Training & Events
The North Dakota APEX offers many webinars and workshops designed to help you understand and navigate the government procurement process.
Training is critical to keep businesses informed of the latest procurement practices and opportunities.
Upcoming Tri-State Procurement Webinars
The following series of webinars are hosted in partnership with Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota APEX Accelerators, and SBA District Offices.
Webinars typically take place the first Tuesday of every month from 9 -10 a.m. Central Time.
January 6
Government contracting can be complex. 2026 will be a year defined by speed, faster buying, faster compliance cycles, and fast technology adoption. The contractors who thrive will be the ones who treat these changes not as hurdles, but as opportunities to move smarter than the competition.
Join us to learn from our local expert Marcell Hurley, the state program Director for South Dakota APEX Accelerator, as we venture in 2026.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
January 13
Small Business Industry Day Event
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is hosting a small business industry day at Bismarck State College's National Energy Center of Excellence. The event will focus on reoccurring services and small construction contract opportunities in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Businesses interested in upcoming Corps of Engineers opportunities in the region are encouraged to attend.
2026 Midwest Matchmaker
February 11-12
Connecting Small Businesses with Government Buyers
Are you a small business looking to expand your reach and connect with government buyers? The 2026 Midwest Matchmaker is your chance to meet federal, state, and local government procurement officials. This unique opportunity will bring together businesses and buyers in one of the largest online procurement events in the region.
DCAA Webinars - NAPEX National Training
The National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) and North Dakota APEX Accelerator are
excited to announce the upcoming DCAA Introductory Series, including Intro to DCAA
and Audit Process Overview and Breaking into GovCon from a DCAA Perspective.
DCAA Cost Reimbursement Series - Part 1
January 14
Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to announce the upcoming DCAA Cost Reimbursable Requirements Series. Part 1 of the Cost Reimbursable Requirements Series includes Accounting System Requirements and Real-Time Labor Evaluations.
Prior to being awarded a cost-reimbursable contract, federal government contractors need to ensure their accounting system is adequate for determining costs applicable to federal contracts. This is accomplished when DCAA conducts a Pre-Award Accounting System Audit at the request of a federal agency. During this training, DCAA will discuss the federal regulations that define an acceptable accounting system, evaluate the minimum requirements of the SF 1408 criteria, and how small businesses can prepare for this type of audit. Experts from DCAA will differentiate between direct versus indirect costs, define total contract costs, provide an overview of indirect allocation bases, and learn how FAR Part 31 clauses describe allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.
Once awarded a cost reimbursable contract award, contractors are eligible for floor check audits, otherwise known as "real-time labor evaluations." Join DCAA as we discuss what a real- time labor evaluation is, why DCAA performs them, and how small businesses can prepare for these audits.
Upcoming DoD Small Business Webinars
The following series of webinars are hosted by the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and APEX Accelerators. These sessions are designed to inform and empower small business owners, acquisition professionals, and government contracting stakeholders.
Project Spectrum
April 23
Project Spectrum is a DoD OSBP initiative that helps small and medium-sized businesses strengthen cybersecurity to meet federal contracting requirements. This program offers training, tools, and resources to increase awareness of cyber threats, protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and understand regulations like Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
In this webinar, Kareem Sykes, Project Spectrum Industry & Engagement Director (CTR), explains how businesses can improve their cyber readiness, meet compliance requirements, and access support tools.
Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI)
May 14
Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) happens when a foreign entity has the power to direct or influence the management or operations of a company. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and potentially compromise national security. FOCI can involve legal means like joint ventures and acquisitions or illegal methods like cyber espionage.
In this webinar, Dr. Bryson Reynolds will teach you how to identify FOCI, why it's important, and the steps you can take to protect your business.
DoD Mentor-Protégé Program
July 14
The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) strengthens and modernizes the defense industrial base by connecting businesses new to government contracting with more experienced government contractors to provide broader and deeper capabilities to the military supply chain. Through this collaboration, protégés gain critical knowledge, technical expertise, and business development acumen which increases their capabilities to perform as subcontractors and suppliers under DoD contracts, other federal government and commercial contracts. Mentors gain valuable and qualified subcontracting partners to provide technological capabilities to rebuild our military and advance other government priorities.
In this webinar, Jerry Smith, Program Analyst (CTR), DoD Mentor-Protégé Program, will explain how the MPP works, the benefits to mentors and proteges, and how to participate.
U.S. Air Force Office of Small Business Programs Upcoming Events
Stay informed about the latest opportunities to engage with the U.S. Air Force Office of Small Business Programs. Our Upcoming Events page highlights conferences, workshops, webinars, and networking sessions designed to help small businesses succeed in the government contracting space. Join us to connect, learn, and explore ways to collaborate with the U.S. Air Force.
U.S. Army Office of Small Business Programs Learning & Events
Discover valuable resources, training opportunities, and upcoming events hosted by the U.S. Army Office of Small Business Programs. Designed to empower small business owners, this platform provides educational materials, networking events, and guidance to help businesses successfully navigate government contracting. Explore webinars, workshops, and conferences tailored to support your journey in partnering with the U.S. Army.
Defense Logistics Agency Events and Webinars
Find upcoming opportunities to work with DLA through DLA's Small Business Outreach Calendar. Discover matchmaking events, attend classes or connect with other small businesses in similar industries. View the calendar to see details for each DLA event.
U.S. Navy Office of Small Business Programs Upcoming Events
The mission of OSBP is to promote acquisition opportunities where small business can best support the needs of our Sailors and Marines. We owe it to these men and women to provide them with the systems, innovation, products and tools necessary to enable them to accomplish their mission and return home safely. We also owe it to the taxpayer to acquire these products and services at affordable and responsible prices. It is our hope that through this website you will gain information that will assist you in competing for those opportunities. You will find links to all of the DON's major buying activities and it is there that you will get to know the business of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Upcoming Govology Webinars
As one of our clients, you have the opportunity to access and attend several additional webinars available through Govology at no cost. Review the list of dates, times, and topics, read the event flyer for more details and then contact us to get the access code and get registered today. If you need assistance with registering, please contact Cadi Zerr at 701-777-6574.
An Introduction to Winning Business in the Government Marketplace (2026 Update)
Jan 13
Government procurement can feel complex and intimidating, especially for businesses new to the space. This training provides a high-level, birds-eye view of government contracting, helping you understand how the system works, what opportunities exist for small businesses, and what it takes to get started.
In this webinar, you will:
- Explore the multifaceted world of government procurement and gain a clearer understanding of what it entails
- Discover the advantages available to small businesses, including special incentives and set-aside programs
- Learn how small businesses participate and compete within the government contracting space
- Understand what it means to be “Procurement Ready” and the basic steps and prerequisites involved
- Identify common challenges small businesses face in government procurement
- Learn about practical approaches to addressing those challenges through real-world examples and success stories
- Gain awareness of how to build connections, identify helpful tools, and navigate the government contracting landscape
This introductory webinar is designed to build foundational understanding and set
realistic expectations for businesses considering government contracting.
Is a GSA Schedule Right for You? (2026 Update)
This webinar is designed for business owners, business development professionals,
and contracting teams who are considering whether a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
contract is the right path for their organization.
The GSA MAS program is a major federal contracting vehicle that gives businesses access
to long-term, government-wide contracts. However, qualifying and applying for a schedule
requires time, resources, and a clear understanding of federal procurement rules.
This session provides a practical overview of the program and helps businesses determine
if it’s a good strategic fit.
What You Will Learn:
- What the GSA MAS Schedule is, how it works, and who uses it
- The benefits and challenges of holding a GSA Schedule
- The eligibility requirements and application process
- Key indicators that a business is ready—or not yet ready—to apply
- Alternatives to a GSA Schedule, including subcontracting and teaming arrangements
Why This Matters:
Pursuing a GSA Schedule can be a major investment. Understanding how the program works and whether your business is a strong candidate can help you avoid unnecessary delays, reduce risk, and focus your government sales strategy.
How to Grow Your Government Sales with Micro-Purchases
Many small businesses assume they need to win large, complex government contracts to succeed in government sales—but that’s not the reality. Thousands of businesses build consistent, profitable revenue by focusing exclusively on micro-purchases, a simplified buying method that allows agencies to buy directly from vendors without lengthy solicitations or heavy compliance requirements.
In this session, you’ll learn how micro-purchases work, why recent threshold increases have made them more valuable than ever, and how small businesses can use them as a low-barrier entry point into government sales. We’ll show you how micro-purchases can help you get your foot in the door, generate steady revenue, and even build a full-time business—without competing for large contracts or navigating the traditional procurement maze.
You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to approach government buyers, what they need, and how to create a simple, repeatable sales process that works within the micro-purchase framework.
You’ll Learn:
- What micro-purchases are and why recent threshold changes make them more lucrative than ever
- How to identify, approach, and sell directly to government buyers using a simple, repeatable process
- Real-world examples of small businesses (including ours!) that have built successful, scalable models through micro-purchases
- Step-by-step strategies to streamline your micro-purchase sales cycle—from outreach to payment
Whether you’re just exploring government sales or looking for a faster, less intimidating way to generate revenue, this webinar will show you how to build momentum without the stress, delays, and complexity of traditional contracting.
Supply Chain Strategy Made Simple for Government Contractors
Government contracts are won on paper but delivered through the supply chain. For small contractors, the difference between profitable growth and costly penalties often comes down to how well their supply chain is managed. Yet many GovCon firms still operate reactively—putting performance, margins, and growth opportunities at risk.
This webinar makes supply chain strategy simple and actionable for government contractors. You’ll learn the four pillars of a strong GovCon supply chain—alignment, visibility, resilience, and scalability—and how to put them into practice right away. Topics include running a lightweight monthly SIOP review, using supplier scorecards to strengthen performance, applying PFEP (Plan for Every Part) to streamline materials, and setting smarter inventory policies to free up cash.
Participants will also receive ready-to-use tools: a sample SIOP agenda, supplier scorecard template, PFEP worksheet, and KPI tracker. With these resources, you’ll be able to strengthen delivery performance, improve margins, and build the operational credibility that primes and federal agencies look for in trusted partners.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understand the role of supply chain strategy in winning and performing government contracts.
- Apply a simple monthly planning cadence (SIOP lite) to align demand, supply, and cash flow.
- Use supplier scorecards and performance reviews to improve on-time delivery and quality.
- Implement PFEP (Plan for Every Part) basics to streamline materials and inventory management.
- Build a 90-day action plan with KPIs that directly support stronger CPARS and growth readiness.
MySBA Certification Training Events
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Training Events
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.Click the links below to access the on-demand training, which is available at no cost to ND APEX Accelerator clients, access customized resources to meet your specific needs, and sign up for the SBA SBIR/STTR Newsletter to stay updated on the latest in government contracting.
SBA SBIR/STTR Newsletter signup
FLC Upcoming Events
The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC) is the formally chartered, nationwide network of over 300 federal laboratories and research centers, that fosters commercialization, best practice strategies and opportunities for accelerating federal technologies out of the labs and into the marketplace.Through American taxpayers’ investment in our federal laboratories’ research and development (R&D) efforts, scientific and technological breakthroughs can take place and return dividends to our economy. New industries, businesses, and jobs that can be created, when a new technology is brought to market, are just a few of the successes that take effect through technology transfer (T2), and the FLC is here to promote, facilitate, and educate labs and industry about that process.
DoD Office of Small Business Programs - Cybersecurity Resources
Cybersecurity is vital for small businesses to protect against cyberattacks that can lead to identity theft, business interruptions, reputational damage, and costly legal fees. To work with federal agencies like the DoD, businesses must meet cybersecurity standards such as NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC 2.0.
Project Spectrum Events
Check out the full calendar of upcoming events and opportunities.
Registration
To directly register for ND APEX sponsored events visit our calendar.