SOUTH DAKOTA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM
Project Innovation Grants – Application and Instructions
2026/2027 Academic Year (Award Period of August 12, 2026 to August 11, 2027)
Release Date – January 12, 2026
Due Date – March 27, 2026
Expected Award Announcements – May 1, 2026:
Contact Marcella.hurley@usd.edu for information and application.
As part of USD Research Week, the University of South Dakota will host the Wildfire Ignite Hackathon on April 11–12 at the Delzell Education Center. During this weekend event, students, faculty, and community members will work in teams to turn startup ideas into working prototypes using AI tools—no coding experience required.
We are currently seeking faculty mentors to support teams during the event.
Mentors circulate among teams, offering guidance, helping participants think through problems, and providing feedback as they develop their ideas. Mentors are not assigned to one team, and participation is flexible—you are welcome to join for any amount of time that fits your schedule.
Faculty mentors may assist teams in areas such as:
- Technical guidance using AI tools
- Business strategy and problem definition
- Helping teams refine their idea and identify users
- Coaching teams on their final pitch and presentation
To help answer questions and explain the mentor role, we will host an optional virtual informational session on March 11 from 12:00–12:30 PM. This will be a short overview of the event, what mentors do, and how the weekend works. A meeting link will be shared soon.
If you are interested in serving as a mentor, please complete the sign-up form below.
https://forms.gle/axNoT4caoGhmvYvJA
We hope you will consider joining us to support student innovation and entrepreneurship during Research Week.
Best,
Research Week Committee
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Office of Research & Sponsored Programs
414 E Clark St
P: 605-658-3760
orsp@usd.edu
University Participation in SBIR/STTR: Pre-submission to Post-Award
📅Thursday, April 23
⏰12:00–1:30 pm CT • 11:00 am–12:30 pm MT
This training webinar, provided by BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting (BBCetc), will focus on University Participation in SBIR/STTR, examining key considerations that arise during the development of an SBIR/STTR proposal and after it has been awarded, from the university’s perspective.
You may attend in person at locations across the state or join virtually. SD Biotech is sponsoring lunch at all in‑person sites.
📍 In‑Person Locations and Registration Links (register by April 9):
- Sioux Falls: Discovery District, Conference Room 104, 4600 Nobel Street
- Rapid City: Vanderboom Laboratory for Entrepreneurial Research (V-Lab), Room 109, 501 E. St. Joesph Street
- Aberdeen: Barnett Center, Kessler’s Champion Club, 1200 S. Jay Street
- Brookings: University Student Union, Dakota A and C, 1421 Student Union Lane
- Vermillion: Slagle Hall, Room 107. 414 E. Clark Street
💻 Virtual Option (registration open through April 23):
Best regards,
SD SBIR
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
P: 6056583768
https://www.sdbio.org/sd-sbir-sttr-support | sdsbir@usd.edu
The SBA Connect login change we’ve informed you about is scheduled to occur Tuesday, March 10, at 6 p.m. EDT.
This login provided you with access to one or more SBA applications, including Boots to Business, Nexus, SBIR.gov and SBICWeb.
The update, which uses Okta, provides you and other users with a more secure sign-in experience. It will require you to re-verify your account and you may need to confirm your identity with a government-issued identification and a selfie.
If you need SBA Connect assistance prior to this update, contact us at 866-SBA-HELP (866-722-4357), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Air Force in JB Andrews, MD, seeks 8(a) business sources to PROVIDE J SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION OF BASE ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS.
NAICS: 236220. SOL FA2860SABER. DUE 3/24/2026. Contact Alexis Huggins, alexis.huggins@us.af.mil, 240-612-5647. For details, go to https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsam.gov%2Fworkspace%2Fcontract%2Fopp%2F1a90d1f3882b46d3b60563bf2b49d8a1%2Fview&data=05%7C02%7Cmarcella.hurley%40usd.edu%7Cbc8f62b5c70a4786cf6208de803938ac%7C9c36a7d0bf7b49919b78be91a52f0226%7C0%7C0%7C639089181642553427%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=a%2BCBrfwMGXzUSpgK8MghKar%2FNR27kMIDTMqYa2DJ69o%3D&reserved=0
Notice ID: FA2860SABER
Inactive Dates: Apr 08, 2026
Response Date: Mar 24, 2026 4:30 PM EDT
Published Date: Mar 10, 2026 3:34 PM EDT
Original Set Aside: 8(a) Set-Aside (FAR 19.8)
NAICS Code: 236220 – Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Subject: Direct Access Program – VHA Procurement & Logistics Office (P&LO) Regional Program Office (RPO) Central NCO 10 Quarterly Virtual Business Opportunity Session
Purpose: VHA Procurement & Logistics Office (P&LO) Regional Program Office (RPO) Central NCO 10 Quarterly Virtual Business Opportunity Session, in collaboration with the Direct Access Program, will host a virtual business opportunity session on Wednesday, March 18, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 PM ET.
Discussion: NCO 10 will host the Regional Procurement Office Central’s Quarterly Virtual Business Opportunity Session to provide information for those small business vendors wishing to do business with the VA and NCO 10.
Please click the link below to register for this event:
https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/weblink/register/rb6506bc4252ff6b6f207fe5f7fdd2933
Applicable NAICS:
NAICS Description
236220 Commercial and Institutional Building Construction 541310 Architectural Services
541330 Engineering Services
621111 Office of Physicians
811210 Electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance
Desired Federal Socio-Economic Classifications:
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and all other small businesses are invited.
If you have questions about the virtual event, please contact the Direct Access Program by
e-mail at directaccess@va.gov or by phone at (202) 461-4694.
Good news! After several months of uncertainty, Congress appears close to passing a bipartisan agreement to reauthorize the SBIR/STTR programs. The current draft would extend the programs through 2031 and introduce updates such as a new Strategic Breakthrough Award pathway, clearer proposal‑limit guidance, and strengthened security requirements.
Although the bill is not yet finalized, and agencies must still treat the programs as paused, this is the most encouraging progress we have seen since the lapse last fall. We will continue to monitor developments closely and will update you as soon as reauthorization becomes official.
New SD SBIR Webpage Launched
We also launched the new SD SBIR webpage. Take a look to find information about matching funds for proposal development and submission consulting through BBCetc, upcoming training webinars, and other resources.
Upcoming Webinar: University Participation in SBIR/STTR: Pre-submission to Post-Award
Thursday, April 23 12:00–1:30 pm CT
Our next SBIR/STTR training webinar will focus on University Participation in SBIR/STTR, examining key considerations that arise during the development of an SBIR/STTR proposal and after it has been awarded, from the university’s perspective.
You may attend in person at locations across the state or join virtually. SD Biotech is generously sponsoring lunch at all in‑person sites.
In Person Locations and Registration Links (register by April 9th):
- Sioux Falls: Discovery District, Conference Room 104, 4600 Nobel Street
- Rapid City: Vanderboom Laboratory for Entrepreneurial Research (V-Lab), Room 109, 501 E. St. Joesph Street
- Aberdeen: Barnett Center, Kessler’s Champion Club, 1200 S. Jay Street
- Brookings: University Student Union, Dakota A and C, 1421 Student Union Lane
- Vermillion: Slagle Hall, Room 107. 414 E. Clark Street
Virtual Option (registration open through April 23rd):
Dan Engebretson, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
414 E. Clark St. | Vermillion, SD 57069
P: 605-658-3760
daniel.engebretson@usd.edu
We have a quick update on the SBA Connect login change, which will affect how users sign in to several SBA applications. It will now take place in the first week of March.
This update, which uses Okta, will provide you and other users with a more secure sign-in experience. It will require you to re-verify your account and you may need to confirm your identity with a government-issued identification and a selfie.
You will receive additional updates and information in the coming days.
If you need SBA Connect assistance prior to this update, contact us at 866-SBA-HELP (722-4357), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Responses to this email are not monitored.
DoW release regarding the new Critical Technology Areas:
Based on the six Critical Technology Areas mentioned, here are the relevant NAICS codes that relate to each:
Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI)541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services
- 541512 – Computer Systems Design Services
- 334111 – Electronic Computer Manufacturing
Biomanufacturing (BIO)325414 – Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing
- 541711 – Research and Development in Biotechnology
- 325412 – Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing
Contested Logistics Technologies (LOG)
- 336411 – Aircraft Manufacturing
- 336992 – Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing
- 488190 – Other Support Activities for Air Transportation
- 541330 – Engineering Services
Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance (Q-BID)
- 334511 – Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- 334220 – Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- 517410 – Satellite Telecommunications
Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE)
- 334511 – Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- 336414 – Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Scaled Hypersonics (SHY)
- 336414 – Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- 336415 – Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing
- 336419 – Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Strengthen your online fortress with these essential cybersecurity tips:
1️⃣ Use robust passwords and m password manager.
2️⃣ Add an extra layer of defense by enabling multifactor authentication.
3️⃣ Stay vigilant against phishing attempts; recognize and report suspicious emails or messages immediately.
4️⃣ Keep your devices shielded by regularly updating software; patches often fix vulnerabilities.
Tax scams are on the rise, and small businesses are often prime targets. Cyber criminals use phishing emails, fake tax filings, and identity theft to steal sensitive information that can cost you time, money, and even your reputation.
By staying informed, you can strengthen your defenses and ensure your business remains secure during tax season and beyond.
Introduction to Win Themes
How to Use Win Themes to Write Compelling Proposals
Most small businesses lose not because their solutions are weak, but because their proposals never answer one critical question: “Why should we pick you?”
This introduction sets the stage for everything that follows, helping you understand how Win Themes bring clarity, confidence, and persuasion to every proposal you write.
We open with the truth most teams overlook: your proposal’s success doesn’t depend on how much you say, but on how clearly you say why you matter.
Presented by GovCon
Join the 2026 Midwest Matchmaker: Connecting Small Businesses with Government Buyers
Are you a small business looking to expand your reach and connect with government buyers? The 2026 Midwest Matchmaker is your chance to meet federal, state, and local government procurement officials. This unique opportunity will bring together businesses and buyers in one of the largest online procurement events in the region.
Event Highlights:
- Who: Hosted by APEX Accelerators from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming, along with NADC APEX in Billings, MT, and the Nebraska Indian Community College APEX.
- What: An online matchmaking event that allows businesses to:
- Schedule pre-arranged appointments with government buyers, prime contractors and resource partners
- Explore procurement opportunities at all levels.
- When: February 11-12, 2026.
- Where: Online – accessible to all businesses, nationwide!
- Cost: FREE – no registration fees.
- Register Here: https://stonesriverem.com/event/midwest2026
Why Attend?
- Meet directly with procurement officials from federal, state, and local governments.
- Build relationships that could lead to future contracts.
- Network with other businesses in your field.
- Gain valuable insights into the procurement process.
Who Can Attend?
The event is open to all businesses – whether you’re new to government contracting or an experienced vendor, this is a chance to expand your network and grow your business.
Happy Fall! We look forward to another exciting month of free training offered to our clients through Govology.
A new discount code has been created for use by our clients.
Contact your SD APEX Accelerator for more information.
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Rule of Two: OMB Issues Guidance to Increase Small Business Participation on Multiple Award Contracts
On January 25, 2024 the Office of Management and Budget issued guidance on strategies federal agencies should adopt to enable small businesses to participate in multiple-award contracts. This guidance encouraged early engagement and planning for multiple-award contracts to maximize opportunities for small business contract holders; additional consideration of “on-ramps” to allow for businesses to be added during the performance period of the multiple-award contract; and the use of small business set aside orders for competition among small businesses. Read More: OMB Memo
Read More:White House Fact Sheet
Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI)
Foreign investment can play an important role in maintaining the vitality of the U.S. industrial base. Therefore, it’s the policy of the U.S. Government to allow foreign investment consistent with the national security interest of the United States. A company is considered to be operating under FOCI whenever a foreign interest has the power, direct or indirect, whether or not exercised, and whether or not exercisable, to direct or decide matters affecting the management or operations of that company in a manner which may result in unauthorized access to classified information or may adversely affect the performance of classified contracts.
Listen: Video One Listen: Video Two
OSBP and DAU brings small business a comprehensive, cost-effective platform of cybersecurity information, resources, tools, and training to assist in achieving and maintaining the intended level of cybersecurity and contractual compliance.
The Project Spectrum Blog: Protecting Small Businesses One Company at a Time is available now on the DAU website and can be retrieved at the following link: https://www.dau.edu/blogs/protecting-small-businesses-one-company-time. The Project Spectrum website is located at this link: https://www.projectspectrum.io/#/
If you are a small business looking to increase sales and profit, reduce dependence on existing markets and stabilize seasonal fluctuations, then you should consider exporting.
Develop your Export Plan & Strategy (all sessions are virtual)
1-hour Pre-Training Session
2-hour Weekly Sessions (4)
1-hour Post-Training Session
Registration: Home | South Dakota Trade
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so that communities can quickly respond to, and recover from, major disasters or emergencies.
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FEMA also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation during the recovery process.
For more information on the SD Public Assistance Process, contact your local APEX Accelerator Contracting Specialist (Go To Contact Page, select a county from drop down menu)
South Dakota Department of Transportation Bid Lettings
South Dakota Department of Transportation – (sd.gov)