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 on the first Tuesday of every month from 9 -10 a.m. Central Time.
July 29
National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Program Overview
Join this SBIR workshop for an overview of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) SBIR/STTR program and proposal requirements. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs and NSF solicitations, we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal. You’ll learn:
• NSF’s program goals and eligibility
• The importance of Program Managers
• Application components and proposal scoring
• How to avoid common pitfalls and more!
August 4
How Manufacturing Extension
Partnership(MEP) can help your business flourish
Discover how the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) can help your business grow and adapt in today's changing marketplace. Join Michelle Kakacek, Director of South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions, for a discussion on New Tools, New Connections... and New Opportunities!
September 1
DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS)
The Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) is a web-based application that provides the capability to search for, view, and submit secure quotes on Requests For Quotations (RFQs) for DLA items of supply. DIBBS also allows users to search and view Request For Proposals (RFPs), Invitations For Bid (IFBs), Awards and other procurement information related to DLA.
Upcoming DoW 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.
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.
Small Business Training Series
Introduction to APEX Accelerators for Industry
July 14
Introduction to Project Spectrum
Aug 13
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 an ND APEX client, you have access to a variety of additional webinars through Govology at no cost. Review the upcoming dates, times, and topics, and check the event flyer for full details. When you’re ready, contact our team to receive the access code and register. If you need help with registration, reach out to us at ndapex@und.edu or 701-777-6571.
Visible and Vetted: A Federal Contractor’s Guide to Building Authority in the Marketplace
In government contracting, being qualified is only the starting point. Building visibility and trust can help contractors stand out and strengthen relationships with potential customers and partners. Presented by Amber Hart, this webinar will explore how federal contractors can use marketing strategies to build authority and become more recognizable in the marketplace.
The primary topics include:
- Executing Capture with Webinars and Live Events
- Retiring the One-Pager with Video Assets
- Podcasting for Business Growth
- Turning Up the Mic to Shape Solicitations
- Maximizing Membership Dues for Market Distinction
Advanced Teaming Strategies to Accelerate Small Business Government Revenue (2026 Update)
Effective teaming strategies can help small businesses showcase their capabilities, enter new government markets, and pursue subcontracting opportunities with prime contractors. In this webinar, Joshua Frank will share advanced strategies and practical tactics designed to help businesses build stronger partnerships and shorten the government sales cycle.
What you will learn:
- Common teaming mistakes small businesses make
- How to position as a valuable team member to win meaningful work
- Differences between first- and second-tier subcontracting
- The five functional areas primes use to evaluate small business partners
- Techniques to differentiate your business on value rather than price
Cost of Doing Business – Overview of Indirect Rates
Join DCAA for a comprehensive webinar that explores the life cycle of indirect rates, from fundamental concepts to finalization. This interactive session will provide the audience with a deep understanding of indirect rates (G&A and OH) cost allocation, provisional billing rates, and the process for finalizing indirect rates. Attendees will discover the importance of establishing a causal and beneficial relationship between indirect costs and the activities or products they support. In addition, they will understand how to build allocation bases, including selecting appropriate bases such as direct labor hours, machine hours, or total cost.
Takeaways: Learn the fundamental concepts of indirect cost allocation, understand how to build allocation bases and establish a causal and beneficial relationship, gain clarity on provisional billing rates and their importance, understand the difference between interim and final indirect rates, and learn the process for finalizing indirect rates and preparing for the final rate submission.
AI in Government Proposals: How “Writing Help” Can Create Costly Contracting Risks
Generative AI can help government contractors draft proposals, summarize requirements, and prepare contract deliverables. However, AI-assisted writing can also introduce inaccurate information or language that creates unintended commitments. In this webinar, Chad Ratashak of Midwest Frontier AI Consulting will explore where AI writing tools can be useful and where they can create contracting risks.
Attendees will learn practical ways to review AI-generated content for factual errors and misleading information. The session will also cover how to build a safer AI-assisted writing process for proposals, technical documents, and other materials prepared for government customers.
Evolving DoD Contractor Cybersecurity Requirements (Q3-2026 Update)
Cybersecurity requirements continue to evolve for contractors supporting the Department of Defense. In this webinar, Adam Austin of Totem Technologies will explain federal cybersecurity requirements, DFARS clauses, and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) in plain language. The session will also address the recent suspension of CMMC Phase II and what it may mean for contractors moving forward.
Attendees will gain a better understanding of what has changed, what remains the same, and how to approach cybersecurity compliance with confidence. The webinar will also cover common implementation challenges and practical resources to help contractors navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Incurred Cost Submissions: Understanding of the Requirements and Processes
Join DCAA for a comprehensive webinar that explores the world of Incurred Cost Submissions (ICS). This interactive session will provide you with a thorough understanding of the ICS process, including the definition, due dates, and requirements for submission. Gain a solid foundation of the ICS required schedules and let DCAA provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Takeaways: Understand the definition and purpose of an Incurred Cost Submission, learn the due dates and requirements for submission, gain insight into the adequacy review process and audit requirements, grasp the concepts of the Incurred Cost Electronically (ICE) Model and Contractor Submission Portal, and develop a knowledge of the potential penalties for non-compliance.
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.
2026 Prevailing Wage Seminars
September 23
Service Contract Act (SCA)
This session provides a detailed overview of the McNamara O’Hara Service Contract Act and how it applies to service contracts. Participants will gain a better understanding of wage requirements and how to maintain compliance across different types of federal contracts.
Topics covered include:
- SCA Wage Determinations & Conformances
- SCA Compliance Principles
- Interaction Between SCA, DBRA, and PCA
- Price Adjustments by USACE/AF
- Office of Labor Management Standards (OLMS)
September 24
Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA)
This session provides a detailed overview of the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts and how they apply to federally funded and assisted construction projects. Participants will gain a clear understanding of prevailing wage requirements and how to maintain compliance throughout the life of a contract.
Topics covered include:
- DBRA Wage Determinations & Conformances
- DBRA Compliance Principles (Fringe Benefits, Deductions, and Apprentices)
- DBRA Certified Payrolls
- Investigative Procedures
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.