Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Federal Contracting & Cybersecurity: What Manufacturers Need to Know (Manitowoc, WI)
2025-05-29 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Progress Lakeshore, 202 N 8th St Ste 101, Manitowoc, WI, 54220, United States
As opportunities in Department of Defense and Federal Government contracting continue to grow, so do the requirements for businesses—especially manufacturers in the supply chain—to meet rigid cybersecurity standards. This session is designed to help you understand foundational elements of federal government and DOD cybersecurity requirements, including NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC. Whether you’re new to the space or seeking to sharpen your compliance strategies, this presentation will provide the practical guidance and essential knowledge you need to take the first steps with confidence.
Presenter: Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
REGISTER now!

GSA Industry Meeting
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:45
The General Services Administration (GSA) is hosting a webinar to discuss the contract consolidation requirements under Executive Order 14240: Eliminating Waste and Saving Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Procurement and GSA’s deviations under the initiative to overhaul the Federal Acquisition Regulation under Executive Order 14275: Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement.
For more information, click here.

Acquisition Hour: Certification Programs for Women and Veteran Owned Businesses
2025-05-27 11:00 - 12:00
Securing government contracts and subcontracts is not easy. As a Woman Owned Small Business, a Veteran Owned Small Business, or a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, you may gain preference when competing for contracts with the State of Wisconsin and Federal government agencies.
This webinar will focus on the various woman or veteran owned business certifications and the basics of qualifying and applying. In this webinar, businesses will learn about:

the State of Wisconsin Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (DVB) certification
the State of Wisconsin Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) certification
the U.S. SBA WOSB, VOSB and SDVOSB certifications for firms working with Federal agencies, and
the SBA and DOD Mentor Protege Programs

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.

Satellite Office: Green Bay – hosted by the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub
2025-05-27 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.

Indigenous Business Group Wisconsin Contractor Connection - Networking Event Series - Hayward, WI
2025-05-22 16:00 - 19:00 | Flat Creek Lodge, 10290 Highway 27 South, Hayward, WI, 54843, 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.

Marketing to NASA: Strategies for Small Business Success
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:30
As NASA continues to innovate in the space exploration, scientific, and research industries, small businesses will be critical to its success. Small business owners know the ins and outs of their company like the back of their hand. Some who are just starting a business, might feel totally lost. Knowing where to turn for advice in moving your business forward is vitally important to its success.
In the “Marketing to NASA: Strategies for Small Business Success” webinar, small business owners will gain valuable insights into effectively positioning their products and services to capture NASA’s attention. Participants will learn strategic approaches to crafting compelling marketing messages tailored to NASA’s unique needs and priorities. The session will cover key topics such as understanding NASA’s procurement process, identifying decision-makers within NASA, leveraging small business certifications, and aligning marketing efforts with NASA’s mission goals. Small businesses will leave equipped with practical strategies and tools to enhance their visibility, engage effectively with NASA program managers, and ultimately increase their chances of securing contracts with the agency.
Click here to learn more and register.

Satellite Office: Eau Claire - hosted by the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
2025-05-21 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-20 09:00 - 16:00 | Western Dairyland EOC, 418 Wisconsin St, Eau Claire, WI, 54703, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Western Dairyland EOC’s offices located in Eau Claire, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting with them.
To view the upcoming schedule for Eau Claire, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

DLA Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2025-05-20
This TKO webinar is a course that teaches vendors the federal registration process and avoid the common mistakes that hinder CAGE validation. This session is free.
For more information, click here.

Government Certification Workshop - DBE (Madison, WI)
2025-05-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.
Agenda:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Overview of Certification Types and Benefits
15 minute break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Certification Application Overview
15 minute break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Q&A

Schedule of Topics: click here to view the full schedule and topics for the Government Certification Workshops

11th Annual DOD Contract Management Update [in-person - Milwaukee, WI]
2025-05-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Brookfield Conference Center, 325 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI, 53005, United States
ONSITE REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILBLE DURING THE EVENT. Pre-registration is now closed.
Doing business with the Department of Defense presents great opportunities but also complex challenges. In order to be successful, the Defense Industrial Base must keep current with ever changing regulatory requirements, industry trends, and DoD priorities. Whether you’re a current or prospective DoD prime or subcontractor, you won’t want to miss the updates and discussions presented by a mix of Government and Industry experts.
Join Wisconsin’s DOD contractors and subcontractors for this annual event. This in-person event will be held in Milwaukee, WI.
Schedule
Registration: 7:30 AM
Continental Breakfast: 8:00-9:30 AM
Program Opens: 8:30 AM
Program Close and Networking: 4:00 PM
Event Close: 4:30 PM
Agenda [click to open]

Confirmed Speakers

Colonel Susan Styer, Director-Land Supplier Operations, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Don Schulze, Deputy Director-Land Supplier Operations, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) LINKEDIN
Sean Ketter, Vice President, Global Procurement & Supply Chain, Oshkosh Corporation LINKEDIN
Dave Zvenyach, Principal, TandemGov LINKEDIN
Todd Bentley, President, Bentley World Packaging Ltd LINKEDIN
Jim Segelstrom, Chief Executive Officer, McNally Industries LINKEDIN
Michael Ward, Senior Vice President, Business and Community Development, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) LINKEDIN
David Petry, Director of Purchasing Compliance and Vendor Management, Fincantieri Marinette Marine (LINKEDIN)
Joseph Addison, Program Manager-DOD Mentor Protégé Program, Derco, A Lockheed Martin Company LINKEDIN
James Pitcher, Strategic Contracts Lead (Public Sector), Scale AI LINKEDIN
Daryl Zahn, Sr. Manager, Contracts & Compliance, DRS Naval Power Systems, Inc. LINKEDIN
Samuel W. Jack, Of Counsel, Dempsey Law Firm LLP LINKEDIN
Bryan Erickson, Supervisory Contract Administrator, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Great Lakes LINKEDIN
Mark Zeihen Jr., Contract Administrator, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Great Lakes LINKEDIN
Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist (Wisconsin), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) BIO
Tammie Clendenning, Lead Economic Development Specialist (Wisconsin), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) LINKEDIN
Buckley Brinkman, President-Executive Director, Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity LINKEDIN
Aina Vilumsons, President-Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) Wisconsin APEX Accelerator LINKEDIN

Winning Government Business: Navigating Compliance Risks to Drive Strategic Advantage [Milwaukee, WI]
2025-05-14 07:30 - 19:00
Winning Government Business: Navigating Compliance Risks to Drive Strategic Advantage
May 14, 2025 // Milwaukee, WI // 7:30am-7:00pm
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION at the NDIA Great Lakes Chapter webpage [link]
REGISTRATION OPEN
In an era of escalating regulatory demands, the path to securing government business is fraught with compliance challenges that can threaten even the most established organizations. Ensuring Your Strategic Advantage offers a unique opportunity to gain critical insights into navigating these complexities. Join industry leaders, compliance experts, and government insiders as they reveal strategies to fortify your business, protect revenue streams, and outpace competitors in an increasingly regulated environment. Whether you’re a C-suite executive, part of a large or small business, in business development, supply chain, contracts, or legal, this event will equip you with the knowledge to stay competitive and safeguard your organization’s future.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor opportunities are available! For more information, please contact info@ndia-greatlakes.org. This national event is hosted by the NDIA Cybersecurity Division in partnership with the NDIA Great Lakes Chapter.
Speakers

Mr. Trey Hodgkins, Chair Cybersecurity Division, NDIA
Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh, USAF (Ret) – Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, NDIA
Brig. Gen. Chad R. Ellsworth, Commander of Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and Defense Supply Center, Richmond, VA (invited)
Ms. Erica Bakies, Government Contracts Senior Counsel, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (invited)
Ms. Stacy Bostjanick, Chief Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity, Office of the DoD Chief Information Officer (invited)
Ms. ML Mackey, CEO, Beacon Interactive Solutions & Executive Committee, NDIA National Board / Chair, Small Business Division (invited)
Ms. Megan McKinney, Conference Chair, NDIA Great Lakes Chapter
Ms. Christina Reynolds, Managing Director, Industry Spec. Svcs., BDO
Mr. Aric Sherwood, Director of the Acquisition Innovation Directorate (AID) at PEO Enterprise, Army (invited)
Mr. Scott Singer, C3PAO, CyberNINES CEO and Co-Founder
Ms. Jen Stewart, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Policy, NDIA
Ms. Nicole Vele, Of Counsel, Holland & Hart LLP
Ms. Aina Vilumsons, President and Executive Director, WPI an APEX Accelerator
Ms. Susan Warshaw Ebner, Partner, STINSON LLP
Mr. Dave Zvenyach, Principal, TandemGov

Local Hotels with Government Rates

Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Brookfield Conference Center

Hotel Website

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Hotel Website

Holiday Inn Milwaukee – an IHG Hotel

Hotel Website

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Milwaukee West

Hotel Website

Satellite Office: Oshkosh – hosted by the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
2025-05-13 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.

SAME 2025 Joint Engineer Training Conference (JETC) & Expo - Louisville, KY
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-15 | Kentucky International Convention Center, 221 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY, 40202
Join uniformed engineers, government civilians, industry leaders, young professionals, and innovators for the premier event dedicated to advancing engineering services in support of the warfighter and the joint engineer mission.
There will be:

Education & Training Sessions
Keynote Speaker
Executive Panel with the Engineering Service Chiefs
Pre-Conference Workshops
Joint Engineer Warfighter Seminar
Exhibit Hall Featuring A/E/C Companies
Micro Session Theater featuring sessions on a variety of topics
SAME Celebrations

For more information, click here.

DLA Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-14
The TKO seminar is a course that teaches vendors how to start doing business with DLA. Vendors will 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 will also be other relevant topics of discussion. All sessions are free and held virtually.
Training is provided by DLA Land and Maritime in Columbus, Ohio, but benefits all DLA suppliers.
For more information, click here.

ESGR Breakfast with Leaders
2025-05-12 08:00 - 10:00 | Wisconsin Club, 900 W Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53233
The Wisconsin Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Region 2 will be hosting the annual Breakfast with Leaders on May 12, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM at the Wisconsin Club (900 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233).
Special Guest Speakers
Brigadier General Matthew P. Beilfuss, Deputy Adjutant General for Civil Support, Wisconsin National Guard
Benjamin Ortiz, Talent Acquisition Program Manager, Fiserv

WI Lieutenant Governor’s 2025 Small Business Academy (in-Person)
2025-05-09 08:00 - 12:00
Additional information on the 2025 Small Business Academy, as well as highlights from past Small Business Academies, is available at the main page for the event.
SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – Virtual – 8:00 AM- 12 NOON
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – Virtual – 8:00 AM- 12 NOON
Thursday, May 8, 2025 – Virtual – 8:00 AM- 12 NOON
Friday, May 9, 2025 – In Person – Multiple Locations – 8:00 AM- 12 NOON

Satellite Office: La Crosse – hosted by Veterans in Professions
2025-05-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Veterans in Professions, 1501 St. Andrews Street Ste C-100, La Crosse, WI, 54603, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in Veterans in Professions in La Crosse, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for La Crosse, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

WI Lieutenant Governor’s 2025 Small Business Academy (virtual)
2025-05-08 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-07 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-06 08:00 - 12:00

NCMA Emerge | Small Business Expo and Training - Washington D.C.
2025-05-08 | Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. industrial base, and NCMA’s brand-new event, Emerge, is your gateway to success in federal contracting. This one-day event head in the heart of Washington D.C. is designed to connect small businesses, government representatives, and prime contractors in a collaborative environment where you can build skills, expand your network, and gain actionable insights.
Two Training Tracks Tailored for Your Needs

Small Business Sellers: Learn the ins and outs of federal contracting, from understanding regulations to pricing strategies, proposal development, and communication with government buyers. Whether you’re new to the market or scaling your operations, this track will help you navigate the contracting lifecycle with confidence.
Agency and Prime Contractor Buyers: Unlock the keys to engaging small business partners. This track focuses on market research, pre-award communication, meeting small business goals, and building successful partnerships.

Opportunities to Connect and Collaborate

Expo Hall: Discover small business capabilities and connect with federal agencies and prime contractors showcasing their small business programs.
One-on-One Coaching: Receive personalized guidance tailored to your federal contracting goals.
Small Business Demos: Watch small businesses showcase their innovative products and services in action.

For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Camp Douglas
2025-05-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Juneau County Economic Development Corporation, 122 Main Street, Camp Douglas, WI, 54618, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Juneau County Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC) offices in Camp Douglas, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Camp Douglas JCEDC, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Great Lakes Fusion Energy Mixer
2025-05-06 16:30 - 19:00 | Findorff, 300 South Bedford Street, Madison, 53703, United States
Join us for excellent networking, a fun game with interesting info about the fusion energy supply chain and an informative Q&A with a fusion industry supply chain expert.
Keynote Q&A: Supply Chain opportunities
Engineering, manufacturing and other operating companies can lean in to significant opportunities in defense and fusion energy markets by making small pivots now without incurring big capital outlays.
Speaker: Greg Van Dyk, CEO of Altrusion, a Seattle-area company that delivers expertise and advanced technologies in national security and fusion energy. Greg is also a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and a native of Wisconsin.
Moderator: Kathleen Gallagher, Executive Director, 5 Lakes Institute, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer.
Click here for more information.

Great Lakes Fusion Energy Summit
2025-05-06 09:00 - 16:00 | University of Wisconsin System – Engineering Centers Building, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, 53706, United States
Join us for an informative, highly interactive day sponsored by the UW-Madison College of Engineering during which you’ll enjoy:

One-on-one discussions with faculty/graduate students about their fusion research
Key information about recent developments in fusion energy
Sessions about business opportunities in and adjacent to this emerging industry
Interesting and interactive presentations
Excellent networking

Click here for more information.

National Small Business Week Virtual Summit 2025
2025-05-06 - 2025-05-07
Transform your business with cutting-edge strategies and valuable connections at the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit—your gateway to growth, innovation, and success.
Free Registration
Reserve your spot today for unlimited access to expert knowledge and essential business resources at no cost
Why Register Now?

Expert-led Webinars covering vital business topics to help you stay competitive
Direct Access to Business Experts for personalized guidance and advice
Networking Opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders
Free Business Tools you can implement immediately
Innovative Solutions from leading sponsors to streamline your operations
Government Resource Guide to funding, contracts and support programs
Inspiring Success Stories from business owners who have overcome similar challenges

Interactive Experience
Connect with like-minded business owners, receive real-time guidance from industry mentors, and gather resources specifically designed for small business success.
Immediate Business Impact
Every session delivers practical strategies you can implement right away to boost your business performance, increase efficiency and drive growth.
Click here to learn more and register.

Satellite Office: Madison (FEED Kitchens)
2025-05-05 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.

U.S. Army Registration Open for 2025 Army Contracting Virtual Outreach for Industry
2025-05-05 - 2025-05-08
Small businesses and other interested industry partners are now able to register for the fifth-annual Mission and Installation Contracting Command Advance Planning Briefing for Industry virtual contracting forecast event scheduled for May 5-8, 2025. The virtual APBI event is the MICC’s single, command-wide effort that is available nationwide to everyone from small businesses to large industry representatives. Attendees will hear directly from mission commanders, senior contracting officials and a variety of contracting planners detailing their forecasted contract requirements planned for the remainder of 2025 through early 2028.
Registration closes April 21.
For more information, click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Foreign Ownership Control and Influence (FOCI)
2025-05-02 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 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.
FOCI can be an unseen and significant threat to National Security. The Podcast will discuss the elements companies should be aware of and why they are important to all companies and not just Federal contractors.
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.

Chicago District Corps of Engineers Open House - Chicago, IL
2025-05-01 09:00 - 16:30 | Chicago District Office, 231 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL, 60604, United States
This event offers an opportunity to explore U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Chicago district’s latest and upcoming projects, advancements in engineering, and to meet the team driving their mission forward. This Open House is an occasion to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the contributions of the engineering community.
As part of the event, there will be a limited number of 20-minute elevator pitch slots for companies to present their capabilities. These slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in briefing the district leadership, please respond to the post-registration email.
Please click here to view the agenda.
