Wisconsin Procurement Institute

DLA Land and Maritime Webinar - First Destination Transportation (FDT)
2019-06-04 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | WI
Webinar is 2:00 -3:00 pm EST and held using Adobe Connect. For information on webinar and how to register, please CLICK HERE

Rural Strong - Marinette, WI
2019-06-04 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | InVenture, 1320 Main Street, Marinette, WI, 54143, United States
Join this free panel and discussion focused on empowering rural small businesses and communities.
Hear from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about local resources!

USDA SBIR/STTR Program Essentials - Webinar
2019-05-30 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
Have you considered adding USDA grants to your company’s funding strategy? With ten SBIR topics ranging from plant production, to rural development, your innovation may find a home with in USDA’s program.
Join us for a 1-hour webinar featuring Elden Hawkes, USDA SBIR Program Specialist.
In this webinar, discussion will cover the basic information on the USDA program including the funding rates for Phase I and II, a description of USDA’s 10 topic areas, the application submission and peer review processes, and the solicitation timeline.

Acquisition Hour: Innovation in the Federal Marketplace
2019-05-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
The Federal Innovation Marketplace is alive and well. It seems to be both evolving and expanding. It may very well be your next customer and you may have an idea that will be instrumental in solving or taming one of the country’s most vexing problems or saving lives.
This marketplace has programs, talent scouts, Venture Capital and a variety of business tools to help get your ideas, your research into a practical and usable stage which is ready for the next step. Of course, as the saying goes, there is no free lunch.
These programs have processes, procedures and requirements that govern application to these programs and the execution of any resulting contracts.
This webinar will explore a variety of these programs, overarching requirements and will provide those who participate with a listing of programs and associated URL’s.
Speaker: Marc Violante, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
To view a schedule of all upcoming webinars CLICK HERE

DLA Land and Maritime Webinar - HubZone Overview (with Program Manager)
2019-05-28 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | WI

Acquisition Hour: Introduction to Certifications Available to Woman Owned Businesses
2019-05-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
Woman-owned businesses can receive advantage when selling to various Public and Private entities. In most cases, a certification process must be completed to qualify. It is important for business to understand the certification requirements and the potential benefits to their business prior to investing their time and resources in the certification process.
This webinar will provide an overview of these programs, application process, describe eligibility requirements as well as the benefits and obligations for certifications with:

Federal Government agencies
State Government agencies (including WisDOT and State of Wisconsin)
Local Government agencies (including Milwaukee City and County, Dane County, Madison (City), MMSD)
Corporate (Large business)

Speakers: Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Kim Garber, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
To view a schedule of all upcoming webinars CLICK HERE

SAME Industry, Government and Small Business Engagement Series - Great Lakes, IL
2019-05-23 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of the American Sailor, Building 42, Naval Station Great Lakes, Great Lakes, IL, 60888, United States
Small businesses including Disadvantaged, Veteran Owned, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Woman Owned and HUBZone are encouraged to attend!
RuthAnne Hall, Purchasing Manager at Lake County, will be presenting on opportunities with Lake County, IL. There will also be an update on the Naval Station Great Lakes Housing Project.
*Following the program* – Join us for a discussion of BIM! The technology landscape in AEC is always changing and keeping up these trends is important.
In this class we will look at the fundamentals of BIM gaining an understanding of common practices, terminology and workflows. We will dive into some case studies of projects to see how BIM has and is being used. Lastly we will discuss the future of BIM in the practice and where we see it heading.
BIM Speaker: Andrew Rider, BIM Manager, Woolpert
Registration will begin at 11:00 am followed by lunch and presentations at 12:00 pm. Program will end at 1:00 pm.
Registration is required. **Cost has changed from previous years** Credit card payment taken at the door.
Member – $25, Non-Member – $40, Government/Military – $15

USDA SBIR Program Essentials Webinar
2019-05-22 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
Have you considered pursuing USDA grants in your company’s funding strategy? With ten SBIR topics ranging from plant production, to rural development, your innovation may find a home with in USDA’s program.
Would you like to discover if your technology:

Might be commercializable?
Is a fit for one of the USDA SBIR topics?
Might be a fit for another USDA funding opportunity?

Join this 1-hour webinar featuring Elden Hawkes, USDA SBIR Program Specialist. In this webinar, discussion will cover the basic information on the USDA program including the funding rates for Phase I and II, a description of USDA’s 10 topic areas, the application submission and peer review processes, and the solicitation timeline.

Acquisition Hour: The U.S. SBA 8(a) Certification Program and HUBZone Certification
2019-05-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
The U.S. SBA 8(a) Certification Program
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 would benefit from the benefits of the 8(a) program.
This webinar will cover:

What qualifies a company as SDB
Eligibility Criteria
The application process
Program benefits
Expectations of an 8(a) participant

HUBZone Certification
The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program helps 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.
Currently, many Federal agencies and Federal Prime contractors are NOT meeting their HUBZone goals. This could be a potential opportunity for your business.
This webinar will cover:

HUBZone certification requirements
HUBZone certification application process
Renewing your HUBZone certification
Locating HUBZone set aside opportunities
Marketing your HUBZone certified business
Recent changes to the HUBZone program

Speakers: Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Benjamin Blanc, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
To view a schedule of all upcoming webinars CLICK HERE

Leveraging Resources to Grow Your Business - La Crosse, WI
2019-05-22 07:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Univeristy of Wisconsin-La Crosse – Wimberly Hall Room 104, 1701 Farwell Street, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
The event will provide information on how having a principal business location in La Crosse positions a firm for business opportunities with the government sector under the SBA’s program that supports firms located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone).
A substantial part of La Crosse is considered HUBZone and two census tracts are also designated as Opportunity Zones, which encourage investments in firms located in such areas.
In addition, the program will discuss how small businesses and those owned by individuals targeted for support such as veterans, women and minorities may pursue both business and government opportunities to grow their business.

12th Annual NDIA Midwest Government Contracting Symposium - Moline, IL
2019-05-22 - 2019-05-23 | TaxSlayer Center, 1201 River Dr, Moline, Moline, IL, 61265, United States
SAVE THE DATE!
The 2019 Midwest Government Contracting Symposium offers a condensed 2 day format delivering opportunities for government contracting and added valuable content including:

Integrating EAGLE/Industry Days into the 2-day Agenda
Contracting opportunities for the Food Service Industry
The Advanced Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI) requirements element to be focused on Q&A
Attendees will gain access to a broader community of government and industry personnel.
Content will include government/industry panels discussing hot topics.
The Wednesday evening Networking Reception will be held at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. Plan to attend to network with senior RIA Leaders! Transportation included.

Registration will open on or before January 25, 2019.

DLA Land and Maritime Webinar - Doing Business with DLA
2019-05-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | WI

2019 Worldwide Energy Conference - National Harbor, MD
2019-05-20 - 2019-05-23 | Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD, 20745, United States
Be part of the exciting return of DLA Energy Worldwide Energy Conference, where military and government agency stakeholders can find the best products, technologies and services as well as the best practices from the leaders in the energy field.

Business Financing, Planning and Developing New Market Opportunities- Hayward, WI
2019-05-16 15:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, 13466 W Trepania Rd, Hayward, WI, 54843, United States
As a new or established growing small business, you may face many challenges. For your business to succeed, you need to develop and use a toolbox of resources. These sessions will connect you to business development resources from your area and the State of Wisconsin that could fuel your business growth strategy.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network and speak with presenters before and after the program!
Businesses may also exhibit at the workshop – please indicate in your registration if interested. Exhibitors will be able to set up at 3:00 pm.
AGENDA:
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Exhibitor Setup
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm – Registration & Networking
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm – Welcome and Introductions
4:00 pm – 4:20 pm – Welcome and Introductions – presented by David Fleming, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College

Local, State and Federal Marketplace Opportunities & Certification – presented by the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

4:20 pm – 4:45 pm – Tribal Marketplace Opportunities (E.G. Doing Business With the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) and Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College Business Development Resources – presented by David Fleming, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College
4:45 pm – 5:30 pm – Small Business Development Resources

Business Planning
Financial Planning
Marketing Products & Native American/Tribal DBE Resources

5:30 pm -5:45 pm – Small Business loan Programs – presented by WIBA/WI-CLANS and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
5:45 pm – 6:00 pm – Networking

Wisconsin Women's Business Conference - Eau Claire, WI
2019-05-16 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | UW-Eau Claire Davies Center, 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire, WI, 54701, United States
Attend this one-day event featuring respected Wisconsin speakers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.
Designed to inspire and connect you with other empowering women, this event will provide you with the resources you are looking for to start, improve, or expand your business. At this full-day conference, you’ll learn from established members of the business community in Western Wisconsin, talk to business assistance providers, and network with other women in business.

100+ businesses display their services and products in the exhibitor hall
20 educational sessions and roundtables cover a wide range of topics
One-on-one counseling available to discuss specific business questions

30th Annual Wisconsin Lenders Conference - Wisconsin Dells, WI
2019-05-16 - 2019-05-17 | Kalahari Conference Center, 1305 Kalahari Dr., Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
This conference will provide educational information and updates for commercial lenders through presentations from SBA, SBDC, RMA, Regulatory Agencies, and more!
Attend the annual conference for bank presidents, CEOs, Board and Chamber Directors, CPAs, Commercial Lenders, Credit Analysts, Tellers, Collection Managers, Financial, Economic Development Professionals, Business Chambers, Small Business Owners – anyone in lending!
A variety of sessions will be available for new and experienced lenders and those who work with SBA loans. The conference also features a networking reception and a chance to engage with exhibitors.

Business Financing, Planning and Developing New Market Opportunities - Eau Claire, WI
2019-05-15 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Chippewa Valley Technical College – Casper Conference Center West, 620 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI, 54701, United States
This event will connect you to business development resources from your area and the State of Wisconsin that could fuel your business growth strategy. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and speak with presenters before and after the program!
Businesses may also exhibit at the workshop – please indicate in your registration if interested.
Agenda:
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Vendor Set-up
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Registration & Networking
6:00 pm – 6:10 pm – Introductions – May yer Thao, Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC)
6:10 pm – 6:35 pm – Local, State and Federal Marketplace Opportunities & Certification Processes – Benjamin Blanc, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) & U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
6:35 pm – 7:00 pm – Marketing and Social Media
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Small Business Development Resources

Start-ups, Expansions, Succession Planning –ResourceAbility LLC
Financial Planning – WI-CLANS
Marketing Products, How to Be Found – Benjamin Blanc, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

7:30 pm -8:00 pm – Small Business Loan Programs – WI CLANS, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Discussion & Networking

Wisconsin Women's Business Pre-Conference Event: Delivering Fantastic Customer Service - Eau Claire, WI
2019-05-15 13:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | UW-Eau Claire Centennial Hall, Room 1704, 105 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire, WI, 54701, United States
Come to the Pre-Conference Event prior to the May 16th Women’s Business Conference!
In this session, you will learn info and tools you can use today to better attract and retain customers and increase your bottom line with little or no additional expense.

Business Financing, Planning and Developing New Market Opportunities - Stevens Point, WI
2019-05-14 15:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | IDEA Center, 1039 Ellis St, Stevens Point, WI, 54481, United States
As a new or established growing small business, you may face many challenges. For your business to succeed, you need to develop and use a toolbox of resources. These sessions will connect you to business development resources from your area and the State of Wisconsin that could fuel your business growth strategy.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network and speak with presenters before and after the program!
Businesses may also exhibit at the workshop – please indicate in your registration if interested.
Agenda:
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Vendor Set-up
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Registration and Networking
3:30 pm – 3:40 pm – Introductions – May yer Thao, Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC)
3:40 pm – 4:05 pm – Marketing and Social Media – Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
4:05 pm – 4:30 pm – Local, State and Federal Marketplace Opportunities & Certification Processes – Benjamin Blanc, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) & U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm – Small Business Development Resources

Start-ups, Expansions and Succession Planning – CAP Services
Financial Planning – WI CLANS
Marketing Products, How to Be Found – Benjamin Blanc, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

5:15 pm – 5:45 pm – Small Business Loan Programs – WI CLANS / SBA
5:45 pm – 6:00 pm – Discussion & Networking

DLA Land and Maritime Webinar - 8(a) Overview (with Program Manager)
2019-05-14 14:00 (America/New_York) | WI
Webinar is 2:00 pm EST and held using Adobe Connect. For information on webinar and how to register, please CLICK HERE

Understanding the Rock Island Corps of Engineers - Projects, Procurements and Processes - Webinar
2019-05-14 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Chicago) | WI
This webinar provides industry with basic information on the District’s overall mission and historical contracted requirements. Participants will take away information on how to best do business with the District as either a prime contractor or a subcontractor, as well as recommendations and tools for growing their Federal Government business with the Corps of Engineers, and specifically the Rock Island District.
*To register and for log-in information contact Beth White at Elizabeth.M.White@usace.army.mil and reference the webinar RSVP in your subject line.*

DLA Land and Maritime Training, Knowledge and Opportunities Seminar - Columbus, OH
2019-05-14 08:00 - 2019-05-15 16:00 UTC | WI
The TKO seminar is a free session that teaches 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 how to use Invoicing, Receipt, Acceptance and Property Transfer (iRAPT) to get paid.
*Registration to follow*

5 Lakes Forum - Milwaukee, WI
2019-05-14 07:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Northwestern Mutual Common and Tower, 805 East Mason Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
5 LAKES Forum is a one-day technology and entrepreneurship conference that attracts entrepreneurs, venture investors, innovators and technologists from around the Great Lakes region.
This unique format features rapid, engaging content sessions that promise to help tech and startup leaders create meaningful connections and navigate high-level business and technology topics.
Programming includes morning General Sessions during which high-profile technologists and startups will discuss issues and new ideas that have broad appeal. In the afternoon, attendees will enjoy three tracks:

Startup Track: Some of the most successful startups in the Great Lakes region will discuss their growth tactics, how they overcame bumps in the road, investment strategies and other key information
Technology Track: Our region’s top talent will discuss the most relevant technologies that are influencing their work and shaping our world
Venture Track: A curated group of emerging startups will pitch to investor groups from around the Great Lakes region. Startups that apply to pitch will receive free admission to the conference.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Breakfast - Milwaukee, WI
2019-05-13 07:00 - 09:30 (America/Chicago) | Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, 750 N Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
*Registration for this event has closed*
The annual Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Breakfast will be held at 7:00 a.m. at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.
At the breakfast, military reservists, who are also employees of Milwaukee-based companies, and their employers will be recognized, the Major Richard I. Bong Award will be presented to outstanding service members from each military branch and the Department of Defense 2019 Freedom Award nominees will be recognized.
This year we are honored to have as our keynote speaker Mr. Rob Reilly, VP and Genergal Manager – Services, GE Healthcare, US & Canada. View bio HERE.
Learn more about Milwaukee Armed Forces Week HERE.

SCORE/SBA Small Business Awards Breakfast
2019-05-10 07:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Milwaukee Marriott West, W231 N1600 Corporate Court, Waukesha, WI, 53186, United States
Join to celebrate small business success in Wisconsin! This event includes coffee, breakfast, a keynote speaker and the awards ceremony. A workshop covering topics such as workforce, digital marketing, and financing will follow the awards ceremony.414-297-3942

Capital Development Board Construction & Design Business Outreach
2019-05-09 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Village of Stone Park, 1825 N 32nd Ave, Stone Park, IL, 60165, United States
Capital Development Board invites Contractors, Subcontractors, Architects, Engineers and Suppliers to come learn about business opportunities working on Sate of Illinois construction projects.
The program will include/cover:

Networking
Bidding Opportunities
Project Construction Delivery Methods
Pre-qualification/Contract Requirements
Qualifications Based Selection Process
New MBE/WBE/VBE Requirements

6th Annual Department of Defense Contract Management Update - Oshkosh, WI
2019-05-08 07:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center, 1 N Main St, Oshkosh, WI, 54901, United States
* Registration for this event has closed*
CLICK HERE to view Agenda.
CLICK HERE to view Speaker Bios.
Government Contracting Community,
The National Contract Management Association along with the Wisconsin Procurement Institute are hosting the 6th Annual DoD Contract Management Update on 8 May 2019 in Oshkosh, WI. We are fortunate to have an excellent collection of subject matter experts presenting on DoD mandated Contractor Business Systems. If you are a current DoD contractor, you understand DoD’s focus on ensuring contractors maintain adequate business systems including Estimating, Purchasing, Property Management, and Material Management and Accounting Systems (GAO Report linked below). Also, the US SBA will be joining us to provide an update on NDAA FY2019 Small Business Matters.
Please consider taking advantage of this rare opportunity to engage with, and learn from the Government representatives responsible for auditing, analyzing, and making determinations of adequacy and compliance. If you are a current subcontractor or seeking subcontracting opportunities, this event will also cover subcontractor requirements via flow down clauses.
Speakers thus far include:

Karen Zinn, Supervisor Procurement Analyst, Contractor Purchasing System Review Team, DCMA, Dallas TX
Eunice Ford, Property Administrator, Property Management Group, DCMA, Chicago IL
Jessica Price, Supervisory Auditor, DCAA, Milwaukee WI
Patrick Carlson, Supervisor, Quality Assurance, DCMA, Rice Lake WI
Jason Rathsack, Group Lead-Contracting, DCMA, Oshkosh WI
Deborah Crumity, Commercial Market Representative (CMR), U.S. Small Business Administration

Contractor Business System GAO Report: https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-19-212
The Department of Defense uses data from contractors’ business systems—e.g., accounting or purchasing systems—to guard against fraud, waste, and abuse in DOD contracts. For example, reviewing data from a contractor’s accounting system can help keep the contractor from overcharging. DOD must review contractors’ business systems to ensure that the data from them can be used. We’ve previously found that it was years behind on some of these reviews. DOD has an ambitious plan to catch up on these reviews in 3 years, but has no way to measure its progress. We recommended that DOD monitor and assess whether it’s completing these reviews as planned.
This event is eligible for 6 CPEs.

Creative Hiring Strategies in Manufacturing - Fond du Lac, WI
2019-05-07 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 625 W Rolling Meadows Dr, Fond du Lac, WI, 54937, United States
The Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance, Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation, and Envision Greater Fond du Lac are teaming up to host a panel discussion focused on how manufacturing employers throughout the region are implementing creative workforce strategies to attract and retain talent.
This event will encourage manufacturers to explore non-traditional avenues related to workforce development and hear about what other companies in the region are doing when it comes to filling the gap.
Dennis Winters, Chief Labor Economist for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, will kick-off the event by providing an overview of northeast Wisconsin’s workforce challenges now and in the decade to come along with labor market information specific to the manufacturing industry.
The cost to attend is $20.00.

DLA Land and Maritime Webinar - Casting and Forging
2019-05-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | WI

Acquisition Hour: Learning About the Surety Bond Guarantee From the U.S SBA
2019-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
The U. S. Small Business Administration’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program can help your small business obtain contract bid, performance, & payment bonds. Surety bonds help small businesses win contracts by providing the customer with a guarantee that the work will be completed.
Many public and private contracts require surety bonds, which are offered by surety companies. The SBA guarantees surety bonds for certain surety companies, which allows the companies to offer surety bonds to small businesses that might not meet the criteria for other sureties.
Does your business have: Limited Financial Resources? You have no Prior Bonded Work Experience? Trouble Bonding as a Startup? A Desire to Increase its Current Bond Limits? – if the answer is YES – YOU SHOULD ATTEND!
This webinar will cover:
Contract Bonds

What they are and why they are required
Your potential bonding capacity
Ways to maximize your surety credit

SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program

Contract bond guarantees up to $6.5 million
The SBA advantage
Costs and getting started

Speaker: Tamara Murray, Underwriting Marketing Specialist, U.S Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Surety Guarantees
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
To view a schedule of all upcoming webinars CLICK HERE
