Program Purpose
The APEX Accelerator is designed to increase the number of companies within the region receiving government contracts by educating them on how to market their products and services to the government and to offer technical assistance and support through each phase of the procurement process.
The APEX Accelerator functions as an integral component of a total economic development program, using the purchasing power of the Federal, State and Local governments as a market expansion tool to increase regional sales. Additional contracts awarded can generate permanent job creation and retention, business stability, and income and tax revenues.
Here are some examples of key assistance you can obtain through the Northern Tier APEX:
- Determine Suitability for Contracting
- Free Daily Bid Match Service (electronic leads for federal bid opportunities)
- Assistance with Identifying Bid Opportunities and Past Procurement Histories/Awards
- Assist with Local, State and Federal Registrations including:
– System for Award Management (SAM)
– PA Department of General Services (DGS) Vendor Registration
– DIBBS Vendor Registration
– Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) - Registration Assist with Federal Set-Aside Programs including:
– 8(a)
– Small Disadvantaged Business
– HUBZone
– Veteran Owned Small Business
– Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
– Woman Owned Small Business
– Minority or Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Certification (Pennsylvania) - One-on-one assistance with interpreting bid packages
- Counsel on the Complete Request for Quotes (RFQ)/Reguest for Proposals (RFP)
- Electronic bid matching service for federal, state and local bid opportunities
- Item technical data and past pricing history
- Provide Military Specifications and Standards
- Preparation for Pre-Award Surveys
- Preparation of payment forms and information on Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
For more information or to request a counseling session, contact Ethan Sexton, APEX Accelerator Program Manager or call (570) 265-1511.