ND APEX Accelerator

November is a time to recognize and thank those who have served our country. It is also an opportunity to recognize veterans who have taken another significant step: becoming a business owner. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is celebrating National Veterans Small Business Week (November 9-13). For veteran business owners interested in government contracting, […]

Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology & Logistics The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is a unified combatant command within the U.S. Department of War. It develops and employs Special Operations Forces in support of U.S. national security objectives. Within USSOCOM, Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (SOF AT&L) provides rapid and focused acquisition, […]

For Blu Riderz JV, a Minot-based construction company, completing its first federal government contract represented more than a successful project; it provided valuable experience and a foundation for pursuing future opportunities. Blu Riderz CEO Ivan Guerrero and his son, Diego Guerrero, credit the ND APEX Accelerator team with helping them navigate the federal contracting process […]

Government contracting can be a lucrative opportunity, but it may not be the right fit for every business. Before investing significant time and resources, take a step back to determine whether pursuing government contracts makes sense for your company. Think of these as the questions you should answer before saying “I do” to government contracting. […]

Packet Digital specializes in the design, testing, and manufacturing of advanced batteries and power systems for drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), submersibles, and space platforms. Founded in 2003, Packet Digital initially focused on electronics and power management technologies. Building on this innovation, the company expanded its focus to defense and aerospace applications, particularly supporting the advancement […]

Delinquent federal taxes can create serious consequences for government contractors beyond standard IRS collection efforts. Federal contractors are often required to certify that they do not have unresolved unpaid federal tax liabilities and that all required tax returns have been filed. These certifications appear in several FAR clauses, and inaccurate or false certifications can result […]

Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has supported service members and their families by providing tax-free merchandise and essential services at military installations around the world. Today, the Exchange is the Department of Defense’s largest retailer. The Exchange operates more than 12,000 facilities worldwide, including retail stores, food operations, catalogs, and […]

Prime contractors in federal contracting are responsible for assigning the appropriate NAICS code to each subcontract they issue—contrary to a common misconception that the NAICS code from the prime contract automatically flows down. For large businesses, this responsibility is explicitly required under FAR 52.219-9 and SBA regulations, which mandate selecting the NAICS code that best […]

If you’re exploring ways to sell to the federal government, you’ve likely come across the GSA Schedule. It’s one of the more well-known entry points into federal contracting, but it’s often misunderstood. At its core, the GSA Schedule, also called the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), is a long-term contract that allows approved businesses to sell […]

If you are a small business owner looking to grow beyond your current market, working with the federal government might be one of the most powerful opportunities available—and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) may be a great place to start. With billions invested annually in infrastructure, transit, aviation, and logistics, USDOT contracts support a […]