News

Add that Capabilities Statement to your SBA Profile! A new field is now available in Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) that allows small businesses interested in federal contracts and subcontracts to add a URL for their Capability Statements. Add a Capabilities Statement Link by visiting the DSBS profile (also known as "Pronet supplemental pages"). Find instructions on logging on to the DSBS profile through SBA Connect and adding a Capabilities Statement Link here.

King County Disparity Study –  King County is conducting a disparity study to examine whether minority/woman-owned business enterprises have equal access to County prime and subcontracting opportunities involving construction projects, architecture/engineering services, and other professional services associated with construction projects. Starting July 11, 2023, Colette Holt & Associates will be conducting virtual small-group business owner interview sessions for the Study. Click here to share your experiences.

Latino business conference in Wenatchee

This free, Spanish-language event is hosted by Small Business Requirements and Resources (SBRR) in Wenatchee. Register

July’s Resource Partner Highlight: Washington State Department of Commerce’s Industry Cluster Accelerator Program

The Washington Department of Commerce (Commerce) has led the way in developing industry-specific innovation clusters that work together to drive innovation, identify market potential, and solve supply chain issues that might limit growth. Each cluster consists of members that represent industry leaders, entrepreneurs, government agencies, academia, and investors. As an innovator in clean tech, advanced technology, renewable fuel sources, bioscience, or aerospace, you will want to know about the Innovation Clusters across our state.

Visit the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program Page to learn more. Learn more about other available resources around our state by visiting Innovation Station.

Upcoming SBIR/STTR Announcements

Agencies releasing topics in July include the following. Consider seeing if your innovative solution is being sought after by these agencies. 

• Department of Energy – July 10, 2023
• USDA – Date TBD
• Navy SBIR Open Topics – due August 15!!

Learn more about the SBIR Program in general at the SBIR Website.

Need help? Reach out to your PTAC/APEX Accelerator advisor for assistance!!

SBIR Info Session: Dept of AF Open Topics  

7/10/2023   11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

These sessions provide entrepreneurs, researchers, and program administrators with information about the DAF program, its opportunities, and support resources. It’s a convenient way for prospective applicants to invest a small amount of time in learning about the SBIR/STTR process, to help them decide whether to apply for current and future SBIR/STTR solicitations.

Business of Innovation in Defense (BiD) Marketing, Accounting and Commercialization

7/11/2023     11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

If you are an innovator looking at how to take the next steps, you won't want to miss the next BiD seminar series, focusing on marketing, accounting, and commercialization. This multi-part seminar series explores the complex Department of Defense marketplace and how to approach and navigate it as a company with cutting-edge innovation.       

Business of Innovation in Defense (BiD) - Adversarial Capital and Influence, Regulation, Compliance    

7/25/2023   11:30 AM - 2:00 PM  

999 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104-4019

PNW MAC is launching its first seminar program, Business of Innovation in Defense (BiD) which will be in person. This multi-part seminar series will explore the complex DoD marketplace and how to approach and navigate it as a company with cutting-edge innovation.

SBIR 101: Presented by ARC WA    

7/28/2023   12:00 PM - 1:00 PM  

This presentation will introduce innovators to the basics of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Plenty of time for Q&A!

Upcoming Events - Virtual unless otherwise noted

Keep scrolling to find upcoming events divided into four categories:

• Focused Classes
• Monthly Meetings
• Series Courses
• Tradeshows

Thriving Together: A Small Business Resource Workshop

7/11/2023      9:00 AM - 2:00 PM     

Pacific Lutheran University, Anderson University Center, Chris Knutzen Hall, 12180 Park Ave S, Tacoma, WA     98447-0001

Pierce County Community Navigators and WA State Small Business Liaison Team are working together to reduce the complexities of doing business with WA State and making free resources inclusive and accessible. Come meet 30+ local non-profit organizations and WA State Agencies working together to support small businesses.       

Socio-Economic Certifications (Federal and State)

7/12/2023      3:00 PM - 4:30 PM     

What are socio-economic certifications and do you qualify? This session focuses on federal and state socioeconomic certifications and the process to obtain them.            

OMWBE Certification and Why it is Important

7/18/2023      3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Benton County Justice Center Campus, Administration Building, Third Floor, 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336

OMWBE staff will be in person to talk about how and why you should certify. Learn about the different types of certifications available to you, from Federal to State certifications including SBE, MBE, MWBE, WBE, SEDBE, DBE, and ACDBE. Local agencies have been invited to attend.

YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT:

•     The advantages of becoming certified

•     Certification assistance resources

•     Qualification requirements

•     Directory and opportunities overview

•     Things to consider before bid

•     Q&A

SBA HUBZone Program: Exploring Competitive Advantages & Eligibility with the NEW HUBZone Map

7/20/2023      12:00 PM - 1:00 PM  

Learn more about the SBA HUBZone Program.

We will explore the competitive advantages of the HUBZone program, review the eligibility requirements for getting certified and hear how your HUBZone application can be expedited for faster processing.

Capabilities Statement - Writing for Impact

7/27/2023      9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

This workshop is for firms with a desire to start networking and developing relationships with local, state, and federal government agencies. The ability to market your firm's strengths through a capabilities statement is one of the first steps in being successful with government contracting. Please be prepared to create or improve your firm's capabilities statement to increase your visibility with government agencies. Subject Matter Expert Sandy Bjorgen will be leading us through an exercise of writing for impact and being memorable.

Solicitation Review: Go or No-Go Decisions - DAY 1 and 2 (in person)

8/15/2023      3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

8/17/2023      1:00 PM - 5:00 PM     

Kitsap Bank, 607 Pacific Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98337

There are many things to consider in whether to go after an award for a contract or not. This workshop will provide tools to conduct a solicitation review to make a "GO" or "NO-GO" decision. Our goal in this workshop is to make sure you are not surprised after the contract award of missed terms and conditions. 

Solicitation Review: Go or No-Go Decisions - DAY 1 and 2 (virtual) 

8/22/2023      3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

8/24/2023     1:00 PM - 5:00 PM     

There are many things to consider in whether to go after an award for a contract or not. This workshop will provide tools to conduct a solicitation review to make a "GO" or "NO-GO" decision. Our goal in this workshop is to make sure you are not surprised after the contract award of missed terms and conditions.                                     

Upcoming Events - Monthly Sessions

Contracting Coffee Hour, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

7/5/2023, 8/2/2023  

Got contracting questions? We have answers!

University of Washington Virtual Workshops for Suppliers

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 7/6/2023, 8/3/2023

The orientations will provide a learning opportunity to assist in navigating potential business prospects at the University and with other state agencies, as well as educational and other resources to assist businesses. 

PTAC & SBDC First Friday Follow-up 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

7/7/2023

Friday Follow-up is an open forum, round table for businesses to get answers from your local PTAC counselor and SBDC Advisor. Bring your questions regarding government contracting and learn from knowledgeable Small Business Experts. Our main focus is to share resources for growing your business.

PTAC: Prime Connect, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

7/12/2023, 8/9/2023

A structured matchmaking event for Primes and Subcontractors to connect on future projects.

Wednesday with the Deputy for Small Business, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM    

7/19/2023, 8/30/2023

Wednesday with the Deputy for Small Business is an opportunity for Industry partners to learn about doing business with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport.

Doing Business with the State – DES, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

7/20/2023

On the third Thursday of the month, the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) facilitates an interactive conversation with state procurement professionals who can provide information and insight on how to do business with the state. 

Upcoming Events - Series Courses

The Summer Certification Series - City of Kirkland & OMWBE

7/19/2023                1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

8/10/2023                5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Kirkland City Hall, 123 5th Avenue, Kirkland, WA

Learn how you can be awarded contracts from the City of Kirkland in:

• Construction
• Consulting (Administrative, City Planning, Financial, etc.)
• Engineering and Architect
• Subcontracting
• Many More Opportunities!

Get OMWBE certified on-site during the series!

Upcoming Events - Tradeshows

Navy Gold Coast       

7/26/2023 - 7/28/2023

111 W Harbor Dr, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA, 92101-7822

Meet the Buyer: Understanding the Buyer Process by WA State

7/31/2023      4:00 PM to 5:00 PM   

Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center, Bechtel Board Room, 7130 West Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336

Meet the Buyer:Comprenda el proceso del comprador (Spanish Session)

7/31/2023      6:00 PM to 7:00 PM  

Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center, Bechtel Board Room, 7130 West Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336

2023 Washington Regional Contracting Forum        

9/20/2023      8:00 AM - 4:00 PM     

Muckleshoot Tribal Event Center, 2402 Auburn Way South, Auburn WA 98002

SAVE THE DATE: Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council Conference

10/24/2023    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM                                         

Wenatchee Convention Center, 121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801

North Puget Sound Contracting Conference

10/26/2023    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM  

Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA 98036



Meet the BIGS! Doing Business with the Government

11/2/2023      8:00 AM-1:00 PM      

Northern Quest Resort and Casino, 100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, WA 99001

Early Bird Attendee Registration ends August 31st

Govology classes, live and on-demand, are Free for Washington PTAC clients – contact your PTAC counselor for access. Click here for Govology’s live classes. 

Recorded webinars are available.