The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network delivers professional, high quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs.

CNMI SBDC Network to Host Federal Contracting Training Opportunities on Tinian and Saipan in Partnership with the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group (ETSG)

(Saipan, MP) – The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at the Northern Marianas College, through its Lead Center on Saipan and the Tinian Small Business Development Center (Tinian SBDC), will host a series of federal contracting training sessions designed to help local businesses better understand and prepare for opportunities within the federal procurement space.

The trainings are being conducted in partnership with the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The initiative reflects ongoing collaboration between the Department of Defense and local economic development partners to strengthen the readiness of Commonwealth businesses interested in federal contracting opportunities.

The first training session will kick-off on the island of Tinian on Monday, March 23, 2026 from 11:30 AM to 4:15 PM. The training series will then continue on Saipan, with sessions scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. On Thursday, March 26, 2026, contracting officers will be made available to conduct one-on-one advising with SBDC’s clients needing direct and more focused assistance. Venue locations for both Saipan and Tinian training sessions are forthcoming.

These sessions are intended for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and contractors interested in learning more about working with federal agencies, particularly those connected to Department of Defense activities in the region. Participants will gain practical insights into federal procurement processes, contracting requirements, and how local businesses can position themselves to pursue upcoming opportunities.

SBDC clients are encouraged to sign-up as soon as possible as seats will be limited to allow for more direct assistance between contracting officers and clients. Due to limited seating, and to allow for effective training outcomes, participants are asked to only register if they can guarantee attendance. 

Registered clients can expect to learn the following:

  1. How to complete the SAM.gov registration process (obtaining UEIs, CAGE codes and the renewal process)
  2. Navigating SAM.gov (finding contracts on SAM.gov, using the SEARCH feature on SAM.gov for region-specific projects)
  3. How to Develop a Capabilities Statement (what information is best to include in such documents, formatting, etc.)
  4. Best Practices on Packaging Bids for Submission (how to develop bids and/or proposals for government contracting)

Additionally, to effectively serve its clients, confirmed registered participants are asked to bring the following:

  1. Personal laptop
  2. Copy of Business License
  3. Government/Official Documents containing the Physical Location (no P. O. Boxes) of the Business/Establishment; some acceptable documents include:
    1. Letter from the Mayor’s Office indicating the Business’s Physical Address (including the Building Number)
    2. Certificate of Existence (for LLCs)
    3. Articles of Incorporation
    4. CUC Bill, Bank Statement or any official document indicating their Physical Addresses (no P. O. Boxes)

“Federal contracting presents significant opportunities for businesses in the Commonwealth, especially as federal investment and activity in the region continues to grow,” said Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, Network Director of the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network. “Through partnerships like this with the Pacific Air Forces 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group, we are able to connect our local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need to confidently pursue and compete for federal contracting opportunities. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to seek one-on-one advising and personalized training with contracting officers to build that bridge towards doing business with DOD and the Federal government.”

With increasing federal investment and infrastructure development occurring across the region, these trainings aim to equip local businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to compete and participate in federal contracting opportunities.

Participation in the training sessions is a no cost training opportunity, though advanced registration is required. 

The CNMI SBDC Network extends its deepest gratitude to the support and leadership of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces and the 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group in its deployment of resources to provide meaningful assistance to our small business communities across the Commonwealth.

Businesses interested in attending may register using the links below:

Tinian Training Registration:
https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019198 

Saipan Training Registration:
https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019197 

For more information, visit www.cnmisbdc.com or contact the CNMI SBDC office at (670) 237-9206/6888 or send us an email at cnmisbdc@marianas.edu. Follow us on social media for updates: Instagram @cnmisbdc and Facebook at CNMI Small Business Development Center Network for the latest information.

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