Client Experience
Vanna Vans
Vanna Vans had already established itself as a company willing to push boundaries when its team began looking toward government and tribal contracting. As they explored this new market, they saw how complex federal procurement can feel for businesses offering specialized products. Their customizable mobile units do not fit neatly into standard categories, which made it challenging to identify the right buyers and understand how to present their capabilities for government use. Noah Evans, who leads many of the company’s business development efforts, was determined to learn the system and find a path forward.
Noah started by attending training sessions, workshops, and webinars through the North Dakota APEX Accelerator. Each event helped him better understand how the public sector operates and what agencies expect from potential contractors. He asked questions, built connections, and committed himself to understanding how Vanna Vans’ offerings could align with government needs. These early steps helped him gain both confidence and clarity.
One-on-one advising then became a key part of the process. The ND APEX team helped Noah understand the steps involved in preparing for federal work and offered guidance as he refined how Vanna Vans presents itself to government buyers. Reflecting on this support, Noah said, “The APEX team helped us navigate registering in SAM.gov, refine our capability statement, and get in front of the right buyers. Total game changer.” He added, “APEX Accelerators helped us unlock new contracting opportunities we didn’t even know existed. Their guidance made federal procurement far less intimidating.”
Because Vanna Vans creates highly customizable units, identifying the right agencies required thoughtful research. Noah described the impact of APEX assistance by saying, “Their one-on-one support made it possible for our mobile medical units to enter the government contracting space confidently and compliantly.”
Vanna Vans continues to build on this foundation through ongoing advising and training. With each step, the company is becoming better positioned to pursue public-sector opportunities and expand the reach of its innovative mobile units.
Visit the Vanna Vans website: https://www.vannavans.com/
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.
Interested in client experiences from prior years? Take a Look.