Mr. James R. Mismash

PENTAGON Dec. 8, 2025

Small Business Champion Takes the Helm

Mr. James R. Mismash has been appointed Director of the Office of Small Business Programs at the Department of War, effective November 3, 2025. The appointment places Mismash, previously Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the vital role small businesses play in national security.

APEX Accelerators release program impact data highlighting strategic progress.

Dec. 2, 2025

APEX Accelerators Release Program Impact Data Highlighting Strategic Progress

The APEX Accelerators program has released performance data from its most recent program year (April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025), offering a compelling snapshot of smarter service delivery, sharper strategic alignment, and measurable contributions to strengthening the defense and government industrial base.

PENTAGON Sept. 10, 2025

It's Official: CMMC Has Landed

Today marks the official start of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) implementation across DoD contracts. The DFARS rule is live in the Federal Register, and Phase 1 begins November 10, 2025.

DoD SBA Scorecard FY24

July 16, 2025

DoD Earns an "A" on FY24 Small Business Scorecard

PENTAGON — The Department of Defense (DoD) expanded the footprint of small business participation in the defense industrial base in FY24 with an increase of $4.9B in contract awards to small businesses. The DoD’s overall performance garnered an "A" rating overall for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s FY24 agency small business scorecard.

June 2, 2025

Vanguard Award Nominees Announced

PENTAGON — Established in 2015, the DoD Small Business Vanguard Awards Program recognizes the exceptional contributions of DoD small business professionals and members of the acquisition community that influence small business participation in Defense procurements.

May 2, 2025

DoD Small Business Bulletin is Relaunching May 9

Arlington, VA — The DoD Small Business Bulletin will officially relaunch next week with a new, expanded focus.

April 30, 2025

May Small Business Webinar Training Announced

Arlington, VA — New Dates: Register for the May Small Business Webinar Training on the topic of Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI).

March 28, 2025

Maryland Defense Business & Industry Roundtable

Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-4) met with state business leaders and local APEX Accelerator business clients today at the University of Maryland-ARLIS.

March 19, 2025

April Small Business Webinar Training Sessions

Arlington, VA — The April Small Business Webinar Trainings are on the topics of the DoD Mentor-Protege Program and Project Spectrum.

March 12, 2025

Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs APEX Accelerators Overview

Arlington, VA — Join APEX Accelerators Director Mr. Khalil Mack on March 27 for this DAU seminar, which will show how APEX Accelerators serve as a bridge between DoD buyers and suppliers.