Think it’s Impossible to Score a Government Contract? How Three Local Businesses are Benefiting from Expert Guidance

Think winning government contracts is an impossible reality?

For close to four decades, Washington APEX Accelerator’s Region 4 team has been working alongside business owners in Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Whatcom counties, equipping them with all the right tools to successfully navigate the challenges associated with bidding for and winning government contracts. 

It’s part of a nationwide program dedicated to providing technical assistance to small business owners who want to sell to federal, state, or local governments. With offices located across the state, WA APEX Accelerator’s Region 4 team - Cara Buckingham and Mark Johnson - is hosted by Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) in Everett. Thanks to our partnerships with many talented business owners over the years, Washington APEX has gained a reputation as being one of the best kept secrets for government contracting assistance.

“These business owners are working incredibly hard to develop their companies and win contracts,” said Washington APEX Accelerator Center Manager and Advisor Cara Buckingham. “It’s particularly exciting to hear when a client is successful and shares what they value about working with our organization.”

Growing Into a Go-to Provider: Sound Surveillance, LLC

After starting their construction site video surveillance and monitoring business two years ago, Sound Surveillance owners Tony Matesi and Ben Razdolsky were ready to take it to the next level.

Setting their sights on government contracts, the entrepreneurs tapped into the APEX Accelerator program in October 2023. The goal? Grow their business into the go-to provider for construction site security across the Puget Sound region.

Within a year, they had landed their first public works contracts, providing on-site security surveillance for major prime contractors performing on public projects.

“We attended the 2024 Regional Contracting Forum, hosted by the City of Seattle, at McCaw Hall on September 12. The very next day, we landed our contract with Skanska—our biggest win to date. That opportunity came from a connection made during the event,” they said. “Shortly after, we signed with Faber Construction for a project at the Port of Everett. That site ended up being a launchpad for even more growth—our signage there caught the attention of Kirtley-Cole, who reached out directly and became our next client.”

Through partnering with APEX Accelerator, they sharpened their core competencies sheet, learned how to confidently navigate subcontractor forms, and got on the radar of key general contractors.

“Just as importantly, they’ve consistently pointed us toward the right rooms and the right people—helping us turn introductions into real contracts,” they said. “We’re still a young company, but with the help of EASC and APEX, we’ve been able to move fast, stay scrappy, and make the kind of connections that most small businesses only hope for.”

Enormous Growth: Mogul Media LLC (Mogul Media Consulting)

Navigating regulatory compliance, the bidding processes, contract structures, and reporting requirements? Obtaining government contracts can be daunting! 

“There's just so much that goes on when working with government agencies... from bidding websites, capability statements, proposals, events, and more,” said Mogul Media LLC owner Christine Umayam.

With over 20 successful years of delivering impactful marketing, advertising, and strategic communications solutions under her belt, she signed up for help from APEX in August 2023. Within seven months, she landed her first government contract – a coveted spot on the Washington State Communications and Marketing Services Statewide Contract, earning close to $600k in revenue.

“Working with Cara at Washington APEX Accelerator has done wonders for my business,” said Umayam. “Without the resources she provides, we would be lost in the chaos of government procurement.”

Meeting the right people, attending the right events and getting the right education to move forward proved invaluable.

“I can't thank Cara enough for her support! We've grown enormously in the past year and I can't wait for what the next few years will look like,” said Umayam.

A Game Changer: Aponwao Ideas, LLC

As Aponwao Ideas LLC (Aponwao) explored opportunities in the public sector, the team recognized the importance of identifying local governments whose mission, vision, and values aligned with their own. Their focus is not just on providing consulting and problem-solving services but on partnering with agencies to improve project and organizational efficiency, and to ultimately help them amplify their social impact and achieve lasting positive change in the communities they serve.

Officially launching in January 2024, Aponwao immediately reached out to APEX Accelerator for guidance on how to navigate the world of government contracting.

"Working with Mark W. Johnson at Washington APEX Accelerator has been a game changer for Aponwao,” said executive director Lizzie Lee. “As someone who understands how to run projects but needed help understanding where we fit in the world of government contracting, his support around market research has been invaluable. Mark helped us see where our services could meet a need, not just in theory, but within agencies actively working to serve communities and improve systems.”

Through APEX consultation, guidance, and event opportunities, Aponwao gained valuable insights to adjust its services approach and sharpen its target audience. Their experience with APEX far exceeded expectations. 

“Mark has consistently gone above and beyond, offering practical advice and genuinely taking the time to understand our approach. He’s pointed us toward the right events, and his insights on how to show up for procurement professionals have been a turning point, helping us communicate our expertise and values effectively,” said Lee. “Our distinctive approach to project and planning strategy enables risk prevention and mitigation, and it's finally resonating with agencies that recognize this as a strategic advantage. Many thanks to Mark, Washington APEX Accelerator, and Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC). With their support, we’re now better positioned to tackle the opportunities ahead and make a real impact."

Reach Washington APEX Accelerator Here!