The APEX Accelerator program administered through the U.S. Department of Defense aims to support Idaho-based centers that assist businesses in navigating federal, state, and local government contracting processes. This opportunity represents a continuation—an option period—of existing awards rather than a new competition, and is specifically designed for current recipients of APEX Accelerator awards in Idaho. The administering office for this opportunity is the ACC-APG-Aberdeen Division A.
This funding opportunity falls under the "Procurement Technical Assistance for Business Firms" assistance listing (12.002), and is intended to help maintain APEX Accelerator services in Idaho. These centers provide technical assistance to large and small businesses, including startups, to improve their ability to compete for and win government contracts. Activities may include one-on-one counseling, training sessions, and outreach events focused on the procurement process.
The cooperative agreement framework signals a substantial federal interest and involvement in achieving program objectives. Eligible applicants include a range of governmental and nonprofit entities, such as federally recognized Native American tribal governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, as well as city, county, and state governments. Applicants must already be recipients of a prior APEX Accelerator award operating in Idaho.
Applicants must submit their proposals by January 31, 2026, with no extensions allowed beyond this date. The estimated award range spans from $60,000 to $1,500,000, but total program funding remains unspecified. While cost sharing or matching is required, specific ratios or percentages are not disclosed in the announcement.
The application must be submitted electronically, and recipients are advised to save the FY26 performance and financial reporting templates early, as the full announcement will be archived 30 days after the deadline. The evaluation process and timing of award notification are not detailed in the announcement. However, recipients are expected to comply with periodic reporting requirements throughout the period of performance. For assistance, applicants can contact Andrew Heisler by phone at 520-671-3005.
Although this grant does not state a recurring schedule, the nature of it being an option period implies potential annual continuation, pending performance and federal discretion.
