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.

As a valued small business, we want you to know there is an expected release of the new System Award Management (SAM) entity validation service process. We anticipate this functionality will be deployed with the next release scheduled in mid-August and we will keep you updated. SD APEX Accelerator will continue to assist small businesses with registration and validation as we always have. We will provide further information as it becomes available.

Systems Upgrade and Pausing of Initial Application Submissions

The SBA is upgrading how businesses apply for and manage their federal contracting certifications.

What do you as a business need to know?

SBA’s certification upgrade starts August 1, 2024. Initial certification applications will not be accepted during the upgrade period. The upgraded system is expected to be available for new certifications in early September.

What does this mean for your business?

Most certified firms will not be impacted by the pause in applications. New or prospective applicants are encouraged to wait to apply after the upgrade. Applications submitted before August 1 will be processed in the order received. Firms needing to renew should receive guidance from their certification program. Firms facing a critical contracting deadline can contact certifications@sba.gov (please provide proposal number, agency, and bid due date) for assistance.

Which federal certifications are impacted by the upgrade?

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
8(a) Business Development Program
Veteran Small Business Certification (VOSB)
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Program

Public Input Sought on Rule Change Affecting Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses self-certification rule change will go into effect on August 5, 2024, unless there are significant adverse comments received. This direct final rule contains amendments to the regulations governing the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) Program. The SBA is revising its regulations to implement a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2024 which eliminates self-anage them securely with acertification for service-disabled veteran-owned small business that are awarded federal government contracts or any subcontracts that count towards agency or subcontracting goals. This direct final rule amends the SBA’s regulations to carry out the changes made by NDAA 2024.

If you have feedback about this rule change, submit by July 8 to have your voice heard. Learn More>>

Registration is now open for the Verizon Wireless Public Sector Virtual Business Opportunity Session, in collaboration with the VA OSDBU Direct Access Program.

This event will be held June 27, 2024, from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET. The event details and registration information are included here for your review.

Purpose: Verizon is participating in a virtual business opportunity session. The event is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET.

Discussion: Verizon, in collaboration with the Direct Access Program, will host a virtual business opportunity session. Verizon is seeking small businesses to prime and subcontract to clients for the following capabilities, socioeconomic classifications and NAICS codes as outlined below. Please review the details of the events webpage carefully, prior to registering.

Event Link: To learn more and to register for the virtual event, please visit:
https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/VERIZON

Event-related details

Applicable NAICS

NAICS Description
541511 Custom Computer Programming Services
541519 Other Computer Related Services
517000 Telecommunications
541512 Computer Systems Design Services
541990 All other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
541511 Custom Computer Programming Services
541519 Other Computer-Related Services
517000 Telecommunications
54151 Computer Systems Design and Related Services
541512 Computer Systems Design Services
541990 All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
517311 Wired Telecommunications Carriers
517312 Wireless Telecommunication Carriers (except Satellite)
517919 All Other Telecommunications
517419 Satellite Telecommunications
517911 Telecommunications Resellers

Capabilities:
• Wireless and Wireline Networks
• Customer/Veteran Experience

About Verizon
Verizon works with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and partners to help achieve the VA’s mission and commitment to healthcare.
The Verizon network enables advanced clinical capabilities, with a sharpened focus on accelerating product development in fast-growing markets. Verizon has created Innovation Centers that work with product and software developers to embed network capabilities in a new generation of healthcare solutions.
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.
Questions may also be addressed to marcella.hurley@usd.edu.

Rule of Two: OMB Issues Guidance to Increase Small Business Participation on Multiple Award Contracts

On January 25, 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

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

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.
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)

SAM.gov

The unique entity identifier used in SAM.gov has changed. On April 4, 2022, the unique entity identifier used across the federal government changed from the DUNS Number to the Unique Entity ID (generated by SAM.gov).. The Unique Entity ID is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned to an entity by SAM.gov

If you are a veteran owned small business interested in government contracting, you need to be aware of the upcoming changes! Transfer of the certification from the Veterans Administration (VA) to the Small Business Administration (SBA) will take place January 1, 2023. Since there will no longer be an option for self-certification for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and Veteran Owned Small Business, it is strongly advised to apply for this certification as soon as possible with the VA.

The National Defense Authorization Act transfers the Veterans Affairs Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) function that is currently at the VA for verifying Service Disable Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) for VA contracts to the SBA on January 1, 2023. This change will streamline the process of all small business certification programs.

As of January 1, 2023, any small business wanting to compete in the federal market as a SDVOSB or VOSB will need to be certified by the SBA – self-certification will not be accepted by the contracting officer. The VA will retain its unique authority to make contract award set-asides to SDVOSBs and VOSBs but will rely on the SBA’s certification to verify eligibility.

SDVOSBs or VOSBs previously verified by the VA, will not lose their status at the time of the program transfer. There will be a one-year grace period to apply with the SBA.

To find the PTAC counselor in your area go to Home – SD Business Help.

Be ready for a SDVOSB or VOSB set aside with all agencies the beginning of 2023 by getting your certification as soon as possible.

Please visit https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/veteran-assistance-programs to learn about veteran assistance programs, contracting opportunities, and what this transfer means for your business. This site will be updated as more information becomes available.

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) is a one-stop-shop for service members, veterans, and military spouses looking to start, purchase, or grow a business. Located nationwide, VBOCs provide training workshops, including Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot programs, as well as business development assistance such as training, advising and mentoring, and resource referrals. Find additional information about the VBOC at – https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program .

South Dakota Department of Transportation Bid Lettings

South Dakota Department of Transportation – (sd.gov)

SD APEX News