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.
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.
October 22
Understanding FOCI: Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence and the Risks to Your Business
Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) can create national security risks when a foreign person, government, or company has direct or indirect power over a U.S. business. Hosted by the Nevada APEX Accelerator, this webinar will provide an overview of FOCI and what government contractors should understand about its potential risks. The featured speaker is Andrew “Boots” Coughlin, Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations National Security Detachment 817.
November 3
The Veterans Small Business Advantage
In recognition of National Veterans Small Business Week, this webinar will highlight tools, resources, and support available to help veterans gain an edge in business. Presenters Irma Doering of VBOC of Minnesota, Natt Lee of the Minnesota SBA, and Michael Kantrud of the North Dakota SBA will discuss VBOC services, VetCert, SBA certifications, SBA loans and advising, VA support programs, and veteran preference at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The webinar is part of the Government Contracting for Small Businesses Webinar Series hosted by the Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota SBA offices and APEX Accelerators.
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.
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.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for SBA’s Federal Small Business Certifications
October 8
This webinar provides a step-by-step overview of applying for federal small business certifications through the MySBA Certifications portal. Ashley Duwel will explain the application process, address common mistakes that can cause delays or denials, and review recent updates affecting the 8(a) Business Development and HUBZone programs.
Breaking Down Government Solicitations
October 13
Government solicitations can be lengthy and complex, with important requirements spread across multiple documents, attachments, clauses, and amendments. Carroll Bernard will explain how to systematically analyze and organize solicitation information, identify critical requirements, make informed bid or no-bid decisions, and prepare responsive and compliant offers.
DIBBS System Overview: Searching for and Bidding on Opportunities
October 20
This webinar provides an overview of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). Joshua Frank will explain how to establish an account, search for opportunities using CAGE Codes, National Stock Numbers, keywords, and other criteria, and navigate the process of submitting quotes and bids through the system.
Navigating Federal Procurement Regulations in the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Era
October 22
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul is changing the rules governing federal contracting while businesses must also account for agency supplements and regulations outside the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Govology Legal Analyst Steven Koprince will explain how these rules fit together and provide practical guidance for finding, understanding, and applying current procurement regulations.
Capacity to Compete: Right-Sizing Your Federal Pursuit Engine
October 27
Every contracting pursuit requires time, personnel, funding, expertise, and operational support. Amber Hart will explain how businesses can evaluate their capacity, make consistent pursuit decisions, identify resource gaps, and determine when to build capabilities internally, seek outside support, pursue teaming arrangements, or decline an opportunity.
Cost/Price Realism and Pricing Strategy in Government Contracting
October 29
This webinar explores how government contractors can develop pricing that is competitive, supportable, and compliant. Michelle Martinez will discuss cost and price realism, FAR Part 31, Cost Accounting Standards, indirect rate structures, accounting documentation, and the connection between proposal pricing, contract performance, billing, and audit readiness.
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.
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.