APEX Accelerator-Open Announcement for Idaho

The Department of Defense (DoD) APEX Accelerator Program invites applications for cooperative agreements under its DOD2026APEXACCELERATORIDAHO funding opportunity. This initiative supports the operation of APEX Accelerators, which function as regional procurement technical assistance centers. These centers provide specialized support and training to help businesses navigate and participate in government contracting with the DoD and other federal, state, and local entities. The overarching goal is to expand the supplier base eligible to compete for government contracts, thereby enhancing national security through a more robust and diverse industrial base. Originally established as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) by the FY1985 Defense Authorization Act, the current iteration as APEX Accelerators emphasizes modernization and coordination. These centers act as critical conduits for disseminating knowledge, fostering innovation partnerships, and preparing businesses—especially small and disadvantaged firms—to meet government acquisition requirements. Awardees are expected to maintain physical offices offering hands-on assistance across service areas, including guidance on innovation funding, subcontracting opportunities, and bid/proposal support. The cooperative agreements are funded under CFDA 12.002 and are anticipated to be awarded to approximately 90 recipients nationwide. The performance period is 12 months, beginning the day after the recipient’s FY2025 agreement ends. The awards include significant federal involvement in implementation, with DoD participating in strategy development and ensuring the cost-effectiveness and technical quality of services delivered. Federal funding levels are tiered: up to $750,000 for partial state coverage, $1.5 million for full state coverage, $1 million for service across multiple Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) regions, and $450,000 for coverage within a single BIA region. Cost sharing is mandatory, with the federal share limited to 65% of the total program cost—or 85% for services provided in distressed areas. Eligibility is limited to U.S. state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and Indian economic enterprises, as defined in 10 U.S.C. 4951. Individual applicants are not eligible. Religious organizations may apply on equal footing. Applicants must demonstrate registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and adhere to extensive federal compliance assurances, including disclosure of conflicts of interest, tax liabilities, and lobbying activities. Applications proposing service to distressed areas must submit supporting socioeconomic analyses. The application must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 5:00 PM ET on November 12, 2025. Required attachments include documentation of cost matching funds, SF-424, program strategies, budgets, personnel qualifications, indirect and fringe costs, and program income if applicable. Oral presentations may be required for applicants proposing significant changes from FY2025 operations. The evaluation process emphasizes past performance (especially under previous APEX awards), technical approach, and cost. A "Substantial Confidence" or "Neutral Confidence" rating is required for past performance, and at least a "Fair" rating for technical approach. Anticipated award notifications are expected between March 31, 2026, and July 31, 2026, with funding decisions made on an agreement-by-agreement basis. DoD reserves the right to request clarifications, delay awards for additional review, or cancel awards based on applicant risk. Post-award requirements include quarterly or semiannual performance reporting, and financial reporting using SF-270 and SF-425. Awardees must also comply with national policy provisions and reporting under 2 CFR 170. The full program terms and conditions are available at Grants.gov.

Maintaining continuity from prior year operations (same personnel, titles, and facilities) qualifies the applicant for an automatic “Excellent” technical rating; minimizing changes reduces the need for oral presentations.