Government Contracting

Government Contracting

Offered through the Florida APEX Accelerator at the University of South Florida

Increase your sales with government contracting

The U.S. government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, and every year, contracts are available to businesses at the local, state, and federal level.

As a small business interested in pursuing government contracts, it can be overwhelming to navigate this process alone. Working with your local Florida APEX Accelerator can help give your business an advantage.

What is the Florida APEX?

The Florida APEX Accelerator at the University of South Florida (formerly the Procurement Technical Assistance Center) helps Florida-based businesses identify, compete for, and win government contracts.

Established by Congress in 1985, APEX Accelerators expand the number of businesses capable of participating in the broad spectrum of opportunities available to support America’s industrial base. The APEX Accelerators program focuses on building a strong, sustainable, and resilient U.S. supply chains by assisting a wide range of businesses that pursue and perform under contracts with the DoD, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors.

Florida-APEX

How can we help?

Our experienced and knowledgeable government contracting consultants help Florida businesses research and bid on government contracts. Our consultants are knowledgeable, experienced and eager to assist you in making selling to the government less complicated and more profitable.

Through our service offering, we can help you in areas, including:

  • Determining suitability for government contracting
  • Understanding the language and basics of contracting
  • Securing necessary federal, state, and local government registrations
  • Assistance in applying for small business programs including agency certified programs (SDVOSB, 8(a), HUBZone) and self-certifying programs (SDB, EDWOSB, MBE), and more.
  • Connecting with government buyers and prime contractors
  • Identifying proposal and bid opportunities.
  • Developing a customized profile on automated bid match service
  • Reviewing solicitations, proposal documents, and making recommendations
  • Small Business (SB) Innovative Research (SBIR) / SB Technology Transfer (STTR)
  • Training and awareness on cybersecurity, risks of foreign ownership, control and influence, and intellectual and property protection.

The Florida APEX Accelerator also offers training and workshops to assist business owners. Learn more and find an upcoming workshop here.

How do I get started?

Request Consulting

The Florida APEX Accelerator at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida APEX Accelerator, a statewide network powered by the University of West Florida and funded in part by the State of Florida and local partners, including the University of South Florida. This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to already be in business?
    Yes. You may be any type of business entity, but you must already own and operate a business to take advantage of government contracting.
  • Do I need to be registered with the government to get contracts?
    You must be registered as a vendor with each agency you wish to do business with. Our professionally certified consultants help you decide which agency is best for your business product/service and walk you through the process of becoming a vendor.
  • What resources are available for working with the government?
    Our certified business consultants have prior government buying experience, so they are your number one resource. They can assist with bid/proposal preparation, registrations, certifications, marketing, networking and contract administration.
  • Do I need to get certified to do business with the government?
    Certification as a woman-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned business gives you a competitive edge, but it is not a requirement. Should you decide to get certified, the Florida SBDC at USF can help you through that process.
  • Is there any training available to teach me how to work with the government?
    We offer training in a variety of areas, including government contracting, at our main office in the USF CONNECT building. Trainings vary in cost and may be in-person or webinars. View upcoming classes and sign up today.

Consultants

Contact Us

Regional Office Contact Info

USF CONNECT
3802 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 201
Tampa, FL 33612

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Florida SBDC Network

The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s lead host institution. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals.

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State Designated as Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance [§ 288.01, Fla. Stat.]