Client Experience
Blu Riderz JV
For Blu Riderz JV, a Minot-based construction company, completing its first federal government contract represented more than a successful project; it provided valuable experience and a foundation for pursuing future opportunities.
Blu Riderz CEO Ivan Guerrero and his son, Diego Guerrero, credit the ND APEX Accelerator team with helping them navigate the federal contracting process and prepare for success.
The company had previous experience performing contracts for state and local entities, but federal contracting introduced a new level of complexity. According to the Guerreros, ND APEX team members proved to be a valuable resource throughout the process.
“They were very knowledgeable, very accessible, and easy to talk to.”
From State and Local Work to a Federal Award
Blu Riderz recently completed its first federal contract for the Federal Highway Administration. The project required the company to apply additional gravel to several miles of existing gravel roads across multiple North Dakota counties in preparation for the Sentinel Missile Program.
While Blu Riderz brought significant construction experience to the project, entering the federal marketplace required the company to navigate unfamiliar processes, requirements, and terminology. One of the biggest challenges was simply working through the administrative “red tape” associated with government contracting.
A key hurdle involved preparing to register Blu Riderz as a joint venture with 123 Clean and Sundre Sand & Gravel, Inc. in SAM.gov. The ND APEX Accelerator team guided the companies through the joint venture process, helped identify the required documentation, and directed them to the appropriate registrations and resources to position the business for government opportunities.
Learning the Federal Contracting Process
The experience gave Blu Riderz valuable insight into what it takes to successfully perform a federal contract. With assistance from ND APEX Accelerator, the company learned how to better interpret contract terminology, ask the right questions, navigate federal requirements, and identify efficiencies that can strengthen future performance.
Those lessons carried through to the completion of the project.
During the final review meeting, government representatives indicated they were very pleased with Blu Riderz’s work and execution of the contract. The contracting office was also receptive to suggestions from the company about ways to improve efficiency, an encouraging sign for a business completing its first federal award.
Building Toward the Next Opportunity
For Blu Riderz, the successful completion of its first federal contract is an important milestone, but the company sees it as a starting point rather than a finish line.
The experience has given Ivan and Diego Guerrero greater confidence in navigating the government marketplace and a clearer understanding of how to approach future opportunities. Positive feedback from the government has also strengthened their optimism that this first federal contract can help open doors to additional awards.
With one federal contract completed, and the knowledge gained along the way, Blu Riderz is eager to pursue what comes next.
Packet Digital
Packet Digital specializes in the design, testing, and manufacturing of advanced batteries and power systems for drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), submersibles, and space platforms.
Founded in 2003, Packet Digital initially focused on electronics and power management technologies. Building on this innovation, the company expanded its focus to defense and aerospace applications, particularly supporting the advancement of drones and autonomous systems for the U.S. military.
In 2014, Packet Digital worked with the Marines to increase their UAS platform’s flight time from minutes to hours. Following up on this, Packet Digital worked with the Naval Research Lab and the Operation Energy Office from the Office of the Secretary of Defense to achieve a multi-day flight. Beginning in 2021, Packet Digital secured contracts with both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force to develop advanced battery systems and related power components. The company quickly became an industry leader in power solutions for unmanned and autonomous platforms, helping improve endurance, efficiency, and reliability in military drone operations.
Today, Packet Digital continues to support cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies through its expertise in intelligent energy management systems.
The North Dakota APEX Accelerator (ND APEX) began providing government contracting assistance to Packet Digital in 2021. Early in the relationship, an ND APEX advisor assisted the company with invoice processing through the Department of Defense's Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) system, helping ensure timely payment on a federal contract.
Since that initial engagement, ND APEX has maintained an ongoing advisory relationship with Packet Digital. Advisors meet with company representatives at least annually to discuss updates to federal contracting requirements, regulatory changes, and compliance considerations affecting defense contractors.
ND APEX continues to provide guidance on defense contracting processes, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) opportunities, and other federal programs. Advisors also serve as a trusted resource and sounding board for questions, concerns, and strategic planning related to government contracting.
Packet Digital employees regularly utilize the Govology training platform provided by ND APEX to stay current on government contracting topics and strengthen the company's contracting readiness. ND APEX advisors also share information on relevant contract opportunities, programs, and resources that support innovation and growth within the defense marketplace.
Through ongoing counseling, training resources, and opportunity awareness, ND APEX has helped Packet Digital strengthen its federal contracting knowledge, remain compliant with evolving requirements, and expand its work in advanced defense and autonomous systems technologies.
Visit their site: https://packetdigital.com
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/
Interested in client experiences from prior years? Take a Look.