Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Satellite Office: Madison (MATC Goodman South Campus)
2025-03-06 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Acquisition Hour: Marketing Materials for One-on-One Buyer Meetings: Capabilities Statements and other Collateral
2025-03-05 12:00 - 13:00 | DC
Opportunities are coming up for small businesses to meet with Government Agencies and their Prime Contractors. To take full advantage of these opportunities, you must do your homework and be prepared. In preparation for one-on-one buyer meetings, a business must:

Do their market research on the buyers / primes
Determine how the company brings value to the government buyer or prime contractor
Have a business card
A well prepared and focused capabilities statement, and other marketing collateral
A website

Join Jack Laufenberg from WPI for a discussion on how to prepare for one-on-one buyer meetings. If you are planning to attend In-person / Virtual local buyer meetings and would like individualized assistance in preparing for your meetings, contact WPI at 414-270-3600 or apexaccelerator@wispro.org.
Speaker: Jack Laufenberg, Special Projects Coordinator and Small Business Advisor, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.

12th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 3: Introduction and FAR Parts 5-12
2025-03-04 18:00 - 19:30 | DC
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 3: Introduction and FAR Parts 5-12.” 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.

DOT Blatnik Bridge Project Bonding Education Program
2025-03-04 | DC
The Bonding Education Program’s mission is to increase small businesses’ economic competitiveness. The program includes the following:

Project specific workshops in cooperation with Primes, SBA, MBDA, and other local agencies
A variety of topics are covered by industry experts
A closing workshop focused on networking
One-on-one interactions with local surety bond producers who volunteer to help small businesses

This event will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 4 – 27, 2025.
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Madison (FEED Kitchens)
2025-03-03 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.

Federal Market Insights: Navigating DoD Sales: From Regulations to Strategic Planning
2025-02-28 12:30 - 13:00 | DC
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.
Selling to the Department of Defense sounds easy. “I can sell anything they need” isn’t the answer. Companies need to know exactly what they are selling, regulations that apply and not only who is their customer but how do they buy. Not only will this episode dive into these ideas it will also discuss the data that can help you clearly answer these questions and develop a viable strategic plan.
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.

Cyber Friday: CMMC: Are You Ready for a C3PAO Assessment?
2025-02-28 11:00 - 12:00 | DC
This webinar will help businesses determine their readiness for a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) evaluation. It will cover key preparation steps, including conducting gap analyses, organizing documentation, and performing mock assessments. Attendees will learn how to identify vulnerabilities, address compliance gaps, and confidently prepare for the formal certification process. Practical checklists and strategies will be discussed to streamline preparation and ensure success during the assessment.
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.

Acquisition Hour: Understanding the US SBA and Department of Defense (DOD) Mentor Protégé Programs (MPP) – What You Need to Know
2025-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 | DC
During this session, you will learn about the two primary Federal Mentor Protégé Programs.

The US SBA Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) helps eligible small businesses (protégés) gain capacity and win government contracts through partnerships with more experienced companies (mentors). A mentor and its protégé can joint venture as a small business for any small business contract, provided the protégé individually qualifies as small. The joint venture may also pursue any type of set-aside contract for which the protégé qualifies, including contracts set aside for 8(a), service-disabled veteran-owned, women-owned, and HUBZone businesses.
DoD’s Mentor-Protégé Program is the oldest continuously operating federal mentor-protégé program in existence. Originally established in the midst of the First Gulf War, the MPP helps eligible small businesses expand their footprint in the defense industrial base. Under the MPP, small businesses are partnered with larger companies. In the past five years, DoD’s MPP has successfully helped more than 190 small businesses fill unique niches and become part of the military’s supply chain. Many mentors have made the MPP an integral part of their sourcing plans. Protégés have used their involvement in the MPP to develop technical capabilities. Successful mentor-protégé agreements provide a winning relationship for the protégé, the mentor and the DoD.

This session will be presented by:

Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist – U.S Small Business Administration (SBA)
Ben 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: Manitowoc – hosted by Progress Lakeshore
2025-02-26 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.

12th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 2: Introduction and FAR Parts 1-4
2025-02-25 18:00 - 19:30 | DC
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 2: Introduction and FAR Parts 1-4.” 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.

Acquisition Hour: Know Your Davis-Bacon: The Updates and the Essentials!
2025-02-25 11:00 - 12:00 | DC
At times, keeping up with the Davis-Bacon contract requirements under federal law can feel challenging. And when changes occur to the law, the updates can seem overwhelming. But have no fear, this session by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour is just for you! This webinar will feature information on the updates made to the Davis-Bacon Requirements in 2023. And if you’re a little fuzzy on prevailing wages, fringe benefits and other rules that apply to federal construction projects under the Davis-Bacon provisions, this webinar will also help you brush up on the basics! Re-connect with these critical requirements under federal law!
Speaker: Corey Walton, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist, U.S. Department of Labor/Wage and Hour Division
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
2025-02-25 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.

DARPAConnect Minneapolis (Minneapolis, MN)
2025-02-25 | McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Southeast Oak Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is the U.S. Department of Defense’s premier research and development agency, dedicated to advancing the nation’s technological edge.

Whether you’re new to DARPA or a seasoned performer with the agency, this event will provide insights on “How to DARPA” with its leadership and networking opportunities to help advance your efforts in national security innovation. This full-day event offers industry, academia, and emerging businesses an opportunity to gain insights into DARPA through sessions led by DARPA office directors, program managers, and staff.
For more information, click here.

NDIA 2025 Tactical Wheeled Vehicles Conference - Reston, VA
2025-02-24 - 2025-02-26 | Hyatt Regency Reston, 1800 Presidents St., Reston, VA, 20190
Theme: Operational & Industrial Impacts of the Technical Wheeled Vehicle Strategy
This event brings together leaders from the Department of Defense, the military services, industry, prime contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and academia to address present and future tactical wheeled vehicle requirements. The conference provides an atmosphere for open discussion between participants on the needs of the military users. This conference is recognized industry-wide as the premier event focused on the tactical wheeled vehicle industry and its support to the Department of Defense and our nation’s warfighters. The information and dialogue which will be presented is for all organizations which play a role in the design, development, innovation, acquisition, production, delivery and sustainment of tactical wheeled vehicles to our government customers. Interactive panel discussions and several networking events offer attendees access to OEMs and military leaders.
Keynote Speaker: MG Michelle Donahue, Commanding General, Combined Arms Support Command

For more information, click here.

Federal Market Insights: Getting Started with DoD Contracts: Essential Tips and Information
2025-02-21 12:30 - 13:00 | DC
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.
The Department of Defense is a demanding customer. After all, the stakes are high. Many businesses want a DoD contract but some do not understand what is involved and what is needed. This episode with provide you with the information you need to get started.
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.

Dane County & City of Madison - Construction Contractor Networking Event (Virtual)
2025-02-20 15:00 - 17:00 | DC
Connect with Primes
Join The City of Madison & Dane County for a construction contractor networking event. Connect with Prime contractors to learn about upcoming projects and build new relationships.
Discover Contracting Opportunities
In addition to networking, Dane County and The City of Madison will be presenting on upcoming contracting opportunities
For more information, click here.

Government Certification Workshop - DBE (Madison, WI)
2025-02-20 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 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: Mastering Federal Construction Contract Performance
2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 | DC
So, you have been awarded a federal construction contract – now what? Understanding some unique aspects of public federal construction projects upfront can help ensure timely and profitable performance. This webinar will cover topics ranging from the pre-construction conference to contract close out. Some specific topics to be discussed include:
• Baseline and Interim Schedule Requirements
• Davis Bacon Act Requirements
• Invoicing and Progress Payments
• Inspection
• Punch List and Contract Completion
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: Eau Claire - hosted by the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
2025-02-19 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-18 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.

12th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 1: Introduction and FAR Part 16
2025-02-18 18:00 - 19:30 | DC
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 Part 16.” 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
Mark Dennis, 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.

Acquisition Hour: Federal Contracting: Contract Methods and Types of Contracts
2025-02-18 11:00 - 12:00 | DC
In Federal Government contracting, there are various contract methods and numerous types of federal contracts. It is important for the contractor to understand both when submitting a bid / proposal to the Federal Government. The contract method impacts what offerors should submit and how the government selects the awardee. The type of contract can affect how much a contractor is paid, risk allocation on cost overruns, and the contractual obligations of the contractor and the government.
This webinar will cover:

Sealed Bidding
Competitive Negotiations
Simplified Acquisitions
Fixed Price Contracts
Cost-Reimbursement Contracts
Indefinite-Delivery Contracts
Time and Materials/Labor Hour Contracts, Letter Contracts, and Basic Ordering Agreements

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: Oshkosh – hosted by the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
2025-02-18 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: Starting Your Federal Contracting Journey: Registering in SAM
2025-02-14 12:30 - 13:00 | DC
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.
The journey of 10,000 miles begins with a single step. If your goal is to be a federal contractor, that first step is registering in SAM. The episode will highlight some of the key ideas and information that apply to this system.
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.

Satellite Office: Fond Du Lac – hosted by Envision Greater Fond du Lac
2025-02-13 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.

U.S. DoD Small Business Webinar Training Series
2025-02-12 10:00 | DC
TOPIC: DoD Mentor-Protege Program
Who should attend:

Small Business Owners
Small Business Professionals
APEX Accelerators
Acquisition Professionals

To register, click here.

DLA Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2025-02-11 | DC
Small Business Innovation Programs (SBIP) – Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Webinar
This TKO webinar is a course that teaches vendors how to stimulate technological innovation and increase commercialization of R&D within the DLA Land and Maritime managed supply chains improving service to the warfighter. This session is free.
For more information, click here.

U.S. DoD Small Business Webinar Training Series
2025-02-10 10:00 | DC
TOPIC: Project Spectrum
Who should attend:

Small Business Owners
Small Business Professionals
APEX Accelerators
Acquisition Professionals

To register, click here.

HHS Industry Summit - Bethesda, MD
2025-02-10 - 2025-02-11 | National Institute of Health (NIH) Natcher Conference Center, 45 Center Dr., Bethesda, MD, 20894
This premier event connects each of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Operating Divisions/Staff Divisions (OpDivs) with industry stakeholders to Empower Excellence through Innovation and Partnerships. The HHS Industry Summit is a two-day hybrid conference offering both in-person and virtual participation options. Attendees can explore three specialized tracks – Training, Innovation, and Procurement – crafted to meet the diverse needs of healthcare professionals and industry leaders.
Attendees can:

Connect with HHS Operating Divisions
Engage in Specialized Tracks
Visit the Exhibit Pavilion Highlighting HHS OpDivs
Participate in Matchmaking Opportunities

For more information, click here.

NCMA Nexus - Long Beach, CA
2025-02-09 - 2025-02-12 | Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA, 90802
NCMA is the neutral forum for real conversations across functions and across government and industry. Nexus is a carefully curated event to create an environment where multi-functional buyer and seller teams train side by side on our shared and pressing challenges for solutions for supply chain risk, requirements planning, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, small business, sustainability, and more.
This event will dive deep into executing beyond OFPP Myth-Busting, forging future buyer-seller relationships, and conducting market research that leads to real solutions. It’s about asking the right questions upfront, removing unnecessary processes, and translating tough conversations into actionable industry invitations on critical topics like data rights, cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and supply chain issues. Attendees will gain acquisition lifecycle skills, whether they’re program managers defining needs, sellers helping to refine requirements, legal teams framing key questions, or finance ensuring the right funding. Nexus drives culture change and leadership in acquisition, offering a space where all functional areas to craft innovative solutions. In-person and virtual registration will be offered.
For more information, click here.
