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Locations

Montana APEX has six locations across Montana assisting businesses

Montana APEX Accelerator is made possible by Big Sky Economic Development and its partner organizations across the state.

Six Centers Regional Service Area

♦Billings Service Area (all counties in blue) Client Sign-Up

♦Lewistown Service Area (all counties in gold) Client Sign-Up

♦Great Falls Service Area (all counties in white) Client Sign-Up

♦Kalispell Service Area (all counties in orange) Client Sign-Up

♦Missoula Service Area (all counties in dark grey) Client Sign-Up

♦SW Montana Service Area (all counties in light grey) Client Sign-Up

Not in Montana? Visit napex.us 

Montana APEX Accelerator Team

Deanna Langman, CPP
Montana APEX Accelerator Statewide Director
Billings, MT
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Tereza Brownell, CPP
Government Contracting Advisor
Billings, MT
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Lynnette Engelhardt
Government Contracting Advisor
Southwest, MT
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Patty Cox, CPP
Government Contracting Advisor
Missoula, MT
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Jill Duval
Government Contracting Advisor
Kalispell, MT
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Shannon Clancy, CPP
Government Contracting Advisor
Great Falls, MT
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Mariah Liebing
Government Contracting Advisor
Great Falls, MT
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Josy Eades, CPP
Government Contracting Advisor
Lewistown, MT
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Terri Murphy

Terri Murphy
Government Contracting Advisor
Missoula, MT
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Testimonials

“I have been with PTAC and now APEX for over 15 years. It is my main source for reviewing and responding to RFP’s and Solicitations.” George Mackanin, American EOD Services, Inc.
“Shannon has been a huge help with getting my government information submitted. In the future, I will be looking for help to focus of bidding jobs.” Timothy Bronk, Bronk’s 406 LLC
“Tereza is awesome!” Barry Usher, Usher Enterprises, Inc.
“I don’t think I can offer any suggestions for improvement at this time, my experience with the Montana APEX Accelerator to this point has been nothing short of perfect. The team has been very responsive to my needs and extremely helpful in every way. They are knowledgeable and ready to assist how ever possible.” Thomas (TJ) Higgins, Mission Design Solutions, LLC
“Renewing SAM.gov for Northern Cheyenne Utilities Commission extremely difficult for me. I couldn’t do it without the assistance of Tereza and APEX.” Ethelyn Shoulderblade, Northern Cheyenne Utilities Commission
“Josy and Carly are excellent resources. They helped me improve SAM searches, find contract history, recommended asking for debriefs on lost contracts and advised me on the process of certified woman owned small business criteria. Highly recommend both professionals.” Leesa Kennedy, SRS Crisafulli, Inc.
“I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED with the care and kindness that I received from Lynette Hale, Deanna Langman and Patty Cox. They all provide an invaluable service.” James Maher, Polekat Enterprises LLC
“Lynnette was an incredible resource to our company. She was professional, warm, and we could tell that she cared deeply about the success of our company. She got right into helping us and provided invaluable information. I can’t imagine going through this process without her help.” Morteza Hosseinnejad, Aizy Tech, LLC
“Deanna is brilliant. Knowledgeable. And proactively helpful in a way that I was not expecting.” 10/10! Rob Grabow, Intrepid Sportswear, Inc.
“Jill is very good at helping. She put me at ease right away. I think she’ll be able to help us, where the Sam help desk just confused me!” Roland Snedigar

Client Impacts

Thompson Contracting, Inc.
Kalispell

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Sysco Montana, Inc.
Billings

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TNL Sales LLC
Great Falls

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Laurel Spartan, LLC
DBA: Laurel Ford, Laurel

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Cotter’s Sewer, Inc.
Billings

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Monture Creek Land Management, Inc. Missoula

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4 G Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Missoula

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Lumibird, Inc.
Bozeman

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Great West Engineering, Inc.
Helena, Billings & Great Falls

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Youderian Construction, Inc.
Lewistown

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GFDA Logo
Snowy Mnt Development Corp
MT Department of Commerce
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APEX Staff Access |  apex@bigskyeda.org  |  (406)256-6871

©2025 MONTANA APEX Accelerator.  This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.

Provide feedback directly to DoD on your experience with APEX! Provide feedback here

APEX Staff Access

Kalispell office at Montana West Economic Development

Address: 44 Second Avenue West, Kalispell, MT 59901
Contact:  Jill Duval – Phone: (406) 257-7711 ext 5 
Website: http://www.dobusinessinmontana.com

Missoula office at University of Montana

Address: 255 Gallagher Business Building, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812
Contact:  Patty Cox – Phone: (406) 243-4030 
Website: https://www.acceleratemt.com/contact-montana-ptac

Great Falls office at Great Falls Local Development Authority

Address: The Portage Building at West Bank Landing – 405 3rd Street NW, Suite 203 Great Falls, MT 59401
Contact:  Lillian Sunwall – Phone: (406) 750-1253 
Contact 2:  Shannon Clancy  – Phone: (406)  590-1184
Website: http://growgreatfallsmontana.org

Southwest Montana – Big Sky Economic Development 

Address: 201 N Broadway, Billings,  59101
Contact: Lynnette Hale
Phone: (406) 865-0132
Website:  Big Sky Economic Development

Lewistown office at Snowy Mountain Development Corporation

Address: 507 W Main Street, Lewistown, MT 59457
Contact: Carly Wheatley Phone: (406) 535-2591
Contact 2: Josy Eades Phone: (406) 535-2591
Website:  https://www.snowymountaindevelopment.com/

Billings office at Big Sky Economic Development (Lead Center)

Address:  201 N Broadway Billings, MT 59101
Contact:  Deanna Langman, Statewide Director – Phone: (406) 869-8410
Contact 2:  Tereza Brownell – Phone: (406) 869-8414
Website:  Big Sky Economic Development

Thompson Contracting, Inc. Kalispell

  • Government contract award amount: Cumulative since 2007  $8,784,992
  • With which agency: U.S. Forest Service & DNRC
  • Montana APEX Client for 17 years
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Sysco Montana, Inc. Billings

  • Government contract award amount: Multiple awards since January totaling $236,273 – MT APEX helped the company untangle its SAM registration which was inactive and preventing the company from bidding or getting paid on a federal contract  
  • With which agency: Defense Logistics Agency & Indian Health Services
  • Montana APEX Client for 3 months
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TNL Sales LLC Great Falls

  • Government contract award amount: Multiple awards since 2000 totaling $69,635,823
  • With which agency: Defense Logistics Agency
  • Montana APEX Client for 24 years

TNL Sales offers wholesale distribution of electronic parts and electronic communications equipment. 

Laurel Spartan, LLC DBA: Laurel Ford

  • Government contract award amount: Multiple awards since 2022 totaling $836,835
  • With which agency: State of Montana & GSA
  • Montana APEX Client for 2 years
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Cotter’s Sewer, Inc. Billings

  • Government contract award amount: Total contract awards to date: $128,000
  • With which agency: National Park Service, BLM and Forest Service
  • Montana APEX Client for 16 years
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Monture Creek Land Management, Inc. Missoula

  • Government contract award amount: Cumulative since 2010 $5,906,273
  • With which agency: BLM, Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, BIA, DoD, National Park Service
  • Montana APEX Client for 14 years
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4 G Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Missoula

  • Government contract award amount: Cumulative since 2004 $1,839,547
  • With which agency: NASA, NIST, VA, Department of the Navy, U.S. Air Force
  • Montana APEX Client for 14 years
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Lumibird, Inc. Bozeman

  • Government contract award amount: Cumulative since 2007 $1,839,547
  • With which agency: National Institute of Health, Forest Service
  • Montana APEX Client for 14 years
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Great West Engineering, Inc. Helena, Billings & Great Falls

  • Government contract award amount: Cumulative since 2015 $12,947,426
  • With which agency: USDA, Forest Service
  • Montana APEX Client for 9 years
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Youderian Construction, Inc. Lewistown

  • Government contract award amount: Cumulative since 2000 $11,971,548
  • With which agency: BLM
  • Montana APEX Client for 24 years
Visit Website

Contact Terri

Email: terri.murphy@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-4037

Based in Missoula, MT, Terri Murphy brings a dynamic background in education, educational research and technology, and project management to the MT APEX Accelerator team. She holds a BA in Biology from the University of Montana and an MEd in Learning Experience Design and Technology from WGU.  Terri specializes in translating complex topics into clear, actionable guidance, tailoring her approach to meet the unique learning styles and business needs of each client. A skilled communicator and collaborator, she is a dedicated counselor who strives to empower Montana small businesses with personalized, practical solutions delivered with persistence, organization, and a client-first mindset. Outside of work, she enjoys fly fishing western Montana’s rivers and streams, hiking, spending time on Flathead Lake, and family adventures with her Labrador Retriever, Rogan. She also actively volunteers with The Mayfly Project, mentoring Missoula youth through fly fishing. 

Contact Mariah

Email: mariah@growgreatfalls.org
Phone: (406) 217-2174

Mariah Liebing is a dedicated Government Contracting Advisor at Montana APEX, where she leverages her expertise to help clients succeed in the competitive landscape of government contracting. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Carroll College and has accumulated substantial experience in contract administration and bookkeeping.

Mariah’s professional journey includes three years in contract administration at a design-build company and two years as a bookkeeper at a law firm. She is currently working towards her Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) certification, further solidifying her commitment to excellence in the field.

With a passion for empowering clients and a track record of success, Mariah is driven by the desire to see her clients thrive in government contracting.

Contact Josy

Email: eades@snowymountaindevelopment.com
Phone: (406) 535-2591

Josy Eades joined Snowy Mountain Development Corporation (SMDC) in 2021 to fulfill the roles of government contracting advisor and community development project manager. She brings five years of banking experience with Stockman Bank (Lewistown) to SMDC and is currently completing the requirements to become a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP). Josy is passionate about helping businesses secure government contracts and to support community development projects that improve Montanans’ quality of life. A third-generation Montanan, Josy is heavily involved in community and civic service. She is a member of the American Legion’s (Post 16) Auxiliary and serves on the Fergus Fairgrounds Entertainment Committee. She enjoys paddle boarding on Montana’s beautiful lakes and traveling with her family. 

Contact Carly

Email: wheatley@snowymountaindevelopment.com
Phone: (406) 535-2591

Contact Shannon

Email: sclancy@growgreatfalls.org
Phone: (406) 590-1184

Shannon Clancy is a government contracting advisor in Great Falls. In addition to her APEX Accelerator duties at GFDA, Shannon is responsible for database management and site visits for loan clients. Shannon graduated from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and holds a certification in Paralegal Studies (AA), a certification from Yuba College in Criminal Justice and is a Certified Court Counselor. She has over 19 years of public service in the court system working with Child & Youth services. Shannon enjoys new challenges and is looking forward to assisting businesses with their government contracting efforts. She has lived in Great Falls for 25 years with her 2 dogs. Shannon has two sons. One serves in the US Air Force and the other lives in North Dakota. In her leisure time, Shannon enjoys Disney World and playing on her Xbox!

Contact Jill

Email: jill@dobusinessinmontana.com
Phone: (406) 257-7711 ext 5 

Jill Duval is a government contracting advisor for MT APEX Accelerator at Montana West Economic Development (MWED) in Kalispell. Before joining MWED, Jill dedicated most of her professional career to several non-profit organizations. As the Downtown Revitalization Coordinator for a farming community in California, she helped organize the purchase of an empty lot in the center of town and coordinated the development of a community “pocket park” that still serves as a centerpiece for the community.  Jill has also worked for the Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society and an Educational Foundation.  Most recently, she has been coordinating a “drug-free communities grant” for a small rural area in Washington State. Jill earned her degree in Greeley, Colorado, before becoming a Navy wife. The military took Jill from New Mexico to Nevada to California. When not working, Jill enjoys traveling (both domestically and abroad), spending time exploring the outdoors, reading, writing, photography and engaging in genealogy research.” Jill is committed to utilizing her knowledge and experience to support MT companies with their government contracting pursuits.

Contact Lillian

Email: lsunwall@growgreatfalls.org
Phone: (406) 750-1253

Contact Patty

Email: patty.cox@umontana.edu
Phone: (406) 243-4030

Patty Cox, CPP is a government contracting advisor in Missoula. The Missoula APEX Accelerator is located at the University of Montana, in the Office of Research and Creative Scholarship. Patty began working with Montana APEX in 2011, supporting both APEX and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Montana CDC.  A Tucson native, Patty spent 25 years in Seattle before moving to Missoula in 2003. In Seattle, she worked in the high-tech, financial services and legal industries, gaining invaluable experience in business operations and management. While working at Montana APEX Accelerator , Patty has enhanced her knowledge of government contracting, participating in a variety of professional development and specialized training programs. She is certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a verification assistance counselor. She received her certification as a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) in March 2015.  An avid reader and masterful cook, Patty enjoys spending time cooking for family and friends. She lives in Missoula and loves to explore the outdoors with her son, Jack and her favorite four-legged friend Molly. 

Contact Lynnette

Email: lynnette@bigskyeda.org
Phone: (406) 869-8413

Lynnette Engelhardt is a government contracting advisor for Big Sky Economic Development and is based in the western part of the state. She provides assistance to companies in the counties of Silver Bow, Lewis & Clark, Gallatin, Madison, Broadwater & Jefferson. Before joining MT APEX,  Lynnette was a junior lender and loan assistant for an economic development organization in Butte. She has also worked for the Montana Youth Challenge Academy as the Financial Manager. One of her primary responsibilities was contract administration & management and overseeing the supply and procurement department. Lynnette brings a range of business, lending and procurement skills to her position. Lynnette was born and raised in Dillon and still resides there. She has four kids, three sons and one daughter who keep her very busy with all their sports and activities. If she is not with her kids you can find her riding her horse, hiking, fishing or just enjoying all the great Montana outdoor activities.

Contact Tereza

Email: tereza@bigskyeda.org
Phone: (406) 869-8414

Tereza Brownell is a government contracting advisor at Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) in Billings. Before joining MT APEX Accelerator, Tereza worked as an Operations Specialist and a Small Business Advisor at BSED. Tereza was born and raised in the Czech Republic. After graduating from college with a master’s degree in Applied Ecology, she received an internship in Oregon where she met her husband, Ryan. Tereza has a combined 20 years of customer service and real estate sales experience. She also has experience in starting and operating a family business and appreciates the specialized guidance that Montana APEX provides to companies. She is looking forward to supporting businesses with their government contracting efforts. In her spare time, Tereza is a licensed Jazzercise Instructor. She and her husband Ryan are raising three active boys. If she is not teaching a class or chasing her boys on a soccer field, she enjoys traveling, camping, volunteering for community events, or spending time outdoors with her family and their wirehaired dachshund Daphne.

Contact Deanna

Email: langman@bigskyeda.org
Phone: (406) 869-8410

Deanna Langman is the APEX Accelerator director in Montana. In addition to overseeing the statewide program’s financial and business operations, Deanna provides leadership and guidance to APEX Accelerators throughout the state. She is also a government contracting advisor for the Billings location at the Big Sky Economic Development (BSED). Previous to joining the Montana APEX staff in 2012, Deanna was a commercial loan officer and credit analyst supervisor at banks in the Billings area. For six years, she was with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at BSED, initially as a business development specialist and then as the center’s director. Deanna earned a bachelor’s degree from Montana State University Billings and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Montana. She brings a broad base of business management and consulting knowledge and experience to the Montana APEX Accelerator program. Deanna and her husband Scott have a blended family of five adult children, two grandsons and one granddaughter. In her leisure time, she enjoys watching mysteries and traveling to see family.