APEX Accelerators: Free Government Contracting Help in All 50 States

What Is an APEX Accelerator?

APEX Accelerators are a nationwide network of 95 centers funded by the Department of Defense to help small businesses compete for government contracts. You might know them by their former name: Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs). The DoD rebranded them in 2023, but the mission stayed the same.

The federal government spends over $700 billion annually on contracts. By law, a portion of that must go to small businesses. APEX Accelerators exist to help you capture your share.

Here's the part that surprises most business owners: their services are completely free. No fees. No strings. No upsells. Your tax dollars already fund them—you might as well use them.

Who APEX Accelerators Are For

APEX Accelerators serve any small business interested in government contracting—not just diverse-owned businesses. However, they're particularly valuable if you're pursuing certifications like:

• 8(a) Business Development Program – for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) – for women-owned firms
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB) – for veteran entrepreneurs
• HUBZone – for businesses in historically underutilized areas
• Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) – for minority-owned businesses

Why? Because APEX counselors see dozens of certification applications every month. They know exactly which certifications matter for your industry, what documentation trips people up, and how long the process actually takes.

There are no minimums to qualify. You don't need a certain revenue level. You don't need existing government contracts. You don't need any certifications yet. If you're a small business owner curious about government contracting, APEX will help you.

The 7 Free Services APEX Accelerators Provide

APEX Accelerators offer a range of services that would cost you thousands of dollars if you hired a consultant. Here's what you get for free:

1. SAM.gov Registration Assistance

The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is required for any federal contracting. The registration process is notoriously confusing—APEX counselors walk you through it step by step and help you avoid common mistakes that delay approval.

2. Certification Guidance

APEX counselors help you determine which certifications are worth pursuing based on your industry, ownership, and target contracts. They'll explain the requirements for 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, and state-level programs—and be honest about which ones will actually help you win work.

3. Bid and Proposal Review

Before you submit a bid, APEX will review it. They'll check for compliance issues, missing documentation, and competitive weaknesses. Private consultants charge $2,000-$5,000 for this service. APEX does it free.

4. Contract Opportunity Matching

APEX counselors monitor contract opportunities and can alert you to bids that match your capabilities. They know what's coming down the pipeline in your state and can help you prepare before solicitations even drop.

5. Capability Statement Development

Your capability statement is your one-page business resume for contracting officers. APEX helps you create one that actually gets read—with the right format, keywords, and positioning for government buyers.

6. GSA Schedule Assistance

Getting on a GSA Schedule can open doors to streamlined federal purchasing. APEX can help you understand whether a GSA Schedule makes sense for your business and guide you through the application process.

7. Training and Workshops

Most APEX centers offer regular workshops on topics like reading solicitations, understanding contract types, teaming arrangements, and compliance requirements. These are often available in-person and online.

Why Diverse Businesses Should Use APEX First

If you're a minority, woman, veteran, or LGBTQ+ business owner, APEX Accelerators should be your first stop—before you hire a consultant, before you pay for certification assistance, before you spend money on anything.

Here's why:

They know which certifications actually matter. Not every certification helps every business. An APEX counselor can tell you whether 8(a) makes sense for your industry, whether your state MBE certification has reciprocity, and which certifications contracting officers in your region actually look for.

They see what's actually getting awarded. APEX counselors have visibility into contract awards in your state. They can tell you whether diverse suppliers are winning work in your industry—and if not, why not.

They'll review your first bid for free. Your first government bid is almost certainly going to have problems. APEX catches them before you submit. Consultants charge thousands for this; APEX does it because it's their job.

They have relationships with contracting officers. APEX counselors interact with government buyers regularly. They know who's buying what, and they can sometimes make introductions.

How to Find Your Local APEX Accelerator

Every state has at least one APEX Accelerator, and many have multiple centers serving different regions. Here's how to find yours:

1. Visit the official APEX directory: apexaccelerators.us
2. Enter your ZIP code to find the center serving your area
3. Contact them directly by phone or email to schedule an appointment

Most APEX centers offer both in-person and virtual counseling sessions. Your first meeting is typically a 30-60 minute intake session where they assess your business, understand your goals, and create a plan for moving forward.

What to bring to your first meeting:

• Basic business information (EIN, DUNS/UEI number if you have one)
• A list of your products or services
• Any existing certifications
• Your questions about government contracting

Don't worry if you don't have everything—APEX counselors are used to working with businesses at every stage.

What APEX Accelerators Can't Do

APEX Accelerators are incredibly valuable, but they have limits. Being realistic about what they can't do will help you set proper expectations:

• They won't write proposals for you. They'll review, advise, and coach—but the actual writing is your responsibility.
• They can't guarantee contracts. They improve your odds significantly, but winning work still depends on your capabilities, pricing, and competition.
• They can't expedite certifications. Certification timelines are set by certifying agencies (SBA, WBENC, NMSDC, etc.). APEX can help you submit a complete application, but they can't speed up the review.
• They're not lobbyists. They won't advocate for you with specific contracting officers or push for you to win particular bids.

Think of APEX as expert coaches, not done-for-you service providers. They make you better at the game; they don't play it for you.

APEX vs. Paid Consultants: When You Need Each

When should you use APEX, and when should you pay for a consultant? Here's an honest comparison:

Use APEX when:

• You're new to government contracting and need guidance
• You want someone to review bids before submission
• You need help understanding which certifications to pursue
• You want training on how government procurement works
• You're registering in SAM.gov for the first time

Consider a paid consultant when:

• You need someone to write proposals, not just review them
• You're pursuing a large, complex contract worth significant revenue
• You need dedicated, on-demand support (APEX counselors serve many clients)
• You want help with GSA Schedule pricing strategy and negotiations
• You need specialized expertise in a technical area

The smart approach: Start with APEX. Use their free services to learn the fundamentals, get your registrations in order, and submit your first few bids. Once you're competing for larger contracts where the stakes justify the investment, bring in specialized help.

The Numbers: APEX Impact

APEX Accelerators collectively help businesses win billions of dollars in government contracts each year:

• 95 APEX centers across all 50 states and U.S. territories
• 50,000+ businesses served annually
• $20+ billion in contract awards assisted
• 300,000+ counseling sessions provided each year

These aren't small operations. APEX Accelerators are one of the largest business assistance networks in the country—and they're specifically designed to help businesses like yours.

Source: APEX Accelerators National Program Statistics, Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs

Your Next Step

Government contracting can feel overwhelming—the jargon, the regulations, the bureaucracy. APEX Accelerators exist to cut through that complexity and give you a real shot at winning federal, state, and local contracts.

The best part? You've already paid for it with your taxes. The only cost is your time.

Find your local APEX Accelerator today: apexaccelerators.us

Frequently Asked Questions

Are APEX Accelerators really free?

Yes. APEX Accelerators are funded by the Department of Defense and state/local matching funds. There are no fees for their services—counseling, training, bid reviews, and registration assistance are all provided at no cost.

What's the difference between APEX and PTAC?

They're the same thing. PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center) was the original name. In 2023, the Department of Defense rebranded the network to APEX Accelerators. If you see either name, they refer to the same program.

Do I need to be certified to use APEX services?

No. APEX Accelerators help businesses at every stage—including those just exploring whether government contracting makes sense. They can help you determine which certifications to pursue and guide you through the application process.

How long does it take to get help from APEX?

Most APEX centers can schedule an initial consultation within 1-2 weeks. Response times vary by center and demand, but they're generally quick to respond to inquiries.

Can APEX help with state and local contracts, or just federal?

APEX Accelerators primarily focus on federal contracts, but many centers also provide guidance on state and local procurement opportunities. Ask your local center about their specific services.

Share Your APEX Experience

Have you worked with an APEX Accelerator? We're collecting real stories from business owners about their certification and contracting journeys—what worked, what didn't, and what you wish you'd known.

Your experience can help the next diverse business owner walk in with realistic expectations.