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.
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.
October 6
Latest with CMMC and Cybersecurity Requirements for Federal Contractors
Cybersecurity is required for anyone that wants to do business with the Federal government. Totem Tech will highlight what Federal contractors need to know about contractual cybersecurity requirements, including the latest with CMMC.
October 13-14
UAS Summit & Expo
The UAS Summit & Expo began 20 years ago as a small gathering of regional stakeholders. Today, the event in the Northern Plains of North Dakota has grown into a major annual gathering for UAS experts from around the world. Known as the Silicon Valley of Drones and recognized as America’s UAS proving grounds, the region continues to lead in commercial, government, and military UAS activity.
Building on its trailblazing roots, this year’s event brings together industry thought leaders, policymakers, and high-impact end-users. A newly formed advisory committee representing leading UAS organizations from the Silicon Valley of Drones has helped reimagine the Summit with new content, end-user input, and a special focus on decision-makers, buyers, and industry leaders. The ND APEX Accelerator will also be staffing an exhibit table at the event. We'd love for you to stop by, meet our team, and say hello.
October 22
Exhibitor REGISTRATION
22nd Annual Greater MN Government Procurement Fair
The 22nd Annual Greater MN SADBOC (Small & Developing Business Opportunities Council) Government Procurement Fair is an annual outreach and training event for businesses interested in government contracting. Coupling education with marketing strategies, this event will provide businesses an opportunity to meet with representatives from Federal, State and local agencies, commercial/prime contractors, and nonprofit organizations; access available technical assistance; and learn about upcoming contracts. The event will also feature eight workshops across two tracks along with a trade floor and dedicated morning networking time. Separate registration is available for both business attendees and exhibitors.
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.
Small Business Training Series
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.
Beyond the Micro-Purchase: Understanding Simplified Acquisitions
Simplified acquisition procedures are among the most widely used and often least understood methods federal agencies rely on to purchase goods and services. A working knowledge of how these procedures operate can help contractors identify more opportunities and compete more effectively for them.
This webinar provides a practical overview of the key concepts, regulations, and best practices that shape the simplified acquisition process. The agenda includes the following:
- Overview of Simplified Acquisitions
- History of Simplified Acquisition Procedures
- Regulatory Landscape
- Key Concepts in Simplified Acquisitions
- Navigating the Simplified Acquisition Process
- Best Practices for Success
- Understanding the Assumptions, Deficiencies, and Pitfalls of SAP Data
Developing a Compelling Capability Statement (2026 Update)
This course walks you through the critical elements of marketing your business effectively to prime vendors and government agencies. You’ll learn how to build a capability statement that not only meets expectations but exceeds them, and how to position your business as a “responsible” contractor that stands out from the competition.
Here’s a snapshot of our agenda:
- How to format your capability statement
- What must-have sections to include
- When to use it strategically
- How to articulate your value through your text
- Best practices for repurposing to tailor future versions to your customer
Navigating Barriers to Payment under Cost Reimbursable Contracts
Join DCAA for a comprehensive webinar that explores the challenges in submitting invoices and receiving payment under cost reimbursable contracts. This interactive session will provide you with in-depth insight of the types of contracts that allow for interim reimbursements, the authority and responsibility for payment, regulatory oversight, and the role of the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) in pre-payment assessments.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the types of contracts that allow for interim reimbursements
- Learn about the authority and responsibility for payment under cost reimbursable contracts
- Gain insight into the regulatory framework that governs payment
- Understand DCAA’s role in pre-payment assessments
- Get an overview of the PIEE system and its role in facilitating payment
How to Take Advantage of Your Socio-Economic Status Effectively – It’s Not What You Think (2026 Update)
In this webinar, you will discover real-world tactics, strategies, and examples of how to “softly” communicate your status, differentiate from the competition, and facilitate the perception of corporate maturity. You will learn methods to communicate quantifiable and qualifiable metrics that focus on the value of your solutions. You will also receive a step-by-step process for introducing yourself and your company at conferences and to potential partners and government decision-makers. You’ll know what to do during government meetings, how and when to communicate your socio-economic status the right way, and how to position your company with confidence as the regulatory landscape around set-asides continues to shift.
An Introduction to Government Small Business Certifications (2026 Update)
This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of small business certifications in the government marketplace, helping participants understand how these programs can open doors to new contracting opportunities.
You’ll learn about key federal certification programs, including Small Business Self-Certification, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) & 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). The course has been updated to include the latest developments from the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), Congressional legislation and recent SBA regulatory changes to the 8(a) Program and proposed changes to the small business set-aside program.
Communicating with Government Contracting Officials: What Can (and Should) Contractors Really Say and Do? (2026 Update)
In this webinar, government contracts attorneys Nicole Pottroff and John Holtz debunk some of the most common myths and misunderstandings held by contractors, including when and how contractors can communicate one-on-one with a contracting officer, who has authority to modify a contract, what to do when an unauthorized official gives instructions, how the government gratuities rules differ from standard commercial practice, and much more.
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.