Wisconsin Procurement Institute

SAME Rock Island Post & ASCE Quad Cities Chapter- Engineering Conference
2022-02-25 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Rock Island Post and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Quad Cities Chapter will be hosting a virtual Engineering Conference on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST. To register, please click here.
The conference will feature a day of virtual engineering presentations in structural, general civil, municipal, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Over 30 speakers are joining for up to 7 pdh opportunities. For a complete list of topics and more event information, please click here.

9th Annual WPI and NCMA WI Chapter – FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group – Session 3, FAR Parts 5-12
2022-02-22 18:00 - 19:30
This will be the 9th year that the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Wisconsin Chapter will be hosting and presenting this series.
These sessions are designed specifically for current Federal contractors.
In addition, these sessions will help you prepare for the NCMA CFCM certification exam. Learn more at https://ncmahq.org/Web/Certification/CFCM.aspx
Speakers:

Daryl G. Zahn, CFCM, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, Leonardo DRS
Mark Dennis, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

This webinar is eligible for 1.5 CPE credits.
View the full 2022 FAR Evening Study Group schedule.

TKO: DIBBS - Solicitations
2022-02-22 13:00 - 14:00
A Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) seminar will be held February 22, 2022 from 1:00 -2:00 PM CST. The topic will be, “DIIBS – Solicitations.” To register, please click here. From the drop down menu, please select “DLA Land and Maritime,” then select the TKO seminar(s) you would like to register for.
Virtual TKO Seminars and Webinars are collective and/or individual sessions that teach vendors how to start doing business with Defense Logistics Agency. Vendors learn how to find open solicitations, how to submit a quote through the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), the procedures for viewing/downloading drawings, and many other topics. These courses are designed for dealers, distributors, and manufacturers, but NOT a company that provides “services.” All sessions are held virtually and free of charge.

WisDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Information and Recruitment Event - Virtual
2022-02-22 08:00 - 12:00
WisDOT DBE Support Services is offering a DBE Information and Recruitment Event for potential DBE firms, prime contractors, and DBE firms looking to expand service offerings and/or begin working with the state.
WisDOT invests $600-700 million annually in federal and state dollars for highway, airport and transit projects. These funds translate into millions of dollars in transportation-related contracts and project work for DBE firms.
Who qualifies as a DBE?
​Any small business at least 51% owned, operated and fully controlled on a daily basis by a member or members of the groups listed below qualifies.
In the case of publicly held firms, a member or members of the listed groups must own at least 51% of the stock issued. Groups include:

African Americans
Native Americans
Hispanic Americans
Asian-Pacific Americans
Asian-Indian Americans
Women

Individuals who are not members of one of the groups above can be found to be socially disadvantaged as defined by Appendix E of 49 CFR Part 26. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR Part 26
If you are interested in attending this event, CLICK HERE.

AGENDA (click to download)
8:00 AM

Welcome & Introductions – Jeff Johnson, M.E., JW Johnson & Associates, Inc.

8:15 – 9:00 AM

DBE certification overview – Madalena Maestri, EdD, DBE Program Chief, WisDOT

Basic DBE certification requirements
Opportunities and benefits of certification

Are You Ready for DBE certification? – Jeff Johnson

Tips for becoming DBE Certified
Keeping and expanding your DBE Certification

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Overview of current and projected areas of WisDOT construction and professional service opportunities – Jeff Gust, WisDOT
WisDOT / DBE Trucking Policy – Paul Ndon, WisDOT
DBE Firm Shares Their Experience – Amy Hacker, White Buffalo Trucking

10:15 AM *** Break ***
10:30 AM

Access to Business Loans and Contract Financing – First American Capital Corporation (FACC), Wisconsin Native Loan Fund (WINLF)
Opportunities for Federal/Local Contracting and their Certification Programs – Wisconsin Procurement Institute

11:15 AM

Developing Your Business Capacity Statement – Marci Martin, Write Like That

Noon – End of Program

Coordinated by WisDOT, JW Johnson & Associates, Inc., Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI), and the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AICCW).

Acquisition Hour: The SBA 8(a) Certification Program and Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB) Program
2022-02-16 12:00 - 13:00
Businesses that are considered Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB) due to social and economic disadvantage may qualify for certification under the 8(a) program. This presentation is recommended for any small business that may qualify as socially and economically disadvantaged, and wants to take advantage of the benefits of the 8(a) program. While there is no goal for the 8(a) program, the SBA supports a goal of 5% set aside for SDB. The 8(a) program is not a minority business program but has many benefits including preference in contracting, preferential teaming agreements, and focused business development training.
Businesses certified under the 8(a) program can also:

Receive sole source contracts
Compete for set-aside contracts
Receive assistance from a Business Opportunity Specialist to help navigate federal contracting
Form joint ventures with established businesses through the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program
Receive management and technical assistance, including business training, counseling, marketing assistance and high-level executive development

During the presentation we will discuss:

What is SDB?
Eligibility Criteria
The Application Process
Program Benefits
What is expected from an 8(a) participant
Locating 8(a) set aside opportunities
Marketing your 8(a) certified business
Recent changes to the SDB goals

Speakers:

Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Ben Blanc, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
To view a schedule of all upcoming webinars, CLICK HERE.

9th Annual WPI and NCMA WI Chapter – FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group – Session 2, FAR Parts 1-4
2022-02-15 18:00 - 19:30
This will be the 9th year that the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Wisconsin Chapter will be hosting and presenting this series.
These sessions are designed specifically for current Federal contractors.
In addition, these sessions will help you prepare for the NCMA CFCM certification exam. Learn more at https://ncmahq.org/Web/Certification/CFCM.aspx
Speakers:

Daryl G. Zahn, CFCM, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, Leonardo DRS
Ben Blanc, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

This webinar is eligible for 1.5 CPE credits.
View the full 2022 FAR Evening Study Group schedule.

USDA Commodity Procurement Program Quarterly Webinar
2022-02-15 13:00 - 14:00
The next U.S. Department of Agriculture AMS Commodity Procurement Program quarterly webinar will be held on February 15, 2022 at 1:00 PM. Please click here to register.
This webinar will be focused on lessons learned in becoming an approved USDA food vendor.

GSA Region 6 Facilities Open Office Hours
2022-02-15 11:00 - 14:00
The General Services Administration (GSA) Region 6 Business Development will be hosting a Facilities Open Office hours on February 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM Central Time. Please click here to register.
The Office hours will provide attendees with an opportunity to ask questions and have an open dialogue with GSA about your Schedule Contract. GSA will also be engaging in a discussion on supply chain issues. You are invited to provide input, feedback, or challenges surrounding this issue.

Cyber Friday: Vetting Subcontractors - Considerations for both Primes and Subs
2022-02-11 11:00 - 12:00
Quality, price, and on-time performance remain important factors to consider when identifying and selecting subcontractors and suppliers. However, changes to cybersecurity requirements have established new regulations and, consequently, concerns that must be addressed. Awareness is the first requirement. Companies need to know about these requirements. Then conversations need to be open, frank and recurring with subcontractors and suppliers. Vetting needs to include all of the information, processes and procedures used to get to know members of your supply chain and to ensure that they are eligible from a regulatory standpoint. These efforts should include a thorough review of first tier supply chain members but also to understanding how mandatory requirements will be “flowed down,” managed and tracked at sub-recipient levels.

Speaker: Marc Violante, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Cyber Friday webinars.

U.S. DOT's SBIR Pre-Offer Webinar
2022-02-10 12:00 - 13:00
The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) will be holding a pre-offer webinar for small businesses who are interested in applying to the U.S. DOT’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) fiscal year 2022 solicitation on Thursday, February 10, 12:00 PM CST. To register, please click here.
The webinar will feature information about the SBIR program, eligibility requirements, offer preparation, and the evaluation process. U.S. DOT’s FY22 Phase 1 solicitation is tentatively scheduled to open on February 2, 2022 and close March 2, 2022 at 2:00 PM CST.

Decarbonization and Net Zero Energy (A Partial Solution to A Carbon Free Built Environment)
2022-02-10 11:00 - 12:00
SAME Lake Michigan Post will be hosting a virtual presentation given by Lois Vitt Sale on February 10, 2022 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The topic is, “Decarbonization and Net Zero Energy (A Partial Solution to A Carbon Free Built Environment).” To register, please click here.
Government entities including municipal, state and even the Federal government are planning for a Carbon-free future. What does it entail and how does a net zero energy building figure into realizing the goal? Lois Vitt Sale will discuss the work of a few decarbonization working groups and how it aligns with several projects her firm, Wight & Company that are designed and are meeting net zero energy.

Guest Speaker Lois Vitt Sale:
Lois Vitt Sale, FAIA, is a LEED Fellow and Senior Vice President of Wight & Company. Lois’ 32-year career as a practicing architect has focused on sustainability as intrinsic to design aided by the application of green technologies and sustainable planning.
First joining Wight in 1995, Lois has led Wight’s efforts to embed sustainability in all facets of this innovative design-led, design build firm as its Chief Sustainability Officer. Recently, Lois has led the effort to design several buildings to meet the criteria for Net Zero Energy. Her work continues to raise the bar for high performance, healthy buildings for the work designed and built by her firm.
She has been adjunct faculty at Northwestern University since 2005. She has educated, volunteered and lent her energies to promulgate an understanding that creating places where people thrive demands deeply sustainable solutions for the built environment.
Attendees will qualify for 1 PDH credit.

2022 Governor's Conference on Economic Development
2022-02-09 - 2022-02-11
The 2022 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Economic Development will be held in-person on February 9-11 at Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin. To register, please click here.
The Governor’s Conference on Economic Development is Wisconsin Economic Development Association’s largest education and networking event of the year. Educational sessions cover the most important economic development topics of the day. The three-day conference includes exhibits, numerous networking opportunities, and other professional development. The conference also provides continuing education credits certifications.
Please click here for more event information, including a list of speakers.

9th Annual WPI and NCMA WI Chapter – FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group – Session 1, Introduction & FAR Part 16
2022-02-08 18:00 - 19:30
This will be the 9th year that the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Wisconsin Chapter will be hosting and presenting this series.
These sessions are designed specifically for current Federal contractors.
In addition, these sessions will help you prepare for the NCMA CFCM certification exam. Learn more at https://ncmahq.org/Web/Certification/CFCM.aspx
Speakers

Daryl G. Zahn, CFCM, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, Leonardo DRS
Ben Blanc, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

This webinar is eligible for 1.5 CPE credits.
View the full 2022 FAR Evening Study Group schedule.

Acquisition Hour: The HUBZone Program - Certification Benefits and Regulations
2022-02-08 13:00 - 14:00
The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program assists small businesses in designated urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. This presentation is recommended for any business that is interested in becoming an SBA HUBZone certified business. The HUBZone program qualifies your business to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. HUBZone-certified businesses also get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions. A business must be certified by the U.S. SBA to qualify for this program, and must be registered in SAM prior to submission of the certification documentation. Indian reservations and other Indian Country locations automatically qualify as HUBZones.
Currently, many Federal agencies and Federal Prime contractors are NOT meeting their HUBZone goals. This could be a potential opportunity for your business.
In this webinar, you will learn:

HUBZone certification requirements
Benefits of and applying for an SBA HUBZone certification
HUBZone certification costs and terms
Process and cost of renewing your HUBZone certification
Locating HUBZone opportunities
Marketing your HUBZone certified business
Changes to the HUBZone program

Speakers:

Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Ben Blanc, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

This webinar qualifies for 1 CPE credit.
To view a schedule of all upcoming webinars, CLICK HERE.

Wisconsin Center Expansion Matchmaking Forum
2022-02-03 15:00 - 16:00
Gilbane | Smith will be hosting a virtual matchmaking forum on Thursday, February 3, for bid release 4 of the Wisconsin Center Expansion project. To register, please click here.
Multiple prime bidders will be participating in the event. Bid packages include:

02A Demolition
11C Kitchen Equipment
21A Fire Protection
22A Plumbing
23A HVAC
26A Electrical, Communication, Audio-Visual and Security

To learn more about the project, please click here.

Small Business Basics: SAM.gov and Diverse Business Certifications - Virtual
2022-02-02 09:00 - 10:00
Small businesses that work with the Federal government are well aware of the SAM.GOV and U.S. SBA Small Business Programs. Over the last few years, the requirement of being registered in SAM.GOV and having small / diverse business certifications has expanded. It is no longer uncommon for these requirements to apply to subcontractors on Federal prime contracts or non-Federal Public and Private projects.
As you begin targeting subcontract work with large corporate or public entities, you should not put SAM registration or certification at the bottom of your preparations checklist. This session will help you understand these potential requirements.
During this session you will learn:

What is SAM.GOV
How to register in SAM.GOV
Overview of Federal, State, Local Government and third party certifications
Frequently asked questions
Links to the discussed websites and source of assistance

Presenter:

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

This session will also be offered on January 28 at 1PM Central Time. Click HERE to register for that session.
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.

How to Sell to the Government - Basic 101 (Sturgeon Bay - In-Person)
2022-02-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Door County Economic Development Corporation, 185 East Walnut Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, United States
Are you interested in learning how to sell your product or service to the Federal, Local and State Governments? The Government can be a great customer to your business. The challenge is to know WHAT they buy, HOW they buy it and WHEN they buy it.
Join WPI’s Steve Makovec to learn the basics of how to sell to Local, State or Federal government agencies. Steve will not only cover the BASICS but also share practical advice and best practices gained from his 40+ years of experience in government sales.
Attendees will be asked to introduce themselves and their businesses at the start of the session. At the end of the presentation – the session will open.

Department of the Navy Gold Coast Small Business Procurement Event
2022-02-01 08:00 - 17:00 | San Diego Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) San Diego will be presenting the 34th annual Department of the Navy Gold Coast Small Business Procurement Event on September 8-9, 2022 at the San Diego Convention Center. To register, please click here.
The theme for the event is “Thriving as a Small Business in a World of Global Challenges.” This event is the premier Navy procurement conference in the country. The event provides exciting and relevant topics delivered by government and industry experts. For more information about the event including a conference agenda, please click here.

Small Business Basics: SAM.gov and Diverse Business Certifications - Virtual
2022-01-28 13:00 - 14:00
Small businesses that work with the Federal government are well aware of the SAM.GOV and U.S. SBA Small Business Programs. Over the last few years, the requirement of being registered in SAM.GOV and having small / diverse business certifications has expanded. It is no longer uncommon for these requirements to apply to subcontractors on Federal prime contracts or non-Federal Public and Private projects.
As you begin targeting subcontract work with large corporate or public entities, you should not put SAM registration or certification at the bottom of your preparations checklist. This session will help you understand these potential requirements.
During this session you will learn:

What is SAM.GOV
How to register in SAM.GOV
Overview of Federal, State, Local Government and third party certifications
Frequently asked questions
Links to the discussed websites and source of assistance

Presenter:

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

This session will also be offered on February 2 at 9AM Central Time. Click HERE to register for that session.
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.

Cream City Construction Conference and Small Business Accelerator
2022-01-27 15:00 - 19:00
The Cream City Construction Conference and Small Business Accelerator will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at the Pfister Hotel’s Grant Ballroom. To register, please click here.
The Conference has training and networking opportunities. In addition, the event is part of Husch Blackwell’s Communities for Change initiative, together with the firm’s Construction Academy. Topics include:

Breachless Execution: Essential Embrace of Agreements
A, B, C’s of 1, 2, 3: Crucial Balance Sheet and Project Accounting Concerns
Equity for Equality: Borrowing for Growth
Risk Management: Insuring Success
Prequalification: Getting on Bid Lists
Governmental Relations

For more information about the event, please click here.

DHS Vendor Outreach Session
2022-01-27 08:00 - 11:15
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) will be hosting a virtual Vendor Outreach Session (VOS) on January 27, 2022 by pre-arranged appointment times between 8:00 – 11:15 AM. To schedule an appointment, please click here. Companies must have a profile prior to scheduling a meeting.
The VOS provide the small businesses with an opportunity to discuss their capabilities and learn more about potential procurement opportunities. In addition, Prime Contractor Small Business Liaisons from several large businesses will be in attendance, some of whom have contracts with DHS. The Primes offer possible subcontracting opportunities and the potential for establishing a mentor-protégé relationship.

Supply Chain Issues and Its Impact on Your Business
2022-01-27 08:00 - 09:30
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Center for Customized Research and Services and Aegis Financial will be hosting the virtual panel, “Supply Chain Issues and Its Impact on Your Business” on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 8:00 AM CST. To register, please click here.
The panel will discuss the current supply chain issues and cover strategies and expectations to help you and your business thrive during this unprecedented time. Panelists include:

R. Scott Blamey, Director of Product Management at WOW Logistics
Joe Zink, Vice President of Center Store Merchandising for Skogen’s Festival Foods
Karly Yuds, Director of Procurement Operations at Mercury Marine
Craig Oilschlager, Director of Pricing/Yield for Valley Express Cos.
Jason J. Woldt, Integrated Supply Chain Management Professor at UW Oskkosh

TKO: Coffee with Contracting
2022-01-26 12:00 - 13:00
A Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) seminar will be held January 26, 2022 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM CST. The topic will be, “Coffee with Contracting.” To register, please click here. From the drop down menu, please select “DLA Land and Maritime,” then select the TKO seminar(s) you would like to register for.
Virtual TKO Seminars and Webinars are collective and/or individual sessions that teach vendors how to start doing business with Defense Logistics Agency. Vendors learn how to find open solicitations, how to submit a quote through the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), the procedures for viewing/downloading drawings, and many other topics. These courses are designed for dealers, distributors, and manufacturers, but NOT a company that provides “services.” All sessions are held virtually and free of charge.

Leveling Up Cybersecurity for You and Your Customers - Virtual
2022-01-26 10:30 - 12:00
REGISTRATION is open at this link.
Lack of cybersecurity is a factor of risk and a major concern among Fortune 100, 500, and 1000 corporations. They have invested substantial resources to ensure they have appropriate defenses against these threats, but they are highly concerned with whether and how their suppliers, especially small and diverse suppliers, address cyber threats.
This first session will explore the cyber risks related to third-party and Business-to-Business (B2B) engagements.
This is a three-part series presented by American Family Insurance in partnership with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI).
Jan 26 – Leveling Up Cybersecurity for You and Your Customers
April 27 – Don’t be Victimized by Ransomware
Jul 27 – Making Intelligent Investments in Your Company’s Cybersecurity
Presented by – Andy Fiumefreddo IT Security & Risk Manager – Consulting, Assessments, & Third-Party with American Family Insurance.

MATC Annual Contractor/Consultant Open House
2022-01-26 10:00 - 11:00
Milwaukee Area Technical College will be hosting its annual Contractor/Consultant Virtual Open House on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 10:00 AM. The event will be virtual through Google Meet. To register, please click here.
The Open House is an opportunity for attendees to learn about upcoming MATC’s upcoming FY 2022 Construction Projects, Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) participation, and apprentice utilization. The Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Ben Blanc will be presenting as part of the program.
For additional information about the event, please click here.

Cyber Friday: Information Security - Security Beyond Cyber
2022-01-21 11:00 - 12:00
Today, companies deal with emails, prints, models, algorithms, computer code, and more. Employees meet, discuss and converse about opportunities and projects. For companies in the defense space, much of the information that they work with is sensitive or controlled unclassified information (CUI). No matter the medium, this type of information needs to be safeguarded and protected from unauthorized disclosure, inadvertent sharing, or outright theft. Some companies state that they have full development systems which are “air tight.” Others, who have been awarded a DOD contract have a rudimentary system in place. This webinar will provide a broad overview of information security, DOD requirements, references and resources to use.

Speaker: Marc Violante, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Cyber Friday webinars.

Suspension and Debarment: What Small Businesses Should Know
2022-01-20 13:00 - 14:00
The General Services Administration will be hosting a live webinar entitled, “Suspension and Debarment: What Small Businesses Should Know”, on January 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM CST. Please click here to register.
The webinar seeks to educate business on how to apply and implement best practices to remain compliant with regulations and avoid being suspended or debarred from doing work with the Federal government.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2-Day Industry Day Event
2022-01-20 12:00 - 17:30, 2022-01-19 12:00 - 17:30
The Office of Construction and Facilities Management and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization will be hosting a 2-Day Virtual “Industry Day” event on January 19-20, 12:00 – 5:30 PM. The invitation is for Women-Owned Small Businesses, Women Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, and Veteran Owned Small Businesses. Please click here to register.
This CFM and OSDBU hosted virtual engagement is for Women entrepreneurs interested in doing business with the VA and prime contractors in the construction arena. Participation will allow WOSB and WVOSB to ask critical questions and give them opportunities to network with other WOSB, WVOSB, and SDVOSB, as well as Large Companies. All SDVOSB, VOSB and large businesses are welcome and encouraged to attend.
To view an agenda, please click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Minority Business Certifications Demystified
2022-01-19 16:00 - 18:00
A virtual event titled, “Minority Business Certifications Demystified” will be held on Wednesday, January 19, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM CST. To register, please click here.
This event is for minority or women owned businesses looking to expand the reach of their business to include opportunities with the City of Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin Department of Transportation State Highways, and/or the State of Wisconsin. In addition, businesses looking to learn more about DBE, TBE, MBE, and WBE certifications.
For more information, please click here.
