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.
July 1
Subcontracting & Teaming in Federal Government Contracting
Navigating the world of federal subcontracting and teaming agreements can be complex, but it's also key to succeed in the government contracting space. Join federal government contracts attorney Gregory Weber of Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC.
In this session, Greg will break down the big picture of subcontracting and teaming, highlighting essential principles and proven best practices to help contractors stay compliant and competitive. He’ll also explore common pitfalls that can jeopardize your contracts or partnerships, and provide practical tips to avoid them.
August 5
DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS)
DoD’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) operates the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), a web-based application providing 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.
CMMC Compliance - Are you Prepared: Cybersecurity Risk Management Workshop
Join Impact Dakota and Iviry cybersecurity experts for a 4-hour workshop to help businesses navigate the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. This session is ideal for current and future government and DoD contractors. This session is being hosted in Bismark and Minot.
Bismarck
- Date: June 24, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Location: Hampton Inn & Suites, Bismarck, ND
- Deadline: June 17
- Cost: $29/person (Lunch included)
Minot
- Date: June 26, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Location: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Minot, ND
- Deadline: June 19
- Cost: $29/person (Lunch included)
DCAA Pricing Series
Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to announce the upcoming DCAA Pricing Series.
DCAA Cost Reimbersement Series
Part 1: Accounting System Requirements / Real Time Labor Evaluations (Labor Floor Checks)
July 2
Are you prepared for a cost reimbursable government contract? Before awarding these types of contracts, federal agencies require proof that your accounting system meets specific standards. In Part 1 of the DCAA Cost Reimbursable Requirements Series, experts from the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) will walk you through what’s expected—and how to prepare.
This session will cover the Pre-Award Accounting System Audit process, including how to meet the SF 1408 criteria, understand what makes an accounting system “acceptable,” and what small businesses should do to get ready. You’ll also learn how to identify direct vs. indirect costs, define total contract costs, and understand indirect allocation bases. In addition, the DCAA will explain how FAR Part 31 determines whether a cost is allowable, allocable, or reasonable.
The second half of this training will focus on Real-Time Labor Evaluations (also called “floor checks”)—audits that can happen once you've been awarded a cost reimbursable contract. DCAA will explain what these evaluations are, why they’re done, and what small businesses need to have in place to successfully pass them.
This is the first session in a valuable multi-part series aimed at helping small businesses understand the full lifecycle of cost reimbursable contracts.
Get Your Small Business Subcontracting Questions Answered
June 25
Do you have questions about small business subcontracting rules? Join the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) for a live online event where you can ask about federal subcontracting and get answers straight from the experts. This session is great for small business owners or anyone working with government contracts. DCMA staff will talk about the rules in FAR 19.7, what you need to do as a prime contractor, and how to create and follow a small business subcontracting plan. If you’re unsure about anything related to working with subcontractors on government contracts, this is your chance to learn more.
Send your questions ahead of time to Ms. Michelle Burnside at michelle.r.burnside.civ@mail.mil by June 20, 2025, so they can be answered during the event. You can also ask questions live in the chat during the session. This event is a great way to learn and feel more confident about working with the government as a small business.
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. Veiw 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 webinar's 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 assisstance with registering, please contact Cadi Zerr at 701-777-6574.
June 12
Federal Sole Source Contracting Authorities and Processes - REGISTER
Winning government contracts without full competition is possible—if you know the rules. In this comprehensive session, Jeff Cuskey explains how to identify and leverage federal sole source contracting opportunities to gain a strategic edge.
Key topics include:
- Understanding federal competition requirements
- The seven legal exceptions to full and open competition
- Using socio-economic sole source authorities to your advantage
- Exploring other sole source pathways and contract extensions
- Practical marketing and positioning strategies for sole source awards
June 17
How to Competitively Respond to a Sources Sought and Influence the Acquisition (2025 Update) - REGISTER
Sources Sought notices are your chance to influence future solicitations—if you know how to respond strategically. In this high-impact session, Joshua Frank shares proven tactics to position your company as the preferred vendor before the RFP is ever released.
Key topics include:
- Understanding the strategic value of Sources Sought and RFIs
- Structuring persuasive responses that highlight your differentiators
- “Ghosting” the competition and guiding the acquisition strategy
- Real-world examples of winning influence tactics
- Developing a repeatable approach that builds credibility
June 24
Navigating the Valley of Death: A Survival Guide for Startups - REGISTER
The gap between product development and market success—known as the “Valley of Death”—is where many startups stall. Join Oltac Unsal for a practical survival guide packed with real-world strategies to move your innovation from concept to market traction.
Key topics include:
- Common pitfalls that derail early-stage ventures
- Funding options beyond initial seed capital
- Streamlining operations and building efficient teams
- Designing a data-driven go-to-market strategy
- Tracking performance and pivoting when necessary
June 26
Evolving DoD Contractor Cybersecurity Requirements (Q2-2025 Update)- REGISTER
As cybersecurity threats intensify, so do government regulations—especially for DoD contractors. In this critical update, Adam Austin of Totem Technologies breaks down the latest requirements and helps you understand how to stay compliant in plain language.
Key topics include:
- Overview of DFARS 252.204-7012 / 7019 / 7020 / 7021 requirements
- Basic and advanced cybersecurity expectations for contractors
- Common implementation challenges and how to overcome them
- Available tools and resources to support your compliance efforts
- Risks of non-compliance and steps to protect your business
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Optimize Proposal Outcomes and Grow Revenue SOC Virtual Training Webinar
Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize your proposal strategy and drive business growth in the federal marketplace. In this virtual training webinar, Strategic Outreach and Communications (SOC), in collaboration with the VA OSDBU’s Direct Access Program (DAP), will explore the latest AI-powered tools and techniques to enhance your proposal development process and increase win rates.
Key topics include:
-
How AI is transforming federal proposal development.
-
Tools and strategies to improve proposal accuracy and efficiency.
-
Identifying growth opportunities using AI-driven data analysis.
-
Enhancing competitiveness and revenue with smart automation.
-
Best practices for small businesses entering or expanding in the federal space.
Target Audience:
-
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs)
-
Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs)
-
All other small businesses are welcome to attend.
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.
FLC Upcoming Events
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.
From Plan to Progress: Navigating SSPs for CMMC Readiness
Join us for an in-depth session focused on the System Security Plan (SSP)—a critical document for any organization handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This event will guide participants through the purpose and structure of an SSP as it relates to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework.Attendees will learn how to document existing cybersecurity practices, outline plans for future improvements, and ensure alignment with the Department of Defense's compliance expectations. Whether you’re starting your CMMC journey or refining your security posture, this session will provide essential insights and practical guidance.
Key Takeaways:
-
Understand the role and components of a System Security Plan (SSP)
-
Learn how to assess and document current security controls
-
Discover strategies for planning and implementing necessary improvements
-
Align your organization's cybersecurity posture with DoD requirements
Registration
To directly register for ND APEX sponsored events visit our calendar.