Whether you’re registering in SAM.gov for the first time or you’ve been active for years, small missteps — or outdated information — can slow you down, derail eligibility, or cause you to miss an opportunity entirely.  In this step-by-step training, you’ll learn how to register correctly, keep your SAM.gov and SBA Small Business Search (SBS) profiles current, and avoid common compliance pitfalls.  We’ll also highlight an important 2026 change contractors need to plan for, so you’re not caught off guard when it’s time to submit proposals.

What You Will Learn:

• How to prepare for SAM registration, including what documents and information you need before you begin
• How the SAM.gov IRS validation process works, including how your legal business name and EIN are verified during registration
• How to complete and maintain your SAM registration, including UEI and CAGE Code considerations
• A major 2026 change that contractors must watch (and account for), which could impact proposal submission compliance
• How the current SBS platform and search interface are used by government buyers and prime contractors to find small businesses
• How to update and strengthen your SBS profile so it remains accurate, searchable, and competitive

We’ll walk you through the entire process, from preparing your documents to keeping your profiles current, so you don’t miss out on opportunities due to incomplete or outdated information.

Target Audience: Small business owners interested in federal contracting, entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their government business opportunities, and individuals responsible for maintaining their organization’s SAM.gov and SBS profiles.

Subject Matter Expert: Ashley Duwel, CEO of Duwel Dev, LLC

About Ashley:

Ashley Duwel is CEO of Duwel Dev, LLC and Host of the GovConHacks Podcast. With over 13 years of experience as an acquisition professional, Ashley has helped over 750 businesses secure over $1B in government contracts and subcontracts through management consulting and professional services. Her expertise spans from guiding businesses through government procurement and implementation complexities to achieving operational excellence and scaling for long-term success.
Ashley has educated over 17,000 students through partnerships with leading organizations such as Govology, MBDA, and APEX Accelerators. Combining deep industry knowledge with technology, Duwel Dev ensures clients can scale their operations effectively by implementing solutions to enhance productivity and increase efficiency.

The webinar is pre-recorded; however, at the end of the presentation, a member of the WSU APEX Accelerator Team will be available for LIVE Q&A.
Webinar source: Govology, our premier government contracting education partner.

No fee to attend, but registration is required.

This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense. Additionally, the Wayne State University APEX Accelerator is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).