Veteran Resources
The Department of Defense (DoD) appreciates the sacrifices made by veterans in the service of our country and is committed to making the maximum practicable prime and subcontracting opportunities available to service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses.
Boots to Business
The Small Business Administration's Boots to Business program provides entrepreneurial training within DoD's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The program has trained more than 50,000 service members and military spouses since its 2013 launch.
Boots to Business Reboot
The Boots to Business Reboot program expanded entrepreneurship training to veterans who have already transitioned out of the military as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve. The program includes an eight-week, online Foundations of Entrepreneurship course instructed by a consortium of professors and practitioners led by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.
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Veteran Business Outreach Centers
The Small Business Administration’s Veterans Business Outreach Centers provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and mentoring to veterans.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) program provides training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans with service-connected disabilities as well as military family members who serve in a caregiver role to a veteran with a service-connected disability.
Patriot Bootcamp
Patriot Boot Camp equips service members, veterans and spouses with an entrepreneurial education, access to resources, mentorship and community support to build technology companies.
APEX Accelerators
APEX Accelerators help small businesses navigate the complex federal procurement system to win and execute contracts with the federal government, including DoD.
Veteran Institute for Procurement
The Veteran Institute for Procurement offers five programs to help veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses increase their ability to win government contracts. Training programs vary in length (from 1-3 days) and are held in the Washington, DC, area.
Bunker Labs
Through local chapters in 12 cities, Bunker Labs provides educational programming, mentors and events to help veterans start and grow businesses.
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Government Contracting
During a Government Shutdown
The federal government is currently experiencing a lapse in funding, and while the full impact will vary depending on your agency partners and contract type, businesses with federal contracts should be aware of potential disruptions. These may include:
- Delays in contract awards or modifications.
- Paused payments or reimbursements.
- Limited availability of federal staff or contracting officers.
For additional guidance, we recommend reviewing this article from the Washington APEX. It offers practical tips that may help you navigate this period with greater confidence.
If you have questions or need support, contact your local APEX Accelerator consultant.
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Fraud Alert: Fake Government Quote Requests
The GSA Office of Inspector General warns of ongoing scams involving fake or spoofed government emails requesting quotes from businesses—especially those registered in SAM.gov. These fraudulent messages often impersonate legitimate officials or agencies. Always verify unfamiliar procurement contacts and report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. If you need a second set of eyes to determine if something is fraudulent, please feel free to send it our way!
Read the full alert
| | | Networking and Industry Events | | |
DLA Training -Training, Knowledge and Opportunites
Dates: November 18-19th
Time: Starting at 9am EST
Location: Columbus, OH
The TKO seminar is a course that teaches vendors how to start doing business with DLA Land and Maritime. Vendors learn how to find open solicitations, how to submit a quote through the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), the procedures for viewing/downloading drawings, and how to use Invoicing, Receipt, Acceptance and Property Transfer (iRAPT) to get paid. There are also many other relevant topics of discussion. This session is free and is being held at DLA Land and Maritime in Columbus, Ohio.
| | | Other Small Business Event Calendars | | Need to know Cyber Security Information | | |
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.
This short survey will help DoD better understand how small businesses are navigating these changes so we can tailor our support, resources, and guidance to better meet your needs during the transition.
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DoD Warns: Noncompliance Could Mean Lost Contracts
Source: U.S. Department of Defense
🔗 Full DoD Guidance PDF
"Beginning November 10, contracting officers will include the new CMMC requirements in new solicitations and contracts, making cybersecurity a formal part of doing business with DoD and strengthening national security through stronger cyber hygiene.”
— DoD Small Business Bulletin
The Final Rule is implemented through the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), specifically clauses:
- DFARS 252.204-7021 – Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Requirements
- DFARS 252.204-7025 – Notice of CMMC Level Requirements
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📌 Key Requirements:
- Contractors must have a current CMMC certificate (not older than 3 years) at the level required by the contract.
- Subcontractors must also meet the same certification level before award.
- CMMC Level 1 (self-assessment) applies to contracts involving Federal Contract Information (FCI).
- CMMC Level 2 (self-assessment or third-party certification) applies to contracts involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
- No grace period: Noncompliance means ineligibility for award.
📌 Action Steps for Contractors:
- Identify your required CMMC level.
- Conduct a gap analysis.
- Update your System Security Plan (SSP).
- Prepare a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).
- Register your certification status in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).
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Critical Technology Areas
The U.S. has outlined 14 critical technology areas essential to national security, organized into three categories: Seed Areas of Emerging Opportunity, Effective Adoption Areas, and Defense-Specific Needs. These technologies—including artificial intelligence, advanced computing, biotechnology, and hypersonics—are central to maintaining the nation’s competitive edge and safeguarding defense capabilities.
Read More
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Michigan
Assistance Program
Funded by a grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) and administered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, BBCetc provides SBIR/STTR proposal development services to technology-based entrepreneurs and early-stage companies throughout Michigan.
The program provides training and one-one-one proposal preparation assistance to qualified companies, with the costs of these services covered primarily by the program as described below.
Program components include:
- SBIR/STTR Training
- SBIR/STTR Proposal Development Assistance
- Statewide Outreach
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The Department of Defense is interested in learning about businesses, including university spin-off and entrepreneurial sole proprietors, working on the US critical and emerging technologies and DoD critical technology areas.
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Does your company fall in one of these categories?
- Advanced and Networked Sensors, Sending and Signature
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Advanced Materials
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biotechnologies
- Communication and Networking Technologies
- Computing and Software (Advanced)
- Cyber and Integrated Sensing
- Directed energy
- Financial Technologies
- Future Generation Wireless Technologies (Advanced)
- Human-Machine Interfaces
- Hypersonic
If so, please contact your APEX Accelerator Counselor!
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Interested in Research and Development- Innovation?
Check out different opportunities here --->
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November
Topics and Q&A
Topic Q&A is now available on the Topics and Topic Q&A page in DSIP. Proposers may submit technical questions through Topic Q&A page at: Topics and Topic Search (SITIS)
| | NOTICE OF UPCOMING MANDATORY DLA CONTRACTOR CHANGES | | |
SBA SUBNet Platform Redesigned for Easier Access to Subcontracting Opportunities
Source: Defense Acquisition University
“SUBNet helps match large businesses with small business subcontractors. It’s a no-cost, centralized system designed to expand small business participation in federal contracting.”
— Stephanie Lewis, SBA Subcontracting PM
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📌 Key Changes:
- New Access Portal: SUBNet is now integrated with SBA Connect, replacing the older General Login System (GLS). Prime contractors must re-register to post opportunities.
- Public Access Maintained: Small businesses can still view subcontracting opportunities without an account, via the SBA’s Prime and Subcontracting page.
- Cloud-Based System: The platform now operates in the cloud, improving speed, reliability, and scalability.
📌 Why It Matters:
SUBNet is a critical tool for small businesses seeking to enter the federal marketplace through subcontracting. It allows large businesses with federal contracts to post opportunities that small businesses can pursue, helping fulfill
FAR 52.219-9 subcontracting plan goals.
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November MAS Office Hours:
Every third Thursday of the month, the MAS PMO hosts a webinar dedicated to a specific topic of interest for our MAS Industry Partners. Topics are broken down and explained using plain language and real-world examples. This is your chance to engage directly with MAS policy makers, program managers, and leaders from across GSA, live and in real-time.
Nov 20, 2025
2 p.m. ET - 3 p.m. ET
Online Virtual
🔗 Watch prior sessions on our MAS PMO YouTube playlist.
| | Made in Michigan: News & Resources | | |
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New Platform to Connect Manufacturers with Resources
The Michigan Hub for Manufacturers is a free, centralized platform that connects Michigan-based manufacturers with programs, services, and funding opportunities that support business growth, innovation, and resilience. Designed for early-stage companies to established firms, the platform also provides access to advisors, courses, and partner resources.
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MI Supplier Conversion Grant Program
- The grant program is supported by federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and state-level support.
- It is administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
- The program is currently accepting Notices of Intent from eligible small- and medium-sized automotive suppliers to apply for funding.
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Michigan
Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation
Michigan’s Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), part of the MEDC, works to strengthen the state’s $30 billion defense and aerospace industry supporting more than 166,000 jobs. ODAI helps businesses compete for federal contracts through proposal assistance, a bid targeting system, and partnerships with APEX Accelerators, and universities statewide and others to drive innovation and highlight Michigan’s advanced manufacturing strengths.
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Proposal Grant Program
The Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) an operation of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is now offering the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation Proposal Writing Assistance Grant to assist Michigan companies in writing a bid response to a Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contract opportunity.
Winning grant awards will subsidize services contracted through one of the ODAI pre-qualified proposal-writing service firms. Based on the information provided by the applicant, ODAI will determine the amount of funding offered, not to exceed 50 percent or $10,000.
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WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK
The ODIA and MEDC offices are seeking your feedback on the impacts of recent Defense program cancellations and suspensions - such as Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), Humvee, Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), Stryker, M10 Booker, Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (TUAS), Howitzer Competition, and more - which have deep roots in Michigan’s supply chain. Your responses will be heard by leaders across Michigan’s government, military, and industry who are committed to helping affected companies like yours.
Please contact Emily Varner (varnere@automationalley.com) and copy John Gelmisi (gelmisij@medc.org) with questions or concerns.
Thank you for your attention and immediate response to call-out the support necessary to address the sudden critical Defense program disruptions affecting over 1,500 companies in Michigan.
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Thinking about selling your products or services outside the U.S.? Already exporting and ready to go further? Quesitons on ITAR compliance?
Connect with the local experts at
Van Andel Global Trade Center
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Meet our Host:
Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED), the host organization for the West Michigan APEX Accelerator, has been supporting Muskegon County businesses since 1999. GMED helps drive investment, business growth, and job creation while connecting companies to resources, incentives, and workforce development opportunities.
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Visit our Website and Socials!
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