A Note from the Program Manager | |
Greetings!
Last week was a whirlwind of excitement as your AZ Apex Accelerator team embarked on a mission to the DoD’s Small Business Training Week in Chicago! Our team dove headfirst into numerous training sessions, soaking up valuable knowledge on the latest small business policies and regulations.
The energy was electric as we discovered new ways to elevate our services for the Arizona business community. From conquering WOSB goals to fostering relationships with contracting officers and acquisition partners, and collaborating with other APEX accelerators - we left no stone unturned. Not to mention staying ahead of the game with updates on VetCert requirements and deadlines, diving deep into market research trends, and ensuring compliance with the most recent cybersecurity protocols.
The future is bright, and we are geared up to conquer new horizons with our newfound wisdom!
Best regards,
Lori Haozous
Program Manager
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Johnson's Consulting dba Cetechs Wins 8(a) Graduate of the Year
Arizona APEX Accelerator client Johnson's Consulting dba Cetechs won the SBA's 8(a) Graduate of the Year Award.
Lori Haozous is the company's procurement specialist.
During National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration celebrates the remarkable contributions of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Johnson's Consulting dba Cetechs was the 2019 Success Award winner for Arizona APEX.
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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
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Fraud Alert:
Fake Government Requests for Quotes
The General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General is aware of scams involving disguised or “spoofed” email addresses that target small businesses and large businesses, including federal contractors registered in SAM.gov.
Scammers falsely claiming to be employees of a federal government agency use such “spoofed” email addresses to solicit fraudulent Requests for Quotations (RFQs). The fraudsters generally seek RFQs for electronic equipment (cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices). These “spoofed” emails appear to originate from government email domains, including “.gov” or “.mil”, but have non-government domain extensions such as “.net”, “.org”, or “.com.”
• John.Doe@gsa-org.com (fake)
• John.Doe@dhs-usa.org (fake)
• John.Doe@dod-mil-us.net (fake)
Read more
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GAO: Don’t Slip Up on SAM Registration,
Even for One Day
If federal contracting had a proverbial town square, it would be SAM.gov. So much federal contracting activity flows through or starts there. A large portion of SAM is contractor information. Contractors are required to be on SAM and are expected to keep their profiles on SAM updated. A “hot off the presses” GAO ruling has confirmed that the timing of SAM registration can make or break a contractor’s winning bid.
In TLS Joint Venture, LLC, B-422275 (Comp. Gen. Apr. 1, 2024) GAO heard a protest focused on the timing of an awardee’s SAM registration renewal. At the center of the protest is FAR 52.204-7, which lays out the requirements for SAM registration when bidding on a federal procurement. FAR 52.204-7 states: “An Offeror is required to be registered in SAM when submitting an offer or quotation, and shall continue to be registered until time of award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation.” This FAR provision also warns offerors: “Processing time should be taken into consideration when registering. Offerors who are not registered in SAM should consider applying for registration immediately upon receipt of this solicitation.”
Read More
Arizona APEX Hot Tip: Start your SAM renewal at least 6 weeks before your registration expiration. SAM renewal and registration is ALWAYS free! If you need assistance, contact your specialist or call our office: 623-845-4700.
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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
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Navy SeaPort NxG opportunity Rolling Admissions Webinar
May 16, 2024
1:00 PM
Webinar (Link to join webinar will be sent the day before)
Unlock the secrets to securing a Navy SeaPort NxG Rolling Admissions II contract as GDI Consulting guides you through the essential strategies and steps necessary to succeed in the Navy’s competitive bidding process.
Agenda:
1. Introduction to the SeaPort Program: Understand the significance of the SeaPort group of contracts, which serves as the Navy’s electronic platform for acquiring support services across 23 functional areas.
2. Requirements for the SeaPort NxG Opportunity: Learn about the specific criteria and guidelines for participating in this competitive opportunity.
3. Navigating the Selection System: Gain insights into the evaluation process and how to position your proposal for success.
4. Preparing a Winning Proposal: Discover best practices to ensure your submission aligns with the stated requirements.
Q&A Session: After the presentation, we will open the floor for questions. Feel free to engage with our experts and seek clarification on any aspects related to the SeaPort NxG opportunity.
Note: SeaPort NxG includes Engineering Services as well as Program Management Services and the rolling admissions II proposal deadline was updated to June 18, 2024.
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Intro to Government Contracting, Registrations, & Certifications
Webinar
May 22, 2024
1:00-3:00 PM
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?
Learn how and where to register for contracting with the Federal, State, and local governments. Find out if you qualify for certifications.
We will also discuss SAM, SBA Small Business & ADOT DBE/SBE/SBC Certifications, Arizona Procurement Portal, City, and County Vendors.
All new APEX clients must take this training.
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Notice of Invitation to Bid - Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority
Title: Taxiway W Rehabilitation
Summary: The intent of the Taxiway W Rehabilitation project is to address the existing pavement distresses and failing pavement areas that were identified as part of previous inspections. To mitigate the existing issues identified, it has been determined that portions of the existing Taxiway W pavements (a section at the south end of the taxiway, and a smaller section located near the Taxiway V intersection) will require full PCC panel replacements, and localized spall/patch/crack distresses will also be rehabilitated per the appropriate methodology, throughout Taxiway W, as shown in the Project Plans and details.
Issue Date: May 02, 2024 Presubmittal Meeting Date: May 14, 2024 11:00 AM AZ Time Closing Date: May 29, 2024 02:00 PM AZ Time
BID NOTICE
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SBIR/STTR Overview: How to Leverage America’s Seed Fund
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
10:00-11:30 AM
Webinar
Fundraising can be extremely challenging in the current pandemic environment. The SBIR program is the nation's largest source of early-stage/high-risk funding for start-ups and small businesses.
The highly competitive SBIR program encourages domestic small businesses to engage in federal research and research development (R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. SBIR enables small businesses to explore technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization.
Join us and learn how to fund your innovation-based startup using non-dilutive seed capital provided by the federal government
Speaker(s): Lou Farina, SBDC Business Analyst
Chris Bridgewater, Arizona APEX Accelerator
Jill Howard, AZ Commerce Authority
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Resource Partner Information | |
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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
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GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
START | GROW | MATCH
Arizona's go-to resource to start, grow, or transition a business.
Business Counseling - click here
Workshops & Trainings - click here
LEARN MORE!
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Office Hours and Locations | |
Did You Know?
On our website, we have a resources page that links to federal, state, county, and city procurement sites.
Arizona APEX is on LinkedIn and Facebook! Follow us!
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