Competition for Government funding is fierce. Kate Hoy has insight on how to beat the competition and come out on top.

Kate Hoy, SBIR/STTR Program Director at Washington APEX Accelerator, has an extensive background working with small business owners and assisting them with preparing to enter the Government contracting world. Kate works closely with the NW Tech Bridge and is also a partner in the new SBA funded ARC WA program which is dedicated to increasing the SBIR awards in Washington.

In this Q&A, Kate breaks down her experience in government contracting and discusses insights on accessing DOD innovation funding. Kate explains how businesses need to first understand the key technological challenges facing the DOD, and assess whether they can offer innovative solutions to address those challenges.

Q: Tell us about your background. What led you to your current role as the Washington APEX Accelerator SBIR/STTR Program Director?

I worked for almost 20 years in business development before joining APEX Accelerator. My main focus at that time was selling board level components and wire and cable to businesses. I worked extensively with engineers who needed to “spec” in new materials, including major prime contractors such as Intel, Motorola, Goodyear and others.

This experience ultimately guided me to independent government contracting proposal writing, which then led to a role as a government contracting advisor with the Arizona PTAC. In 2017, I moved to the Washington State APEX Accelerator, and in 2023 the Department of Defense Small Business Office took over the PTACs, rebranding them as well as expanding their scope to include innovation programs.

I took the role of SBIR Advisor then program manager for Thurston EDC’s APEX Accelerator program and here we are today! I also serve as the Program Manager for the ARC WA SBA funded program whose mission it is to increase SBIR awards overall in Washington State.

Q: What is the mission of APEX Accelerator, and how does it align with the objectives of NW Tech Bridge?

The mission of the APEX Accelerator is to provide no cost assistance to businesses who are seeking government contracting. APEX Accelerator is able to provide proposal reviews, links to education, market research and more. My particular mission is to provide support to small businesses who seek research and development funding.

This breadth of services means Washington APEX Accelerator is able to support small businesses seeking contracts or innovation funding, which dovetails perfectly with the NW Tech Bridge mission to increase Navy connections to innovators.

Q: Can you explain how federal government research and development dollars are  competition-based? What strategies help someone gain an advantage over their competitors?

The US federal government is a huge funding source. Because of this, the competition for that money is fierce. Businesses that educate themselves on the key technology challenges of the DOD, then determine if they can provide a cutting edge solution to one of those challenges will be better poised to win funding.

Washington State innovators can increase their odds by connecting with no-cost support such as APEX Accelerator, NW Tech Bridge and others!

Q: How does the NW Tech Bridge – Washington APEX Accelerator SBIR Program collaboration accelerate the path from innovation-to-use for Defense?

As an APEX Accelerator advisor, I can speak to the process of submitting a proposal, as well as offer proposal reviews or market research tips. NW Tech Bridge is able to provide valuable connections and insights on what the Navy is looking for and the best way to present your innovation to them.

Q: What tips would you offer to startups that are interested in collaborating with the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense is vast and encompasses many different programs, which can be overwhelming initially.

To navigate this, focus on the specific agency you want to work with and familiarize yourself with the challenges it faces. Be realistic about where you are in your development process.

It’s crucial to understand the difference between Research & Development, and Procurement, and to be prepared for how you’ll eventually transition between the two. Working with the DOD requires determination and resilience, offering a challenging yet highly rewarding experience.

Q: How can you get connected with Washington APEX Accelerator?

The Washington APEX Accelerator operates eight centers throughout Washington State, providing support to small businesses.

This includes the Thurston EDC’s APEX Accelerator and North Olympic Peninsula APEX Accelerator centers. You can find your location and get connected with Washington APEX Accelerator services at https://washingtonapex.org.