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.
April 28-April 30
Meet the Buyers 2026 Virtual Conference
This virtual conference connects businesses directly with government buyers at the federal, state, and local levels, along with agency representatives, experienced primes, and resource providers. Whether you're new to Government contracting or looking to expand existing relationships, Meet the Buyers Conference offers practical insight, meaningful connections, and real conversations that move opportunities forward.
May 5
Federal Certifications: Do You Need One? How Can You Obtain One?
In celebration of National Small Business Week, we invite you to join us for an informative session on certifying your small business and qualifying for contracts specifically reserved for companies that meet certain socio-economic criteria. Obtaining certifications such as WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business), 8(a), and HUBZone can provide valuable resources and open new market opportunities for your business.
June 3-June 4
Global Business Connections Conference
Join us for the Global Business Connections Conference (GBC) at the Holiday Inn – Fargo, hosted by the North Dakota Trade Office. Industry leaders, trade specialists, and international business experts gather at GBC to share insight into the state of global business. The event includes a Global Business Awards Dinner with a keynote from economics expert Zachary Karabell. It also features a full-day conference focused on tariffs, foreign direct investment, trade agreements, and financing.
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:
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Present advanced technology solutions directly to DoD Science and Technology Advisors
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Engage in 1:1 meetings with Combatant Commands
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Explore collaboration and partnership opportunities
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Receive support through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
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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.
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.
Introduction to LYNX for Industry Users
May 7
Join us for a live demonstration of LYNX, a digital platform developed by the Department of War Office of Industrial Base Growth that serves as a comprehensive suite to help businesses navigate the government contracting landscape with greater clarity and confidence. LYNX provides powerful tools to more efficiently and effectively match opportunities aligned to business capabilities and government mission needs.
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.
Introduction to LYNX for Industry Users
May 20
Join us for a live demonstration of LYNX, a digital platform developed by the Department of War Office of Industrial Base Growth that serves as a comprehensive suite to help businesses navigate the government contracting landscape with greater clarity and confidence. LYNX provides powerful tools to more efficiently and effectively match opportunities aligned to business capabilities and government mission needs.
Mission and Installation Contracting Command – Virtual Industry Day
May 18-22
The Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) is hosting its sixth Annual command-wide virtual Advance Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI). This multi-day event is designed to educate industry partners on the MICC and its mission partners while providing an overview of projected requirements and upcoming contracting opportunities.
The event will include a live virtual briefing broadcast on Microsoft Teams, featuring planned presentations and a live Q&A session, with all questions and answers posted to SAM.gov. In addition, MICC will offer virtual one-on-one sessions with acquisition staff, giving businesses the opportunity to engage directly with contracting professionals. Registration is required for both the live event and one-on-one sessions, and interested businesses should monitor the SAM.gov posting for updates and additional information.
Introduction to LYNX for Industry Users
June 4
Join us for a live demonstration of LYNX, a digital platform developed by the Department of War Office of Industrial Base Growth that serves as a comprehensive suite to help businesses navigate the government contracting landscape with greater clarity and confidence. LYNX provides powerful tools to more efficiently and effectively match opportunities aligned to business capabilities and government mission needs.
Introduction to LYNX for Industry Users
June 11
Join us for a live demonstration of LYNX, a digital platform developed by the Department of War Office of Industrial Base Growth that serves as a comprehensive suite to help businesses navigate the government contracting landscape with greater clarity and confidence. LYNX provides powerful tools to more efficiently and effectively match opportunities aligned to business capabilities and government mission needs.
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 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.
Key Government Contacts to Help You Win More Contracts (2026 Update)
Winning government contracts isn’t just about what you offer, it’s about understanding who’s involved in the process and how to engage them at the right time. This training gives a practical overview of the roles involved in government purchasing and helps businesses identify decision makers, understand influencers and connect with the right stakeholders at the right time.
This session focuses on building a more strategic approach to relationship development. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to navigate the government landscape and how to position themselves to improve their chances of winning and growing contracts.
Creating a Killer Capability Statement That Communicates Value (2026 Update)
Your capability statement is one of the most important marketing tools in government contracting, but many fail to clearly communicate value. This training focuses on how to create a strong and effective capability statement that highlights your strengths and helps you stand out to government buyers and teaming partners.
Participants will learn what makes a capability statement effective, how to present their business with credibility, and how to turn past performance into clear proof of value. This session is designed to help businesses take a more strategic approach so they can better position themselves and open the door to new contracting opportunities.
Limitations on Subcontracting: A Step-by-Step Compliance Guide (2026 Update)
Limitations on Subcontracting is one of the most complex and enforced rules in government contracting. This training provides a clear and practical overview of what the rule requires and how it applies to small businesses, prime contractors and teaming partners working on set aside and sole source contracts.
Participants will learn how to determine compliance, avoid common mistakes and apply the rule with confidence. This session is designed to help businesses better understand their responsibilities so they can reduce risk and stay compliant throughout the life of a contract.
Unlocking DoD Industrial Base Opportunities: Navigating IBAS, OTAs, and the Cornerstone Consortium
This training provides a practical roadmap to understanding and engaging with the Department of Defense through the Cornerstone Consortium in support of the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program.
In this session, you will learn:
- What the IBAS program is and how it strengthens the defense industrial base
- What the DoD is seeking from innovative businesses across manufacturing, workforce development, supply chain modernization, automation, cybersecurity, advanced technologies and critical infrastructure
- How the Cornerstone Consortium functions as a gateway into DoD industrial base initiatives
- How to identify and respond to opportunities posted as Special Notices on SAM.gov
- How to submit white papers and unsolicited proposals
- How Other Transaction agreements enable flexible prototype and expansion projects
- Key compliance considerations and how to engage other contractors strategically
This session will help you understand where the entry points are and how to pursue DoD opportunities more effectively.
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
May 20
Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA)
This session focuses on the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts and provides a detailed look at prevailing wage requirements for federally funded construction projects. Participants will gain a clear understanding of coverage and how to stay compliant 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
May 21
Service Contract Act (SCA)
This session provides an in-depth overview of the McNamara O’Hara Service Contract Act and how it applies to service contracts. Participants will learn how wage requirements are set and how to maintain compliance.
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 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.