Northwest Commission APEX Accelerator (formerly known as PTAC)

The Northwest Commission APEX Accelerator, funded through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense’s Office of Small Business Programs and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, is part of a nationwide network dedicated to strengthening the defense industrial base. Its mission is to accelerate innovation, promote ingenuity, and build resilient, diverse supply chains. The NWC APEX Accelerator offers free technical assistance and resources to help businesses navigate government contracting at the federal, state, and local levels—whether as prime contractors or subcontractors. Expert counselors guide clients through processes such as Federal registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), Joint Certification Program (JCP), DFARS Cybersecurity and CMMC compliance, proposal development, and certification for Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, and Minority-Owned businesses. Additional support includes understanding Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), SBIR/STTR contracts, and working with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Services are available virtually or in person; businesses can sign up on the website or contact the office directly.