Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Casting, Forging, and Machining: Insights from DoD Industry Experts
2025-09-09 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Join the APEX Accelerators for an informative afternoon featuring industry experts from the Department of Defense’s Casting, Forging, and Machining programs and initiatives. This session offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge directly from those shaping these critical areas of defense manufacturing.
Attendees will hear from a panel of experts:

Sheila Rayburn, Integrated Casting Order Network (ICON) program/Non-Ferrous Founders Society (NFFS)
Michael Chiero from the Valor Group
Eric Evans – DLA Land & Maritime
David Poweleit – Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA)
Charles Edens – Forging Defense Manufacturing Consortium (FDMC)
American Metal Casting (AMC)
Advanced Technology International (ATI)

Summary of the ICON program:
Unlocking the Power of the Integrated Casting Order Network (ICON): Modernizing Defense Manufacturing
In today’s rapidly evolving defense landscape, the demand for agile, secure, and efficient manufacturing solutions is greater than ever. The Integrated Casting Order Network (ICON) stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering a state-of-the-art digital platform that connects the Department of Defense (DoD) and prime contractors with a wide range of qualified foundries, forging facilities, and machine shops. Designed to modernize the acquisition and production of metal components critical to national security, ICON enables smarter sourcing, increased visibility, and accelerated procurement timelines.
For more information, click here.

DLA Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2025-09-09 - 2025-09-10
The TKO seminar is a course that teaches vendors how to start doing business with DLA Land and Maritime. 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. There are also many other relevant topics of discussion. This session is free.
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Madison – hosted by FEED Kitchens
2025-09-08 09:00 - 16:00 | FEED Kitchens, 1219 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI, 53704, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the FEED Kitchens in Madison, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Madison FEED Kitchens, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

35th Annual Milwaukee Night in Washington D.C
2025-09-03 16:30 - 18:30 | Union Station – East Hall, Union Station Dr NE, Washington D.C., 20002
This event highlights the contributions of the Milwaukee Region to the economic strength and vitality of the nation. Milwaukee Night also provides an opportunity to thank the legislators, staff members and administrators who help us achieve our goal of making the Milwaukee Region a world-class location.
Please note: The time of the event is 5:30 PM – 7:30PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME
For more information, click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: What's New With the FAR? The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Has Begun. What You Need to Know About It.
2025-09-02 12:30 - 13:00
FEDERAL MARKET INSIGHTS is an informal podcast designed to provide valuable information about the government marketplace for businesses interested in government contracting. Each episode is a concise 30-minute session, scheduled during the noon hour on Tuesdays. We review noteworthy items published during the week, delve into key topics, and offer background information and perspectives relevant to the government contracting landscape. Stop by, settle in and take in the conversation.
Presented by Marc Violante, Director, Federal Market Strategies, Wisconsin Procurement Institute and Mark Dennis, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
For the list of Federal Market Insights webinar, please click here.

Indigenous Business Group Wisconsin Contractor Connection - Networking Event Series - Danbury, WI
2025-08-28 16:00 - 19:00 | St. Croix Casino Danbury, 30222 Wisconsin 35 #77, Danbury, 54830, United States
Wisconsin Contractor Connection is a networking event by the Indigenous Business Group designed to connect contractors and businesses across Wisconsin with public and private sector opportunities. Bringing together professionals from construction, trades, consulting, media, infrastructure, energy, engineering, and environmental industries, this event fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business growth. Attendees will engage in networking, hear from industry leaders, and explore opportunities in contracting and procurement.
Target Audience:
Contractors & Tradespeople: General contractors, specialty trade contractors (electricians, plumbers, HVAC, etc.), and businesses in construction and infrastructure.
Industry Professionals: Engineering firms, environmental consultants, energy sector professionals, media, and business service providers.
Public & Private Sector Representatives: Government agencies, large corporations, and tribal enterprises seeking subcontractors and partnerships.
For more information, click here.

Cyber Thursday: The Federal Cybersecurity Horizon: Zero Trust, FedRAMP, and Supply Chain Risk
2025-08-28 11:00 - 12:00
As federal cybersecurity strategy continues to evolve, understanding emerging priorities is essential for staying compliant and competitive. This webinar explores key federal initiatives – Zero Trust Architecture, FedRAMP, and Supply Chain Risk Management—and how they intersect with existing regulations like FAR 52.204-21 and NIST SP 800-171. Attendees will gain insight into the federal government’s long-term cybersecurity vision, what contractors can expect in terms of risk accountability and system authorization, and how these initiatives shape future compliance requirements. This session is ideal for those looking to align their cybersecurity programs with federal expectations and prepare for what’s next on the cybersecurity horizon.
Speaker: Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
For the full schedule of the Cyber Thursday webinars, please click here.

Satellite Office: Manitowoc – hosted by Progress Lakeshore
2025-08-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Progress Lakeshore, 202 N 8th St Ste 101, Manitowoc, WI, 54220, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Progress Lakeshore offices in Manitowoc, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Manitowoc, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Do You Have Skeletons in the Closet? Could They Come Back to Life? Issues to Ponder. Reviewing Past Performance
2025-08-26 12:30 - 13:00

DOT Blatnik Bridge Project Bonding Education Program
2025-08-26 12:00 - 12:30
The Bonding Education Program’s mission is to increase small businesses’ economic competitiveness. The program includes the following:

Building an Effective Capability Statement
Improving your credit and access to capital
Bidding & Estimating
Davis Bacon Payroll Requirements
DBE Contract Compliance
Bonding 101
PRIME Lead session: What do primes look for in a subcontractor?

Class Schedule:

Kickoff- August 26, 2025 – 12:00 – 12:30PM CST

Session times – 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM CST

September 04, 2025
September 09, 2025
September 11, 2025
September 16, 2025
September 18, 2025
September 23, 2025
September 25, 2025

For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Green Bay – hosted by the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub
2025-08-26 09:00 - 16:00 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Startup Hub, 2701 Larsen Road, Green Bay, WI, 54303, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub in Green Bay, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Green Bay at NWTC’s Startup Hub, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

NGAUS 147th General Conference & Exhibition
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-25 | The Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53203
The NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition is the Association’s annual business meeting. Army and Air National Guard officers from all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia gather to network, set their legislative agenda and hear from America’s civilian and military leaders. Family members, industry representatives and local officials also attend. We hope to see you in Milwaukee this year!
America’s National Guard: Affordable, Accessible, Lethal
Three members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin will headline the annual general conference of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Aug. 22-25 in Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin National Guard will host the conference, which includes delegations from 54 states and territories, for the first time since 2011.
The association’s annual business meeting attracts hundreds of current and former Guard officers from across the country. It also represents a platform for senior U.S. military officials to address the Guard community. In addition, there is a tradeshow that will include more than 350 companies marketing goods and services suitable for the Guard’s unique dual mission as each respective state’s first military responder and as the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force.
For more information, click here.

DLA Strategic Materials Collaboration Forum
2025-08-21 10:00 - 13:00
Join DLA for the Strategic Materials Collaboration Forum, a new event marking the launch of the Strategic Materials Program of Record under DLA R&D!
August 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (ET)
DLA Headquarters or attend virtually
**Registration closes August 20
As the United States Department of Defense is increasingly prioritizing investment in securing access to strategic materials, this program will have an important role to play in advancing R&D projects.
This forum features:
🔹 A keynote address on program objectives and strategy for securing strategic materials supply chains
🔹 A panel discussion on DLA’s role in a whole-of-government approach to building supply chain resiliency
🔹 Hands-on demonstrations and discussions of ongoing R&D efforts
Presented both in person and via livestream.
For more information, click here.

Office Hours: Madison - Preparing for Meetings with State and Local Buyers
2025-08-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
WPI will be holding an in-person session on Preparing for Meetings with State and Local Buyers at the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus in Madison, WI.
Schedule:
9-10 AM – Presentation on Preparing to Meet with State and Local Buyers
Tru Mwololo will give an hour-long presentation on preparing to meet with State and Local Government Buyers.

Prepare customized meeting materials to maximize your opportunity.

Capabilities Statement
Elevator Pitch
Differentiators
Calling Card

Please RSVP/register for the presentation hour at this LINK.

10AM-12 PM – One-on-One Meetings

Please select an individual meeting time with Tru at this LINK.

Presenter:

Truphosa Mwololo, Manager Small Business Programs, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

To view the upcoming schedule for Madison – MATC Goodman South, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Acquisition Hour: End of the Federal Fiscal Year Spending: Are You Ready?
2025-08-20 12:00 - 13:00
Speakers:

Marc Violante, Director, Federal Market Strategies – Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator
Mark Dennis, Government Contract Specialist – Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

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

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Record Retention - What's Required, What Mandates It, Why It Is Important.
2025-08-19 12:30 - 13:00

Satellite Office: Oshkosh – hosted by the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
2025-08-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation, 111 N. Main Street, Ste 204, Oshkosh, WI, 54901, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location at the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation in Oshkosh, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Oshkosh, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

2025 Dept of the Navy Gold Coast - Premier Navy Procurement Expo (San Diego, CA)
2025-08-18 - 2025-08-21 | San Diego Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
The NDIA Department of the Navy Gold Coast Event is the premier Navy procurement expo in the country. Gold Coast provides a forum to educate, guide, and assist businesses, large and small, in support of the warfighter mission within The Department of the Navy and throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). Gold Coast hosted in partnership with Department of the Navy (DON) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), provides a forum to educate, guide, and assist businesses, large and small, in support of the warfighter mission within the Department of the Navy and throughout the DoD. The event provides exciting and relevant topics delivered by government and industry experts – and boasts insightful panels, workshops and networking events.
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Fond Du Lac – hosted by Envision Greater Fond du Lac
2025-08-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Envision Greater Fond du Lac, 23 S Main St Ste 101, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in Envision in Fond du Lac, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Fond du Lac, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

SAME Rock Island Post 2025 Commanders' Briefing Webinar
2025-08-14 09:00 - 12:30
Join us on Thursday, August 14th from 0900-1230 CST for the Rock Island Post’s annual Upper Midwest USACE Districts Program Briefings. This an opportunity to hear directly from each District Commander about their current and upcoming program as well as construction and A/E opportunities.
The webinar is available without charge. A recording and slides will be provided to all who contribute to the Scholarship fund ($50 suggested).
This year we will have District Commanders (or their representatives) from:

Chicago District
Detroit District
Kansas City District
Louisville District
Omaha District
Rock Island District
St. Louis District
St. Paul District

For more information, click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: DLA's QPLs, QMLs, and QBLs AND DLA Warehouse Logistics - What They Are and How They Apply to Your Work With DLA
2025-08-12 12:30 - 13:00
FEDERAL MARKET INSIGHTS is an informal podcast designed to provide valuable information about the government marketplace for businesses interested in government contracting. Each episode is a concise 30-minute session, scheduled at the end of the week. We review noteworthy items published during the week, delve into key topics, and offer background information and perspectives relevant to the government contracting landscape. Stop by, settle in and take-in the conversation.
Presented by Marc Violante, Director, Federal Market Strategies, Wisconsin Procurement Institute and Mark Dennis, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
For the list of Federal Market Insights webinar, please click here.

Session 2: Understanding How the Government Marketplace Works
2025-08-12 07:30 - 10:00 | Technology Innovation Center, Room 121, 10437 W Innovation Dr. Room 121, Wauwatosa, WI, 53226, United States
The Milwaukee Small Business Development Center – Small Business Development Lab and the Wisconsin Procurement Institute will be presenting a 2 session event to prepare established businesses for corporate and government contracting. In this session, attendees will hear about:

How to locate and identify supplier opportunities with large corporations (led by MAC)
How to make the right connections with government buyers (led by WPI)

This session builds on the foundation of Session 1, but you’re welcome to attend either or both. If you’re looking to grow your business through contracting, this is where to start.
Who should attend:

Small businesses with at least 1 year in business and $50K+ in sales
Business owners interested in becoming corporate or government suppliers
Anyone ready to explore contracting opportunities with real support

NDIA 17th Annual Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium (GVSETS) & Modernization Update - Novi, MI
2025-08-12 - 2025-08-14 | Novi Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI, 48374, United States
The NDIA Michigan Chapter presents the 17th Annual Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium (GVSETS) & Modernization Update. GVSETS provides the opportunity for the Ground Systems community to network and share technical research and innovations while discussing capability gaps and modernization needs. With global threats becoming more aggressive and complex, our nation must implement solutions to ensure our Warfighters have the tools and solutions for current and future conflicts.
To start, scientists and engineers from government, academia and industry are invited to submit papers for the GVSETS Technical Sessions. The Technical Sessions are executed in conjunction with the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD), with paper publication support delivered by SAE Government Technologies.
For more information, click here.

WEDC Small Business Technical Assistance Grant - Informational Webinar
2025-08-11 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for an informative webinar on the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant! This session is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the program, guiding potential applicants through the application process, key dates, and essential information. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or seeking to refine your submission, this webinar is the perfect opportunity to get all your questions answered.
Program Overview: Understand the purpose, benefits, and opportunities offered by the Small Business Technical Assistance grant.
Application Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to apply, including eligibility criteria, required documentation, and submission tips.
Important Dates: Key deadlines and milestones you need to know to stay on track.
Q&A Session: A live Q&A session where our experts will answer your questions and provide additional insights.
Don’t miss this chance to learn more about how the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant can support your small business ecosystem. Register now and secure your spot!
For more information, click here.

Office Hours: Madison - Selling to the City of Madison & Dane County
2025-08-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus in Madison, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
Presenter:

Truphosa Mwololo, Manager Small Business Programs, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

To view the upcoming schedule for Madison – MATC Goodman South, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Acquisition Hour: Writing an Effective Capabilities Statement
2025-08-06 12:00 - 13:00
Like resumes, capabilities statements play an important role in effectively selling your company to potential government and corporate customers. Capabilities statements also follow similar rules to resumes – keep them to one page, don’t leave out important sections, and make sure each section is filled with relevant, up-to-date information.
This session will detail what makes a capabilities statement effective. In addition, by learning how to conceptualize more clearly their own long-term goals and competitive advantages, attendees will gain the tools to improve all their marketing assets’ messaging.
Speakers:

Jack Laufenberg, Small Business Advisor – Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

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

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Innovation - Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in DLA Contracting: What Contractors Need to Know
2025-08-05 12:30 - 13:00

Session 1: Understanding How the Government Marketplace Works
2025-08-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Technology Innovation Center, Room 121, 10437 W Innovation Dr. Room 121, Wauwatosa, WI, 53226, United States
The Milwaukee Small Business Development Center – Small Business Development Lab and the Wisconsin Procurement Institute will be presenting a 2 session event to prepare established businesses for corporate and government contracting. In this session, attendees will hear about:

How to get your internal operations and back end in order (led by SBDC)
What the government marketplace actually looks like and how to approach it (led by WPI)

Whether you’re brand new to the world of government contracts or actively researching bids, this session will give you the foundational knowledge you need to move forward.
Who should attend:

Small business owners with 1+ year in business
Entrepreneurs preparing to scale through contract work
Anyone curious about entering the government contracting space

This workshop is free to attend, but space is limited. Save your seat now and take the first step toward contract readiness.
To register for session 2, click here.

Satellite Office: Madison – hosted by the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Commercial Avenue Campus
2025-08-04 09:00 - 16:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Commercial Avenue Campus, 2125 Commercial Avenue, Madison, WI, 53704, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Commercial Avenue campus in Madison, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Madison MATC Commerical Avenue, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Cyber Thursday: CMMC 2.0: What Contractors Must Know in 2025
2025-07-31 11:00 - 12:00
As the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program moves closer to full implementation, contractors must stay informed and prepared. This webinar provides a clear and current overview of CMMC 2.0, including key updates, the projected timeline for rollout, and what organizations should expect in terms of oversight and assessment. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of each CMMC level, how the requirements align with NIST SP 800-171, and where to find official guidance and resources. Whether you’re new to CMMC or seeking to stay ahead of regulatory changes, this session offers essential information to help navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape in 2025.
Speaker: Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
For the full schedule of the Cyber Thursday webinars, please click here.
