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.
June 30-July 2
2026 Encountering Innovation Tech Showcase
The 10th Annual Encountering Innovation Conference is a multi-state, in-person event bringing together technology innovators and Department of Defense stakeholders from across 10+ states. Hosted at the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas (Groover Labs) in Wichita, this exclusive event is designed for advanced technology companies ready to showcase their innovations to DoD Science and Technology Advisors
This limited engagement opportunity will accept only 30 innovators. Selected participants must have a working prototype by the conference date and will have the opportunity to:
-
Present advanced technology solutions directly to DoD Science and Technology Advisors
-
Engage in 1:1 meetings with Combatant Commands
-
Explore collaboration and partnership opportunities
-
Receive support through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
-
Access SME and SBDC advising support
Applications are accepted until mid-March or until capacity is reached.
If your company is developing innovative technologies with defense applications, this is a unique opportunity to gain visibility, build strategic relationships, and accelerate your path to DoD engagement.
Apply early. Space is limited.
July 7
Why Small GovCon Companies Never Gain Momentum
Join us for a session with Federal Sales and Marketing Expert Neil McDonnell, LinkedIn Influencer and Founder and President of the GovCon Chamber of Commerce. Neil will share his hard-earned insights on building relationships that lead to federal government contracts and subcontracts, with a special focus on building a federal capture plan and understanding why many small companies struggle to gain momentum.
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!
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.
Debunking SBIR/STTR Myths: Strategies to Protect and Optimize the Value of SBIR & STTR Program Authorities (2026 Update)
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs help innovative small businesses bring new technologies to market, but their unique rules and data rights provisions are often misunderstood. This webinar will provide an overview of program requirements, common misconceptions, and strategies for protecting and maximizing the value of participation in these programs.
Topics include:
- SBIR and STTR program requirements
- Common myths and misconceptions
- Strategies for protecting intellectual property and program rights
- Differences between SBIR/STTR policies and traditional government contracting regulations
- Recent updates under the 2026 SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act
Federal Product Sales Made Simple: What Every Manufacturer, Reseller, and Distributor Must Know
The federal procurement landscape is changing as the government places greater emphasis on domestic supply chains and updates key purchasing regulations. This webinar will explain what recent changes mean for manufacturers, resellers, distributors, and value-added resellers that sell products to federal agencies or the Department of Defense.
Presented by Joshua Frank of RSM Federal, this session will break down recent updates to federal procurement requirements in plain language and explain how they affect product sales. Attendees will gain practical guidance on topics including:
- Buy American requirements
- Trade Agreements
- The Nonmanufacturer Rule
- The Berry Amendment
- Recent changes to FAR Part 25 and their impact on contractors
Elements of an Adequate Proposal
Winning government contracts starts with submitting proposals that are complete, compliant, and well supported. Presented by the DCAA Small Business Program, this webinar will explain the proposal adequacy checklist and provide practical guidance for developing cost proposals that meet government requirements.
Topics include:
- The proposal adequacy checklist and how it is used
- Best practices for developing compliant cost proposals
- Direct labor, materials, subcontracts, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), and indirect rates
- Aligning proposal content with government evaluation criteria
- Common proposal deficiencies and how to avoid them
The Strategic Pivot: Rebuilding Revenue & Resilience When the Rules Change
This webinar introduces a five-part, field-tested framework for assessing federal pipeline risk and making a strategic pivot when the market shifts. Instead of reacting after a crisis hits, attendees will learn how to evaluate their current exposure, select the right pivot path, and begin executing a practical action plan immediately.
What This Webinar Covers:
- Recognize the four warning signs of revenue overexposure
- Assess their current federal pipeline risk using a structured approach
- Choose among four strategic pivot paths: Redirect, Diversify, Team, or Double Down
- Reposition existing assets, including certifications, past performance, and relationships
- Build a 90-day action framework with phase-by-phase milestones
- Apply three proactive safeguards to protect against future disruption
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.