July 3, 2024

A Note from the Program Manager

Dear Arizona APEX Community,

Happy Independence Day!

On July 1st, we began our new contracting year. We are thrilled about the opportunities ahead for Arizona APEX! Our dedication to and passion for our clients drives us forward and we are eager to see what we can achieve together this year.

We love hearing about your achievements, so please keep sending your success stories. We are incredibly proud to share these with our community and highlight the fantastic work being done. Please send your wins (obtained certification, subcontract, prime contract, micro-purchase) to Amanda Howard at amanda.howard@domail.maricopa.edu.

With the summer heat upon us, remember to stay cool and hydrated. It's important to take care of yourselves during these scorching months.

Lastly, a friendly reminder that all in-person meetings are by appointment only. This helps us manage our time effectively and ensures we can give you the best possible service.

Thank you for being a part of the Arizona APEX community. Let's make this contracting year our best one yet!

Stay cool and take care,

Lori Haozous

Program Manager

Announcements

CLIENT HIGHLIGHTS

The Necessary Nurse Concierge Services receives certifications

The Necessary Nurse Concierge Services has obtained SDVOSB, WOSB, and EDWOSB certifications. The company also received the State of Arizona/City of Phoenix certification as ACDBE/SBE/DBE.

Nichole Jackson is the company's APEX specialist.

Top Onyx LLC Awarded Several Contracts

In the past 60 days, Top Onyx LLC has secured several notable projects, reflecting the company's versatility and expertise in various construction and finishing domains.

One of the significant projects awarded to Top Onyx LLC is with Layton Construction for The Phoenician Resort townhomes. In this project, Top Onyx is tasked with supplying and manufacturing over 60 custom marble fireplaces throughout the property. This scope of work highlights the company's proficiency in crafting high-quality marble installations, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the resort townhomes.

Another project involves collaboration with 7B Construction for the new build of Bahama Bucks in Prescott Valley. Top Onyx is responsible for performing all the interior finishes, including flooring, walls, bathrooms, and back-of-house areas. This comprehensive scope of work showcases Top Onyx's capability to deliver cohesive and detailed interior finishing solutions, ensuring that every aspect of the interior aligns with the client's vision and standards.

The City of Phoenix has also entrusted Top Onyx with a project on Sonoran Desert Drive. The company's role involves re-tiling and restoring all the custom art walls, Desert Spring, created by renowned artists Rosario Marquardt and Roberto Behar in 2013. This project underscores Top Onyx's skill in delicate restoration work, preserving the artistic integrity and aesthetic value of the original installations.

Lastly, Top Onyx LLC is working with the General Services Administration (GSA) on the Mariposa Land Port of Entry (LPOE) project in Nogales, AZ. The company is handling the manufacturing and installation of traffic signs for the Mariposa LPOE. This project demonstrates Top Onyx's ability to contribute to critical infrastructure projects, ensuring safety and efficiency in traffic management at a major port of entry.

"Arizona APEX has been instrumental in guiding our small business through the complexities of government contracting. They provided us with crucial resources and expertise to navigate the procurement process effectively. From understanding the registration requirements to deciphering solicitations, AZ APEX has been our trusted advisor every step of the way," said deWayne Lewis, President and CEO of Top Onyx LLC.

We want to hear about your successes! Have you won a contract? Did you receive a certification?

Please send your success stories to Amanda at amanda.howard@domail.maricopa.edu!

Please include your company logo

Small Business News

SBA Certification Upgrade

The Small Business Administration is upgrading its certification system.

Beginning August 1, 2024, initial applications will not be accepted during the upgrade period. The upgraded system is expected to be available in September. Read More

See Fact Sheet

SBA Final Rule Eliminates Self-Certification for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

On June 6, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a final rule that, effective August 5, 2024, implements a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (2024 NDAA), which eliminates the ability of service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to self-certify their small business socioeconomic status for subcontracts and other non-set aside prime contracts. Read More

SBA Announces Extension of Moratorium on 8(a) Eligibility Requirement for

Small Disadvantaged Businesses

On June 11, the SBA announced that the moratorium on the 8(a) Business Development Program’s Bona Fide Place of Business (BFPOB) requirement will be extended through Sept. 30, 2025, for small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs).

The moratorium was enacted in 2021 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and remote work conditions in the marketplace so participants in the SBA’s 8(a) Program could forgo the requirement of having an established physical presence in a particular location to be awarded any construction contract through the Program. Based on feedback from 8(a) construction firms, the SBA is once again extending the moratorium due to workforce shortages, cultural shifts in the workplace, and trends favoring remote work opportunities, making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to recruit and retain office-based employees.

Read the press release

Cybersecurity Corner

Cybersecurity Basics

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has helpful cybersecurity resources for small businesses. Be ready to meet federal contracting cybersecurity requirements.

It covers the basics, addresses the types of threats, and how to mitigate risks.

NIST Small Business Cybersecurity

Upcoming Workshops

DCAA Pricing Series (Part 1)

July 10, 2024

11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Webinar

Arizona APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to announce the upcoming DCAA Pricing Series. Part 1 of the Pricing Series includes Elements of an Adequate Proposal and Cost and Price Analysis for Small Business.

Proposals are contractor-prepared packages made in response to government solicitations and include the contractor’s budgeted costs for the projected period of performance of the solicitation. Join experts from DCAA as they discuss the requirements of these proposal packages set forth in FAR Part 15 and DFARS 252.215-7009. The training will walk participants through all the proposal cost elements, including direct labor, material, subcontracts, ODCs, and indirect rates. The DCAA will also discuss how the agency determines the adequacy of your proposal submission. Additionally, the DCAA will provide examples of budgeting practices using historical data considerations, examples of adequacy non-compliances, and regulatory resources to assist with proposal development.

Cost and Price Analysis is often a tricky topic for small businesses. The DCAA will go over the requirements of cost versus price analysis and when one (or both) is required. The DCAA will define the FAR requirements for “Certified Cost or Pricing Data” and what is the FAR requirement for “Data Other Than Certified.” Practices for both cost and price analysis will also be discussed.

Intro to Government Contracting

July 17, 2024

1:00-3:00 PM

Webinar

This webinar is intended for small business owners who have very little knowledge about government contracting. We will answer questions like: What is government contracting? Does the government actually buy from small businesses? What does the government buy? Is your business ready for government contracting? And more...

All new Arizona APEX clients must take this training.

Resource Partner Events

How to Develop a Subcontracting Plan

June 12, 2024

10:00 AM

Webinar

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is hosting its monthly virtual Small Business First Friday’s Regional Training titled “How to Develop a Subcontracting Plan”.

Subcontracting allows small and disadvantaged businesses to substantially impact the federal procurement preference programs. The federal government helps small businesses get an opportunity to subcontract on federal prime contracts. Pursuant to Public Law 95-507, and subsequent legislative mandates, large prime contractors receiving Federal contract awards valued over $750,000 ($1.5 million for construction) are required to establish plans and goals for subcontracting with small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, HUBZone small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses and women-owned small business concerns. More information on the government's subcontracting program can be found under the Federal Acquisition Regulations Subpart 19.7.

This webinar is free and open to all of industry.

This training will review all required parts of a government subcontract.

Learning Objectives:

• When a subcontracting plan is required

• The required parts of a subcontracting plan

• Where to find hints and suggestions to aid in

developing a subcontracting plan

MORE INFO

ADOBE Federal Services

Virtual Business Opportunity Session

July 25

11:00 AM

Webinar

Adobe Federal Services in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Direct Access Program, will host a virtual business opportunity session.

The goals of this virtual session are:

Adobe will provide an overview of best-in-class capabilities that will be customized to use cases across the Department of Veteran Affairs. Additionally, Adobe will share partnership opportunities with the hope of finding alignment and interest with a collection of Veteran-owned, Woman-owned, and Other Small Businesses who would like the opportunity to learn more about Adobe's US Government solutions and the opportunity to partner moving forward. All to increase the Veteran experience and delivering best in class service to the Veteran community and their families.

Company Opportunities

Adobe Federal Services has a robust team dedicated to business development, capture and bids and proposals, which is constantly evaluating federal, state, and local market opportunities. These pursuits consistently entail the inclusion of teaming partners who bring unique capabilities to the offering.

Applicable NAICS

Adobe Federal Services seeks partners that specialize in operations related to the following NAICS:

NAICS Description

516210 Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social

Networks, and Other Media Networks, and Content

Providers

541519 Other Computer-Related Services

541613 Marketing Consulting Services

Capabilities

The following company capabilities are of interest to Adobe:

Digital Content, Digital Asset, and Digital Forms Management

Enhancing and Personalizing the Veteran Experience Across Journeys

Digital Analytics and Real-time Veteran Profile Creation

21st Century Idea/M-23-22 Acceleration

Desired Federal Socioeconomic Classifications

Adobe encourages companies with the following federal socioeconomic classifications to participate in this opportunity.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

Veteran- Owned Small Business (VOSB)

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

Historically Underutilized Small Business (HUBZone)

8(a)

Small-Disadvantage Business (SBD)

MORE INFO & REGISTRATION

Verizon Wireless Public Sector

Virtual Scheduled One-on-One Meetings

July 31

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST (20-min scheduled meeting by confirmed appointment only)

Webinar

Deadline to register for consideration: 3pm (ET), on 07/09/2024

Applicable NAICS:

Verizon seeks partners that specialize in operations related to the following:

NAICS Description

541511 Custom Computer Programming Services
541519 Other Computer-Related Services
54151 Computer Systems Design and Related Services
541512 Computer Systems Design Services
541990 All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
517311 Wired Telecommunications Carriers
517312 Wireless Telecommunication Carriers (except Satellite)
517919 All Other Telecommunications
517419 Satellite Telecommunications
517911 Telecommunications Resellers

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO & REGISTRATION

Unlocking Opportunities: How to Do Business With the Department of Homeland Security

July 31

7:00 AM

Webinar

Have you ever wanted to do business with the Department of Homeland Security but don't know where to start or have found that navigating the process can be challenging? If so, we invite you to join one of the DHS Chief Procurement Officer's virtual webinars where you'll learn the key steps on how to do business with the Department.

MORE INFO & REGISTRATION

Resource Partner Information

Keep in contact with our local SBA Office!

The Arizona District Office services the entire state of Arizona. We have offices in Phoenix, Show Low, and Tucson.

SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

ARIZONA District