Are you a small business ready to grow as a prime contractor?

The Air Force Research Laboratory Small Business Office (AFRL/SB) ASCEND training program helps small businesses become successful prime contractors. Through hands-on virtual training sessions and expert guidance, ASCEND prepares small businesses to engage with AFRL and navigate the broader defense acquisition ecosystem.

ASCEND is developed and delivered by the Entrepreneurs’ Center and the Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX), in partnership with the AFRL Small Business Office (AFRL/SB). APEX is managed by Parallax Advanced Research under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with the Department of the Air Force.

Who Should Apply

Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses that meet Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards.

ASCEND is designed for nontraditional small businesses:

Pursuing prime contracting opportunities with AFRL and the Department of the Air Force
That have submitted to prime contracts and are seeking guidance to improve success

Note: Submitting an application does not guarantee participation. Applicants will be selected to participate based on readiness and alignment with program goals.

Why Apply for ASCEND

Learn strategies to become a successful prime contractor
Strengthen your approach if you have pursued prime contracting opportunities but not yet succeeded
Gain actionable tools for customer discovery and solution validation
Understand how to navigate the federal contracting landscape
Access resources to boost your knowledge of federal acquisition
Receive personalized support from experienced mentors and Subject Matter Experts

Program Format

A 3-part virtual training series (9 hours total) consisting of hands-on workshops.

Topics covered:

Problem Identification & Validation
Customer Discovery & Value Proposition
Acquisition and Contracting Landscape
FAR, RFPs, and Requirements

Program features:

Cohort Model – engage with peers in small groups
1:1 support with Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and Subject Matter Experts
Resources, templates, and worksheets for continued success

Your Path to Becoming a Prime Contractor Starts Here

📅 Applications are currently open for cohorts beginning in August-September 2026.

Apply Here

This form collects information for consideration in the ASCEND program; completing it does not guarantee participation in a cohort. Selected companies will be notified directly and provided with more details on expectations, attendance, and next steps. If not initially selected, your information will remain on file for consideration for future ASCEND cohorts.

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