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 Wichita State University a Cooperative Agreement valued at $534,218.58 on July 8, 2025, to establish and maintain an APEX Accelerator center under the Procurement Technical Assistance For Business Firms program (CFDA 12.002). Through this award, WSU will deliver free procurement technical assistance to businesses of all sizes, including newly established enterprises, to support their participation in federal, state, and local government contracting. The center will provide comprehensive counseling, training, and technical guidance to help businesses navigate government procurement processes, identify contracting opportunities, and develop competitive proposals. The performance period extends through May 31, 2026, with operations based in Kansas.

Johnson County Community College, designated as a sub-awardee effective November 5, 2025, will provide procurement technical assistance services consistent with the APEX General Terms and Conditions, Version 5.2. This collaborative structure enables broader regional service delivery across the Kansas procurement assistance landscape, strengthening the domestic supply chain by enabling diverse business participation in government contracting at all levels.