Wisconsin Procurement Institute

2025 City of Milwaukee Vendor Fair
2025-04-24 08:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | BMO Tower, 790 North Water Street, Milwaukee, 53202, United States
Welcome to the 2025 City of Milwaukee Vendor Fair!
Come join us at BMO Tower on 790 N Water for a day full of connections. This in person event is a great opportunity to grow your local businesses, discovering upcoming contracts. Where else can you connect with contracting deparments and access to valuable workshops? Don’t miss out on this fantastic event, hosted by the Department of City Development and the Department of Administration.
For more information, click here.

CWIMA Advanced Manufacturing Summit and EXPO
2025-04-22 - 2025-04-23 | Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center, 10101 Market St Ste A20, Rothschild, WI, 54474, United States
The CWIMA Advanced Manufacturing Summit and EXPO is designed to create a dynamic and engaging event for Central Wisconsin manufacturing business professionals to learn about and discuss innovative solutions that can elevate their manufacturing and business processes. The event is focused on preparing manufacturers for the next 50 years by emphasizing automation, AI, and valuable networking opportunities.
For more information, click here.

DLA Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2025-04-22
Accessing DLA Technical Data Repository (cFolders) & Export Control Technical Data – Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Webinar
This TKO webinar is a course that teaches vendors about cFolders which is DLA’s access to Technical Data and its association with the DLA Internet Bid Board System within the Defense Logistics Agency. This session is free.
For more information, click here.

Government Certification Workshop - State and Local Certifications - Madison, WI
2025-04-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
[This event has been postponed – thank you for your interest in attending – if you registered to participate, you will be notified when the event is re-scheduled]
Are you a Minority, Disadvantaged, Small, Women, or Veteran owned or HUBZone located business? Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a once a month Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what local, state, or federal certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.
The topic of this workshop is State of Wisconsin certifications. State certifications include:

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
Disabled Veteran Owned Business (DVB)

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

Acquisition Hour: Government Property Management for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors
2025-04-15 11:00 - 12:00
The Federal government supplies billions of dollars worth of Government-Furnished Property (GFP) to contractors for use in performing contracts. As a contractor for the Federal Government or a subcontractor to a prime contractor, you may receive government property. Managing this property is a contractual obligation.
There are costs associated with government property management that must be considered by a prime or a subcontractor. An unfavorable assessment of a contractor’s Property Management System may result in financial penalties.
This webinar will cover:

Government Property clauses including the new DFAR Clause 252.245-7005 that replaced 4 previous clauses related to GP management and reporting
How to apply the clauses
What tools/ processes must be in place before you are able to receive government property

Speaker: Benjamin Blanc, 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.

Satellite Office: Oshkosh – hosted by the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
2025-04-15 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.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: How to Develop Your Outreach Playbook
2025-04-11 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.
Market research and preparation for upcoming outreach events is critical. Conferences, federal contractor’s updates and training sessions are all types of outreach events. Each provides both information and marketing of sales opportunities. Join in and hear how to prepare for these underutilized opportunities.
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.

COLLIDER – Opportunity Validation: Know Your Defense Market & Make a Sale
2025-04-10 11:30 - 15:00 | The Hub Dayton, 31 South Main Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Understanding a potential customer’s problem and how your product or service will solve it is vitally important in any market, even more so with the Department of Defense (DoD). Other than running out of money, the biggest reason for small business failure is not having done the homework to fully comprehend and address the user’s needs. At this Collider, we will look at the key factors needed to successfully research and determine the viability of a new opportunity. This will include a focus on where to find military requirements and how to create a DoD-specific business model that will maximize the chance of winning contracts. Learn about the real meaning of “selling” and the best proven approaches to making an effective sales pitch.
Type of Event: Hybrid (just let us know at registration)
For more information click here.

Satellite Office: Fond Du Lac – hosted by Envision Greater Fond du Lac
2025-04-10 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.

NAMC-WI 2025 Utilities Infrastructure Supplier Diversity Symposium (Milwaukee, WI)
2025-04-10 08:00 - 17:00 | Potawatomi Hotel & Event Center, 1721 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, United States
The Symposium will feature the region’s leading Utilities, Utility Contractors and industry organizations providing Utility Industry Updates, Major Project Presentation, Business Opportunities, and conducting Strategic Business Matchmaking sessions.
For more information, click here.

WMEP Manufacturing Matters! 2025 - Brookfield, WI
2025-04-09 | Brookfield Conference Center, 325 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI, 53005, United States
This year’s theme: Limitless Performance
The manufacturing industry is evolving faster than ever, and investing in transformative tools and technologies can be vital for manufacturers’ success. WMEP Manufacturing Solutions invites you to the 27th Annual Manufacturing Matters! Conference on April 9, 2025, at the Brookfield Conference Center.
The morning keynote speaker, Dan Thurmon, Founder and President of Motivation Works, Inc. and author of Positive Chaos, will share insights on how to embrace change and perform in today’s landscape. With 12 breakout sessions designed around three tracks—Growth, Operations, and People—this conference is tailored to address manufacturers’ needs.
For more information, click here.

12th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 8: Introduction and FAR Parts 42-53
2025-04-08 18:00 - 19:30
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “12th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 8: Introduction and FAR Parts 42-53.” This session is part of the 12th annual FAR Evening Sessions.
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.
Speakers:

Daryl Zahn, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, Leonardo DRS
Jason Rathsack, Senior Contract Specialist, Defense Contract Management Agency
Ben Blanc, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

This webinar is eligible for 1.5 CPE credit.
To view the full schedule of FAR Evening sessions, please click here.

2025 Economic Summit
2025-04-08 09:00 - 16:30 | Inshalla Country Club, N11060 Clear Lake Rd, Tomahawk, 54487, United States
The Lincoln County EDC is excited to announce that the 2025 Economic Summit is returning! Mark your calendar for April 8, 2025, and join us at Inshalla Country Club in Tomahawk, WI, from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm for a great day of insights, connections, and actionable strategies to empower rural businesses and communities. Can’t get away for a whole day? Sign up for the half day that works best for you!
THEME: Economic Empowerment for Rural Communities
Designed to empower and strengthen rural businesses and communities, the summit offers attendees the opportunity to engage in a day of economic insights and educational sessions. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on key economic issues that drive business and community success alongside other business and industry professionals.
Tickets and complete event information is now available, click here.

2025 SAME Rock Island Post Small Business Industry Day
2025-04-08 - 2025-04-09 | RiverCenter, 136 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA, 52801, United States
We are excited to host the 2025 Rock Island Small Business Industry Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CST) in the Quad Cities! As in previous years, we will also have a social/networking event the night before the conference on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. One-on-one meetings will be available on Tuesday afternoon before the social/networking event. More information on the one-on-one opportunities and how to sign up will be provided later. Both events will be held at the RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa.
Register now to showcase your business’ unique capabilities and hear from speakers representing the private and public sectors discussing best practices and upcoming USACE projects. The event will include briefings from Rock Island District staff and opportunities to meet one-on-one with Government representatives and other businesses. This event is open to all businesses, small and large, interested in doing business with the federal government.
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Madison – hosted by the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Commercial Avenue Campus
2025-04-07 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.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS)
2025-04-04 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.
GSA MAS are a great acquisition tool but they are not for all companies. Join this Podcast to ask your questions and hear a high level overview of this significant acquisition program.
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 - Wausau, WI
2025-04-03 16:00 - 19:00 | Jefferson Street Inn, 201 Jefferson St., Wausau, WI, 54403
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.

Satellite Office: Madison (MATC Goodman South Campus)
2025-04-03 09:00 - 16:00 | 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.
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.

12th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 7: Introduction and FAR Parts 34-41
2025-04-01 18:00 - 19:30
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “12th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 1: Introduction and FAR Parts 34-41.” This session is part of the 12th annual FAR Evening Sessions.
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.
Speakers:

Daryl Zahn, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, Leonardo DRS
Ben Blanc, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

This webinar is eligible for 1.5 CPE credit.
To view the full schedule of FAR Evening sessions, please click here.

Cyber Friday: CMMC: Federal Cybersecurity Requirements – Who Must Comply?
2025-03-28 11:00 - 12:00
This session will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and meet federal reporting requirements under CMMC and DFARS regulations. Attendees will learn what constitutes a reportable cybersecurity incident, how to submit reports through the DIBNet Portal, and the importance of maintaining logs and incident response plans. The webinar also will cover timelines, penalties for non-compliance, and best practices for ensure a quick and effective response to security incidents.
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.

'Cash is King: Payments and Vouchers in PIEE & WAWF' Collider
2025-03-27 11:30 - 15:00 | The Hub Dayton, 31 South Main Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Cash flow is critical. From paying your employee payroll and office lease to marketing expenses and keeping the lights on, cash flow is necessary to keep your business enterprise afloat. Fortunately, when you have a DoD contract, timely payment is assured, however, it is predicated on being able to correctly submit an invoice through wide-area workflow (WAWF) which is part of the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE). Understanding both applications is necessary to maintain your federal contract cash flow. This collider is your opportunity to engage with the experts from Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Test Center, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Defense Contract Audit Agency, Defense Contract Management Agency, and Defense Financial and Accounting Services to hear their first-hand insights with PIEE, WAWF, working with contractor payment data, and importantly the agencies responsible for administrating, paying and auditing your invoices, DCAA, DCMA and DFAS. On top of this, we will have Contracting Officers sharing their experience with WAWF and sharing best practices. If you agree Cash is King, join us on March 27th!
Type of Event: Hybrid (just let us know at registration)
For more information click here.

Acquisition Hour: Is a GSA Schedule Right for Your Business?
2025-03-26 12:00 - 13:00
Billions are Sold Through Schedule Contracts. The GSA Schedule, also known as Federal Supply Schedule, and Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), is a long-term governmentwide contract with commercial companies that provide access to millions of commercial products and services. Join us as we look at what a GSA Schedule is, how it works and how it could expand your Federal sales.
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.

Satellite Office: Superior – hosted by the Small Business Development Center at UW – Superior
2025-03-26 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-25 09:00 - 16:00 | Small Business Development Center at UW – Superior, 1401 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Small Business Development Center at UW – Superior in Superior, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Superior, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

12th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 6: Introduction and FAR Parts 30-33
2025-03-25 18:00 - 19:30
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “12th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 6: Introduction and FAR Parts 30-33.” This session is part of the 12th annual FAR Evening Sessions.
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.
Speakers:

Daryl Zahn, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, Leonardo DRS
Jason Rathsack, Senior Contract Specialist, Defense Contract Management Agency
Ben Blanc, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

This webinar is eligible for 1.5 CPE credit.
To view the full schedule of FAR Evening sessions, please click here.

DLA Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2025-03-25 - 2025-03-26
This TKO webinar is a course that teaches vendors the necessary steps to print and apply labels while using the correct packaging, marking, and pallets in accordance with contract requirements for material shipped to the Defense Logistics Agency. This session is free.
For more information, click here.

2025 SAME Capital Week - Rockville, MD
2025-03-24 - 2025-03-26 | Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd, Rockville, MD, 20852
Open exclusively to SAME members, this opportunity will help in planning your company’s acquisition strategy. Hear about the government’s upcoming engineering, design, construction, and environmental programs during the FY2026 DOD & Federal Agency Programs Briefings.
Network with leaders and meet directly from contracting representatives, flag and general officers, and other decision-makers from the engineering components of the military services and several federal agencies.
CAPITAL WEEK HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Concurrent Briefings Presented by Government Agencies
Executive Leader Panel
Networking Opportunities
Foundation Silent Auction
IGE Pre-Conference Summit

Check out the schedule, secure your seat, and book your hotel!
Uniformed Service/Government attendance is complimentary (but you still need to register).
Not a Member? You will have the option to join SAME during registration.
For more information, click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Federal Information Security: Programs Every Contractor Should Know
2025-03-21 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.
We handle our social security number, bank account information and other information with care. We have passwords, shred sensitive information at home and are wary of strangers who ask personnel questions. These ideas also apply to working with federal information. Federal information needs to be secure and protected. The episode will review several of the key information security programs applicable to 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.

Government Certification Workshop - Federal Certifications - Madison, WI
2025-03-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Are you a Disadvantaged, Small, Women, or Veteran owned or HUBZone located business? Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a once a month Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what local, state, or federal certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.
The topic of this workshop is federal certifications. Federal certifications include:

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
8(a)
SBA Mentor-Protege
HUBZone

Agenda:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Overview of Certification Kinds 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

Acquisition Hour: Navigating AI: Practical Tips for Federal Contractors
2025-03-19 12:00 - 13:00
Have you wanted to experiment with AI but don’t know how or where to start? This webinar will provide that starting point – the prompt. Prompts drive the results, and of course good prompts are required to drive great results. It will provide you with concrete examples of how Federal Contractors can use AI for a variety of tasks. AI can assist with many tasks such as market research, general research, proposal development, correspondence development and review, idea generation and even creating posts for Twitter and LinkedIn. These tools are here and have become an integral part of daily business activities. Register and let’s get started!
Speaker: Marc Violante, Director, Federal Market Strategies, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.
