AUGUST 6, 2026 Aug. 7, 2026

SBA Announces First-Ever Critical Suppliers Prize Competition to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing and Supply Chains

The competition will award up to $20 million in non‑dilutive capital, including as many as six prizes with a maximum of $6 million each, to small businesses that demonstrate the capacity to rapidly scale domestic production through measurable, enduring supply chain solutions.

Aug. 6, 2026

DIB Accelerator 2026 - August 25-27 in Philadelphia

As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence this summer, Philadelphia is once again the epicenter of revolutionary action. Join us August 25-27 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the Defense Industrial Base Accelerator (DIBX) 2026. This isn’t just another conference: we are actively turning dialogue into dollars and scaling technical solutions to meet urgent warfighter needs.

PENTAGON July 13, 2026

Forging the Arsenal of Freedom: Department of War Suspends CMMC Phase II Requirements

The Department of War today announces the immediate suspension of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Phase II requirements, which were originally scheduled to come into effect on November 10, 2026. All Phase I self-assessment requirements remain firmly in place. Additionally, the Department will begin a comprehensive review of CMMC aimed at aligning with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's Acquisition Transformation System (ATS) directives prioritizing speed to capability, lowering barriers for small, medium, and non-traditional businesses, and replacing bureaucratic compliance with scalable, resilient cybersecurity measures.

Washington, D.C. June 25, 2026

DoW Earns an "A" on FY25 Small Business Scorecard

The Department of War earned an A with an overall score of 100.46% on the U.S. Small Business Administration's FY25 Small Business Procurement Scorecard, recognizing the Department's continued commitment to expanding opportunities for small businesses and strengthening the defense industrial base.

June 22, 2026

Vanguard Awards for FY25 Announced

New Orleans, La. — The Vanguard Awards for FY25 were announced at the annual awards luncheon held during Small Business Training Week on June 17, 2026 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans.

May 4, 2026

National Small Business Month

PENTAGON — Small businesses are the engine of our national economy, comprising over 99% of all businesses in the United States. Beyond their economic impact, they play a critical role in our national security and directly support the warfighter.

Arlington, VA April 15, 2026

Dr. Marvin Carroll Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from MPP Program

Arlington, VA — Dr. Marvin Carroll, founder and CEO of Tec-Masters, Inc., received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the DoW Mentor-Protégé Program, honoring decades of impact across the defense industrial base.

April 10, 2026

FY2024 and FY2025 Nunn-Perry Awards

ARLINGTON, VA — The Department of War Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) recognized its FY2024 and FY2025 Nunn-Perry Award nominees and recipients at the annual awards luncheon on April 9 during the MPP Summit in Arlington, VA.

PENTAGON April 2, 2026

SBA Announces New “Made in America Loan Guarantee” to Restore Manufacturing Dominance

Big News for Small Manufacturers: Starting May 1, small businesses can leverage U.S. Small Business Administration “Made in America” loan guarantees to expand facilities, hire workers, and increase production. 

March 20, 2026

Small Business Spring Training

Small businesses play a critical role in strengthening the defense industrial base—but it takes preparation to compete. This spring, join our Small Business Spring Training and get ready to step up to the plate with the knowledge and connections you need.