SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Progress Update
On April 13, 2026, President Trump signed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs through September 30, 2031. This law ends a six-month lapse in authority following the previous expiration on September 30, 2025, enabling the resumption of federal R&D awards for small businesses.
Summit Individual Award
This year, the Summit Individual Award was presented to Mike Darrow, P.E., PMP, F. SAME, Deputy District Engineer for Project Management and Chief, Project Management Division, Norfolk District, US Army Corps of Engineers. This award is presented in honor of Darrow’s exceptional service, meritorious achievement and conspicuous innovation in the federal construction, infrastructure, energy, and environmental marketplace.
Federal and Defense Textiles and Tactical Equipment Summit
Join leaders from across government, industry, and academia to explore emerging priorities in federal and DoD textiles. At this event, you will learn about federal and DoD textile and tactical equipment needs, gain insight into federal requirements, standards, and compliance, and connect directly with decision-makers guiding critical uniform, protective equipment, advanced materials, and manufacturing efforts.
Summit Awards
Summit Day 1 Lunch Session Awards
This year, the Summit Organizational Award was presented to the Society of American Military Engineers Carolinas Region for their commitment in supporting and uniting public and private sector individuals and organizations from across the architecture, engineering, construction, environmental and facility management, contracting and acquisition in support national security.
AES Export Compliance Seminar
If your company is seeking to expand into Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or commercial defense opportunities overseas, you should strongly consider participating in the US Commercial Service AES Export Compliance Seminar.
This intensive two-day virtual program gives you the practical knowledge and real-world tools to strengthen your export operations.
US Forest Service Industry Day
Hosted by the SBTDC, US Forest Service Forest Service, and Partner Apex Accelerators. The US Forest Industry Day is back, this time with sessions across North Carolina focused on connecting contractors with USDA Forest Service contracting opportunities, including civil construction and service-based work related to Hurricane Helene recovery.
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