The Department of Defense (DoD) is soliciting applications for the APEX Accelerator Program under funding opportunity number DOD2025APEXACCELERATORMAIN, with the objective of fostering business participation in government contracts. Authorized by section 1241 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1985, the program supports the establishment or maintenance of APEX Accelerators, which act as resources for businesses to gain procurement technical assistance, training, and information related to contracting opportunities with federal, state, and local governments, as well as government prime contractors.

Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, economic enterprises, and tribal organizations. Individual applicants are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to provide professional, specialized procurement technical assistance, which includes identifying contractual opportunities, supporting performance under contracts, and collaborating with DoD and other federal agencies.

The program anticipates awarding approximately two cooperative agreements totaling an estimated $1.25 million in Massachusetts and Indiana. The base year will begin on August 1, 2025, and conclude on July 31, 2026, with four one-year option periods available. Funding limitations vary based on the scope of service coverage, including amounts of up to $750,000 for less than statewide coverage, $1.5 million for statewide coverage, and $1 million for operations across multiple Bureau of Indian Affairs service areas.

Applicants are required to provide cost-sharing, with DoD funding not exceeding 65% of total costs unless services are provided in a designated distressed area, in which case the federal share may cover up to 85% of costs. Applications must include a budget breakdown, detailed execution strategy, personnel qualifications, facility availability, and technical understanding of program requirements.

The application must be submitted via Grants.gov by February 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Applications should include required attachments such as matching fund commitments, budget justifications, personnel qualifications, fringe benefits, and documentation verifying the distressed area designation if applicable.

Proposals will be evaluated based on past performance, program execution, and cost. Past performance is the most critical factor, followed by program execution and cost. Evaluation criteria include personnel qualifications, facility adequacy, program management, and technical understanding. Successful applicants will demonstrate a robust approach to procurement technical assistance, a well-structured management plan, and a commitment to meeting program goals and performance metrics.