To establish and maintain an apex accelerator to serve as a resource for large and small business, including newly started businesses, to obtain procurement technical assistance

The Office of the Secretary of Defense awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $241,000.55 to Seda Council Of Governments under the Procurement Technical Assistance For Business Firms program (CFDA 12.002) effective May 15, 2025, with a completion date of March 31, 2026. Through this award, SEDA-COG will establish and maintain an APEX (Automated Procurement Expert) Accelerator center serving as a centralized resource for businesses across central Pennsylvania to access free procurement technical assistance. The center will support large and small businesses, including newly established enterprises, in navigating government procurement processes and competing for federal, state, and local government contracts.

The APEX Accelerator will deliver comprehensive counseling, training, and technical assistance services to help business firms identify contract opportunities, understand procurement requirements, and develop competitive proposals for government contracts. As a regional economic development agency with established experience administering federal grant awards and providing technical assistance across 11 counties in central Pennsylvania, SEDA-COG is well-positioned to deliver these procurement support services to diverse business populations, including those in underserved regions, thereby supporting the development of a stronger and more sustainable U.S. supply chain.