Compete to Win: Apply to TEDCO’s BRIDGE Proposal Lab – Cohort 3 Now Open

Applications are due Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, is accepting applications for Cohort 3 of the BRIDGE Proposal Lab—a free, cohort-based training and advisory program designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged individual-owned businesses (SEDIs) and very small businesses (VSBs) compete for and win federal contracts and grants.

Delivered by OST Global Solutions, the program serves eligible businesses operating in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Why This Matters

Federal contracts and grants can create significant growth opportunities, but navigating the federal marketplace requires a strong pipeline, disciplined capture planning, and the ability to develop compliant, persuasive proposals.

The BRIDGE Proposal Lab provides structured training, practical tools, and hands-on guidance to help participating businesses build these capabilities and pursue real opportunities.

What You’ll Gain

Selected participants will receive:

Government Business Development Training

  • Twelve months of self-paced training through OST’s Learning Management System
  • Instruction in business development, capture, and proposal management
  • Progress dashboards and course-completion metrics
  • The opportunity to earn a U.S. Department of Labor certificate after completing the training and passing the final exam

Hands-On Pipeline and Proposal Support

  • Opportunity identification and qualification
  • Pipeline development and teaming support
  • Win strategy and proposal planning
  • Proposal outlines and compliance matrices
  • Budget and cost proposal guidance
  • Proposal reviews, editing, graphics, and production support

AI-Powered Proposal Tools

  • Participants will receive access to WinMoreBD.ai, OST’s generative AI platform for business development and proposal preparation, during the program’s active pursuit period.

Alumni and Teaming Network

  • Participants will gain access to networking opportunities, peer relationships, teaming support, and an alumni community designed to continue beyond the active program.

Who Should Apply

The program is intended for businesses that:

  • Qualify as a SEDI-owned business or very small business
  • Operate in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
  • Are ready to pursue competitive federal contracts or grants
  • Can commit to completing the training and participating actively in proposal-development activities
  • Are willing to collaborate, contribute to pursuit teams, and provide peer feedback

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
  • Expected Cohort 3 Onboarding + Training Launch: September 9, 2026

How to Apply

Applicants must complete both steps to be considered:

  1. Register with TEDCO (FIRST STEP):
    Register with TEDCO
  2. Complete the BRIDGE Proposal Lab application (AFTER TEDCO REGISTRATION):
    Apply for the BRIDGE Proposal Lab

Applications are competitive. The review panel may conduct interviews, request additional information, or place qualified applicants on a waiting list.

Complete both steps by August 18, 2026. Early submission is strongly encouraged.

Learn more about the BRIDGE Proposal Lab

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SSBCI-21034-0009 awarded to Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.