT

January 2025 - December 2025

Has our office helped you and your business?

We want to share when

our clients have success!

If you have worked with UTRGV APEX Accelerator and would like to be featured in our newsletters, please let us know! 

Email apex@utrgv.edu

OTHER TOOLS AND RESOURCES:

• National Institute of Governmental Purchasing codes – NIGP
• NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement
• Procurement at Comptroller of Public Accounts
• Texas Centralized Master Bidders List - CMBL
• Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT)
• Texas Division of Emergency Management 
• TEXAS Electronic State Business Daily - ESBD
• Texas VETHUB Program
• Texas Legislative Budget Board
• Texas Secretary of State
• IRS – Employers Identification Number (EIN) Registration page.
• System for Award Management (SAM)
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• HUBZone Program
• Small Business Development Programs

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Additional Partner Services

UTRGV Office of Workforce & Economic Development

The UTRGV Office of Workforce & Economic Development (OWED) supports economic development in the Rio Grande Valley through services by the UTRGV APEX Accelerator and the following centers. For more information on these services, visit UTRGV OWED or any of the centers below.

UTRGV APEX Accelerator (APEX)

UTRGV Data and Information Systems Center (DISC) 

UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC)

UTRGV Professional Education & Workforce Development (PEWD)

UTRGV Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

UTRGV Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

"The APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the

Department of Defense. "

For similar updates, follow us on social media!

✉ apex@utrgv.edu

🌐www.utrgv.edu/apex/