Southern Alleghenies APEX Accelerator Expands Service Area Through a New Strategic Partnership

The Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission (SAP&DC) is proud to announce the expansion of its APEX Accelerator service area to now include Cambria, Indiana, and Somerset Counties. This strategic growth is made possible through a new partnership with Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI), further strengthening efforts to support regional businesses in entering and competing in the government contracting marketplace.

Formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), the APEX Accelerator program at SAP&DC provides expert, one-on-one counseling and training to help businesses navigate the complex government procurement process. By equipping companies with the knowledge and tools necessary to bid on and win contracts at the federal, state, and local levels, the APEX Accelerator fosters local economic growth and business development.

With the inclusion of Cambria, Indiana, and Somerset Counties, SAP&DC’s APEX Accelerator now serves an 18-county region across central and northern Pennsylvania, with almost 900,000 people. This includes Bedford, Blair, Fulton, and Huntingdon Counties, as well as an extended footprint through partnerships with North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission, Northern Tier Planning & Development Commission, and now JARI.

“The federal government is the single largest purchaser of goods and services in the world,” said James F. Gerraughty, Government Procurement Program Manager at SAP&DC’s APEX Accelerator. “Through this partnership with JARI, we’re excited to bring our services to more businesses across the region—helping them understand how to compete in this dynamic marketplace and ultimately strengthen our regional economy.”

The APEX Accelerator program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Services include assistance with registration, bid preparation, market research, contract management, and more—all aimed at helping small and mid-sized businesses gain a foothold in the government supply chain.

From manufacturing and logistics to technology and professional services, businesses of all sizes and industries can benefit from participating in the government marketplace. The SAP&DC APEX Accelerator is committed to making sure that local businesses are ready to take on the opportunity.

For more information about the SAP&DC APEX Accelerator and how to access services, visit https://sapdc.org/government-contracting/ or contact apex@sapdc.org