WEBINARS

Did you know that many small businesses miss out on valuable contracting opportunities simply because their Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile is incomplete? This is the go-to resource where prime contractors and government agencies search for potential partners and vendors. Join our upcoming DSBS webinar to learn how to optimize your profile, increase your visibility, and maximize your contracting potential. Don’t leave money on the table—take advantage of this essential tool! Don't miss our essential webinar, "How to Complete and Utilize the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS)," designed for small businesses aiming to tap into the lucrative world of government contracts. This session will walk you through the process of accurately completing your DSBS profile, ensuring you're visible to government buyers actively seeking small business partners. Learn how to leverage this powerful tool to increase your chances of being discovered, enhance your credibility, and open the door to more contracting opportunities. Elevate your business's presence in the government marketplace—register today! ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC.https://www.keytolifeprofessionalservicesllc.com/ Find your local APEX Accelerator - https://www.napex.us/locations/

Join our insightful webinar, "How to Win Contracts When You Lack Company Past Performance," tailored for small businesses new to government contracting. Discover effective strategies to overcome the challenge of limited past performance and still make a strong case for your business. Learn how to leverage alternative qualifications, build credibility, and create a winning proposal that stands out to government buyers. This is your opportunity to break into the government market, even as a newcomer—don’t let a lack of experience hold you back! Register now to secure your spot. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC https://www.keytolifeprofessionalservicesllc.com/ Watch more govcon webinars at https://www.youtube.com/@marylandapex

*This class is strictly for those new to government contracting* Are you ready for government contracting? Have you considered the investment in time and resources your company needs to enter the government marketplace? This webinar is an introduction to government contracting and will show you how to get your ducks in a row to prepare for life as a successful government contractor. You will also learn what the Maryland APEX Accelerator does for small businesses and how it can help you prepare for government contracting success. Attendees will learn: What government buyers and primes want What makes a contractor responsible to FAR How and why to research potential customers How to develop an intelligence list When to watch for contract awards What not to do when contracting How to become a Maryland APEX Accelerator client and get one-on-one counseling And much more! This introductory class will show you how to determine if government contracts are right for your business. Instructor Alex Peacock, Maryland APEX Accelerator Procurement Specialist Watch more government contracting videos at https://www.youtube.com/@marylandapex/videos

Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur looking to capitalize on government contracting opportunities? Effective market research is the key to understanding what the government buys and positioning your business for success. In this comprehensive class, we will guide you through the process of conducting targeted and strategic market research to identify lucrative government procurement opportunities. Instructor Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC https://www.keytolifeprofessionalservicesllc.com/ Find our local APEX Accelerator: https://www.napex.us/locations/

*This class is strictly for those new to government contracting* Are you ready for government contracting? Have you considered the investment in time and resources your company needs to enter the government marketplace? This webinar is an introduction to government contracting and will show you how to get your ducks in a row to prepare for life as a successful government contractor. You will also learn what the Maryland APEX Accelerator does for small businesses and how it can help you prepare for government contracting success. Attendees will learn: What government buyers and primes want What makes a contractor responsible to FAR How and why to research potential customers How to develop an intelligence list The importance of CMMC requirements for defense contractors How DOD and SBA Mentor-Protege Programs can catapult your success The history and relevance of DPA Title III and FOCI for government contractors When to watch for contract awards What not to do when contracting How to become a Maryland APEX Accelerator client and get one-on-one counseling And much more! This introductory class will show you how to determine if government contracts are right for your business. Instructor Tara Scott, Maryland APEX Accelerator Procurement Specialist

Are you an entrepreneur looking to sell your products or services to state government agencies? This workshop provides an in-depth understanding of how to do business with the State of Maryland. Learn about the registration requirements, explore effective marketing strategies, and discover the available market research tools. You'll gain insights into: Identifying the state agencies that buy what you sell Conducting research in the eMaryland Marketplace and on agency websites Procurement Forecast for the State of Maryland Understanding the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Using the Internet to research state contracting opportunities effectively Obtaining state contracting certifications: SBR, VSBE, and DBE/MBE This course will help Maryland businesses navigate government contracting, providing the knowledge and tools needed to position your company as a preferred vendor for state government agencies. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC https://www.keytolifeprofessionalservicesllc.com/ Watch more govcon videos here https://www.youtube.com/@marylandapex

Are you wondering how to do business with the government? Do you have a strategic plan to win local, state, or federal contracts? If you're asking yourself these questions, then you need to attend this virtual event. Join the Maryland APEX Accelerator team for a Roundtable discussion on what small businesses in Maryland can expect in the procurement world in 2025 and how your APEX counselor can help you avoid pitfalls and support your growth. This is a great opportunity to kick off the new year and learn strategies and tips from procurement experts on how to make 2025 your best contracting year ever. Don't miss it! BONUS! Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear from MDAPEX Accelerator client, Kym Ali, CEO of Kym Ali Consulting. Discover her inspiring success stories and learn proven best practices for securing contracts with federal agencies like HHS, NOAA, DOE, and more! https://www.kymali.com/ SPEAKERS: Maryland APEX Accelerator Team https://www.marylandapex.org/

The most widely used strategies to grow your business in Federal Government Contracting are Teaming, Partnering, and Subcontracting. This class covers how to develop a strategic approach to partnering and teaming, how to identify and develop mentor-protégé relationships, and how to develop contractual relationships to effectively respond to government solicitations. Learn how teaming and partnering can be an effective way to build government past performance that allows you to transition to a prime contractor. This course will provide strategies behind partnering and teaming. Many government contractors attempt to win business only as a prime contractor but partnering or teaming can be the perfect way for you to win federal contracting opportunities and build up your past performance while also working with another government contractor. It also helps you to share the burden of an opportunity or compete for opportunities you wouldn’t originally qualify for without a partner. In government contracting, Prime contractor-subcontractor relationships are key to winning and successfully performing, most government contracts. And the two most important elements of that relationship are the teaming agreement and subcontract. Instructor Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC. https://www.keytolifeprofessionalservicesllc.com/ Watch all of our recordings on government contracting at https://www.youtube.com/@marylandapex/videos

*This class is strictly for those new to government contracting* Are you ready for government contracting? Have you considered the investment in time and resources your company needs to enter the government marketplace? This webinar is an introduction to government contracting and will show you how to get your ducks in a row to prepare for life as a successful government contractor. You will also learn what the Maryland APEX Accelerator does for small businesses and how it can help you prepare for government contracting success. Sign up for free government contracting counseling https://www.napex.us/locations/

Are you ready to successfully manage a government contract when you win? The devil is in the details and you don’t want to get caught unprepared. Come learn about the ins and outs of government contract administration. This course will cover how to effectively administer a contract from the initial award to the final closeout. Successful administration of contracts: problem avoidance, day-to-day operating practices, performance monitoring systems, early detection and correction of nonperformance, payment, contract modifications, and working relationships. You’ll learn proven practices for getting contracts off to a solid start, keeping them on track, and handling every problem that arises. You will also gain basic knowledge of the procurement process to effectively manage your company contract administration. You don't have to have won a contract to take this class, in fact, if you want to do business with the government EVERYONE on your team needs to take this class. YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO: • Effectively conduct contract administration and manage change • Interpret contracts and recognize terms and conditions that protect or threaten you • Keep contracts and subcontracts on track every step of the way • Modify, terminate, and closeout contracts Instructor Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC. https://www.keytolifeprofessionalservicesllc.com/ Find your local APEX Accelerator here - https://www.napex.us/

Learn How to Cost Your Proposal For Ultimate Success! This course will cover the types of pricing proposals and the definitions for each including the relationship between the technical and cost proposal; - How to identify and develop the basis of cost and indirect rates for your cost proposal such as direct labor, fringe, overhead, G&A, and fee - Resources for determining direct labor rates/hours and staffing requirements - Formulas for calculating indirect rates and total proposed cost. In addition, we will discuss other direct costs (ODCs) factors and materials and handling fees; including how to determine allowable and unallowable costs. Instructor Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC https://www.keytolifeprofessionalservicesllc.com/ Learn more about government contracting at https://www.youtube.com/@marylandapex

Take a deeper dive into successful proposal writing! This class will review basic proposal sections; cover the steps for conducting an RFP analysis and how to develop and use a proposal compliance matrix; It will also identify and define the most important sections to concentrate on when deciding to bid. In addition, you will learn: The proposal review process and how to submit a compliant proposal How to organize your proposal team How to define the proposal team members, their roles and responsibilities The steps in producing and delivering your proposal How to develop your proposal library and boilerplate information for future use. Instructor Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC. https://www.keytolifeprofessionalservicesllc.com/ Sign up for no cost government contracting counseling at https://www.aptac-us.org/contracting-assistance/

Bidding on $25k or Less Opportunities Using SAM.gov Are you a small business eager to tap into government contract opportunities but feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the process? Look no further! This specialized class is tailored to guide small business owners through the simplified acquisition process, focusing on contracts valued at $25,000 or less. What You'll Learn: Government Industrial Base (GIB) Readiness: Understand the importance of GIB readiness for small businesses. Selling to the Government: Discover how to perform market research and identify government contract opportunities on SAM.gov. Practical Walkthrough on SAM.gov: Demonstrating how to navigate the SAM.gov website with ease. Participate in a live demonstration. Engage in an interactive exercise to reinforce your learning and get real-time answers to your questions. Why Attend: This training is designed to demystify the government procurement process for brand-new small businesses and provide practical, actionable insights into winning contracts valued at $25,000 or less. By focusing on smaller contract actions, new small businesses can avoid feeling overwhelmed and can afford to cover payroll expenses, typically up to $24,000, until they receive payment from the government. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of how to navigate SAM.gov and identify relevant opportunities with your small business in mind. Instructor Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC https://www.keytolifeprofessionalservicesllc.com/ Watch more APEX Accelerator videos at https://www.youtube.com/@marylandapex

Are you a startup or small business looking to navigate the complex world of government contracting? Understanding federal or state/local solicitations is crucial for securing government contracts. Discover the keys to unlocking government contracts for your business! Gain the skills to spot opportunities and navigate the solicitation like a pro. This class is designed to assist startup and small business clients struggling to enter the government contracting world. Join us on a journey from confusion to confidence as we demystify the process and empower you to win contracts and subcontractors. What Attendees Will Learn: Understand the fundamentals of government contracting, including the differences between federal and state solicitations. Breaking down the solicitation documents to identify opportunities and comprehend requirements effectively. Participate in a practical exercise and group discussions to reinforce learning and apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. Benefits of Attending This Course: Gain essential skills: Acquire the practical skills and knowledge to read a solicitation successfully, empowering your startup to compete for lucrative contracts. Save time and effort: Learn tips and strategies from an experienced professional, saving time and effort in deciphering complex solicitation documents and navigating bureaucratic processes. Ensure compliance: Navigate solicitations confidently, ensuring your business operates effectively to increase wins. Instructor Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of https://www.keytolifeprofessionalservicesllc.com/ A consulting company that mainly focuses on educating and training small businesses to do business in the Business-to-Government (B2G) marketplace. Akiesha’s articles and YouTube Channel on government contracting have helped many small businesses get started. Akiesha has over 20 years of experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD). She is a former Maryland Apex Accelerator Procurement Specialist and has counseled over 250 clients on doing business with the government. Get FREE government contracting assistance at your local APEX Accelerator at https://www.aptac-us.org/contracting-assistance/

*This class is strictly for those new to government contracting* Are you ready for government contracting? Have you considered the investment in time and resources your company needs to enter the government marketplace? This webinar is an introduction to government contracting and will show you how to get your ducks in a row to prepare for life as a successful government contractor. You will also learn what the Maryland APEX Accelerator does for small businesses and how it can help you prepare for government contracting success. Attendees will learn: · What government buyers and primes want · What makes a contractor responsible to FAR · How and why to research potential customers · How to develop an intelligence list · When to watch for contract awards · What not to do when contracting · How to become a Maryland APEX Accelerator client and get one-on-one counseling This introductory class will show you how to determine if government contracts are right for your business. Instructor Pamela Minor, Maryland APEX Accelerator Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor https://www.marylandapex.org/

Are you wondering how to do business with the government? Do you have a strategic plan to win local, state, or federal contracts? If you are asking yourself these questions then you need to be at this virtual event. Join the team at the Maryland APEX Accelerator for a Roundtable discussion on what small businesses in Maryland can expect in the procurement world in 2024 plus how your APEX counselor can help you avoid the pitfalls and support your growth. This is a great opportunity to kick off the new year and learn strategies and tips from procurement experts on how you can make 2024 your best contracting year ever. Don't Miss it! BONUS! Hear from MD APEX Accelerator client, Information Protection Solutions as they share their story on how they won a $51 million contract with the Department of Justice. - https://ips314.com/ SPEAKERS: Maryland APEX Accelerator Team (Procurement Specialists & VA Certified Counselors) Get more great government contracting information at https://www.youtube.com/@marylandapex/videos

*This class is strictly for Beginners* Are you ready for government contracting? Have you considered the investment in time and resources your company needs to enter the government marketplace? This workshop is an introduction to government contracting and will show you how to get your ducks in a row to prepare for life as a successful government contractor. You will also learn what the Maryland APEX Accelerator does for small businesses and how it can help you prepare for government contracting success. Attendees will learn: · What government buyers and primes want · What makes a contractor responsible to FAR · How and why to research potential customers · How to develop an intelligence list · When to watch for contract awards · What not to do when contracting · How to become a Maryland APEX Accelerator client and get one on one counseling This introductory class will show you how to determine if government contracts are right for your business. About the Instructor Akiesha M. Foster currently serves as a Maryland APEX Accelerator Procurement Specialist and VA certified counselor. Akiesha holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Liberty University and is pursuing a Master's degree in Procurement Acquisition Management from Webster University. She also is DAWIA Level III certified in Contracting and a member of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). SIGN UP FOR FREE GOVCON WEBINARS AT https://mdptac.ecenterdirect.com/events