The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutPRESENTATION re Apex Accelerator JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Carolyn Gallaway,Clerk of the Board DATE: November 10,2025 SUBJECT: Presentation by Justine Wagner, Clallam County Economic Development Council STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Jefferson County partners with Clallam County Economic Development Council(CCEDC)to promote and foster economic development on the Olympic Peninsula.One initiative of the CCEDC was the establishment of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center,now named APEX Accelerator. ANALYSIS: Justine Wagner with the CCCEDC, and APEX Accelerator will make a brief presentation regarding the program and will take any questions the Board or others might have. FISCAL IMPACT: None. RECOMMENDATION: Listen to the presentation and ask any questions the Board might have. REVIEWED BY: /4741 /7/25— Shawn Frederick,Acting County Administrator Date North Olympic Peninsula APEX Accelerator .0-- = What is the APEX Accelerator Program? The APEX Accelerator Program is a _ nationwide initiative by the Department of Defense (DOD). The DOD funds 85% of the - M_ NOP APEX accelerator and a local match provides the 15% remainder. APEX helps small businesses navigate and am; succeed in the government contracting process. NOP APEX Accelerator's mission is to strengthen Clallam and Jefferson County's economy by stimulating job creation, growth, and business retention. To accomplish this goal, the APEX Accelerator assists businesses in securing government contracts. Services: • Registration on sam.gov • One-on-one Advising • Access to Training APEX Services • Help with Capability Statements • Guidance through Certifications • Solicitation Review • Request for Proposal Review • Market Research • ...and more! All APEX Accelerator services are at NO-COST to the client. Why is this program important to us? • Rural agencies purchase $2B/yr • Rural bidders receive only 28% • $667,135,553 lost in economic output that would support 5,683 rural iv workers. Even 5% would be $3,335,677 • 41% of vendors indicated that they are not selling to public agencies • due to: • A lack of technical expertise in the bidding process qq VA -1 0-\\ � • Unaware of how to access bidding opportunities We want to help our local businesses secure government dollars and improve the economic vitality in our county. We care about our business owners and their business. • Apprenticeship Utilization Requirement Training for agencies/contractors • 5 Community Presentations • 10 Workshops 2024 • Summer Camp Series (4-class virtual series) • MRSC Small Works Roster Training for Highlights agencies/contractors • Meet the PRIME events • 10 Recruitment events, i.e. Meet the Federal Agencies, NPBA Board • $12,944,517.17 in FEDERAL contracts awarded to Businesses • 91 Active Clallam County Businesses 2025 Jefferson County Metrics Sled • .•. • lieipo44 Award Dollars to Total counseling Jefferson Training & Jefferson County hours provided : County Clients Matchmaking Businesses: 368 Served: 40 Events: 26 $2,072,545.88 4. FII%JRRE ICE Eft_IDS TONO FinRae Ice Blasting-Innovation in Action on the Olympic Peninsula Meet Aron Williams, the owner and visionary behind FinRae Ice Blasting, a company bringing high-impact, chemical-free cleaning solutions to homes and businesses across the North Olympic Peninsula. What started as a method for preserving historic sculptures and public fountains in New York City is now eliminating one of the Pacific Northwest's Success most stubborn nuisances: mold. Using a mobile dry ice blasting system, Williams blasts away mold from surfaces with environmentally safe pellets of dry ice—leaving only carbon dioxide in its wake and zero chemical residue Story behind. But mold removal is only the beginning.With an eye on industrial applications, Williams is expanding FinRae's services to tackle corrosion and rust removal on marine equipment, boats, and heavy machinery—a strategic move to support the region's boating and shipyard industries in Jefferson and Clallam counties. As he builds out a physical shop in Port Townsend,Williams is also navigating the world of federal contracts.With guidance from the North Olympic Peninsula Apex Accelerator, hosted by the Clallam County Economic Development Council, he's learning how to compete for Department of Defense contracts and has already set his sights on upcoming opportunities at a Puget Sound shipyard. The results are already visible: Contract Awarded-Jefferson County Courthouse: $10,940.00 General Information County /�� $ NOP APEX Accelerator lost APEX Businesseshas turn helped theJefferson$10,000 ® $45,000.00 in match funding due to investment into the services into cuts in the Governor's budget. $2,072,545.88 Government Contract dollars. ROI $207.25/$1 .00. With an additional staff member now on board, and training goal in 2026 is this!j We currently have 24 events and 122 to increase 1 :1 counseling hours to minim trainings planned for 2026 available Jefferson County Clients to 1040 me= to all Jefferson County Clients. hours. Looking Ahead to 2026 • Increase Client Engagement: Grow the active client base by 25%through targeted outreach, partnerships, and community engagement. A • Expand Local Matchmaking Opportunities: Host an increased number of matchmaking events '- •: in Jefferson County,fostering stronger connections between businesses and government buyers. • " • Engage Manufacturers: Strengthen outreach to the manufacturing sector to increase the number of manufacturers participating in government contracting. _ • FAR Education Initiative: Ensure all clients are informed about upcoming changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)through workshops, newsletters, and counseling sessions. • Cybersecurity Readiness: Provide enhanced training and resources on updated cybersecurity requirements(CMMC and beyond)to prepare businesses for compliance. • Government Partnerships: Deepen collaboration with local government agencies to increase awareness, communication, and procurement opportunities. • Contract Awards Impact: Support clients in securing a combined total of$15 million in government contract awards during the 2026 fiscal year. How the APEX Accelerator Can Help Local Government Agencies • Connect agencies with qualified local businesses for contracting and procurement opportunities • Provide guidance and resources to streamline agency outreach to small businesses • Facilitate networking and informational events (e.g., Meet the Agencies) • Offer insights on local business capabilities to support agency projects • Assist in promoting agency programs, initiatives, and opportunities to the business community How Local Government Agencies Can Support the APEX Accelerator Program str M � V ILli Participate in events to Provide guidance on bid Offer mentorship or Share updates on Collaborate to Share all award data share procurement processes and insight sessions for upcoming projects or strengthen the local quarterly with the APEX opportunities and regulatory requirements local business owners contracts to inform economy and small Accelerators agency expectations program participants business growth Thank you for your time Justine Wagner Program Manager jwagner@clallam.o_rg 360-912-2318