Posts Tagged DOD

CMMC Phase II Suspension and Reform Task Force

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The Department of War (DoW) is pausing the rollout of the Phase 2 implementation of CMMC while allowing Level 1 or Level 2 self-assessments to continue to be included in procurement requests. The cybersecurity NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2* requirements outlined in DFARS 252.204-7012 remain in effect. Cybersecurity compliance will continue to be enforced through self-assessments and select government-led assessments. See the press release here: https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4542329/forging-the-arsenal-of-freedom-department-of-war-suspends-cmmc-phase-ii-require/ and news coverage: https://defensescoop.com/2026/07/13/dod-halts-cmmc-cybersecurity-requirements-phase-2/ 

DoW is seeking feedback from industry by establishing a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Reform Task Force to gather feedback about reducing compliance costs and administrative burdens while protecting federal data and strengthening operational resilience. A Request for Information (RFI), distributed on July 13th, seeks responses before August 14th to help shape the future of cybersecurity and the operational resilience of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). To see more about how to respond to the RFI, view the announcement on SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/89ef9bfb0834473791e991c712698d94/view

For more information on how to comply with CMMC and upload your SPRS Score (which still matters), leverage Project Spectrum training at https://www.projectspectrum.io/ and check out the DoW Chief Information Officer website for additional resources: https://dowcio.war.gov/

 

Footnote:

*NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 will eventually be adopted into DFARS – learn more here: https://www.governmentcontractslaw.com/2025/04/the-prestige-dod-unveils-nist-sp-800-171-revision-3-organizationally-defined-parameters/

 

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Boosting Small Manufacturers

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May 12, 2026 update from our friends at the DoW OSBP:

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SBA Launches Enhanced Loan Guarantee Program for Eligible Manufacturers

Small business manufacturers have a new opportunity to access capital and scale their operations through the U.S. Small Business Association’s (SBA) “Made in America Loan Guarantee” program. This initiative is designed to help small businesses expand facilities, hire workers, and increase production—key steps in strengthening both domestic manufacturing and national security. Starting May 1, 2026, eligible manufacturers across NAICS Sectors 31–33 may use the funds to:

  • Upgrade or replace equipment to improve productivity and reduce unit costs.
  • Modernize facilities and production lines to meet customer and national security requirements.
  • Diversify supply chains away from foreign adversaries and bring critical production back to the United States.
  • Build more resilient inventory positions.
  • Expand operations and capacity through strategic acquisitions.

By reducing lender risk, the loan guarantee can improve access to financing for small manufacturers looking to modernize operations, invest in equipment, or meet increasing demand tied to government and defense needs. When paired with efforts like the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network, this loan guarantee creates real pathways for small manufacturers to scale, compete, and deliver for the warfighter.

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Note from your local APEX Accelerator: We recommend working with your local SBDC counselor to answer your small business loan and finance questions as APEX Accelerators do not handle loan questions but we thought this was relevant to our manufacturer clients. If you don’t have an SBDC counselor you can find yours here: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc

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Share Your Story: DoW Industry Insights Series Invitation (deadline 3/31/2026)

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A message from the U.S. Department of War:

Greetings,

The Department of War Office of Industrial Base Growth is inviting small businesses, new entrants, and nontraditional suppliers to share how they are supporting mission success.

If your company provides innovative technology, strengthens supply chains, or delivers specialized services that support Department or national security priorities, we encourage you to participate in the DoW Industry Insights Series: Seeking Small Businesses and Nontraditional Supplier Stories.

This is an opportunity to share the real-world impact of your work and ensure decision-makers understand the vital role small and emerging businesses play in supporting the warfighter.

The form requests basic company information along with a brief description of how your product or service supports the Department. Responses should be clear and concise.

You can access the form here:
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/Z07nrmRsEX

Deadline to participate: March 31, 2026

Please note: This is an unclassified data call. Do not include Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), proprietary data, export-controlled information, or any other sensitive or restricted content in your response.

We look forward to learning more about the important work you’re doing.

Respectfully,

Office of Industrial Base Growth
U.S. Department of War
https://business.defense.gov
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About:

The Office of Industrial Base Growth serves as the Department’s umbrella organization for efforts focused on expanding and strengthening the defense industrial base through vendor growth and supplier maturity. Its work increases competition, builds capacity, and creates clearer pathways for businesses to enter and succeed in the defense marketplace.

Many of you know the Office of Small Business Programs, or OSBP, which remains a vital and unchanged part of the broader organization. Its mission and services continue to grow. The name “Industrial Base Growth” reflects the full scope and strategic importance of the work already underway to expand the industrial base for companies of all sizes, while dedicated small business-specific support and programs remain firmly in place.

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Share Your Feedback on DoD Cybersecurity Requirements before November 9th

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The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) is seeking input from small businesses like yours to better understand how companies are preparing for the implementation of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements, which begin appearing in DoD contracts starting November 10, 2025.

Your voice is critical in helping the DoD keep informed about the real-time impact on small businesses so they can tailor the resources, support, and guidance during the transition. We encourage you to take just a few minutes to complete this short, anonymous survey:

Survey Link: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/Kj8RFat4A8

The survey explores your current readiness, concerns, challenges, and efforts related to CMMC compliance. Your responses will help ensure that the support small businesses receive is relevant, timely, and aligned with real-world needs. Feedback is due November 9.

Participation is completely voluntary, and you may choose to provide contact information if you’d like to stay informed or receive follow-up from the DoD OSBP team.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important effort and for your continued role in supporting the defense industrial base.

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Strategy for Modernization of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)

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Please follow this link to learn more about the Department of Defense strategy for modernization of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Released in 2022, the 2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS), is a plan to catalyze generational change from the existing defense industrial base to a more robust, resilient, and dynamic modernized defense industrial ecosystem. This document outlines a comprehensive plan that aligns with the strategic vision of the NDIS by both addressing consequential risks in critical areas and presenting six key DoD leader-driven initiatives to mitigate the risks and shift the strategy from vision to a fortified reality. If you are already part of the DIB, or aspire to be, this is critical information for you and your organization.

https://www.businessdefense.gov/NDIS.html?bbeml=tp-sOPCAsgj7kixPqV475FvCA.ja0eCQEu0vEG13R3HWirJzg.rEgxRSNUAA0SrfXkI1Q2Y4w.l9QgvHpEzzUq9UU64BuXlVw

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Key Technology Areas

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The Department of Defense is interested in small businesses engaged in key technology areas. If you are currently working in these mission critical areas, please reach out to your counselor or apex@gmu.edu so we may include your core competencies into our database. This information is only for DoD use, please review the document and determine if you have capability and/or capacity in these areas: https://virginiaapex.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Key-Technology-Sub-Areas-for-DoD-Industry-Survey.pdf

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Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Advance Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI) 2024

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A message from our friends at the US Army Mission Installation Contracting Command for distribution to APEX Accelerator clients:

Check out the recordings of the Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Advance Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI), highlighting forecasted contract requirements supporting many of the Army’s major commands and installations throughout the continental United States. Learn about potential contract opportunities with the Army:

  • APBI Day 1, April 22, 2024: video
  • APBI Day 2, April 23, 2024: video
  • APBI Day 3, April 24, 2024: video
  • APBI Day 4, April 25, 2024: video

Those who registered for the APBI will receive all accompanying slide presentations by the end of May. For those unable to register, slides have been posted to SAM.gov at https://sam.gov/opp/a6957ff1a15e4637b3494c087511a6f6/view under the attachments link, and any updates will be added by the end of May. Thank you again for your continued support of our organization’s small business efforts.

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DoD Seeking Public Comment on Timeliness of Payments to Defense Subcontractors

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DoD is seeking public input on improving the timeliness of payments to defense subcontractors. The request for feedback published Friday July 14 in the Federal Register and stems from the Defense Contract Finance Study, which found that defense subcontractors and suppliers generally do not receive favorable cash flow benefits as consistently or to the same extent enjoyed by defense prime contractors. Input on this matter is solicited from interested parties, including current prime contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, or vendors, and potential new entrants. This is a great opportunity for small businesses in particular to have their voice heard.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments within 60 days (by September 12) via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/DARS-2022-0012/document

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Introducing HIVE HUB: The 24/7 Industry Day for PEO DHMS

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The Program Executive Office, Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS) and the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization (FEHRM) office have partnered to create the Health Innovation Vision Exchange (HIVE) as a space to promote innovation in the federal health space.

With the HIVE, PEO DHMS’s primary goal is to foster collaboration and introduce state-of-the-art healthcare solutions to the Federal marketplace. Serving as a centralized platform, HIVE HUB facilitates the cross-pollination of ideas between contractors and Federal agencies, creating an ecosystem that thrives on innovation and ingenuity. This real-time communication platform ensures that businesses have the opportunity to communicate directly with the government, and to join in the conversation themselves.

Help build a thriving community together at the forefront of healthcare innovation! Anyone can join by registering at https://connect.bidscale.com/register to create a free account. That’s all it takes to stay updated with the latest news, explore real contracting opportunities, discover upcoming events, communicate with federal health contracting officers, and gain valuable insights not available elsewhere.

Read the open letter to resource partners making us aware of this effort and encouraging APEX Accelerator clients interested in DHMS to register.

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Virginia APEX Accelerator, formerly Virginia PTAC

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The Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) is now under the management of the Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and has changed its name to APEX Accelerators. The Virginia APEX Accelerator, hosted by George Mason University, will be transitioning to the new name in the coming months. Please note, our mission and assistance will not change. We are still here to serve businesses with Local, State and Federal Contracting assistance within our service area. This change will enhance our scope and resources in order to do more for the businesses we serve. So, whether we are called a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) or an APEX Accelerator, we continue to be here for you, our clients, for all your government contracting needs. Note: APEX is not an acronym, it is a destination.

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