North Puget Sound Contracting Conference

Understanding SBA Loans and Qualifications | 10:30 a.m., Room 1BC
This panel will provide an overview of current SBA loan programs, including the 504, 7(a), and 8(a) options, as well as the qualifications and financial requirements small businesses must meet to access these funds. Panelists—including an SBA Representative, an SBDC Business Counselor, and a Lending Representative—will also discuss the role of business plans in the loan approval process and share insights on advances on contracts and how they can support small business growth.

Moderator: Elizabeth Rusnak, Northwest Business Development Association (NWBDA)

Speakers:

• Laura Gomez, Business Impact NW
• Jennifer Shelton, Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Janie Sacco, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

First DIBBS: An Introduction for Suppliers Interested in Selling to the Defense Logistics Agency | 10:30 a.m., Room 2B
This workshop offers a clear, jargon-free overview of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), your starting point for doing business with one of the largest logistics operations in the world. You’ll gain a solid understanding of how the system works, what opportunities look like, and how to prepare for success.

Presenter: Mark Johnson, Washington APEX Accelerator

Winning Strategies for Consultants: Best Practices for Government Contracting | 10:30 a.m., Room 2C
Consultants in A&E, IT, Strategic Planning, and Marketing and Communications share insights and strategies they use to identify and pursue government contracting opportunities, overcome challenges in the bidding and performance process and how to communicate and deliver value to agency and prime customers.

Moderator: Cara Buckingham, Washington APEX Accelerator

Speakers:

• Nikki Mariano, Urban Forestry Services | Bartlett Consulting
• Paul Thompson, Urban Forestry Services | Bartlett Consulting
• Amalia Martino, The Vida Agency
• Christy Johnson, Artemis Connection

Project Opportunities with Snohomish County Agencies | 11:30 a.m., Room 1BC
Be the first to know about upcoming projects, bid opportunities, and strategic initiatives directly from Snohomish County area agencies. Bring your questions about project specifications, timelines, or requirements. Whether you specialize in road construction, landscaping, utilities, or any other facet of public works, this event is your ticket to staying ahead of the curve and positioning your business for success.

Moderator: Mark Johnson, Washington APEX Accelerator

Speakers:

• Janet Pope, Lynnwood Public Facilities District
• Brady Schach, City of Lynnwood

Understanding CMMC: Department of Defense Cybersecurity Requirements | 11:30 a.m., Room 2B
Meeting Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements, that became law on Dec 16, 2024, is a must to be eligible for DoD contracts and subcontracts. This workshop provides businesses crucial information about CMMC and a guide for next steps toward compliance.

Presenter: Terry Homburg, Washington APEX Accelerator

Pipelines to Government Sales | 11:30 a.m., Room 2C
Learn to navigate selling goods and services to government entities with this powerhouse lineup of representatives from The US General Services Administration (GSA), Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) and the Port of Everett—offering insights into their procurement processes.

Speakers:

• Cedric Austin, Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES)
• Alex Stutzman, General Services Administration (GSA)
• Maija Lampinen, Port of Everett

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Government Contracting | 12:30 p.m., Room 1DEF (Lunch Session)
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of government contracting across all levels—federal, state, and local. This expert panel will explore real-world applications of AI and automation in procurement, compliance, vendor management, and data analysis.

Moderator: Cara Buckingham, Washington APEX Accelerator

Speakers:

• Jesse Chen, LoneCypressAI
• Bre Oliver, LoneCypressAI
• Andrew Powers, Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Transportation Futures: A Discussion on Sound Transit, Community Transit & Cascadia High-Speed Rail | 2:00 p.m., Room 1BC
Join a forward-looking discussion exploring the future of transportation in the Pacific Northwest! Hear directly from leaders and experts involved in shaping Sound Transit, Community Transit, and the ambitious Cascadia High-Speed Rail project.

Moderator: Daniel Tappana, Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC)

Speakers:

• Brad Owen, Sound Transit
• Rob Berman, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

Prevailing Wage | 2:00 p.m., Room 2B
Hear practical insights and real-world guidance for contractors, subcontractors and consultants working on public works projects to help your business stay compliant, avoid common pitfalls and gain clarity on reporting, classifications and enforcement trends. 

Moderator: Lance Calloway, Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGC)

Speakers:

• Renee Linder, J. Linder Painting / Washington APEX Accelerator (Consultant)
• Wendy Ortman, Naylor Construction Consulting
• Chuck Ziegert, Labor & Industries, Washington State (L&I)

Construction Contracting Opportunities through Small Works Rosters | 2:00 p.m., Room 2C
Are you a small contractor looking to break into public works projects? This panel provides a roadmap to set up your business for success in Small Works contracting. Topics include registration on the MRSC Small Works Roster and Agency Vendor Portals, PWSBE Certification and resources to understand public works requirements.

Moderator: Tiffany Scroggs, Washington APEX Accelerator

Speakers:

• Lisa Lagerstrom, Municipal Research & Services Center (MRSC)
• Curtis Bennet, Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
• Shannon Barker, NIGP-CPP, Snohomish County Purchasing