Wisconsin Procurement Institute

DHS Small Business Vendor Outreach Sessions
2023-02-23 08:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | VA
Each fiscal year (FY) the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), as part of the Small Business Outreach Program, conducts ten sessions of 15-minute pre-arranged virtual meetings with small businesses. This online session will take place on February 23, 2023 from 8:00AM – 11:15AM CDT and will focus on their regular vendor outreach session with small business specialists and prime contractors.
To register for any of these sessions you must first create a profile in the DHS electronic appointment scheduling system at this website. After creating your profile, please click here and scroll down to “Requesting a Vendor Outreach Session Meeting” for information on requesting your meeting.

10th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 3: FAR Parts 5-12
2023-02-21 18:00 - 19:30 | VA
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “10th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 3: FAR Parts 5-12” on February 21 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. This session is part of the 10th annual FAR Evening Sessions. To register, please click here.
The FAR Evening Sessions are designed specifically for current Federal contractors. In addition, these sessions will help you prepare for the NCMA CFCM certification exam.
-FAR 5: Publicizing Contract Actions
-FAR 6: Competition Requirements
-FAR 7: Acquisition Planning
-FAR 8: Required Sources of Supplies and Services
-FAR 9: Contractor Qualifications
-FAR 10: Market Research
-FAR 11: Describing Agency Needs
-FAR 12: Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services

Speakers:

Daryl G. Zahn, CFCM, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, Leonardo DRS
Richard Deschauer, Director, Contracts and Compliance, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

This webinar is eligible for 1.5 CPE credit.
For a full schedule of the FAR sessions, please click here.

DLA TKO: DIBBS: Solicitations
2023-02-21 13:00 - 14:00 | VA
A Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) seminar will be held February 21, 2023 from 1-2 PM CST. The topic will be, “DIBBS: 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.

10th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 2: FAR Parts 1-4
2023-02-14 18:00 - 19:30 | VA
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “10th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 2: FAR Parts 1-4” on February 14 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. This session is part of the 10th annual FAR Evening Sessions. To register, please click here.
The FAR Evening Sessions are designed specifically for current Federal contractors. In addition, these sessions will help you prepare for the NCMA CFCM certification exam.
-FAR 1: Federal Acquisition Regulations System
-FAR 2: Definitions of Words and Terms
-FAR 3: Improper Business Practices and Personal Conflicts of Interest
-FAR 4: Administrative and Information Matters

Speaker:

Daryl G. Zahn, CFCM, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, Leonardo DRS

This webinar is eligible for 1.5 CPE credit.
For a full schedule of the FAR sessions, please click here.

Cyber Friday: Preparing for Self-Assessment
2023-02-10 11:00 - 12:00 | VA
A Self-Assessment is currently required in order to meet DFARS 252.204-7012 and will be required as a part of DFARS 252.204-7021. In this session we will discuss what are the expectations for any Self-Assessment as performed under NIST SP 800-171 as well as review the materials and resources available to assist you in your Self-Assessment.
Speaker: Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
For the full schedule of the Cyber Friday webinars, please click here.
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.

Expanding Business Opportunities in Rural Wisconsin – MARINETTE COUNTY - Newly Designated HUBZone
2023-02-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Marinette County Courthouse, 1926 Hall Ave, Marinette, WI, 54143, United States
In November 2022, it was announced that Governor Evers’s application to the U.S. Small Business Administration for HUBZone status for Jackson and Marinette Counties was approved.
The HUBZone program (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) supports small business growth with a goal of awarding at least 3% of federal contract dollars as well as 3% of large federal contractor subcontracting dollars to certified companies each year. The HUBZone map now includes Jackson and Marinette counties on the SBA HUBZone map as “Governor-Designated Covered Areas.” Currently, many Federal agencies and Federal prime contractors are not meeting their HUBZone goals. Certified HUBZone firms have a unique preference in Federal government contracting.
Joining the session will be representatives from:

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) https://wedc.org/
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) including Geri Sanchez Aglipay, Region V Administrator
Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity https://ruralwi.com/
Regional resource providers
Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) www.wispro.org

During this session, you will learn about:

Benefits of and applying for an SBA HUBZone certification
HUBZone certification requirements
The certification process
Locating HUBZone opportunities
Marketing your HUBZone certified business

To view WEDC’s press release about the event, click here.

U.S. Department of Transportation Webinar on Preparing for Upcoming DOT Discretionary Grant Opportunities
2023-02-08 14:00 - 15:00 | VA
Join staff from across the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in this webinar to highlight several resources created to help potential grant applicants navigate different funding opportunities. Click here to register!
This session will dig into some of the tools available on the DOT Navigator – the Department’s one stop shop for technical assistance, including the upcoming funding opportunity calendar, tools for identifying Federal disadvantaged community areas, and which programs provide non-Federal match flexibility. The session will also spotlight several funding opportunities at USDOT that are currently accepting applications to expand transportation opportunities to urban, rural, and Tribal communities. Click here to read more.
Speakers:
Amit Bose, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, USDOT
Andrea Jacobsen, RAISE Grants Program Manager, US DOT Office of the Secretary
Lynda Tran, Director of Public Engagement, US DOT
Veronica McBeth, Senior Advisor, Federal Transit Administration, USDOT
Mariia Zimmerman, Strategic Advisor for Technical Assistance and Community Solutions, USDOT

Expanding Business Opportunities in Rural Wisconsin – JACKSON COUNTY - Newly Designated HUBZone
2023-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Black River Area Chamber of Commerce, 120 N Water St, Black River Falls, WI, 54615, United States
In November 2022, it was announced that Governor Evers’s application to the U.S. Small Business Administration for HUBZone status for Jackson and Marinette Counties was approved.
The HUBZone program (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) supports small business growth with a goal of awarding at least 3% of federal contract dollars as well as 3% of large federal contractor subcontracting dollars to certified companies each year. The HUBZone map now includes Jackson and Marinette counties on the SBA HUBZone map as “Governor-Designated Covered Areas.” Currently, many Federal agencies and Federal prime contractors are not meeting their HUBZone goals. Certified HUBZone firms have a unique preference in Federal government contracting.
Joining the session will be representatives from:

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) https://wedc.org/
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) including Geri Sanchez Aglipay, Region V Administrator
Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity https://ruralwi.com/
Regional resource providers
Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) www.wispro.org

During this session, you will learn about:

Benefits of and applying for an SBA HUBZone certification
HUBZone certification requirements
The certification process
Locating HUBZone opportunities
Marketing your HUBZone certified business

To view the WEDC press release about the event, click here.

10th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 1: Introduction and FAR Part 16
2023-02-07 18:00 - 19:30 | VA
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “10th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 1: Introduction and FAR Part 16” on February 7 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. This session is part of the 10th annual FAR Evening Sessions. To register, please click here.
The FAR Evening Sessions are designed specifically for current Federal contractors. In addition, these sessions will help you prepare for the NCMA CFCM certification exam.
-FAR 16: Types of Contracts

Speaker:

Daryl G. Zahn, CFCM, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, Leonardo DRS

This webinar is eligible for 1.5 CPE credit.
For a full schedule of the FAR sessions, please click here.

Acquisition Hour: Preparing a Winning Government Proposal
2023-02-01 11:00 - 12:00 | VA
Your proposals are not generating government contract awards. You think you are submitting the greatest option. Why are they not selecting you? Your proposal may offer wonderful things but is it RESPONSIVE and EFFECTIVE?
Writing a proposal takes time, careful planning and a complete understanding of the requirement. A proposal must provide credible evidence that your business understands the problem, has a comprehensive solution, has the skills and experience to do the work, and can provide the solution at a competitive price. Join us and learn what makes an effective winning proposal.
An effective, responsive proposal can give you the competitive edge your business is looking for. All contractors and subcontractors looking to improve their proposals should attend.
Speaker: Carol Murphy, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.

2023 Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) Governor's Conference on Economic Development
2023-02-01 - 2023-02-03 | Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 West Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
The 2023 WEDA Governor’s Conference on Economic Development will feature industry thought leaders and practitioners who will cover today’s challenges and opportunities as we explore community revitalization, data driven talent attraction, transportation, early childhood care, housing, and entrepreneurship. The Governor’s Conference is WEDA’s largest educational and networking event of the year. The packed agenda has something for everyone as we focus on advancing economic prosperity across Wisconsin.
In addition to a wealth of networking opportunities and dynamic speakers, the conference qualifies for the following key continuing education credit certifications: EDFP, CEcD and AICP. To view the full agenda, click here.
For more information and to register, click here.

U.S. Department of Transportation Connections MarketPlace - Buyer Side Chat Roundtable Session
2023-01-26 12:00 - 13:00 | VA
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), is hosting their Connections MarketPlace: Buyer Side Chat Roundtable Session where you will be hearing on how to do business with the USDOT Volpe Center (VOLPE). To register, click here.
Attendees will be able to:
• Find out how to market your services as a small business to VOLPE
• Learn about how other small businesses are currently contracting with VOLPE
• Gain insight into how to effectively maximize your small business status
• Upcoming BIL opportunities for small businesses in VOLPE

DHS Small Business Vendor Outreach Sessions
2023-01-26 08:00 - 11:30 | VA
Each fiscal year (FY) the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), as part of the Small Business Outreach Program, conducts ten sessions of 15-minute pre-arranged virtual meetings with small businesses. This online session will take place on January 26, 2023 from 8:00AM – 11:15AM CDT and will focus on their regular vendor outreach session with small business specialists and prime contractors.
To register for any of these sessions you must first create a profile in the DHS electronic appointment scheduling system at this website. After creating your profile, please click here and scroll down to “Requesting a Vendor Outreach Session Meeting” for information on requesting your meeting.

15th Annual End of Year Federal Contractor Update - (Oshkosh, WI) In-Person
2023-01-25 07:30 - 18:00 | Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center, 1 N Main St, Oshkosh, WI, 54901, United States
Join Wisconsin’s Federal contractors and subcontractors for this annual event. Keep up to date with this series of briefings focusing on changes and challenges in DOD/ Federal contracting.
CURRENT AGENDA – Click to view
This year’s speakers are listed here. CLICK HERE to download the speaker bios.

MAJ Thomas Cayia, Site Director, DCMA Oshkosh
Jason Rathsack, Senior Contract Specialist at Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Central Region
Alec Streeter, Director, Global Trade Compliance at Oshkosh Corporation
William Hughes, Partner, Husch Blackwell LLP (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Brian P. Waagner, Partner, Husch Blackwell LLP (Washington, D.C.)
David Zvenyach, Tech + X Nerd, where X = {Law, Product, Policy, Management, Government, Procurement, …} – previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) and the Director of the Technology Transformation Services (TTS)
Eric Ness, Wisconsin District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration (US SBA)
Daryl Zahn, CFCM, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, DRS Naval Power Systems, Inc.
James Pitcher, Contract Manager, Scale AI
Aina Vilumsons, Executive Director / PM, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) An APEX ACCELERATOR (previously PTAC)

Pre-Registration CLOSES Tuesday, 1/24 at 6:30PM
Onsite Registration OPENS on Wednesday, 1/25 at 7:30AM
AGENDA –
7:30AM: Registration / Refreshments
8:00AM: Start of Program
12:00 Noon: Lunch
4:00PM: Reception – Hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association Great Lakes Chapter
6:00PM: Close of Program

Wisconsin Federal Contractor Forum (by invitation)
2023-01-24 | Oshkosh, WI, Oshkosh, WI, United States
The Wisconsin Federal Contractor Forum will be held in Oshkosh, WI on January 24, 2023 and will be hosted by Oshkosh Corporation.
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) is celebrating 35 years of service to Wisconsin businesses!
Check in at 1:30pm – Program and Discussion 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Join the WPI Board of Directors, government contractors from around the state and government influencers for a sharing of knowledge and a discussion on the “State of Government Contracting in the State” and how to expand Wisconsin’s Federal contracting power.
Visit the Wisconsin Federal Contractor Forum webpage – CLICK HERE.

Meet and Greet with Construction Managers / General Contractors for upcoming Racine Unified School District (RUSD) Projects
2023-01-19 15:00 - 16:30 | Racine Unified School District | Administrative Services Campus, 3109 Mount Pleasant St., Racine, WI, 53404, United States
The Construction Manager / General Contractor (CM/GC) Meet and Greet is scheduled for January 19, 2023.
The school board has established goals associated with engaging small and diverse construction-related businesses in these projects. Targeted businesses are located in Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties. If this could be a fit for your business, you are encouraged to attend. Bring your business cards and capabilities statements and be ready to meet and pitch.
The link to register for the CM Meet and Greet is here.
To view the past events for more information, see below:

RUSD Small Business Session #1
RUSD Small Business Session #2

Sales Opportunities Local Government Agencies - In Person (Madison, WI)
2023-01-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Commercial Avenue Campus, 2125 Commercial Avenue, Madison, WI, 53704, United States
Join Tondra Davis, Director, State of Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program, and WPI staff to learn more about Wisconsin’s Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) for Minority, Woman and Service-Disabled Veteran owned businesses. She will share with us details about the certification process, how to leverage your certifications, and much more. As this is an in-person event, you will have the opportunity to discuss, ask questions and share information about your business with Ms. Davis. Last year certified businesses received a record $192 million.
Where:
Madison Area Technical College, Commercial Avenue Campus
2125 Commercial Avenue
Room 242
Madison, WI 53704

Acquisition Hour: Overview of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
2023-01-11 13:00 - 14:00 | VA
To register, please click here.
If you are currently or are planning to be a contractor or subcontractor to the Federal government, it is important to know and understand the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). The FAR is the principal set of rules governing the acquisition process and critical to your success as a contractor.
This webinar is designed to be a primer before FAR Evening Sessions, which will give you an in-depth look at the FAR. To view a list of the FAR Evening sessions and to register, please click here.
What you will learn:
• How the FAR is structured
• Locate and search for FAR clauses
• Understanding how to determine what clauses apply to your solicitation / contract
• A BASIC understanding of the FAR
Speaker: Carol Murphy, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.

Acquisition Hour: The SBA 8(a) Program and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Program
2023-01-10 11:00 - 12:00 | VA
The next Acquisition Hour webinar on “The SBA 8(a) Program and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Program” will be held on January 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Click here to register.
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 that include 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 a Small Disadvantaged Business (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

Speakers:
Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Ben Blanc, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.

Virtual Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2023-01-10 08:00 - 2023-01-11 13:30 | VA
This Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) seminar will be held virtually January 10 – 11, 2023 from 8AM – 1:30PM CDT.
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), and the procedures for viewing/downloading drawings. There will also be many other relevant topics of discussion. These courses are designed for dealers, distributors, and manufacturers, but NOT a company that provides “services.”
To register for this event go to https://tko.dla.mil, select “DLA Land and Maritime,” select the correct webinar date, fill out the registration form, and additional information will be provided to you.

Racine Unified School District Small Business Session #2
2023-01-05 15:00 - 16:30 | Racine Unified School District | Administrative Services Campus, 3109 Mount Pleasant St., Racine, WI, 53404, United States
Onsite Registration Availabile!
Racine Unified School District is undertaking $595 million in construction projects supported by a referendum passed in 2021. The school board has established goals associated with engaging small and diverse construction-related businesses in these projects. Targeted businesses are located in Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties.
Why you should attend this event:

Get an overview of the upcoming RUSD opportunities
Learn how to participate
Hear from representatives of the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) how to become certified and access other resources for small and diverse businesses

The meeting will be held in the MyGatts Conference Room, located through Door A of Building 1 at the Administrative Services Campus for RUSD. In addition to visitor parking, there is an overflow parking lot available. To view a map of parking options, click here.

15th Annual Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium and Advanced Program Briefing for Industry
2022-12-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Novi Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI, 48374, United States
The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Michigan Chapter is hosting the 15th Annual Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium and Advanced Program Briefing for Industry (GVSETS & APBI) to provide the opportunity to personally network and share technical research to approximately 1,800 attendees.
Scientists and engineers from government, academia and industry are invited to submit papers for the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Michigan Chapter’s 15th Annual GVSETS & APBI, in coordination with The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD). The focus of the 2023 Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering Technology Symposium (GVSETS) is partnering with industry, government, and academia to meet the Army’s transformational needs.

March 13, 2023 – Draft Paper submission deadline *
May 4, 2023 – Notification of acceptance
June 17, 2023 – Final paper submission *
August 1, 2023 – Final presentation submission *
August 15, 2023 – Paper Presentation

*This timetable does not include time for OPSEC review which is required by all government authored/funded papers. Please allow two weeks for OPSEC process prior to submission dates.
To read more and to submit a paper, click here.

Protect Your Intellectual Property with these Steps: Boot Camp
2022-12-20 09:00 - 15:00 | VA
Join hundreds of people and learn about the resources available to you to protect your Intellectual Property and help secure your small business. The event includes an unclassified, Small Business Cyber Threat Briefing. Hear from NAVY leaders about the imperative for small businesses to protect their data and networks, as well as protecting sensitive DOD data. Also, learn all about NAVY Blue Cyber initiative for small business cybersecurity.
Join for six, information-packed hours of specialists describing the resources available for U.S. small businesses, including those who are already or are considering doing business with the DoD. The event includes an unclassified, Small Business Cyber Threat Briefing.

Racine Unified School District Small Business Session #1
2022-12-15 15:00 - 16:30 | Racine Unified School District | Administrative Services Campus, 3109 Mount Pleasant St., Racine, WI, 53404, United States
Please use Building 2, Entrance A when attending. The Windpoint Conference Room is inside.
Racine Unified School District is undertaking $595 million in construction projects supported by a referendum passed in 2021. The school board has established goals associated with engaging small and diverse construction-related businesses in these projects. Targeted businesses are located in Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties.
Why you should attend this event:

Get an overview of the upcoming RUSD opportunities
Learn how to participate
Hear from representatives of the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) how to become certified and access other resources for small and diverse businesses

DHS Small Business Vendor Outreach Sessions
2022-12-15 08:00 - 11:30 | VA
Each fiscal year (FY) the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), as part of the Small Business Outreach Program, conducts ten sessions of 15-minute pre-arranged virtual meetings with small businesses. This online session will take place on December 15, 2022 from 8:00AM – 11:15AM CDT and will focus on their regular vendor outreach session with small business specialists and prime contractors.
To register for any of these sessions you must first create a profile in the DHS electronic appointment scheduling system at this website. After creating your profile, please click here and scroll down to “Requesting a Vendor Outreach Session Meeting” for information on requesting your meeting.

DLA TKO: Doing Business with DLA
2022-12-13 13:00 - 14:00 | VA
A Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) seminar will be held December 13, 2022 from 1-2 PM CST. The topic will be, “Doing Business with DLA.” 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.

The Contracting Academy (TCA) - Virtual
2022-12-07 09:00 - 12:00 | VA
Click here to register and attend The Contracting Academy.
TCA Sessions will take place virtually on December 7, 2022 between 9 AM and 12 NOON Central Time (the day after Marketplace Wisconsin). Sessions will focus on federal and federal prime contractor opportunities for diverse and small businesses.
This year’s sessions:
9:00 AM Central Time – FEDERAL AGENCY PANEL – The Federal Government spends over $600 billion annually on a wide range of goods and services. In the federal market, small and diverse firms have a competitive advantage – contracting goals are in place for small, disadvantaged (includes minority), woman, service-disabled veteran and HUBZone certified firms. During this session you will hear from federal agency representatives on what they buy, what they look for in a contractor, what opportunities are available and what they expect from their contractors.
Lisa Burns, USPFO, Wisconsin National Guard
Steven Maier, Small Business Liaison, Great Lakes Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Michael Chiodi, MRP Small Business Coordinator – MRP AbilityOne Liaison/Contracting Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Elizabeth White, Procurement Analyst, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Moderated by Aina Vilumsons, President and Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
10:00 AM Central Time – FEDERAL PRIME CONTRACTOR PANEL – Large federal prime contractors with large federal contracts are obligated to work with small and diverse businesses. These contractors have what is known as a “small business subcontracting plan” which outlines their subcontracting plans and small business goals. During this session, federal prime contractors will share information about their firms and about their contracts, and how a small / diverse business could become their subcontractor.
Bill Deringer, Global Business Development Manager, Electric Power Generation (EPG) Caterpillar Defense – BIO
Sara Redford, Vice President of Procurement, WPS Health Solutions – BIO
Kevin Lovell, Director and Senior Program Manager, Xator Corporation – BIO
Michael Bond, Supplier Diversity, Snap-on Incorporated
Moderated by Aina Vilumsons, President and Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
11:00 AM Central Time – UNDERSTANDING TEAMING – PARTNERING – MENTORING – JOINT VENTURES – In Federal Government contracting, your competitor on today’s opportunity may be your partner on the next project. Successful federal contractors understand and leverage the competitive advantage that the various TEAMING methods and programs can bring. During this session you will learn about some of these federal programs, and how to bring teaming into your Federal Government market development and growth strategy.
Jean Marie Thiel, President, Belonger Corporation, Inc – BIO
Tim Connelly, Principal, Tim Connelly Law PLLC – BIO
Darryl “Shane” Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, Wisconsin District Office, US SBA – BIO
Moderated by Aina Vilumsons, President and Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

The Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. - Black & Diverse Business Showcase
2022-12-07 08:00 - 20:00 | The Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53203
The Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce presents the Black and Diverse Business Showcase on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 8 AM – 8 PM at The Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Click here to register and to read more.
The Showcase will feature a full day of programing, workshops, and networking opportunities. New and growing minority, woman, veteran, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses will learn how to prepare their businesses for the Government markets. The workshops will feature area government representatives and business professionals. In addition, the workshops will also feature resource providers on topics including accounting, finance, locating financing, certifications, compliance, sales/marketing, business management, and more.
For the full agenda, please click here.

Marketplace: Governor's Annual Conference on Diverse Business Development
2022-12-06 07:00 - 19:00 | The Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53203
Online registration is now closed. On-site registration will be available for the Governor’s Annual Conference on Diverse Business Development being held December 6, 2022.
The event will be in person on December 6 at The Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, WI.
CLICK HERE to view the official Marketplace website.
Buyers confirmed to participate in One-on-One Meetings during Marketplace are listed here. Be sure to review this list again as additional buyers confirm participation in the conference.
State Government
State of Wisconsin Department of Administration
State of Wisconsin Department of Justice
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Federal Government
National Park Service / Regional Major Acquisitions Buying Office
Local Government
City of Milwaukee
City of Racine
City of Wauwatosa
Kenosha County
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Office of Equity
Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD)
Waukesha County
Corporate / Government Prime Contractor
American Family Insurance
Enbridge Energy
GE Healthcare
Gilbane Building Company
Hoffman Construction Company
JP Cullen
Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems
Michels Corporation
Oshkosh Defense
Snap-on Incorporated
U.S. Bank
WPS Health Solutions
College / University
Marquette University
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
University of Wisconsin – Madison
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin – System Administration

(NCMA) Government Contract Management Symposium
2022-12-05 - 2022-12-06 | VA
Save the date for the NCMA’s Government Contract Management Symposium being held on December 5 – 6, 2022 in Bethesda, MD.
This event will feature real-life stories from the field to illustrate how to apply key contracting skills; spotlight the effects of new policies, regs, and practices; demonstrate applicable techniques for building your career; and reveal ways practitioners are using innovative methods and technology.
Click here to visit the event page and to sign up to get notified when registration opens.
