Client Experience
RFS Fire Suppression
RFS, LLC, a construction company specializing in fire suppression, has leveraged the resources of the North Dakota APEX Accelerator to strengthen its position in government contracting, especially in the defense marketplace.
The business uses our Bid Match service, enabling the company to receive tailored solicitations aligned with its capabilities. To further build their contracting knowledge, they participated in APEX training webinars and one-on-one advising to assist them with critical guidance for navigating the complex procurement landscape.
RFS received direct technical assistance from the ND APEX Accelerator team on Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) – key rulebooks for contractors working with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. In 2024 the Federal Procurement Data System reported that RFS secured more than $6 million in contract awards from the U.S. Air Force, strengthening both its federal contracting portfolio and its impact on the regional defense industry supply chain.
The ND APEX team assisted with preparing for SBA certification, positioning them to take advantage of set-aside programs to expand opportunities for small businesses. Julie L. Okeson, owner of RFS, LLC, said, “APEX has been the only organization that has been consistently there and willing to help with recertification.”
Finally, recognizing the growing importance of cybersecurity in federal contracting, APEX staff connected RFS with trusted resource partners to support compliance with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. This collaboration ensures RFS is preparing to meet evolving cybersecurity standards and protect sensitive information.
According to Ms. Okeson, “If the APEX team doesn’t have the answers, they will find the answers.” Through its commitment and engagement with APEX services, the team at RFS is now better equipped to compete, grow, and succeed in the government contracting arena.
Visit the RFS website: https://rfsnd.com/
Center Machine, Inc.
Since its founding, Center Machine, Inc. has built a strong reputation by offering high-quality machining, welding, and industrial repair services to businesses across North Dakota. With roots firmly planted in the private sector, the team at Center Machine asked an important question: Can a small business like ours compete in the government market? With support from the North Dakota APEX Accelerator, the answer was a confident yes.
Their journey into government contracting began when they attended a Procurement Fair, even though it required a four-hour drive. That kind of dedication is exactly what sets successful small businesses apart. “Everyone we have worked with has been outstanding. Very knowledgeable and helpful,” said the Center Machine team, recalling their early experience with ND APEX staff.
Early on, ND APEX helped Center Machine tackle one of the biggest hurdles, applying for the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) certification. Their advisor walked them through understanding the program, updating their SAM.gov registration, and revising their capability statement to reflect their veteran-owned status. “The APEX program assisted in pointing myself in the right direction,” the owner shared.
Finding and competing for government contracts was the next critical step. With ND APEX's help, Center Machine registered on the North Dakota Bidders List and SAM.gov, learned to use key procurement sites, and enrolled in APEX’s bid match service to receive customized solicitations. “We utilized the bid match service to receive solicitations,” they said, appreciating how much simpler it made the process.
ND APEX also connected them with educational resources and professional networks, helping them attend webinars and procurement events, and introducing them to partner organizations like the SBA, SBDC, VBOC, SCORE, WBC, and Impact Dakota MEP. As they described it, “APEX expanded our ideas of how to get involved with government contracting.”
Today, Center Machine is leveraging the experience, relationships, and tools gained through ND APEX to grow its presence in the public sector. “The APEX program is second to none and extremely valuable to us small businesses,” they affirmed.
At ND APEX, we are proud to support companies like Center Machine, Inc., businesses that are willing to show up, learn, and take strategic steps toward growth. With the right guidance and persistence, small businesses can and do succeed in government contracting.
Learn more about Center Machine, Inc. and their services at: https://centermachineinc.com/
Kajaer GeoConsulting, LLC
Since 2018, Kajaer GeoConsulting LLC has told stories by using geospatial technologies, which uses maps and applications
that fit their client’s needs. Geospatial technology is a term used to describe the range of modern tools contributing to geographic mapping
and the analysis of the earth and human societies. (Source AAAS.org) Would a government agency buy these specialized services? Absolutely!
You can learn about their services on their company blog: “Partnerships are Worth It!” It highlights services for the USDA Forest Services. Their past performance expands from local to state to federal.
A few agencies include:
- US Forest Service
- ND State Preservation Office
- Bismarck Public Schools
- ND Association of Counties
Founders and owners, Solli Frank and Angie Milakovic, sought out experts to grow their
business. They first connected with the North Dakota APEX Accelerator (ND APEX). They
saw an opportunity for the resources and help that was offered. "We just need more
assistance in understanding what we don't know,” stated Solli Frank. From that first meeting, this SBA-certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) has been taking advantage of the expertise of the ND APEX Advisors.
Their primary advisor, Dave Kleppe, taught them how to find opportunities from all
levels of government, as well as provided feedback on marketing materials, such as
their capability statement, and walked them through the many resources available to
their program. Ms. Frank and Ms. Milakovic say, “ND APEX is always willing to work
with us whenever we need help. We appreciate their patience when the same questions
seem to keep coming up repeatedly."
In addition, Kajaer GeoConsulting team had challenges with understanding entity registration in SAM.gov, the SBA Small Business Profile (DSBS), and how the sites interacted. The information can be overwhelming and hard to determine what is official. Frank expressed, “ND APEX was especially helpful with the patience and willingness to repeatedly clarify and/or readdress the information needed. We felt confident in continually asking if we still had questions.
Learn more about Kajaer GeoConsulting LLC at www.kajaergeoconsulting.com
Greenstone Construction, Inc.
Taking steps to be successful is one of the many things Justin Lindteigen, owner of Greenstone Construction, Inc., has done to be competitive, grow, and expand - moving this organization to be one of the top contractors in our state of North Dakota.
Lindteigen shared this about getting started in government contracting, “We are always working diligently to gain experience with new agencies in North Dakota, but it can be challenging to meet the right people and build relationships at the various agencies.” His solution, “[ND] APEX created the opportunity for our team.”
Step one: Lindteigen received education and training in government contracting through the many webinars, expos, and workshops sponsored by the North Dakota APEX Accelerator (ND APEX). Justin commented that he showed up to every event, talked with everyone, and committed his time to gain the trust needed to receive his first project. In those first several years, he bid and won small projects, and proved his talents with quality and on-time delivery. From this, he was able to decide on his company’s focus and build its expertise. The small projects not only built on his experience, but provided valuable past performance references as well. His success did not come with one large project but with many, many small projects. He still attends all the events, expos, and workshops.
Step two: Justin took advantage of experts in the government market sector. the ND APEX team. We were there to assist Justin and his team through workshops, training, one-on-one advising, bid match service, and more. During one of his many meetings with an APEX advisor, he created his capability statement, which showcases his company’s information and is always available on his website. He states, “[The ND APEX has] staff very knowledgeable with the fine details of government contracting.”
Step three: He strategically selects the solicitations to submit proposals. He uses his own team, and subcontracts with specialty subcontractors to meet the requirements of the projects. He regularly connects with contracting officers & key personnel, and stays informed of the requirements & certifications. In addition, Justin monitors long-term contracts to position his company as a candidate.
Even after ten-plus years, one of his aces is that he continues to use the services of the ND APEX, such as the no-cost bid match and procurement expo. “This annual event created by APEX is a fantastic opportunity to meet face-to-face with the procurement team from Minot Air Force Base and Grand Forks Air Force Base. This face-to-face time has created opportunities for my team to showcase how our services could successfully complete various project requirements for the Minot Air Force Base and Grand Forks Air Force Base,” stated Lindteigen.
Justin Lindteigen, owner of Greenstone Construction, Inc.
Learn more about Greenstone Construction.
Black Ridge Construction, LLC
This newly formed company was founded by Will Klinke and Casey Schumacher in the spring
of 2023. Though the two founders had construction experience, they needed a partner
to assist them with navigating the road of government contracting. They set out to
find it, and that path led them to the ND APEX Accelerator. “ND APEX was a pivotal
resource for us in registering in SAM and setting up our bid match system,” stated
Klinke.
This highly motivated team used the services and tools of the ND APEX Accelerator
to understand the government market sector through no-cost one-on-one meetings and
participation in webinars. They put what they learned into practice to win their
first federal GSA construction contract in the fall of 2023. Will continues, “ND APEX
has been a resource that has helped us procure contracts and feel comfortable that
we are following all processes and regulations related to government contracting.”
As a construction contractor, Black Ridge Construction (BRC) has a variety of services
such as site preparation, building, framing, and roofing with a focus on Department
of Defense projects.
“BRC utilizes the [APEX] bid match service daily to review and select contract opportunities
to provide proposals on,” says Schumacher. Their bid match profile was created by
selecting keywords to target solicitations they were interested in bidding on. ND
APEX’s bid match saved them time.
Additionally, ND APEX provided Black Ridge Construction resource partner information,
a review of government contracting regulations, key contacts, and ways to be involved
with government contracting. ND APEX Procurement Advisor, Nikki Kallias adds, “Casey
and Will have taken advantage of all the APEX services including in-person networking
events, Govology, bid match, resource partner interaction with SBA and the Native
American APEX as well. They’re a great example of a new business that was prepared
to start government contracting.”
Both Will and Casey agree, “ND APEX has provided unprecedented support that has helped
Black Ridge Construction understand and move forward in government contracting. Without
this resource, I'm not sure that we would be where we are today. BRC would recommend
ND APEX to all small businesses looking into government contracting. Their advisement
and accountability have been phenomenal.”
Will Klinke and Casey Schumache, co-founders of Black Ridge Construction, LLC
Interested in client experiences from prior years? Take a Look.