Oregon Apex Accelerator secures $350M in contracts for 2000+ businesses

In a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development, significant discussions highlighted the ongoing support for Oregon businesses seeking to engage in public contracting. The Oregon Apex Accelerator, which has been funded by the Department of Defense since 1986, plays a crucial role in this effort, with federal funds making up about 65% of its budget. The state of Oregon has consistently provided the required 35% non-federal match since 1989.

The Apex Accelerator assists local companies in navigating the complexities of public contracting, offering services that include helping businesses find opportunities, obtaining necessary certifications, and preparing competitive bids. With a team of nine experienced procurement counselors stationed across the state, the organization has counseled over 2,000 businesses since July 2023, resulting in more than $350 million in contract awards.

A notable focus of the meeting was the Accelerator's involvement in wildfire preparation efforts. This winter, the counseling team has successfully guided over 500 businesses through the virtual incident procurement process, known as VIPER, which is utilized by agencies like the Forest Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry to secure firefighting resources.

The impact of the Oregon Apex Accelerator is profound, having helped local businesses earn billions in government contracts over nearly four decades. As the state continues to support these initiatives, the community can expect ongoing assistance for businesses looking to thrive in the public contracting arena.