Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Satellite Office: Madison – hosted by FEED Kitchens
2026-03-02 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Cyber Thursday: CMMC: Control Set Series: 3.1 Access Control
2026-02-26 11:00 - 12:00
This session focuses on the Access Control requirements found in CMMC practice group 3.1. It explains how access to systems and data should be limited to authorized users and approved activities. The webinar outlines expectations for account management, authentication, and control of remote access. It also discusses common challenges organizations encounter when implementing access rules and tracking who has access to sensitive information.
Speaker: Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

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

Satellite Office: Manitowoc – hosted by Progress Lakeshore
2026-02-25 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-26 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.

2026 Annual DBE Workshop and Networking Summit
2026-02-25 - 2026-02-26 | Chula Vista Resort, 1000 Chula Vista Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, 53965, United States
Join us on February 25-26th, 2026 for the 40th Annual DBE Workshop and Networking Summit at Chula Vista Resort – Wisconsin Dells.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) hosts the Annual DBE Workshop and Networking Summit to engage and connect small businesses with prime contractors, professional consultants and government contracting officers to discuss and create opportunities for upcoming projects.
For more information, click here.

13th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 4: Introduction and FAR Parts 13-18
2026-02-24 18:00 - 19:30
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “13th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 4: Introduction and FAR Parts 13-18.” This session is part of the 13th 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.

State of Wisconsin Tax Webinar for Businesses
2026-02-24 16:00 - 18:00
LEARN ABOUT

Wisconsin taxation related to Native Americans
How various Wisconsin taxes apply to Native
Americans and those who engage with Native Americans
Registering a new business
Withholding tax
Sales and use tax
Electronic filing through My Tax Account
Tax compliance

HEAR FROM

American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)
Tax specialists

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Federal Market Insights [FMI]: FAR 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns
2026-02-24 12:30 - 13:00
FEDERAL MARKET INSIGHTS [FMI] is an informal podcast designed to provide valuable information about the government marketplace for businesses interested in government contracting. Each episode is a concise 30-minute session, scheduled during the noon hour on Tuesdays. We review noteworthy items published during the week, delve into key topics, and offer background information and perspectives relevant to the government contracting landscape. Stop by, settle in and take in the conversation.
This clause most likely applies to your contract. We will break down this clause and its requirements and how it can apply to both large and small businesses alike.
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: Green Bay – hosted by the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub
2026-02-24 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-27 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.

NDIA 2026 Tactical Wheeled Vehicles Conference - Pittsburgh, PA
2026-02-23 - 2026-02-25 | Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, 600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA, 1522, United States
Join us in Pittsburgh, PA, from February 23 – 25, 2026, for the next Tactical Wheeled Vehicles (TWV) Conference. This extraordinary 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 a unique atmosphere for open discussion between participants on the needs of the military users.
Why Attend?
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. Kicking off the calendar year with the most updated information in the tactical wheeled vehicle industry. The information and dialogue which will be presented is invaluable to 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 direct access to OEMs and military leaders.
For more information, click here.

The Importance of JCP Certification in Defense Contracting
2026-02-20 11:00 - 13:00
Join us as we go over the importance of JCP Certification in defense contracting. The JCP was established in 1985 to allow United States (U.S.)/Canadian contractors to apply for access to Department of Defense/Department of National Defense (DOD/DND) unclassified export controlled technical data/critical technology on an equally favorable basis in accordance with DODD 5230.25, “Withholding of Unclassified Technical Data and Technology from Public Disclosure,” and Canadian Technical Data Control Regulations.
We will learn about JCP requirements and application process along with DEV (DLA Enhanced Validation) – formerly EJCP.
Instructor:
Stephanie Holdridge,
U.S. and Canadian Joint Certification Program (JCP)
Defense Logistics Agency, Logistics Information Services (J34A-CA)
Co-Sponsors:
Defense Logistics Agency
Ohio APEX Accelerator at Ohio University
Arkansas APEX Accelerator
Minnesota Department of Administration APEX Accelerator
Nevada APEX Accelerator
Northwest Commission APEX Accelerator (Pennsylvania)
Southern Ohio APEX Accelerator
Pre-registration is required. There is a two-part registration for this event. Please follow the link below and fill in the required information to receive the webinar link:
https://ohioapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/3158
To learn more, click here.

Acquisition Hour: Overview of the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS)
2026-02-18 12:00 - 13:00
Past Performance will impact future contract awards.
As a Federal Contractor it is critical for you to understand the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), which collects and maintains Contractor’s Past Performance Information. Past performance is now included in the selection criteria in Government contracts. It is essential for the Contractor to review the comments and ratings for timeliness and accuracy. Contractors should be aware that there may be an opportunity to modify results with the assessing official and possibly shape the performance evaluation.
Understanding the process and management of your CPARS record will support a stronger past performance evaluation of your next bid or proposal.
Speakers:

Mark Dennis, Government Contract Specialist – Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

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

Satellite Office: Eau Claire - hosted by the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
2026-02-18 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-17 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.

13th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 3: Introduction and FAR Parts 5-12
2026-02-17 18:00 - 19:30
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “13th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 3: Introduction and FAR Parts 5-12.” This session is part of the 13th 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.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: The Contracting Equation
2026-02-17 12:30 - 13:00
FEDERAL MARKET INSIGHTS [FMI] is an informal podcast designed to provide valuable information about the government marketplace for businesses interested in government contracting. Each episode is a concise 30-minute session, scheduled during the noon hour on Tuesdays. We review noteworthy items published during the week, delve into key topics, and offer background information and perspectives relevant to the government contracting landscape. Stop by, settle in and take in the conversation.
The elements of The Contracting Triangle apply to the totality of the supply chain, not just to the prime. As a prime, you are responsible for your supply chain. Supply chain members, you are responsible to the prime. There can be no weak points and no assumptions. There needs to be clarity of expectations.
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
2026-02-12 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.

Satellite Office: Madison– Federal Certifications – hosted by the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus - guest speaker Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
2026-02-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
WPI will be holding an in-person session at the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus in Madison, WI.
Schedule:
9:00 – 10:00 AM Presentation
Speakers:

Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Truphosa Mwololo, Manager, Small Business Programs, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

Please RSVP/register for the presentation hour here.
10:15 – NOON – register for individual meetings following the session here.
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: Is the GSA Schedule Right for Your Business?
2026-02-11 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.
Speakers:

Marc Violante, Director, Federal Market Strategies – Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

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

13th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 2: Introduction and FAR Parts 1-4
2026-02-10 18:00 - 19:30
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “13th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 2: Introduction and FAR Parts 1-4.” This session is part of the 13th 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.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: The Contracting Triangle
2026-02-10 12:30 - 13:00
FEDERAL MARKET INSIGHTS [FMI] is an informal podcast designed to provide valuable information about the government marketplace for businesses interested in government contracting. Each episode is a concise 30-minute session, scheduled during the noon hour on Tuesdays. We review noteworthy items published during the week, delve into key topics, and offer background information and perspectives relevant to the government contracting landscape. Stop by, settle in and take in the conversation.
Responsible, Terms and Conditions and Fair and Reasonable price. These three elements summarize the essential requirements necessary to be awarded a contract. Therefore, these are the elements that companies should focus on and use as their North Star in determining what is important and what is not.
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: Oshkosh – hosted by the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
2026-02-10 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.

13th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 1: Introduction and FAR Part 16
2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:30
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “13th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 1: Introduction and FAR Part 16.” This session is part of the 13th 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.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: The 4 Pillars of Contracting
2026-02-03 12:30 - 13:00
FEDERAL MARKET INSIGHTS [FMI] is an informal podcast designed to provide valuable information about the government marketplace for businesses interested in government contracting. Each episode is a concise 30-minute session, scheduled during the noon hour on Tuesdays. We review noteworthy items published during the week, delve into key topics, and offer background information and perspectives relevant to the government contracting landscape. Stop by, settle in and take in the conversation.
Government contract opportunities can be distilled into four basic but all powerful concepts: Bona Fide Need, Budget, Maximum Competition, and Contracting Officer involvement. These ideas most definitely are applicable to business development, but they also apply to, executing a contract or negotiating a modification.
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: Madison – hosted by the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Commercial Avenue Campus
2026-02-02 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.

Satellite Office: Madison– Doing Business with the State of Wisconsin – hosted by the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus - guest speaker Becky Hoefs, Deputy Bureau Director, WI Department of Administration State Bureau of Procurement
2026-01-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
WPI will be holding an in-person session at the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus in Madison, WI.
Schedule:
9:00 – 10:00 AM Presentation
Speakers:

Becky Hoefs, Deputy Bureau Director, WI Department of Administration State Bureau of Procurement
Truphosa Mwololo, Manager, Small Business Programs, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

Please RSVP/register for the presentation hour here.
10:15 – NOON – register for individual meetings following the session here.
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.

18th Annual End of Year Federal Contractor Update – In-Person (Pewaukee, WI)
2026-01-29 08:00 - 16:30 | Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) – Pewaukeee Campus – Building S, 800 Main St., Room S104, Pewaukee, WI, 53072, United States
Join Wisconsin’s Federal Government contractors and subcontractors for this annual event. Briefings during the event will provide an overview of the current Federal contracting environment as well as highlight up and coming trends for future business opportunities.
SCHEDULE
8:00 AM – Light Breakfast and Registration
8:30 AM – Welcome and Introductions
9:00 AM – Program
12 NOON – Lunch
4:00 PM – End of Program
4:30 PM – End of Event
CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS

Sean Ketter – Vice President, Global Procurement & Supply Chain, Oshkosh Corporation – LinkedIn
David Zvenyach – Founder, Tandem – CEO, MakeGov – LinkedIn
Nathaniel Millsap – Vice President, Security & Compliance, Fincantieri Marinette Marine – LinkedIn
Baly Ambegaoker – CEO and Corporate Director, BTMS Breakthrough Technologies for Mission Success – LinkedIn
Brian Waagner – Partner, Husch Blackwell – LinkedIn
Jason Rathsack – NCMA WI Chapter Board Member
Samuel Jack – Senior Counsel, Husch Blackwell – LinkedIn
Frank Demarest – Wisconsin State Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – LinkedIn
Shane Mahaffy – Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
James Pitcher – Director of Strategic Contracts, Gallatin AI – LinkedIn
Daryl Zahn – Sr. Manager, Contracts & Compliance, DRS Naval Power Systems, Inc. – LinkedIn
Ben Blanc – Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – LinkedIn
Matt Frost – Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
Aina Vilumsons – President-Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – LinkedIn

AGENDA
..

National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) CMMC Academy - in person (Milwaukee - WI)
2026-01-28 | Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) – Pewaukee Campus – Building B, 800 Main St., Room B115, Pewaukee, 53072, United States
NDIA CMMC Academy – Are you CMMC ready?
The NDIA CMMC Academy is your roadmap to staying eligible for federal and Department of War (DoW) contracts. Phase 1 implementation is underway, and new clauses are moving into prime and subcontractor agreements. If you touch federal work in any part of the supply chain, now is the moment to act.
Join NDIA’s Cybersecurity Division and the Great Lakes’ Chapter for a practical briefing on what the regulation includes and what you must do to bid, win, and perform under DoW solicitations.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Trey Hodgkins, Chair, NDIA Cybersecurity Division
Andrew K. Green, Chief Business Officer, Strohwig Industries, Inc.
Corey Garretson, RADICL
Scott Singer, CAPT, USN (retired), CCA, CCP, CPI, CEO, CyberNINES
Jerome Miastkowski, President, Aeroplicity
Matt Frost, Government Contracts Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
Aina Vilumsons, President and Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

What you’ll learn:

The evolution of CMMC and why it matters now
The three certification levels and which one fits your business
FCI vs. CUI: how to identify the data you handle
What a C3PAO is and how to select one
When a self-assessment is sufficient versus when a C3PAO certification is required
How DoW and federal agencies are enforcing the new requirements
Trusted resources to accelerate your CMMC journey

Mark your calendar: January 28, 2026.
Click HERE for the full event agenda.
Get clear on the requirements. Protect your eligibility. Move forward with confidence.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Mentor Protégé Program
2026-01-27 12:30 - 13:00
FEDERAL MARKET INSIGHTS [FMI] is an informal podcast designed to provide valuable information about the government marketplace for businesses interested in government contracting. Each episode is a concise 30-minute session, scheduled during the noon hour on Tuesdays. We review noteworthy items published during the week, delve into key topics, and offer background information and perspectives relevant to the government contracting landscape. Stop by, settle in and take in the conversation.
This is not a program for all businesses. This is a program for unique businesses. This is a program for that special Large Business – Small Business team. There are three key ingredients: a large business that is interested, a small business of a size and maturity needed to excel and the small business with a defined list of items which they are seeking assistance. A good MPP agreement can benefit the Government, the Prime and the Small Business.
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.
