Date: 1/27/2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)
Registration Deadline: 1/27/2026 11:00 AM (EST)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: MDAPEX Team (301) 405-6550

Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: DoD Mentor-Protégé Program Information, Government Contracting, Government Industrial Base (GIB) Readiness, SBA Mentor-Protégé Program Information, Selling to Government
Description:
 

Brought to you in partnership with

In this 1 hour virtual class, you will learn the ins and outs of the popular SBA and DOD Mentor Protégé Programs and get answers to these, and many more, burning questions:

• What are the SBA’s and DOD's Mentor/Protégé Program (MPP)?
  

• What are the benefits for small businesses of participating in MPP?
  

• Does my business qualify? 
  

• If I form a joint venture under the MPP will my business still be considered small?

Speakers

Richard Arnholt, Member at Bass, Berry & Sims, a law firm in Washington, DC, advises companies on the complex rules applicable to contracting with federal and state governments. His practice includes litigating bid and size protests, counseling clients on unique regulations impacting their business, as well as responding to government allegations of procurement fraud or misconduct. In addition, he assists clients who are responding to suspension or debarment notices before various government agencies, including the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy; Defense Logistics Agency; EPA; GSA; and the Department of Homeland Security.

Adam Briscoe,  Associate at Bass, Berry & Sims advises companies as they navigate the contracting process with federal, state, and local governments. He counsels and represents clients on bid protests before the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (COFC), contract claims and disputes, teaming and subcontracting issues, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, data rights and intellectual property issues, and compliance with cybersecurity and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations. He further represents nontraditional contractors that provide emerging technology solutions and innovative services to the federal government through nontraditional contracting vehicles.

Registration Policies:

Registration and Fees: For fee-based classes - Payment of seminar fees may be made by credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.

Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is canceled, all fees will be returned.

Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.

How to Get Found by Primes & Agencies: Mastering the SBA Small Business Search Tool

Date: 4/9/2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)
Registration Deadline: 4/9/2026 12:00 PM (EDT)

Point of Contact: MDAPEX TEAM (301) 405-6550

Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Government Contracting, Government Industrial Base (GIB) Readiness, Selling to Government
Description:

If agencies and primes can’t find you, they can’t do business with you.

The SBA Small Business Search Tool (formerly known as DSBS) is a key system used by contracting officers and primes to find qualified small business partners. This training will help you build, strengthen, and optimize your profile to stand out in searches and increase your visibility to decision-makers.

Attendees will learn:

• What the SBA Small Business Search Tool is and how it’s used

• How to complete and update your company profile step-by-step

• How to write an effective narrative that highlights your expertise

• Tips for improving search visibility to primes and agencies

• How to leverage your profile to attract teaming opportunities

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Akiesha M. Foster is the founder of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC. A consulting company that mainly focuses on educating and training small businesses on how to do business in the Business-to-Government (B2G) marketplace.  Akiesha’s articles and YouTube Channel on government contracting have helped many small businesses get started. Akiesha has over 20 years of experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD). She is a former Maryland Apex Accelerator Procurement Specialist and has counseled over 250 clients on doing business with the government. 

Registration Policies:

Registration and Fees: For fee-based classes - Payment of seminar fees may be made by credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.

Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is canceled, all fees will be returned.

Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.