APEX Accelerator-Option Period for Existing Award Recipients

The Department of Defense is accepting applications for the APEX Accelerator Program through a cooperative agreement funding opportunity. The APEX Accelerator Program continues the legacy of the Procurement Technical Assistance Program, first authorized by the Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1985, to expand the number of businesses capable of successfully competing for federal, state, and local government contracts. The APEX Accelerators serve as regional and local resources that provide free procurement technical assistance to businesses, enabling them to identify, pursue, and perform under contracting opportunities with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and large prime contractors. They also support participation in innovation and technology grants through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. This program will fund cost-sharing cooperative agreements to support organizations that maintain APEX Accelerator physical locations. Each recipient is expected to deliver specialized procurement assistance, including training and counseling, that helps businesses navigate contract requirements. Allowable costs may include personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual expenses, indirect costs, and other documented program needs. The program rules prohibit expenditures on certain telecommunications equipment and services linked to restricted foreign manufacturers. Applicants must also meet federal cost principles and administrative requirements as established in 2 CFR 200 and related Department of Defense terms and conditions. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to specific categories of organizations. Applicants may include state governments, local governments, nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations, and Indian-owned economic enterprises. For-profit businesses not meeting the definition of Indian-owned economic enterprises, individuals, and unincorporated entities are not eligible. Applicants must also maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Cost sharing is a requirement of this program. The Department of Defense will generally cover no more than 65 percent of program costs, though applicants serving distressed areas may receive up to 85 percent. Certain territories are entitled to statutory waivers for cost sharing up to $199,999. Funding for this opportunity is authorized by Congress, with the Department of Defense anticipating approximately 90 awards. Award ceilings vary depending on the type of applicant and service coverage: $750,000 for entities providing less than statewide coverage, $1,500,000 for statewide coverage, $1,000,000 for multi-region Bureau of Indian Affairs service areas, and $450,000 for single-region Bureau of Indian Affairs service areas. Applicants may include both direct and indirect costs in their budget proposals, as well as subawards, provided these costs are reasonable and justified. Applicants must also provide documentation of matching funds as part of the required attachments. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on November 12, 2025. The application package requires multiple attachments, including certification of matching funds, SF-424, letters of commitment for in-kind contributions, personnel qualifications, personnel cost support, a detailed budget in Excel format, fringe benefit documentation, indirect cost rate agreements, audits, program goals, and analyses of distressed service areas where applicable. Applications must be submitted in PDF format except for budget and financial attachments, which must be in Excel format. Late or incomplete submissions may not be reviewed. Applications will be evaluated based on past performance, technical approach, and cost. Past performance is the most heavily weighted criterion and includes assessment of relevant and recent experience with APEX Accelerator or related programs. Technical approach will consider personnel qualifications, program management, and facilities. Cost evaluation will consider realism, credibility, and the adequacy of cost-sharing commitments. Awards are expected to be announced between March 31, 2026, and July 31, 2026. Successful applicants will enter into a cooperative agreement where the Department of Defense maintains substantial involvement in program oversight and direction. The primary contacts for this opportunity are Joke (Yoka) Bohall, APEX Accelerator Program Analyst, available at Johanna.g.bohall.civ@mail.mil, and Monica Wideman, APEX Accelerator Grants Officer, available at monica.k.wideman.civ@army.mil. General inquiries may also be directed to the APEX Accelerator Program Office at osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.apex-accelerator-pmo@mail.mil. Support for application submission is available through Grants.gov by calling 1-800-518-4726 or emailing support@grants.gov. This opportunity was released on September 12, 2025, and applicants are encouraged to review all requirements in detail prior to submission.

Submit applications at least 2 days early to avoid Grants.gov issues. Ensure SAM registration is active. Follow attachment naming rules. Classified submissions not permitted