Event

Unlocking Federal Opportunities

Sep 11 1:00 pm — 4:00 pm
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Federal contracting is constantly evolving, and success depends on staying ahead of critical updates. Whether you’re registering in SAM.gov, researching opportunities through USAspending.gov, or navigating the new MySBA Certification Portal, understanding these tools can open doors to contracts and partnerships across the Department of Defense and federal agencies.

This Collider brings together experts from APEX and the SBA to give you step-by-step guidance, practical tips, and the latest updates — so you can turn information into action and position your business for growth.

Meet your speakers

Billy Grill, Associate Director

Southwest Ohio APEX Accelerator, Ohio University

Billy will provide a practical walkthrough of the SAM.gov and USAspending.gov databases. His session will cover:

  • Finding potential clients, contracts, and competitors in USAspending.gov
  • Using USAspending.gov to support research on current SAM.gov opportunities
  • Leveraging NAICS, PSC, and DoDAAC codes for effective searches — and saving them for future use
  • Updates on recent changes to SAM.gov for business registrations

By the end of Billy’s session, participants will understand search criteria, navigation techniques, and how to turn federal data into actionable insights for outreach and growth.

Jill Nagy-Reynolds, Business Opportunity Specialist (8a)

U.S. Small Business Administration

Jill will focus on Federal Contracting Certifications and how they can be a strategic tool for small business success. Her presentation will highlight:

  • Key certifications: 8(a), HUBZone, Woman-Owned, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
  • Eligibility requirements and benefits of each program
  • Updates on the new MySBA Certification Portal
  • Introduction to the Small Business Search tool (formerly DSBS)

This no-cost training event is hosted by

Air Force Research Laboratory Small Business Office (AFRL SBO)

afrlsbhub.com/ecosystem

The AFRL SBO consists of experienced government representatives located at several Air Force Bases and sites around the country. The 11 AFRL technology directorates focus on different technological capabilities and innovations, with research sites located around the country. They play a crucial role in fostering innovation for small businesses, providing collaboration, funding, and networking and partnership opportunities, plus access to cutting-edge research and facilities.

Register for this Collider Here >>

Registration Cost: FREE

Location: Hybrid (ZoomGov & In Person)

See registration page for in-person details.

Event Contact: Air Force Research Laboratory Small Business Hub

The information provided in this webinar/ workshop and any supplementary materials provided to registrants are intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or legal advice. No registrant should act or fail to act on the basis of any material contained in this webinar/ workshop without obtaining proper financial, legal or other professional advice specific to their situation. The Northern California APEX Accelerator, and its host, the HSU Sponsored Programs Foundation, specifically disclaims any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the information presented in this webinar/ workshop. By registering for this webinar/ workshop you acknowledge and agree that you have read, understood, accept and agree to the above disclaimer and that under no circumstances shall the Northern California APEX Accelerator or it’s host, the HSU Sponsored Programs Foundation, be held liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any kind or nature arising out of or in any way related to the information provided in this webinar/ workshop and/or the registrant’s use of or reliance on said information.

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Who we are:

Norcal APEX Accelerator

Northern California APEX Accelerator is a government-funded nonprofit formed to help small businesses find, bid on, and win contracts with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies.