Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Acquisition Hour: Responding to Sources Sought Notices and Preparing a Capabilities Statement
2024-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
A Sources Sought notice is a market research tool that Contracting Officers use to determine the availability of specific capabilities in the marketplace. Sources Sought are also used to determine if there are enough qualified small businesses (including small business program certified) able to perform to support setting aside the specific requirement for limited competition. These Sources Sought are posted in SAM.gov and provide businesses with a significant opportunity to present their qualifications and capabilities to support a specific requirement or opportunity.
Along with Sources Sought, this session will discuss the development of a targeted Capabilities Statement to support business development and marketing to Government agencies and Prime Contractors.
Well prepared responses to a Sources Sought and the development of a focused Capabilities Statement are critical to the successful presentation of your capacity and capabilities to Government agencies and their Primes  – especially in our current dynamic contracting environment.
This webinar will cover:

What are Sources Sought Notices (SSNs) and Requests for Information (RFIs)
Locating SSNs and RFIs
Preparing a focused response to SSNs and RFIs
How to develop a targeted and effective Capability Statement

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.

Sales Opportunities with Local Government Agencies - Madison, WI
2024-11-13 10:00 - 12:00 | WI
Significant opportunities exist for small businesses to sell to local government agencies in and around Southern Wisconsin. Please join us and learn about how to do business with government agencies in the area.
Presentations will be followed by the opportunity for limited one-on-one meetings with Buyers. Meetings between Buyers and Registrants will be coordinated by WPI. Please indicate interest in meetings when registering for this event.
WPI strongly recommends you have a current capabilities statement ready prior to your meetings. Attendees should be ready with a capabilities statement and prepared pitch to take advantage of the meeting time. Assistance to prepare is available with WPI.
Speakers will discuss:

What & how they buy
How they announce opportunities
First Steps – registrations, certifications, other requirements
Provisions for non-performance /Force Majeure

Presenters:

Peter Patten, Purchasing Manager, Dane County
Megan Rogan, Purchasing Officer, Dane County
Hazel Schuster, Purchasing Officer, Dane County
Brittany Garcia, Purchasing Services, City of Madison
Hartley Murray, Assistant Director Purchasing Services, UW-Madison
Michael Steger, Small Business Advisor, Asst. to the Program Manager, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Satellite Office: Manitowoc – hosted by Progress Lakeshore
2024-11-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-30 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.

DLA Casting and Forging
2024-11-12 14:00 - 15:00 | WI
The TKO seminar is a course that teaches vendors how to start doing business with DLA. Vendors learn how to find open solicitations, how to submit a quote through the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), the procedures for viewing/downloading drawings, and how to use Invoicing, Receipt, Acceptance and Property Transfer (iRAPT) to get paid. There are also many other relevant topics of discussion. All Sessions are free and held virtually.
Training is provided by DLA Land and Maritime in Columbus, OH, but benefits all DLA suppliers.
For more information, click here.

Acquisition Hour: Preparing for One-on-One Buyer Meetings
2024-11-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-15 12:00 - 13:00 | WI
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, a business must have done their market research on the buyers / primes, determine the value or solution that their business can provide to the buyers / primes, have a business card, a well prepared and focused capabilities statement, and a prepared elevator pitch.
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/or Marketplace Wisconsin and would like assistance in preparing for your meetings, contact WPI at 414-270-3600 or info@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.

Satellite Office: Green Bay – hosted by the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub
2024-11-12 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-29 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.

WisDOT WEVI Round 1.5 RFP Webinar
2024-11-07 13:00 - 14:00 | WI
WisDOT will host a public information webinar about the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) Round 1.5 Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The webinar will cover the RFP and submission package issued for this round, providing information to potential proposers regarding the application process, and answer program and technical questions.
You can join this hour-long webinar on Wednesday, November 7, 2024, at 1 p.m. Central Standard Time at this YouTube livestream link: https://youtu.be/u6eqSQ7FyJ0
You can submit written questions to TransportationElectrification@dot.wi.gov. Please include “Webinar” in the subject line of your email. A Questions & Answers (Q&A) document, recording of the webinar and presentation materials will be posted on the Wisconsin Electrification webpage under the “Round 1.5 Request for Proposals” tab.
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Madison (MATC Goodman South Campus)
2024-11-07 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.

WIHEDC Housing & Economic Development Conference (Bowler, WI)
2024-11-07 - 2024-11-08 | North Star Mohican Casino Resort, W12180 Co Rd A, Bowler, WI, 54416
This event is a gathering of industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who are shaping the future of economic growth in our state.
Engage in sessions that will discuss Tribal economic development opportunities, clean energy, entrepreneurial programs, Tribal cannabis initiatives and more – as well as receive an overview of the results of the Economic Impact Study and learn more about the Wisconsin Native Homeownership Coalition.
Agenda:
Thursday, November 7th
7:00 am – Breakfast and Registration
8:00 am – Welcome and Guest Speakers
Morning General Sessions

Meet the Members and Leadership of WIHEDC and Native CDFIs
Economic Impact of Native Owned Businesses in Wisconsin – Results of WIHEDC’s Economic Impact Survey
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: Growing Tribal Business, Tribal Enterprises and Entrepreneurship
SBA Resources for Native Businesses
Empowering Rural Communities: Initiatives to Foster Entrepreneurship – UW-Extension Wisconsin Rural Entrepreneurship Venture Program

12:00 pm – Lunch
Afternoon General Sessions

Wisconsin’s Tribal Economic Development Landscape
Wisconsin Native Homeownership Coalition and Housing Initiatives
Capital Land Access Grant Launch
Empowering Minority Businesses for Sustainable Growth: The WI MBDA Approach

Entrepreneurial Breakout Sessions
New Businesses:

Paving Your Path: Understanding the Loan Process
Understanding Credit
Business Boosters: Know Your Basics
Elevator Pitch Contest – Three $1,000 winners

Established Businesses:

Competitive Analysis
Business Financials
Marketing Plan
Elevator Pitch Contest – Three $1,000 winners

5:15 pm – Networking Cocktail Hour
6:00 pm – Dinner and Small Business Awards Ceremony
Friday, November 8th
8:00 am – Breakfast and Registration
Morning General Sessions

Freddie Mac – Heritage One Mortgage Product
Indigenous Cannabis and Hemp Opportunities for Sustainable Economic and Workforce Development
Grant Opportunities with the EDA
Clean Communities Investment Accelerator
Clean Energy Opportunities for Tribes – Energy Efficiency and Construction Block Grant (EECBG)
Closing Ceremony
Box Lunches for Travel

For more information, click here.

DLA Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2024-11-05 - 2024-11-06 | WI
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.

Satellite Office: Madison (FEED Kitchens)
2024-11-04 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.

WBC Women's Business Conference - Eau Claire, WI
2024-10-30 | Pablo Center at the Confluence, 128 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire, WI, 54701
Designed to inspire and connect you with other women, this event will provide resources when looking to start, improve, or expand your business. At this full-day conference, you’ll learn from established members of the business community in Western Wisconsin, talk to business assistance providers, and network with other women in business.
For more information, click here.

First Business Bank Manufacturing First Expo & Conference - Ashwaubenon, WI
2024-10-30 | Resch Expo Center, 840 Armed Forces Drive, Ashwaubenon, WI, 54304
Manufacturing is a constantly evolving industry, facing new challenges and opportunities every day. From increasing demand for sustainability to the rise of automation, manufacturers need to stay informed about the latest trends and developments to remain competitive. Stay up-to-date and competitive in the manufacturing industry by attending Manufacturing First and discovering new business opportunities, strategies, and best practices.
For more information, click here.

2024 Wisconsin Governor's Cybersecurity Summit Agenda - Appleton, WI
2024-10-28 - 2024-10-30 | Fox Cities Exhibition Center, 213 S. Nicolet Road, Appleton, WI, 54914
The Wisconsin Governor’s Cybersecurity Summit is an opportunity for professionals to broaden their awareness of cybersecurity threats and learn how the industry continues to proactively meet challenges and protect the virtual world. The Summit provides opportunities for presenters to connect with attendees. There is availability for those who would like to speak on technical, organizational, and research-based topics that are critical to the cyber-threat landscape during hour long break-out sessions (Speaker selections will be confirmed no later than September 1, 2024). There will also be multiple 2024 Wisconsin Governor’s Cybersecurity Summit sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities offered.
For more information, click here.

Acquisition Hour: CMMC Update – October 2024
2024-10-25 13:00 - 14:00 | WI
Join us for an essential monthly update designed to provide manufacturers with the latest information on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). As cybersecurity becomes an increasingly critical requirement for Federal and Defense contracting, staying current and compliant is vital for manufacturers looking to secure and maintain federal contracts and subcontracts. This webinar will break down the most recent changes to CMMC, what they mean for your business, and how to ensure your operations are aligned with the latest cybersecurity standards. Don’t miss this opportunity to protect your business and stay ahead of evolving regulations.
Speaker: Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.

Business Expo & Regional Job Fair - Mauston, WI
2024-10-24 15:00 - 17:30 | Mauston High School Gymnasium, 800 Grayside Ave, Mauston, WI, 53948
Regional Public Job Fair 3 pm – 5:30 pm
To reserve a booth, please RSVP by October 18th to jdillin@maustonschools.org. Booth fee $20, make check to Mauston High School Business Expo.
Move-in to set up 10 am – 11 am
Student Career Fair 11 am – 3 pm
For more information, click here.

GSA & U.S. DOT OSDBU "Navigating Bonding: Strategies for Small Business Success" Virtual Webinar
2024-10-24 12:00 - 14:00 | WI
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) are hosting the “Navigating Bonding: Strategies for Small Business Success” webinar. Are you a small business or industry partner interested in learning bonding strategies for business growth in federal contracting? If so, join this FREE virtual training course for a brief overview of the U.S. DOT Bonding Education Program (BEP), insightful industry perspectives from successful small businesses, and a panel discussion with GSA and U.S. DOT buyer representatives.
This 2-hour webinar is open to all businesses.
For more information, click here.

GSA & U.S. DOT OSDBU Navigating Bonding: Strategies for Small Business Success
2024-10-24 12:00 - 14:00 | WI
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) are hosting the “Navigating Bonding: Strategies for Small Business Success” webinar. Are you a small business or industry partner interested in learning bonding strategies for business growth in federal contracting? If so, join this FREE virtual training course for a brief overview of the U.S. DOT Bonding Education Program (BEP), insightful industry perspectives from successful small businesses, and a panel discussion with GSA and U.S. DOT buyer representatives.
For more information, click here.

Emerging Issues: Innovation – What does innovation look like from DoD’s perspective?
2024-10-24 11:00 - 12:00 | WI
This series, WPI’s Emerging Issues Series, is intended as an information tool and resource for contract managers and those with a compliance function. The topics selected for the initial group of Webinars are just some of the important topics. Some have not held the spotlight like others but nevertheless they are important. Others, such as Innovation and AI have recently emerged and have shown that they are not just a passing curiosity but truly topics of importance that will continue to impact DoD policy and provide procurement opportunities. These topics included in our first group, are current topics that need attention and need to be addressed. We expect that over time other issues – topics will emerge and come to the forefront. As these topics are identified we will add them to this series.
Companies generally see DoD innovation through DARPA, SBIT/STTR topics and other DoD R&D focused opportunities. To an extent, innovation is a one-way conversation. Can companies interested in these opportunities become more successful if they have a better understanding of how DoD looks at innovation? Register for this webinar to gain a better understand of what innovation looks like from DoD’s perspective. Compare and contrast DoD’s perspective with your views to develop a more robust understanding and robust approach.
Presenter: Marc Violante, Director, Federal Market Strategies, Wisconsin Procurement Institute.
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
For the list of Emerging Issues webinar, please click here.

WPI is Wisconsin’s APEX Accelerator

Government Certification Workshop - State and Local Certifications - Madison, WI
2024-10-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
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 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

Satellite Office: Superior – hosted by the Small Business Development Center at UW – Superior
2024-10-23 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-22 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.

Cyber Friday: Building a CMMC Model: 3.1.7 System Maintenance Policy
2024-10-18 11:00 - 12:00 | WI
To address the pressing need for cybersecurity compliance within the defense industry, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) is proud to offer a series of no-cost webinars dedicated to assisting companies in navigating the complexities of the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Model. Recognizing the challenges businesses face in understanding and implementing the requisite standards for CMMC compliance, these webinars are meticulously designed to guide companies through the creation of essential supporting documentation for CMMC-required processes and how to tie it efficiently into the System Security Plan. With a focus on empowering organizations to meet defense contracting requirements efficiently and securely this series is designed for the manufacturer who does not have a compliance specialist on staff and those within the organization who are taking on the challenge of CMMC Compliance.
Speaker: Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
For the full schedule of the Cyber Friday webinars, please click here.

Sales Opportunities with Local Government Agencies – Milwaukee, WI
2024-10-16 13:00 - 15:00 | WI
Significant opportunities exist for small businesses to sell to local government agencies in and around Southeastern Wisconsin. Please join us and learn about how to do business with government agencies in the area.
Presentations will be followed by the opportunity for limited one-on-one meetings with Buyers. Meetings between Buyers and Registrants will be coordinated by WPI. Please indicate interest in meetings when registering for this event.
WPI strongly recommends you have a current capabilities statement ready prior to your meetings. Attendees should be ready with a capabilities statement and prepared pitch to take advantage of the meeting time. Assistance to prepare is available with WPI.
Speakers will discuss:

What & how they buy
How they announce opportunities
First Steps – registrations, certifications, other requirements
Provisions for non-performance /Force Majeure

Presenters:

Regina Flores, Procurement Director, Milwaukee County Department of Administrative Services
Rhonda Kelsey, Purchasing Director, City of Milwaukee
Michael Steger, Small Business Advisor, Asst. to the Program Manager, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Satellite Office: Oshkosh – hosted by the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
2024-10-15 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.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Summit (La Crosse, WI)
2024-10-15 - 2024-10-16 | La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
This year will explore the latest trends in innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) and how they are shaping the future of our economy.
The first day of the summit will focus on the immediate and practical applications of innovation that are already transforming industries and driving economic growth in Wisconsin.
The second day shifts the focus to the future, examining how emerging innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), are set to shape and drive tomorrow’s economy.
For more information, click here.

Indigenous Business Group - Indigenous Business Con 2024 (Milwaukee, WI)
2024-10-14 - 2024-10-15 | Potawatomi Hotel & Event Center, 1721 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, United States
“Revitalizing traditions, Driving innovation” – Indigenous Biz Con provides an opportunity for attendees to learn, network, and collaborate to build partnerships that result in business, all while breaking down barriers to economic development, building community, and elevating the voices of Native entrepreneurs. The event features business operators at the forefront, engaging discussions, a Native vendors marketplace, and much more.
For more information, click here.
