RESOURCES | Maryland APEX Accelerator

Here at the Maryland APEX Accelerator, we believe the more informed the business owner is, the more viable and capable the business becomes. To expand your knowledge, check out these resources that are paramount to your success as a small business.

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Business Certifications

Veteran Owned & Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB/SDVOSB)
- Provide procuring agencies with the authority to set acquisitions aside for exclusive competition among service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns, as well as the authority to make sole source awards to service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns if certain conditions are met.
Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program
- Veteran-owned small businesses can use this application to be certified by SBA to compete for federal contracts.
Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- Enables Woman-Owned Small Businesses to compete for federal contracts that are set-aside in industries where women-owned small businesses are underrepresented.
HUBZone Small Business
- Small businesses in specific urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities.
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
- Small businesses can self-represent their status as a small disadvantaged business (SDB) with the federal government by checking the box in their SAM registration on the Assertations page. SAM will automatically assign federal Small Business (SB) status to businesses that qualify based on their SBA size standards.
8(a) Business Development Program
- For socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

All Small Mentor-Protege Program
- Learn from an experienced government contractor and get valuable business development help from mentors in several areas.

Register With The Federal Government

SAM.gov
- Any entity wishing to do business with the federal government under a contract or applying for federal grants must be registered in the System for Awards Management (SAM). Your APEX Accelerator counselor can walk you through your SAM registration and help you understand the complex language.
Entity Identification Number (EIN)
- A Taxpayer or Employer Identification Number (TIN or EIN) is an identification number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the administration of tax laws
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- You will receive a UEI when you register with SAM at SAM.gov. Entities doing business with the federal government must use the UEI created by the system.

North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS Code)
- The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) categorizes products and service codes by industry sectors. These are mandatory 6 digit codes that identify what type of activity an entity performs, as well as the type of product or service offered. Your NAICS codes are also used to determine if you are a small business. To find your NAICS code(s), visit http://www.census.gov/naics or apply for APEX Accelerator services for assistance.
E-Verify
- E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

Federal Contracting Opportunities

The Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) Pocket Guide
- The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) is a web-based application that enables the vendor community to search for, view, and submit secure quotes on Requests for Quotations (RFQs).
Sam.gov
- Any entity wishing to do business with the federal government under a contract or applying for federal grants must be registered in the System for Awards Management (SAM). Your counselor can walk you through your SAM registration and help you understand the complex language.
USA.gov
- Find out about the tools and support services available to help businesses contract with the government.

Sub-Contracting Opportunities

SubNet
- This is a database of subcontracting opportunities posted by large contractors looking for small businesses to serve as subcontractors.
SBA Directory of Subcontractors
- Directory of federal government prime contractors with subcontracting plans
GSA Subcontracting Directory
- The GSA publishes a subcontracting director for small businesses that are looking for subcontracting opportunities with prime contractors
DOD Prime Contractor Directory
- The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) maintains a directory of large prime contractors that small businesses can use to find subcontracting opportunities.

Federal Government Contracting Podcasts

Keep up to date with government contracting news and opportunities
by tuning in to one of these popular podcasts. Listen HERE

State of Maryland Contracting Opportunities

The eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)
- This online procurement system is used to connect the vendor community with contracting opportunities from state, county, and local government entities. Registered vendors can search and receive notices of bid opportunities, submit bid responses online, obtain bid results online, and self-certify for the Small Business Reserve and the Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise programs. More than 200 state and local government organizations use the system.
The University System of Maryland’s Office of Procurement
- USM has an independent system, although it follows the same purchasing guidelines as all state agencies. Eleven USM institutions have procurement authority and manage procurement offices and day-to-day procurement business operations.
Maryland Counties Purchasing
- Find local county government contracting opportunities
The Mid-Atlantic Purchasing Team
- The Mid-Atlantic Purchasing Team is a contracting cooperative with about 40 local government contracting offices located throughout Maryland, DC, and Virginia.

Directories & Guides

Other Important Resources