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LIVE TRAINING

Illustration of a mountain with a flag at the top and stops along the way up the mountain.

Our live trainings, offer dynamic and interactive learning experiences designed to equip you with practical skills and actionable knowledge in real time. These sessions provide the opportunity to engage directly with APEX staff and industry experts, ask questions, and participate in discussions that deepen your understanding of government contracting topics. We hold most of our trainings online to offer maximum convenience, allowing participants to easily access valuable content without the need for travel.

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UPCOMING LIVE WEBINARS

7/8/2026 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Introduction to DCAA & Audit Process Overview

Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to host the upcoming DCAA webinar - Intro to DCAA and Audit Process Overview.

Join us as Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) discusses the roles and responsibilities of their agency, as well as the various types of audits performed throughout the acquisition lifecycle. Additionally, this presentation will provide an overview of DCAA’s audit process and some common communications contractors will experience throughout the audit. While each audit is different, there are some common questions small businesses have relating to the process. Participants will learn the importance of adequate assertions, scheduling entrance and exit conferences, communicating throughout the audit, auditor site visits and requests for information.

Speaker: Peggy Galindo, DCAA Financial Liaison Advisor (FLA), Non-DoD and Small Business

Ms. Galindo has been working for DCAA since June 2009 holding several positions from Auditor, Senior Auditor, Acting Supervisory Auditor and as Field Assistant of Quality (FAQ). Prior work experiences include the banking industry as Senior Credit Analyst providing portfolio management support, and the Department of Justice as a Certified Linguist/Language Monitor. Ms. Galindo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Minor in Accounting, and Master Degrees in Global Management and International Business.

7/16/2026 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

CUI Enclaves Explained: A Practical Path to CMMC for Small Contractors

For many small businesses, securing an entire corporate network is not realistic. This session explains what a CUI enclave is, when it makes sense, and how it is being used successfully to simplify CMMC compliance. The discussion will focus on assessment-aligned concepts and real-world considerations rather than vendor-specific solutions.

Offered in partnership with The Core Solution.

7/22/2026 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Breaking Into GovCon from a DCAA Perspective

The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) will break down the impact of the 2019 GAO “Contract Financing” report and the subsequent Defense Pricing and Contracting finance study, which cited government compliant accounting systems, Cost Accounting Standards, and FAR Cost Principles as barriers to entry for small businesses looking to enter the Defense Industrial Base. During this presentation, DCAA will look at the types of contract awards and the requirements for each, as well as the common misconceptions of FAR, CAS, and TINA.

Speaker: Peggy Galindo, DCAA Financial Liaison Advisor (FLA), Non-DoD and Small Business

Ms. Galindo has been working for DCAA since June 2009 holding several positions from Auditor, Senior Auditor, Acting Supervisory Auditor and as Field Assistant of Quality (FAQ).  Prior work experiences include the banking industry as Senior Credit Analyst providing portfolio management support, and the Department of Justice as a Certified Linguist/Language Monitor.  Ms. Galindo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Minor in Accounting, and Master Degrees in Global Management and International Business.

8/12/2026 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Overview of Contracts: A DCAA Webinar

Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to host the upcoming DCAA webinar - Overview of Contract Types.

The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) will explain differences between the major types of contracts, and the various contract clauses that allow DCAA to perform audits. Experts from the DCAA will highlight different contract vehicles, including Fixed-Price, Cost-Reimbursement, Time and Materials, and Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quality (IDIQ) contracts. You will gain insight into the fundamental audits DCAA performs for cost reimbursable type of awards and what you can do to prepare for these types of audits, including pre-award accounting system audits, floor checks, and incurred cost submissions.  

Speaker: Peggy Galindo, DCAA Financial Liaison Advisor (FLA), Non-DoD and Small Business

Ms. Galindo has been working for DCAA since June 2009 holding several positions from Auditor, Senior Auditor, Acting Supervisory Auditor and as Field Assistant of Quality (FAQ).  Prior work experiences include the banking industry as Senior Credit Analyst providing portfolio management support, and the Department of Justice as a Certified Linguist/Language Monitor.  Ms. Galindo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Minor in Accounting, and Master Degrees in Global Management and International Business.   

 

8/20/2026 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

CMMC On A Budget: What Small Contractors Are Actually Spending - And Why

Understanding the real costs of CMMC compliance is critical for planning and decision making. This webinar breaks down the major cost drivers, including assessments, preparation efforts, tooling, and ongoing compliance activities. Attendees will gain insight into where costs tend to escalate and how some organizations are keeping expenses predictable.

Offered in partnership with The Core Solution.

8/26/2026 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Audits Under the SBIR/STTR Program

Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to host the upcoming DCAA webinar - Audits Under the SBIR/STTR Programs. 

Each year, the federal government awards over 5,000 contracts totaling well over $3.2 billion for SBIR/STTR programs. Join experts from the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and learn more about these programs and how your company may benefit from these types of contract awards. The training will explain DCAA’s role, outline DCAA audits applicable to these programs, communicate ways small businesses can prepare for audits, and discuss resources available for small businesses.  

Speaker: Peggy Galindo, DCAA Financial Liaison Advisor (FLA), Non-DoD and Small Business

Ms. Galindo has been working for DCAA since June 2009 holding several positions from Auditor, Senior Auditor, Acting Supervisory Auditor and as Field Assistant of Quality (FAQ).  Prior work experiences include the banking industry as Senior Credit Analyst providing portfolio management support, and the Department of Justice as a Certified Linguist/Language Monitor.  Ms. Galindo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Minor in Accounting, and Master Degrees in Global Management and International Business.

9/9/2026 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Elements of an Adequate Proposal - A DCAA Webinar

Your local APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to host the upcoming DCAA webinar - Elements of an Adequate Proposal. 

Proposals are contractor prepared packages made in response to government solicitations and include the contractor’s budgeted costs for the projected period of performance of the solicitation. Join experts from Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) as they discuss the requirements of these proposal packages set forth in FAR Part 15 and DFARS 252.215-7009. The training will walk participants through all the proposal cost elements, including direct labor, material, subcontracts, ODCs, and indirect rates. The DCAA will also discuss how the agency determines the adequacy of your proposal submission. Additionally, the DCAA will provide examples of budgeting practices using historical data considerations, examples of adequacy non-compliances, and regulatory resources to assist with proposal development.  

Speaker: Peggy Galindo, DCAA Financial Liaison Advisor (FLA), Non-DoD and Small Business

Ms. Galindo has been working for DCAA since June 2009 holding several positions from Auditor, Senior Auditor, Acting Supervisory Auditor and as Field Assistant of Quality (FAQ).  Prior work experiences include the banking industry as Senior Credit Analyst providing portfolio management support, and the Department of Justice as a Certified Linguist/Language Monitor.  Ms. Galindo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Minor in Accounting, and Master Degrees in Global Management and International Business.

IN PERSON / HYBRID TRAININGS

7/28/2026 | 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT

2026 Oak Ridge Construction Opportunities Conference

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to connect directly with major federal prime contractors and the Department of Energy's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (DOE OSDBU). This half-day event is designed specifically for construction firms seeking to expand their federal contracting portfolio.

This session brings together representatives from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), UCOR, Y-12 National Security Complex, and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). You'll gain insider knowledge on how each organization procures construction services and what they're looking for in sub-contractors and partners.

  • Direct Procurement Insights: Hear from procurement representatives at ORNL, UCOR, Y-12, and TVA about their specific construction needs and how to position your business for success
  • Critical Compliance Requirements: Navigate cybersecurity requirements, Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) regulations, FAR Part 19 updates, and bonding essentials
  • Winning Strategies: Master proposal writing and capture planning techniques that win federal construction contracts
  • Real Success Stories: Learn from contractors who've successfully broken into the federal construction market
  • One-on-One Networking: Connect directly with prime contractors and exhibitors during dedicated networking time

***Limited Seating available, registration is required.

Matchmaking

To be considered for potential matchmaking meetings in the afternoon, send your capability statement to jutta.bangs@tennessee.edu.  

Who Should Attend

This event is ideal for construction contractors, subcontractors, specialty trades, and suppliers interested in federal contracting opportunities, particularly those supporting DOE facilities and related federal projects.

Co-sponsored by the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at Roane State Community College.