APEX Accelerator-Option Period for Existing Award Recipients
ID: 360872Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

ACC-APG-Aberdeen Division A (DOD-AMC-ACCAPGADA)

Award Range

$60K - $2M

Eligible Applicants

Nonprofits Without 501(c)(3) Status

Funding Category

Business and Commerce

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360872

Additional Information

https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense's Aberdeen Division A is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "APEX Accelerator-Option Period for Existing Award Recipients." This funding is aimed at supporting existing APEX Accelerators in providing procurement technical assistance to both large and small businesses, including newly established entities, to enhance their capabilities in securing government contracts. The program is crucial for fostering a robust Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and Government Industrial Base (GIB) by increasing small business participation and compliance with federal regulations. Interested applicants, specifically nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, must submit their applications by December 16, 2025, with funding amounts ranging from $60,000 to $1.5 million, and are required to demonstrate cost-sharing contributions. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Monica Wideman at monica.k.wideman.civ@army.mil or by phone at 520-669-8831.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    APEX_Financial_Reporting_2.0_Template[2].xlsx
    This government file outlines a financial report template for APEX Accelerator, detailing expenditure categories and reporting requirements for federal grants and RFPs. It covers personnel, fringe benefits, travel, indirect costs, and other expenditures, distinguishing between distressed and non-distressed areas. The document emphasizes validating data, tracking program income, and accounting for third-party in-kind contributions. It also addresses fund transfer regulations among direct cost categories, highlighting the need for prior approval for transfers exceeding 10% of the total budget. This template ensures compliance and transparency in financial reporting for government-funded projects.
    APEX_Performance_Reporting_2.2_Quarterly_FY26[1].xlsx
    The XX APEX Accelerator's performance report details its activities across seven key goals aimed at enhancing the Defense and Government Industrial Bases (DIB/GIB) and supporting small businesses. Key objectives include increasing small business certifications (8(a), SDB, HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB), promoting subcontracting opportunities, and encouraging participation in Mentor-Protégé Programs. The report also focuses on educating businesses about Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) and improving cybersecurity within the DIB/GIB. Furthermore, the accelerator facilitates innovation through Government-led Innovation Programs (GIPs), strengthens the supply chain by supporting Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III and Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) activities, and captures market data on businesses involved in critical and emerging technologies.
    APEX_Performance_Reporting_2.2_Semi-Annual_FY26[1].xlsx
    The XX APEX Accelerator Performance Report outlines the organization's goals and performance metrics across several key areas, including cultivating and sustaining the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and Government Industrial Base (GIB), increasing small business certifications and participation, raising awareness and compliance with Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI), improving cybersecurity, facilitating innovation, strengthening the supply chain, and capturing market data in key industries. The report details specific performance metrics for each goal, such as the number of new DIB/GIB-ready clients, new certified small businesses (8(a), SDBs, HUBZone, SDVOSBs, WOSBs), subcontractor referrals, FOCI counseling, cybersecurity training, innovation program connections, DPA Title III and IBAS support, and identification of businesses in critical and emerging technologies. It also includes sections for reporting accelerator-hosted events, training, and accelerator-attended trainings, categorizing them by primary and secondary topics, audience, and dates. The document emphasizes data collection for critical and emerging technologies, detailing various technology readiness levels and key technology areas.
    APEX.pdf
    The "APEX Accelerator General T&Cs V. 4.0" outlines the general terms and conditions for assistance agreement awards (grants and cooperative agreements) issued by the US Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground, supporting the DoD APEX Accelerator program. These terms apply to DoD grants and cooperative agreements for Procurement Technical Assistance with institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, States, local governments, and Indian tribes. The document is structured into subdivisions covering a preamble, administrative requirements, and national policy requirements. Key areas include financial and program management standards (payments, allowable costs, budget revisions, audits, cost sharing, program income), property administration (title, management, use, and disposition), procurement standards, and reporting requirements (performance, financial, property, subawards).
    Attachment_1_Certification_of_Cost_Matching_Funds_APEX[1].pdf
    The APEX Program's Attachment 1, "Certification of Cost Matching Funds," is a crucial document for federal grant and RFP applicants, ensuring compliance with matching fund requirements. It certifies the availability and commitment of matching funds, including applicant contributions and third-party in-kind donations, for the proposed performance period. Key certifications include: no federal funds are used as match unless authorized by law, and the APEX Accelerator is not part of any other federal award program. Additionally, in-kind donations used in other programs cannot be re-used, and APEX Accelerator achievements (clients, counseling, events, contract awards) must not be reported under other federal awards. The form requires detailed listing of third-party in-kind contributions and signatures from the APEX Name, Title, and Date, reinforcing accountability and transparency in federal funding applications.
    Attachment_10_Goals_Proposal_Template_2.2_Final[1].xlsx
    The Performance Metric Proposal 2.2 outlines goals and corresponding performance metrics for the XX APEX Accelerator, focusing on cultivating and sustaining the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and Government Industrial Base (GIB). Key goals include facilitating DIB and GIB readiness for new entrants, increasing small business certifications and participation (especially for SDBs, HUBZone businesses, SDVOSBs, and WOSBs), increasing awareness and compliance with Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI), improving cybersecurity, facilitating innovation, strengthening the supply chain, and capturing market data in key industries. The proposal details specific reporting requirements for each goal, such as tracking new DIB/GIB-ready clients, the number of businesses counseled on FOCI, and participation in programs like the Mentor-Protégé Program. This document serves as a framework for measuring the accelerator's impact on supporting and developing various aspects of the defense and government industrial bases.
    Attachment_12_Program_Income[1].pdf
    This document outlines requirements for handling program income within federal grants and RFPs. It requires applicants to discuss proposed fees, how income supports program objectives, and acknowledge reporting gross income on Standard Form 270 and Standard Form 425. If program income is used as part of the applicant's cost share, the document mandates a narrative detailing compliance with the Award Specific Terms and Conditions percent cap and statutory limitations at 10 U.S.C 4955(d) for income used in subsequent fiscal years. The purpose is to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper utilization of program income in accordance with federal regulations.
    Attachment_3_Letter_of_Commitment[1].pdf
    The "Letter of Commitment - APEX Program" is a formal document certifying financial or in-kind contributions to an APEX Accelerator. Donors commit resources without expectation of compensation from the U.S. Government or the APEX Accelerator. The letter requires details such as the donor organization's information, total cash and in-kind contributions, and a detailed list of each in-kind donation, including its value determination. A crucial note emphasizes that third-party assigned values for contributions may not be automatically considered fair, reasonable, or compliant with Department of Defense grant regulations for cost-sharing. This document ensures transparency and accountability in the commitment of resources for government-supported programs.
    Attachment.bin
    The document outlines the requirements for a Program Execution Strategy for the APEX Accelerator program, applicable for federal, state, and local RFPs and grants. It requires a detailed plan for managing and coordinating cooperative agreements, including planning, resource control, deliverable tracking, performance monitoring, and client feedback. Key components include procedures for cost monitoring, problem identification and resolution, and details on proposed subrecipients/subcontractors. The strategy must also cover facilities, including address, square footage, cost per square foot, public accessibility, office hours, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, alongside the process for technical assistance/counseling. Additionally, the document specifies the required qualifications for program managers and counselors, focusing on their ability to direct operations, manage finances, understand government contracting, and provide business counseling. The form also includes sections for listing personnel names, job titles, and qualifications for those not included in the previous fiscal year's budget or new program managers.
    Attachment.pdf
    The document outlines the requirements for a Program Execution Strategy for the APEX Accelerator program, applicable for federal, state, and local RFPs and grants. It requires a detailed plan for managing and coordinating cooperative agreements, including planning, resource control, deliverable tracking, performance monitoring, and client feedback. Key components include procedures for cost monitoring, problem identification and resolution, and details on proposed subrecipients/subcontractors. The strategy must also cover facilities, including address, square footage, cost per square foot, public accessibility, office hours, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, alongside the process for technical assistance/counseling. Additionally, the document specifies the required qualifications for program managers and counselors, focusing on their ability to direct operations, manage finances, understand government contracting, and provide business counseling. The form also includes sections for listing personnel names, job titles, and qualifications for those not included in the previous fiscal year's budget or new program managers.
    Award.pdf
    The APEX Accelerator Award-Specific Terms and Conditions (Version 6.0, September 2025) outlines requirements for entities establishing and maintaining APEX Accelerators to provide procurement technical assistance to businesses, especially small, disadvantaged, women-owned, HUBZone, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. The document establishes an order of precedence for requirements, with Federal statutes and regulations taking precedence, followed by these award-specific terms, general program terms, and the recipient's plan. Key areas include program purpose, period of performance, assistance to small businesses, outreach, technical assistance (core services detailed), website and social media requirements, email communication, information exchanges, program income rules, and restrictions on acting as a client's representative. It also details resource requirements like dedicated personnel (Program Manager, counselors, and professional development), facilities, branding, service area limitations, success story documentation, and client satisfaction surveys. Cost allowability, fund transfers, and payment request procedures are also specified, emphasizing compliance with federal regulations and performance measurement through proposed goals and regular reporting.
    FY26.pdf
    The Department of Defense (DoD) APEX Accelerator Program is seeking applications for cost-sharing cooperative agreements to establish and maintain APEX Accelerators. These accelerators will provide procurement technical assistance to businesses seeking government contracts with the DoD, other federal agencies, and state/local governments. Approximately 60 awards are anticipated, with federal funding limits ranging from $450,000 to $1,500,000, depending on coverage area and distressed area status. Eligible applicants include states, local governments, nonprofit organizations, economic enterprises, and tribal organizations. A mandatory cost-sharing contribution is required, with the DoD covering up to 65% of costs (85% for distressed areas). Applications are due by December 16, 2025, and will be evaluated based on past performance, technical approach, and cost, with past performance being the most critical factor.
    Guidelines_how_to_conduct_a_Statewide_Coverage_analysis[1].pptx
    The APEX Program's “Statewide Coverage” analysis guidance, updated July 17, 2025, outlines requirements for federal funding opportunities. Applicants must demonstrate statewide coverage by serving at least 50% of the state's counties and 75% of its labor force. Funding limitations are statutory, as detailed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Applications must include documentation verifying this coverage using recent annual labor force statistics from the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). The process involves retrieving statewide and county-level labor force data, comparing the statistics, and providing a clear analysis of the results to show compliance with the coverage thresholds.
    Guidelines_how_to_conduct_distressed_area_analysis[1].pptx
    The APEX Program's Distressed Area Analysis outlines criteria and methods for identifying
    TRACK.pdf
    The APEX Accelerator Award-Specific Terms and Conditions (Version 6.05.2) outlines requirements for entities establishing and maintaining APEX Accelerators. These accelerators provide procurement technical assistance to businesses, including small, disadvantaged, women-owned, HUBZone, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, to secure government contracts. Key areas include outreach, technical assistance (free of charge), website and social media presence, information exchanges, and client surveys. The document details specific personnel qualifications, allowable costs (e.g., membership fees, conference charges up to $1,500), and unallowable costs (e.g., most food/beverages). It also covers program income management, reporting requirements (performance and financial), and the process for submitting payment requests through Wide Area Workflow. The document emphasizes branding, avoiding affiliation with other federal programs, and adherence to performance metrics, with updates for the new period of performance and reporting information.
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