Client Experience
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
Derheim, Inc.
In 1991, Troy Derheim started his hot tub rental company, Derheim, Inc. Doing Business As “My Aquatic Services”. Since that time, he has grown his company into a design, sales, construction, and service company specializing in commercial and residential pools, spas, and specialty aquatic products. In 2019, he sought the no-cost services of the North Dakota APEX Accelerator to assist his company in determining eligibility to expand into government contracting.
For the past five years, ND APEX has assisted Troy and his team with their company
entity validation and registration in SAM for federal contracts, ND Bidder List registration
for state contracts, shown ways to search and find solicitations, made agency introductions,
provided ideas to expand government contracting, and the Derheim team members have
participated in various workshops. Services provided by the APEX team included registrations,
solicitation exploration, proposal development, B2G marketing, and process navigation.
By developing a strategic plan for government contracting, the ND APEX team helped
Troy expand his business and secure contracts. The APEX team provided a [trustworthy]
and comfortable environment for Troy to ask questions and learn about the intricacies
of government contracting. Additionally, ND APEX offered access to valuable resources
like Govology and Defense University Acquisition (DAU) and educated Troy on various
aspects of government contracting and the market.
Together, the ND APEX team and Troy explored new ways for My Aquatic Services to engage
with government agencies and expand their product and service offerings. Bid match
was utilized to receive solicitations and provide feedback on marketing materials
such as capability statements and the company website. Additionally, Troy participated
in webinars and procurement fairs, further solidifying his understanding of government
contracting.
Navigating complex regulations like the FAR and DFAR can be daunting, but the ND APEX
team supported Troy throughout the process. In Troy’s own words, “They [procurement
specialists] provided a ‘road map’ for success as a government contractor.” The ND
APEX team is proud to have played a role in Troy's achievements and look forward to
witnessing the continued growth and success of My Aquatic Services.
As a veteran of the US Army, Operation Desert Storm, he was interested in selling
to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to improve water therapy for recovering
veterans. As some are aware, the VA is first required to purchase from qualified service-disabled
veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB). ND APEX worked with Derheim to apply and
receive his certification as an SDVOSB.
“The value of APEX is unmeasurable. They are a fantastic group that truly shows how
government should work. These individuals stretch every dollar giving as much as a
client is willing to take. I’ve never had a question go unanswered; I’m extremely
surprised this is not a for-profit organization. They treat clients as valued investments
in their future. They are a great asset, and their services are much appreciated!”
says Derheim.
Troy understands that winning a contract is not the only thing, but you must follow
through with excellent service and continued communication to support the government
market sector. Plus, you need a road map to provide a checklist to be a successful
government contractor, which the ND APEX provided. APEX assisted with a course of
action and no-cost bid match services to be successful; Troy understands using experts
in the government sector to achieve his company’s goals in this market.
Derheim said, "Their ND APEX help is instrumental in our success. The staff is fantastic
and is great to deal with. We would be at a great loss without their support. It’s
a resource that is greatly appreciated!”
Troy Derheim, owner of Derheim, Inc; DBA: My Aquatic Services
Learn more about My Aquatic Services
Microlap Technologies, Inc.
Microlap was established by the federal government as the Turtle Mountain Ordnance
Plant, with the production of jewel bearings beginning in 1952. The name was changed
in 1973 to the William Langer Jewel Bearing Plant. In 1996, the plant was privatized
and renamed Microlap Technologies, Inc.
This company is a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-precision industrial components
made from synthetic ruby, sapphire, ceramic, carbide, and other hard materials. Microlap
offers standard products and can custom manufacture to your exact specifications (Source)
As a long running company, they use services available to them to make them bigger, stronger, and smarter. This is one reason they turned to the no-cost advising services of the ND APEX Accelerator.
“At Microlap Technologies, Inc company, we were thrilled to work with APEX and experience the high level of service and expertise they brought to the table. From the moment we reached out for assistance, APEX was able to provide immediate support and guidance, demonstrating their deep knowledge and expertise in the field of government contracting,” says Tom Neameyer, President and co-owner.
Mr. Neameyer appreciated the guidance through their entity registration in SAM, the opportunity to learn more about government procurement, instruction on resources available, and attend webinars, workshops & procurement fairs. With the assistance of ND APEX, he created a plan of action to improve the company’s position in marketing to prime contracts and government agencies.
“ND APEX were truly a valuable partner in helping our company achieve success, and we were grateful for the opportunity to work with such a skilled and dedicated team. Whether our company needed help navigating the complex world of procurement, developing a plan of action to increase our chances of winning contracts, or simply needing guidance and support, APEX was there to assist us every step of the way. We are extremely grateful for their help and highly recommend their services to any company looking to succeed in the government contracting space. Throughout the project, APEX worked closely with Microlap Technologies Inc to ensure that they were meeting their needs and exceeding their expectations. Microlap provided regular updates on their progress and were transparent about their challenges. In the end, the project was a huge success.”
Tom Neameyer, President / Co-Owner
Learn More About Microlap Technologies, Inc.
Damajha Systems
“I am at a loss for words to seriously describe how fortunate I am to have come in contact with ND APEX this team.” Based out of Fargo, Damajha Systems, is a 100% certified set-aside, minority, service-disabled veteran owned small business that delivers service-oriented problem-solving innovations to federal, state, and local municipalities. Damajha Systems is a direct OEM authorized partner that helps with the goal of OSANG Healthcare, in which they work to create high quality products and deliver them to customers at the highest level of standards. The team at Damajha Systems is led by De Lorenco L. Jackson, a logistics and service leader himself.
Jackson has been able to utilize the no-cost resources of the ND APEX to grow his business. Jackson said, “In trying to execute partnerships with many different types of medical laboratories, testing laboratories, or in-vitro diagnostic substance manufacturing laboratories it has been, and still remains practically impossible.” This frustration brought De to seek the services of the ND APEX.
Damajha Systems has taken advantage of the ND APEX expert advisors, a variety of webinars, bid match service, and education resources. The APEX team made recommendations to understand an agency’s purchase history, team, research to target agencies, and to have patience to work the process. Jackson’s work resulted in the company receiving a $7 million federal contract.
Jackson stated, “I have, as a result of resources and or informative webinars provided by the entire conglomerate of APEX services, become a much more informed business owner. To me it means nothing more than a direct path to success. I can't, for lack of a better explanation, give more praise for ND APEX. Thank you very much for all that you do.”
As Jackson notes, frustration is a common thread in government contracting for companies to break through and win your first contract. Instead of going in circles and getting nowhere, locate services that are in place to assist your business.
“The ND APEX personnel have been extremely attentive to providing all necessary resources and properly assisting with my small business concerns. The resources catered to a pathway that created ways to engage target agencies correctly.”
De Lorenco L. Jackson
Learn More About Damajha Systems
Interested in client experiences from prior years? Take a Look.