Building Basic Research Capacity: Research and Education Program Webinar

For HBCUs and TCUs, expanding basic research capacity is not just about funding. It is about building the infrastructure, partnerships, and momentum needed to turn academic expertise into long-term research opportunity.

On June 24, Dept. of War (DoW) SciTechConnect will host , a focused 45-minute session designed to help institutions better understand the Research and Education Program and how it can support research growth.

Secure Your Spot: Join the DoW’s Inaugural DIB Accelerator

Defense Industrial Base partners,

DON’T MISS OUT – Attend the DoW’s inaugural Defense Industrial Base Accelerator (DIBX), August 25-27, 2026 in Philadelphia.

Register, reserve your booth, and view the agenda at https://events.ati.org/dibx.

On behalf of the Honorable Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, we are pleased to invite you to the inaugural DIBX.

Manufacturers Webinar – Strengthen Your Network and Modernize Operations

Looking to strengthen your North Carolina manufacturing network—or modernize your operations?

Join us on Wednesday, June 24, for a virtual workshop hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration North Carolina District Office.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
  • Connect with North Carolina-based suppliers
  • Explore proven manufacturing technologies for both the front office and factory floor
  • Access expert support and resources—many at no cost

We’ll be joined by a specialist from NC State University Industry Extension Services, who will discuss the suite of resources – many at no charge – they can offer to businesses just like yours.

Navigating a Future in Government Contracting

The federal contracting environment is undergoing many changes. Adjustments in set-aside programs, shifts in agency priorities, evolving contract vehicles and fluctuations in budget cycles continue to shape how businesses compete and operate in this space. This webinar is designed to equip participants with a structured and adaptable approach to federal contracting that remains effective despite changes in policy, regulation or market conditions.

Gold Coast 2026 | Strengthening National Security Through Small Business Innovation

THEME: Strengthening National Security Through Small Business Innovation

WHEN. August 17-20, 2026

WHERE. San Diego Convention Center

INDUSTRY
Expo Attendee/Booth Staff
$799 – Until July 15, 2026
$899 – Walk-in rate (valid through event close)

BOOTH SPACE*
$1,099 – Until July 15, 2026
$1,199 – Walk-in rate (valid through event close)

*Booth package includes space plus one staff member

Why Attend Gold Coast?

CMMC Level 1 for Federal Contractors

Most defense contractors know they need to deal with CMMC. What they don’t know is exactly how to do it, or where to start. The requirements are clear enough on paper: 15 security practices, a self-assessment, an executive affirmation filed in SPRS.

Financial Readiness for Entrepreneurs – NC Rural Rise Initiative

The Financial Readiness for Entrepreneurs event will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the John A. Walker Center at Wilkes Community College. This free event features a panel discussion designed to equip North Carolina small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to build financially resilient businesses.

The Process for Winning Government Contracts

The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), in partnership with Person County Economic Development, will be hosting an informational breakfast highlighting services offered to businesses interested in pursuing government contracting opportunities at the local, state, and federal level.  If your business is interested in pursuing government contracting opportunities, this is a great opportunity to learn about the resources offered by SBTDC to help your business land government contracts.

NC World Trade Association Annual Summit

The summit will take place on September 17th – 18th, 2026 — with an optional opening night welcome reception on September 16th at the hotel for early arrivals — at the beautiful Charlotte Marriott SouthPark, in Charlotte, NC. The summit brings together top business and industry leaders, owner-managers, shippers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, supply chain experts, government leaders, students and professors from our colleges and universities, and trade professionals engaged in global trade.

SBIR/STTR Proposal Development Series

Join SBTDC & First Flight for a 2-day SBIR/STTR series—learn to craft winning proposals and secure federal funding from expert advisors.

Join the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) and First Flight Venture Center for an interactive 2-day SBIR/STTR proposal development series on June 1st and June 8th, 2026 designed to help you compete and win.

Coast Guard ALC Modernization & Sustainment Accelerator

Event Overview

When. June 16 – 18, 2026

Where. Elizabeth City, North Carolina

As part of the modernization effort, the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is partnering with the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) on the ALC Modernization and Sustainment Accelerator.

CMMC Level 1 Readiness Workshop

Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Computer & Information Technology Department invites defense contractors, small businesses, consultants, and subcontractors to participate in a comprehensive CMMC Level 1 Readiness Workshop designed to strengthen cybersecurity posture and support federal contract compliance.

This interactive workshop provides a clear, practical pathway for organizations seeking to understand and implement the foundational requirements of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 framework.

US Department of Transportation National Small Business Matchmaking Series

The National Small Business Matchmaking Series is a premier initiative designed to bridge the gap between local small businesses and the federal marketplace. Our mission is to empower American entrepreneurs by providing the tools and connections necessary to succeed in federal contracting.

U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Advance Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI)

Registration is now open for the U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Advance Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI), scheduled for May 18–22, 2026. This virtual event connects small businesses with Army acquisition leaders and offers early insight into requirements that support installation operations and overall mission readiness.

Ethics and Excellence: Navigating Today’s Business Challenges

Join us on Wednesday, May 6 for Ethics & Excellence: Navigating Today’s Business Challenges—a FREE dynamic half-day event designed to equip you with practical strategies for leading with integrity in today’s complex business environment.

Hear from keynote speaker David Dowdy, entrepreneur and best-selling author, as he shares powerful insights to spark ethical leadership and sustainable success.

Advancing Research and Innovation for National Defense and Security

It is with great pleasure that the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Division of Research and Engagement invites you to “Advancing Research and Innovation for National Defense and Security,” a collaborative two-day workshop organized by:

  • Innovation Collaborative Laboratory for Nanotechnologies to Empower the Future Soldier (ICONS)
  • Institute for the Convergence of Optimized Methods for Military Advances and National Defense (iCOMMAND)

This workshop is designed to bring together leaders from the DEVCOM Soldier Center and Fort Bragg, as well as University researches and innovation partners to advance national defense to discuss cutting-edge research, build strategic collaborations, and advance workforce development.

Industry Day Aircraft Arresting System (AAS) and Re-Striping Homestead

The Government is planning to issue a single construction contract solicitation to provide Homestead ARB with fully functional, state of the art aircraft arresting systems for the runway and runway rubber removal and restriping. Project will replace deteriorated BAK-12 shelters with new, frangible shelters.

NCDOT Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan – Asheville

NCDOT is currently updating the Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan. In April, we will be hosting four (4) freight forums to reach out to stakeholders and industries across North Carolina for their input into the plan and North Carolina’s freight network (highway, seaports/inland ports, airports, and rail).

NCDOT Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan – Charlotte

NCDOT is currently updating the Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan. In April, we will be hosting four (4) freight forums to reach out to stakeholders and industries across North Carolina for their input into the plan and North Carolina’s freight network (highway, seaports/inland ports, airports, and rail).

NCDOT Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan – Raleigh

NCDOT is currently updating the Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan. In April, we will be hosting four (4) freight forums to reach out to stakeholders and industries across North Carolina for their input into the plan and North Carolina’s freight network (highway, seaports/inland ports, airports, and rail).

Small Business Outreach Event, Coastal Carolina Community College

When. 19 May 2026, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Where. Coastal Carolina Community College, Melton Skills Center, 444 Western Blvd. Jacksonville, NC  28546

Purpose of the Outreach Event.

  • Inform and educate businesses on the North Carolina-based support organizations available to assist businesses in becoming eligible and competitive for Department of Defense contracts.

Industry Day: KIMBROUGH AMBULATORY CARE CENTER, FORT MEADE, MD.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District Industry Day Notification for Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center Fort Meade, MD

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District invites industry representatives to an Industry Day for the construction of the new Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center at Fort Meade, Maryland.

CMMC Level 1 Implementation Workshop: Hands-On Guidance Through All 15 Controls

Most defense contractors know they need to deal with CMMC. What they don’t know is exactly how to do it, or where to start. The requirements are clear enough on paper: 15 security practices, a self-assessment, an executive affirmation filed in SPRS.

SciTechCONNECT Regional Pop-Up event in Greensboro

About the Event

The Department of War (DoW), in collaboration with the Applied Research Institute and North Carolina A&T University, is hosting a SciTechCONNECT Regional Pop-Up event in Greensboro, North Carolina on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026. With the goal of breaking down barriers of entry, this event is designed to educate, motivate, and inspire new potential performers from small businesses, industry, and academia to engage with the Department of War to grow the national security innovation ecosystem.

DoW SciTechCONNECT North Carolina Regional Pop-Up Information Session

Summary

Join the North Carolina Military Business Center for an information session in advance of the DoW SciTechCONNECT North Carolina Regional Pop-Up (April 29, 2026, Greensboro). The Regional Pop-Up is designed to break down barriers to entry and educate, motivate, and inspire new potential performers from small businesses, industry, and academia to engage with the Department of War and grow the national security innovation ecosystem.

Summit Keynote SpeakerDr. Larry D. McCallister, Ph.D, PE, PMP, SESDirector of ProgramsUS Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division

Dr. Larry McCallister was appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) in September 2013 and serves as the as the South Atlantic Division Programs Director where he oversees work in the Southeast United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He is responsible for the US Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil works mission consisting of planning, engineering and construction for navigation, flood control, stream bank and shore protection, hurricane and storm damage reduction, emergency preparedness response and recovery, hydropower, water supply, recreation, environmental protection and recovery, permitting, real estate and interagency and international support. 

Summit Keynote RemarksMr. Christopher D. Parker,Deputy Chief Procurement Executive (DPED) of the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction (OALC)and the Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

Parker is the Deputy Chief Procurement Executive (DPED) of the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction (OALC) and the Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He is responsible for managing and overseeing 17,000 acquisition and support personnel across VA’s portfolio of acquisition, logistics, and construction activities, which deliver care at 1,255 facilities for more than 9 million veterans.

Summit Keynote SpeakerRear Admiral Jeffrey J. “Jeff” KilianCommander, Naval Facilities EngineeringSystems Command / Chief of Civil Engineers

Rear Adm. Jeff Kilian is a native of Spokane, Washington. Prior to joining the Navy, Kilian served four years as a Marine assigned to 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. In 1994 he was commissioned via Officer Candidate School.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University and a Master of Science in Engineering (Construction Engineering and Project Management) from the University of Texas at Austin.

Virtual Industry Day Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

This is an announcement for an upcoming virtual industry day only. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Jacksonville District (Corps) will hold a virtual Industry Day for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) Indian River Lagoon South (IRL-S) C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area (C-44 RSTA) Seepage Management Feature – Relief Wells Contract A, Martin County, Florida on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

Department of War Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program Small Business Impacts Roundtable

The next Office of Advocacy Small Business Roundtable will be held virtually on March 12, 2026, at 1 PM ET on the Microsoft Teams platform.

In 2024, the U.S. Department of War published the final rules for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program (CMMC).