Introduction to the APEX Accelerators Dave Pease

The Big Change FY2020 NDAA - Congress mandates that program move from DLA to Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S)

Early 2022 work begins to transition the program to DoD OSBP; official transition occurs in November 2022. New brand:
APEX Accelerators

Transition is still a “work in progress”<br>

What’s new on the ground? Not very much change
~95 individual Accelerators in 49 states, DC, PR, USVI and Guam
About 680 people employed – 95 PMs, many of whom are hands-on counselors in addition managing their programs
Diverse hosts – government, universities, non-profits
Siloed structure – technically each Accelerator is an island
Funding flat for the past few years
DoD OSBP is an active partner, adding more value by:
Establishing program goals
providing more training
Making connections
Demanding tighter, more professional management<br>

It’s not just a name change. OSBP perceives the APEX Accelerators as a resource that can be deployed to promote broader DoD objectives
The Accelerators have direct, ongoing contact with tens of thousands of small businesses, as well as many large businesses.
Those relationships can be leveraged for many purposes to benefit the companies and government alike.<br>

So, what was “Procurement Technical Assistance?” (1 of 3) Hands-on assistance with registrations (SAM, JCP, SBIR) and certifications (DBE, WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), others)
Training for businesses on the FAR and its supplements
Instruction on government market evaluation, prospect identification, and readiness for government contracting/subcontracting.<br>

So, what was “Procurement Technical Assistance?” (2 of 3) Providing tools to find appropriate solicitations
Training businesses to produce complete, responsive, timely and competitive bids & proposals.
Facilitating subcontracting, JV and MP relationships when appropriate.
Advising clients on contract compliance<br>

So, what was “Procurement Technical Assistance?” (3 of 3) Educate on cybersecurity compliance and SPRS score entry.
Teach government invoicing protocols and troubleshoot problems.
Advise on protest rights, up to the point of filing.
SBIR/STTR contracts.
Miscellaneous – anything else that comes up.<br>

Our Former Mission Summary All of the last three slides
All federal agencies – FAR and non-FAR, including non-appropriated funds
All State and local governments
Subcontracting at any tier
For any businesses within our service areas
Have to be mindful of regulatory timing<br>

A quick note about SAM.gov … The April 7, 2022 cutover from DUNS to UEID had an enormous impact on our program.
Survey data tells us that the average APEX Accelerator devoted 50% of its resources to SAM issues through the end of 2023.
Challenges still echo through the system, and level of effort has not returned to pre-UEID levels, but has become manageable.<br>

What are The Changes? First of all, nothing was removed from our task list. We still do it all.
Program aligned with DoD Small Business Strategy and broader DoD and federal priorities.
Developed program goals & new metrics to support the goals
Putting the “cooperative” back into cooperative agreements.<br>

So, what’s new? Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI)
Educate small businesses to minimize future FOCI concerns
Innovation Programs in addition to SBIR/STTR
Facilitate access to/by broader innovation programs, particularly federal labs (FLC).
IBAS/ICAM engagement
Spread awareness and engagement with IBAS workforce programs
Technology Scouting
Identify innovators in key technology areas<br>

KEY TECHNOLOGY AREASThe following twenty-one critical and emerging technology areas are of particular importance to the Department of Defense and the national security of the United States. Advanced and Networked Sensors, Sensing, and Signature
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Materials
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Biotechnologies
Communication and Networking Technologies
Computing and Software (Advanced)
Cyber and Integrated Sensing
Directed Energy
Financial Technologies
Future Generation Wireless Technology (FutureG)
Gas Turbine Engine Technologies (Advanced)
Human-Machine Interfaces
Hypersonics
Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems
Microelectronics and Semiconductors
Nuclear Energy Technologies (Advanced)
Quantum Science including Quantum Information Technologies
Renewable Energy Generation and Storage
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Space Technologies and Systems<br>

Substantially Intensified Tasks: Cybersecurity (CMMC)
Educating & finding solutions
SBIR/STTR
Filling gaps in promoting the programs and supporting applications
DEI program support
Strategic support for applications & marketing
Rebuilding the DIB/GIB
Breaking down the barriers to entry & success<br>

Goals & Metrics 2.0 Goal 1. Cultivate and Sustain the DIB and GIB
Facilitate achievement of DIB and GIB readiness for new entrants
Goal 2. Increase Equity and Inclusion
- Increase number of DIB and GIB-ready SDBs, HUBZone businesses, SDVOSBs, WOSBs
- Promote subcontracting opportunities for SDBs, HUBZone businesses, SDVOSBs, WOSBs, and other underrepresented small businesses
- Encourage and support participation in MPP
Goal 3. Increase Awareness of and Compliance with FOCI
Goal 4. Improve Cybersecurity of the DIB and GIB
Goal 5. Facilitate Innovation for the DIB and GIB by connecting innovative businesses to Government Innovation Programs
Goal 6. Strengthen the Supply Chain by supporting DPA Title III and IBAS/ICAM activities
Goal 7. Capture Market Data in Key Industries<br>

APEX Accelerators are not your momma’s PTACs Reinvigorated program with greatly enhanced profile
Renewed sense of focus and purpose
Dramatically broadened relationships within and beyond DoD and larger Federal Government
Active initiatives to reduce “stovepiping”
Aggressively forming strategic partnerships
Working hard to implement a lot of change quickly.
PTACs were great. APEX Accelerators are better.<br>

Resource Links The DoD Office of Small Business Programs website for the APEX Accelerators:
www.APEXAccelerators.us
The National APEX Accelerator Alliance:
www.NAPEX.org
Today’s presenter:
David.n.pease@livefree.nh.gov<br>