Our live trainings, offer dynamic and interactive learning experiences designed to equip you with practical skills and actionable knowledge in real time. These sessions provide the opportunity to engage directly with APEX staff and industry experts, ask questions, and participate in discussions that deepen your understanding of government contracting topics. We hold most of our trainings online to offer maximum convenience, allowing participants to easily access valuable content without the need for travel.
Expanding from federal contracting into the State, Local, and Education (SLED) market presents a significant growth opportunity for government contractors. While the federal space offers large, long-term contracts, the SLED market provides a steady stream of opportunities with shorter sales cycles, less competition (in some cases), and a more relationship-driven procurement process. However, success in SLED requires a different approach - understanding decentralized buying habits, navigating procurement rules, and building strong local partnerships. For contractors looking to have multiple streams of revenue and reduce reliance on federal funding, mastering the SLED market can be a strategic move toward long-term stability and growth.
Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to announce the upcoming DCAA Pricing Series. Part 2 of the Pricing Series includes Indirect Costs and Rates and Monitoring Subcontracts.
Not sure how to build your indirect rates? Experts from DCAA will define direct versus indirect costs, what general indirect rate structures look like, and the relationship between indirect pools and bases. Additionally, the DCAA will discuss the life cycle of indirect rates, then build example indirect rates using the four-step method in allocating indirect costs to Government Contracts.
Confused about what your requirements as a prime contractor are when it comes to your selection and oversite of your subcontracts? The DCAA will provide information about navigating through the world of subcontracting. Discussion will include the documentation of subcontract selections, subcontracting requirements, and the responsibilities of a prime contractor. Additionally, the DCAA will highlight the importance of monitoring subcontracts, what information is required when submitting your annual incurred cost submission, as well as what the subcontractor will need to provide to the prime contractor.
***You will need to have a CAGE code to register.***
Speaker: Katelyn Rigle, DCAA Financial Liaison Advisor (FLA) Non-DoD and Small Business
Choosing the right cloud provider is one of the most complex decisions in CMMC compliance. With options like GCC, GCC High, and commercial cloud environments, understanding how to secure Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the cloud is critical. This session will break down cloud compliance challenges, provider options, and best practices for simplifying your CMMC journey.
Join us for a day of training for distributors with Josh Frank, Managing Partner at RSM Federal. You will learn about federal rules and regulations related to manufacturing as well as a dive into DIBBS. Whether you're a novice or are seeking to enhance your existing procurement strategy, this virtual summit will accelerate your path to success in the government marketplace.
Session 1 - Selling your products to the Federal Government and DoD - Understanding the Berry Amendment, Buy American Act (BAA), Trade Agreements, and the Nonmanufacturer Rule.
Session 2 - DIBBS Masterclass - System Overview, Searching for Opportunities, and How to Bid an Opportunity
Cost Reimbursable Requirements Series - Part 1
Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) announce the upcoming DCAA Cost Reimbursable Requirements Series, including Accounting System Requirements and Real Time Labor Evaluations.
Prior to being awarded a cost reimbursable contract, federal government contractors need to ensure their accounting system is adequate for determining costs applicable to federal contracts. This is accomplished when DCAA conducts a Pre-Award Accounting System Audit at the request of a federal agency. Experts from DCAA will discuss the federal regulations that define an acceptable accounting system, evaluate the minimum requirements of the SF 1408 criteria, and how small businesses can prepare for this type of audit. This training will differentiate between direct versus indirect costs, define total contract costs, provide an overview of indirect allocation bases, and explain how FAR Part 31 clauses describe allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.
We will also discuss real-time Labor Evaluations in depth.
***You will need to have a CAGE code to register for this webinar.***
Speaker: Katelyn Rigle, DCAA Financial Liaison Advisor (FLA), Non-DoD and Small Business
Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to announce the upcoming Small Business Administration (SBA) webinar on the SBA Bonding Program.
SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program can help your business obtain bonding for projects up to $14 million! Join experts from the SBA Bonding Program to learn how they can help if your business has limited or no contracting experience, difficulty qualifying for bonding, or the desire to increase current bond limits.
The SBA’s presentation will include an overview of contract bonds - what they are and what you need to know to qualify - and how SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program can open doors to bonding for your small business by reducing barriers to increase your contracting opportunities.
With the 48 CFR rule officially published, CMMC requirements are now embedded in DoD contracts, making compliance no longer optional. This session will break down what this rule means for contractors and subcontractors, how it impacts bidding and renewals, and the steps businesses must take to remain eligible for government contracts.
Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to announce the upcoming DCAA Cost Reimbursable Requirements Series.
Part 2 of the Cost Reimbursable Requirements Series includes Incurred Cost Submissions and Contract Briefs.
At the end of a defined accounting period, federal government contractors must submit actual costs incurred to DCAA. The intention of this process is for DCAA to review costs claimed to ensure they are allowable, allocable, and reasonable per FAR 31, as well as within the terms of their respective contracts. DCAA will discuss requirements for the annual submission and what DCAA considers to be elements of an adequate submission. This training provides an overview of the DCAA Incurred Cost Electronic (ICE) model, which provides contractors with a standard user-friendly package to compile their financial data. DCAA will also discuss its adequacy review process and means of how they select submissions for audit.
Why is briefing your contracts so important? Contract briefs are your “One Stop Shop” for all pertinent information, including contract provisions, clauses, requirements, allowability, funding, and so much more! DCAA will discuss the use of contract briefs in audits, reviewing vouchers, and the usefulness of contract brief information while monitoring your contract expenditures.
***You will need to have a CAGE code to register.***
The CMMC assessment process can be confusing, but understanding the different assessment types - self-assessment, pre-assessment, and third-party certification (C3PAO) - is key to successful compliance. This session will break down how to prepare for each stage, including how to improve your SPRS score, what assessors look for, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to announce the upcoming DCAA Billing Series, including Provisional Billing Rates and Barriers to Payments from a DCAA Perspective.
Cost reimbursable contract awards are great for small businesses because of the opportunity for frequent monthly billing. One requirement of cost reimbursable awards and monthly invoicing to the government is the need for Provisional Billing Rates (PBRs). Join experts from DCAA as they define PBRs, their purpose and the procedures for establishing these rates. Additionally, the DCAA will discuss when PBRs need to be submitted to DCAA for approval, the type of information that should be included in a PBR package, and the importance of monitoring your business’ expenditures throughout the year.
Congratulations! You have your first cost reimbursable award! Now what? The DCAA will define what types of contracts are eligible for interim reimbursement, DCAA’s responsibility, and regulatory oversight your company should be familiar with. The DCAA will dive into the preparation of vouchers, the SF 1034, and the DCAA pre-payment assessment. Learn examples of non-compliances DCAA finds when reviewing interim vouchers and how your small business can avoid them. Additionally, the DCAA will provide an overview on how to navigate the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment formerly known as PIEE, the system your business will use to submit interim vouchers.
***You will need to have a CAGE code to register.***
CMMC compliance isn't just about technology and policies - your employees play a critical role in protecting sensitive information. This session will cover mandatory training requirements, cybersecurity best practices, and real-world examples of how employee mistakes can impact compliance. Learn how to train your workforce effectively while meeting CMMC requirements.
As CMMC requirements become mandatory, many businesses are struggling to understand how compliance impacts cyber insurance policies, premiums, and liability coverage. This session will explore how CMMC affects cyber insurance eligibility, what insurers are looking for, and how to reduce costs while ensuring your business is fully protected.
With CMMC now a contractual requirement, businesses must navigate legal risks tied to false claims, misrepresentation, and subcontractor compliance. This session will feature legal experts discussing how to stay compliant, avoid False Claims Act (FCA) violations, and manage contractual obligations to mitigate legal exposure while working with DoD contracts.
LOCATION: Tennessee Small Business Development Center UT Martin Regional Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (REED) Center, 240 South Lindell Street, Martin, TN 38237
This comprehensive course is carefully crafted to empower individuals and organizations with the essential knowledge and step-by-step guidance required to successfully navigate the complex world of government procurement.
Throughout this class, we will take you on a journey through the various critical steps involved in the government procurement process. You will gain a deep understanding of the key elements that contribute to procurement readiness and discover practical strategies to maximize your chances of winning government contracts.
LOCATION: The Mill, 217 South Mill Avenue, Dyersburg, TN 38024
This comprehensive course is carefully crafted to empower individuals and organizations with the essential knowledge and step-by-step guidance required to successfully navigate the complex world of government procurement.
Throughout this class, we will take you on a journey through the various critical steps involved in the government procurement process. You will gain a deep understanding of the key elements that contribute to procurement readiness and discover practical strategies to maximize your chances of winning government contracts.
LOCATION: Roane State Community College, 701 Briarcliff Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
The Oak Ridge Chamber, Anderson County Chamber, and Roane Alliance are excited to host a Regional Purchasing Fair on Wednesday, June 18 from 1 - 5pm at Roane State Community College. This opportunity offers local small businesses a direct opportunity to connect with purchasing agents from key government agencies, local school systems, utility districts, and other large entities. This event serves as a one-stop shop for those looking to bid on vendor opportunities - just in time for the traditional July-to-June budget cycle, ensuring businesses can prepare competitive bids in a timely manner.