IN APEX Accelerator

Intro to Federal Contracting
2024-02-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
Please join Indiana APEX as we review an introduction course to federal contracting. If you are curious about how selling your goods or services to the governemnt works, or would like the opportunity to learn some of the basics, then join us at 1:00 PM on Thursday February 1st. This event will be hosted by our Northeast APEX Accelerator, Chase Gibson. To register, please email Chase at chgibson@iedc.in.gov or sign up at the following link: https://iptac.ecenterdirect.com/events/15054. The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the meeting. If you have any questions, please reach out to Chase. Thanks, and see you there!

Defense Contract Audit Agency: Proposal Adequacy
2024-02-13 10:00 - 11:00
Proposal Adequacy
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 DCAA as we discuss the
requirements of these proposal packages set forth in FAR Part 15 and DFARS
252.215-7009. Together, we will walkthrough all the proposal cost elements,
including direct labor, material, subcontracts, ODCs, and indirect rates. We
will also be discussing how DCAA determines the adequacy of your proposal
submission. Additionally, we will provide examples of budgeting practices
using historical data considerations, examples of adequacy noncompliances,
and regulatory resources to assist with proposal development.

Please join Indiana APEX to hear from Ms. Katelyn Rigle, Operations Audit Liason Small Business Coordinator for DCAA. To register for this event please email Thaddeus Grantz at tgrantz@iedc.in.gov or sign up at this link:https://iptac.ecenterdirect.com/events/15066

25th Annual Buy Indiana Expo
2024-04-16 09:00 - 15:00
The Buy Indiana Expo will be held at the French Lick Springs Resort and Casino on: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. (EDT).
On Monday, April 15, the Expo will include Exhibitor Check-In & Set-Up (from 12:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.) The optional Golf Outing at the Donald Ross Course and the Radius Indiana Welcome Reception from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The purpose of the Buy Indiana Expo is to align Hoosier companies with unique opportunities to expand their business through contracts with government centers. Educational workshops will also be offered to help vendors better understand how to do business with the Federal Government, APEX, and SBA. There will be sessions on Contracting and Future Procurement, among other topics.

Manufacturing of Machine Composite Parts Opportunity at Crane
2024-06-03 09:00 - 10:00
Indiana manufacturers, here is your chance to submit a proposal to get on NSWC Crane’s machine shop list for an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Contract (MAC)!
This opportunity supports the build-to-print machine shop requirements for supplies related to EA-18G and P-8A aircraft components, as well as various other related platforms/requirements.
Join us for a free webinar where we will:
1. Review the pre-solicitation/solicitation.
2. Get feedback from Crane’s Director for Small Business regarding this and other Crane opportunities.
3. Get advice from an APEX/PTAC counselor regarding how to prepare for this and other government contracts (no-cost service).
4. Identify certification support (e.g. ISO, AS) that is available at Purdue MEP (for fee service).
Please note: You can go directly to www.SAM.gov and see this pre-solicitation now and start preparing! Solicitation # N0016423RWS68

Manufacturing of Machine Composite Parts Opportunity at Crane
• June 3
• 10 am – 11 am ET
• This is a FREE webinar but registration is required to gain access. Save your spot and register today!
Intended audience: Owners/leaders of machine shops who are interested in DoD work at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane)

Kaylee Diamond, VP Small Business, NSWC Crane, and Jim Haddan, Southwest Indiana APEX Accelerator will be joining Purdue MEP in offering advice on the small business and government contracting perspective.

SBA 8(a) Recruitment Summit – Evansville
2024-06-13 13:00 - 14:30
SBA 8(a) Recruitment Summit – Evansville

Please join the Indiana District Office of the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Southwest Indiana APEX Accelerator for an informative session designed to assist small businesses in becoming prepared to provide products and services to the U.S. federal government. Attendees will learn about professional development, technical assistance and capital support programs available to help you succeed!

APEX Accelerator is part of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. We prepare established businesses to sell your products or services to the government or military through no cost confidential counseling services, workshops, and trainings.

The SBA 8(a) Contracting Program is designed specifically for small business and can provide a tremendous boost to a company’s government sales. For those who pre-register their business in the U.S. System for Award Management (SAM)and bring their laptops, a step-by-step 8(a) application help-session will be included.

Find out if you meet basic eligibility criteria for the 8(a) program at www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sba-8a-recruitment-summit-evansville-tickets-904799288027

Seating is limited to 25 so act fast and sign up today!

Questions about this event?
Contact – Jim Haddan, Procurement Specialist – APEX Accelerator / JHaddan@iedc.IN.gov

Questions about the 8(a) program?
Contact – SBA Indiana Business Opportunity Specialist Vernice Mathis / vernice.mathis@sba.gov.

NineTwelve’s Cybersecurity Training
2024-06-25 09:00 - 11:00
Please join us on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at NineTwelve’s Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center (EMC2) in Indianapolis. This two-hour training, from 9am to 11am, will provide an overview of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and valuable resources for small businesses to improve their cybersecurity posture. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a set of best practices and recommendations from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help organizations understand, manage and reduce their cybersecurity risk. The training includes:

Overview of the NIST Framework (CSF) 2.0

How to get started

State & Federal Resources for Small Businesses

GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit
SBDC Data Assured Toolkit
Additional Resources

To register you can go to the following link at https://ninetwelve.us/events/cybersecurity-training-for-small-businesses-intro-to-the-nist-csf-2-0-cybersecurity-resources/

Lunch & Learn Biz Certification: Become Certified as a Government Contractor-IN PERSON Workshop
2024-06-25 11:30 - 13:00
Please join us on June 25th at 17 S 6th St – MatchBOX Co-Working Studio, Lafayette IN for an IN-PERSON workshop where we will be discussing government contracting. The speaker, Caroline Storms, is the North Central IN APEX Counselor. She will dive deep into the process of government contracting and explain what is needed to be ready for government contracting.
REGISTRATION LINK:
Lunch & Learn Biz Certification: Become Certified as a Government Contractor-IN PERSON Workshop (ecenterdirect.com)

Cybersecurity Training for Small Businesses: Intro to the NIST CSF 2.0 & Cybersecurity Resources
2024-07-24 09:00 - 11:00
Please join us on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at NineTwelve’s Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center (EMC2) in Indianapolis. This two-hour training will provide an overview of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and valuable resources for small businesses to improve their cybersecurity posture. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a set of best practices and recommendations from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help organizations understand, manage and reduce their cybersecurity risk. The training includes:

Overview of the NIST Framework (CSF) 2.0

How to get started

State & Federal Resources for Small Businesses

GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit
SBDC Data Assured Toolkit
Additional Resources

This is a no-cost event and to register, please go to https://ninetwelve.us/events/cybersecurity-training-for-small-businesses-intro-to-the-nist-csf-2-0-cybersecurity-resources-2/

Introduction to Federal Contracting
2024-08-08 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Indiana APEX as we review an introduction course to federal contracting. If you are curious about how selling your goods or services to the government works, or would like the opportunity to learn some of the basics, then join us at 11:00 AM EST on Thursday, August 8. This event will be hosted by our Central APEX Accelerator, Kevin Albert. To register, click the sign up tab or email Kevin at kealbert@iedc.in.gov . The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Albert. Thanks, and see you there!

Cybersecurity Training for Indiana Small Businesses
2024-09-25 09:00 - 11:00
ARI continues Advanced Communications Lab’s cybersecurity training. An important and helpful training that is being provided once a month. Please join us on Wednesday September 25, from 9 am to 11am for this virtual cybersecurity training at Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center (EMC2) in Indianapolis. This two-hour training will provide an overview of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and valuable resources for small businesses to improve their cybersecurity posture.

National APEX Day: Intro to Federal Contracting
2024-10-09 12:00 - 13:00
Please join Indiana APEX on National APEX Day as we review an introduction course to federal contracting. If you are curious about how selling your goods or services to the government works, or would like the opportunity to learn some of the basics, then join us at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, October 9th. This event will be hosted by our SouthWest APEX Accelerator Counselor, Jim Haddan. To register, please email Jim at jhaddan@iedc.in.gov. The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Haddan. Thanks, and see you there!

A Beginner's Guide to Federal Contracting
2024-10-09 12:00 - 13:00
Join Indiana APEX Accelerator on National APEX Day for a session introducing federal contracting. If you’re interested in understanding how to sell your products or services to the government and want to learn some fundamental concepts, we invite you to participate at 12:00 PM (EDT) on Wednesday, October 9th. The event will be led by our South Central APEX Accelerator Counselor, Kashif Hasnie. To register, please reach out to Kashif at khasnie@iedc.in.gov. A Microsoft Teams link will be provided before the meeting. For any inquiries, feel free to contact Kashif Hasnie. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Creating a Capabilities Statement and to Market Yourself
2024-10-09 13:00 - 14:00
Please join Indiana APEX on National APEX Day as we present an introduction course to Creating a Capabilities Statement and to Market Yourself. This presentation will be a benefit to both beginners and current contractors. If you want to know how to market yourself, be competitive, and to create a good first impression with your capabilities statement, then join us at 1:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, October 9th. This event will be hosted by our Central APEX Accelerator Counselor, Kevin Albert. To register please email Kevin at kealbert@iedc.in.gov. The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Albert. Thanks, and see you there!

Introduction to Federal Contracting
2024-10-09 14:00 - 15:00
Please join Indiana APEX on National APEX Day as we review an introduction course to federal contracting. If you are curious about how selling your goods or services to the governemnt works, or would like the opportunity to learn some of the basics, then join us at 3:00 PM (Eastern) on Wednesday, October 9th. This event will be hosted by our Northwest APEX Accelerator Counselor, Chris Meyer. To register, please email Chris at chrmeyer@iedc.in.gov. The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the meeting. If you have any questions, please reach out to Chris Meyer. Thank you, and see you there!

Market Research
2024-10-09 14:00 - 15:00
Please join Indiana APEX on National APEX Day as we present an introduction course to Market Research regarding federal contracting. This presentation will be a benefit to both beginners and current contractors. If you want to know how Market Research is useful, how to find out what goods and services the government buys, and would like the opportunity to learn the basics for using the free tools available for research on both the federal and state level, then join us at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 9th. This event will be hosted by our Northeast APEX Accelerator Counselor, Jeff Andelin to register, please email Jeff at jandelin@iedc.in.gov. The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Andelin. Thanks, and see you there!

The Procurement Process & Federal Certifications
2024-10-22 14:00
Join APEX North Central Counselor, Caroline Storms, to learn more about the procurement process and federal certifications!

Veteran Owned Small Business Funding Workshop
2024-11-07 09:30 - 11:30
Come attend this NO COST event that features information on small business funding options and other vital information for brand new and established Veteran entrepreneurs and Veteran small business owners!
Hear from, Peter Smith, SBA Indiana District Office, Lender Relations Specialist, Sharon Harvey, SBA Economic Development Specialist, Chris Meyer, Northwest IN APEX Accelerator counselor, Lorri Feldt, Regional Director, Northwest Indiana SBDC and Dustin Gorelick, Vice President, Business Banker, Peoples Bank will be speaking on:
• Small Business financing options such as SBA backed loans and microloans
• What lenders look for from applicants
• Business Plan preparation
• Where to find free mentorship and counseling in the area
• How becoming a certified Veteran-Owned or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB/ SDVOSB) can help your business
Please register here: https://isbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16831

INForm Series:NIH SBIR/STTR
2025-01-23 10:00 - 11:30
Don’t forget to register for INForm Series:NIH SBIR/STTR Join the INForm Series as we explore opportunities with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This SBIR/STTR webinar will provide essential information for small businesses and startups interested in applying for NIH funding. The webinar covers topics such as eligibility, application process, key deadlines, and tips for writing competitive proposals. This webinar also highlights available resources from ARI to support entrepreneurs in health and life sciences. Enjoy this interactive and informative webinar!

Register today! Don’t miss out on this informative session.

Ready to Grow Your Business? SBA Can Help
2025-01-23 13:00 - 14:00
As a small business, you’re always on the lookout for new clients to help your company grow strong. During this workshop, we’ll introduce you to local SBA resources who can help you start exploring ways to diversify your revenue streams and begin doing business with the world’s biggest buyer, the U.S. Government. In this workshop, we’ll introduce you to:

Local SBA resource partner councelors at the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center who provide one-on-one counseling and mentorship for the life-cycle of your small business
Indiana APEX Accelerator advisor Jeff Andelin who can help you explore contracts with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies
*Step-by-step instruction on how to register your small business on SAM.gov, the official U.S. Government System for Awards Management, and the first step you need to take on your federal contracting journey, and
SBA certifications, which can increase your small businesses’ eligibility power when bidding on federal contracts.

*Please bring your laptop and have documentation found on the SAM.gov Entity Registration Checklist handy to complete SAM.gov registration.
All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Questions? Please email laura.schafsnitz@sba.gov. Seating is limited so register to save your spot today!

CMMC 2.0 Final Rule Webinar
2025-01-29 10:00 - 11:00
In October 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued a final rule that established the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (“CMMC”) Program. With an effective date of December 2024, the final rule establishes the CMMC program in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in advance of an update to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARs). Once the DFARs are updated in the first half of 2025, CMMC pre-award contracting requirements will start to be phased into DoD contracts.
The CMMC program is designed to ensure that federal contract information (“FCI”) and Controlled Unclassified Information (“CUI”) are sufficiently protected by government contractors. For example, the CMMC program verifies that the requirements of DFARs 252.204-7012 are met by DoD contractors who handle CUI, and the requirements of FAR 52.204-21 are met by federal contractors who store, process or transmit FCI.
This webinar will review the CMMC program final rule, the expected implementation timeline and resources to support adoption.
Who should attend:
Indiana small business leaders/owners who want to protect their businesses with basic information security controls, and/or who want to pursue DoD/federal contracts.

City of Indianapolis 2025 Jan. Bid Submission Workshop
2025-01-31 10:00 - 11:30
Bidding for Indianapolis City-County procurement opportunities is often intimidating to contractors who are unfamiliar with government processes. The Indianapolis Purchasing Division offers regular workshops to educate local vendors on City-County bid processes. The upcoming workshop will be on Jan. 31st from 10:00am to 11:30am at the Indianapolis City-County Building (200 E. Washington St., 1522, Indianapolis, IN 46204).
Click the link below for more information on upcoming workshops and to register.
https://www.indy.gov/activity/bid-submission-workshops

CRDG Connect to Mission February 2025
2025-02-04 08:30 - 15:30
Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at 8:30 AM EST for our first all-day C2M event featuring speakers and information from NSWC Crane’s Spectrum Warfare Department.
CRDG sponsors C2M events to assist current or prospective businesses with understanding the needs of Team Crane. In this event, attendees will learn more about NSWC Crane’s Spectrum Warfare Department mission areas, and they will have the chance to sign up for up to 13 short networking sessions with NSWC Crane’s Spectrum Warfare Department, Contracting Department Representatives, and Crane partners.
We look forward to seeing you!

Introduction to Federal Contracting
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Indiana APEX as we review an introduction course to federal contracting. If you are curious about how selling your goods or services to the government works, or would like the opportunity to learn about some of the basics, then join us at 12:00 PM EST on Wednesday, February 12. This event will be virtual via Microsoft Teams and will be hosted by our North Central APEX Accelerator, Caroline Storms. To register, please email Caroline at cstorms@iedc.in.gov. The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Caroline.

Exploring New Revenue Streams - Fort Wayne
2025-02-19 15:00 - 17:00
As a small business, you’re always on the lookout for new clients to help your company grow strong. The SBA and our network of resources is here to help!
During this workshop, we’ll introduce you to local SBA resources who can help you start exploring ways to diversify your revenue streams and begin doing business with the world’s biggest buyer, the U.S. Government. In this workshop, we’ll introduce you to:

Local SBA resource partner councelors from the WEOC Women’s Business Center – NIIC Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, Northeast Indiana | SCORE, and ISBDC: Northeast Indiana who provide one-on-one counseling and mentorship for the life-cycle of your small business including
Indiana APEX Accelerator advisor Jeff Andelin who can help you explore contracts with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies
*Step-by-step instruction on how to register your small business on SAM.gov, the official U.S. Government System for Awards Management, and the first step you need to take on your federal contracting journey, and
SBA certifications, which can increase your small businesses’ eligibility power when bidding on federal contracts.

*Please bring your laptop and have documentation found on the SAM.gov Entity Registration Checklist handy to complete SAM.gov registration.

All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Questions? Please email laura.schafsnitz@sba.gov. Seating is limited so register to save your spot today!

Introduction to Federal Contracting
2025-02-25 12:00 - 13:00
Please join Indiana APEX as we review an introduction course to federal contracting. If you are curious about how selling your goods or services to the government works, or would like the opportunity to learn about some of the basics, then join us at 12:00 PM EST on Tuesday, February 25. This event will be virtual via Microsoft Teams and will be hosted by our Central APEX Accelerator, Kevin Albert. To register, please email Kevin at kealbert@iedc.in.gov. The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin.

Small Business Training with Indiana APEX
2025-02-26 09:00 - 11:00
Join the Indiana APEX team and alliances as provide education on IN-STEP Grant program Funding (Indiana State Trade & Export Promotion Program) , SBA MPP (Mentor Prote’ge’ Program) overview, Defense Production Act Title III review, and FOCI (Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence) rules. We will provide essential information for small businesses interested in education on the topics covered. Enjoy this interactive training with Indiana APEX.
Our in-person space is limited to early registration is appreciated. This will be a hybrid training session.

Indiana Semiconductor Industry: Potential Opportunities
2025-02-27 10:00 - 12:00
Indiana Semiconductor Industry Potential Opportunities
Billions of dollars in semiconductor/microprocessor manufacturing investment will be starting in Indiana.

South Korean chip manufacturer SK Hynix has chosen West Lafayette as the site for its new $3.9B packaging plant.
Illinois-based NHanced Semiconductors will invest more than $236 million to build and equip a 100,000-square-foot facility at the WestGate@Crane Technology Park.
Everspin Technologies, a publicly-traded company based in Arizona, plans to establish a 10,000-square-foot fabrication and R&D site at WestGate One.
Trusted Semiconductor Solutions (TSS) and ReliableMicro Systems are also expanding their operations in Indiana.

Much has been written in public press releases about these investments, and the workforce education and research initiatives that are complimentary to this industry. However, little has been published regarding how existing Indiana businesses can take advantage of the new opportunities as a result of the significant investment.
In this workshop, we will:

Provide an overview of the semiconductor manufacturing growth in Indiana.
Share the results of a semiconductor industry study focused on Indiana that highlights potential opportunities.
Ask for feedback regarding the support that your business would require to address the potential opportunities.

We will use this feedback to apply for grant funding to support your diversification efforts.

Who should attend? Business owners and leaders who are interested in diversifying their revenue streams.
Workshop length: 2 hours

City of Indianapolis 2025 Feb. Bid Submission Workshop
2025-02-28 10:00 - 11:30
Bidding for Indianapolis City-County procurement opportunities is often intimidating to contractors who are unfamiliar with government processes. The Indianapolis Purchasing Division offers regular workshops to educate local vendors on City-County bid processes. The upcoming workshop will be on Feb. 28th from 10:00am to 11:30am at the Indianapolis City-County Building (200 E. Washington St., 1522, Indianapolis, IN 46204).
Click the link below for more information on upcoming workshops and to register.
https://www.indy.gov/activity/bid-submission-workshops

Exploring New Revenue Streams - Anderson
2025-03-05 14:00 - 16:00
As a small business, you’re always on the lookout for new clients to help your company grow strong. The SBA and our network of resources is here to help!
During this workshop, we’ll introduce you to local SBA resources who can help you start exploring ways to diversify your revenue streams and begin doing business with the world’s biggest buyer, the U.S. Government. In this workshop, we’ll introduce you to:

Local SBA resource partner councelors at the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center who provide one-on-one counseling and mentorship for the life-cycle of your small business
Indiana APEX Accelerator advisor Jeff Andelin who can help you explore contracts with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies
*Step-by-step instruction on how to register your small business on SAM.gov, the official U.S. Government System for Awards Management, and the first step you need to take on your federal contracting journey, and
SBA certifications, which can increase your small businesses’ eligibility power when bidding on federal contracts.

*Please bring your laptop and have documentation found on the SAM.gov Entity Registration Checklist handy to complete SAM.gov registration.
All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Questions? Please email laura.schafsnitz@sba.gov. Seating is limited so register to save your spot today!

Marketing Yourself to Federal Agencies: Capabilities Statements & DSBS
2025-03-13 11:30 - 13:00
Please join Indiana APEX as we present an introduction course on creating a compelling Capabilities Statement and how to optimize your potential on the SBA Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile. This presentation will be advantageous to both beginners and current contractors. If you want to know how to market yourself, be competitive, and how to create a good first impression with your capabilities statement, website, and DSBS profile then join us at 12:00 PM EDT on Thursday, March 13, 2025. This event will be hosted by our Central and North Central APEX Accelerator Counselors, Kevin Albert and Caroline Storms. To register please email Kevin or Caroline at kealbert@iedc.in.gov or cstorms@iedc.in.gov . The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Albert or Caroline Storms. Thanks, and see you there!
