Wisconsin Procurement Institute

2025 Dept of the Navy Gold Coast - Premier Navy Procurement Expo (San Diego, CA)
2025-08-18 - 2025-08-21 | San Diego Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
The NDIA Department of the Navy Gold Coast Event is the premier Navy procurement expo in the country. Gold Coast provides a forum to educate, guide, and assist businesses, large and small, in support of the warfighter mission within The Department of the Navy and throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). Gold Coast hosted in partnership with Department of the Navy (DON) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), provides a forum to educate, guide, and assist businesses, large and small, in support of the warfighter mission within the Department of the Navy and throughout the DoD. The event provides exciting and relevant topics delivered by government and industry experts – and boasts insightful panels, workshops and networking events.
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Oshkosh – hosted by the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
2025-08-19 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-16 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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]: Record Retention - What's Required, What Mandates It, Why It Is Important.
2025-08-19 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 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.
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.

Acquisition Hour: End of the Federal Fiscal Year Spending: Are You Ready?
2025-08-20 12:00 - 13:00
Speakers:

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

Office Hours: Madison - Preparing for Meetings with State and Local Buyers
2025-08-21 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 on Preparing for Meetings with State and Local Buyers at the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus in Madison, WI.
Schedule:
9-10 AM – Presentation on Preparing to Meet with State and Local Buyers
Tru Mwololo will give an hour-long presentation on preparing to meet with State and Local Government Buyers.

Prepare customized meeting materials to maximize your opportunity.

Capabilities Statement
Elevator Pitch
Differentiators
Calling Card

Please RSVP/register for the presentation hour at this LINK.

10AM-12 PM – One-on-One Meetings

Please select an individual meeting time with Tru at this LINK.

Presenter:

Truphosa Mwololo, Manager Small Business Programs, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

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.

DLA Strategic Materials Collaboration Forum
2025-08-21 10:00 - 13:00
Join DLA for the Strategic Materials Collaboration Forum, a new event marking the launch of the Strategic Materials Program of Record under DLA R&D!
August 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (ET)
DLA Headquarters or attend virtually
**Registration closes August 20
As the United States Department of Defense is increasingly prioritizing investment in securing access to strategic materials, this program will have an important role to play in advancing R&D projects.
This forum features:
🔹 A keynote address on program objectives and strategy for securing strategic materials supply chains
🔹 A panel discussion on DLA’s role in a whole-of-government approach to building supply chain resiliency
🔹 Hands-on demonstrations and discussions of ongoing R&D efforts
Presented both in person and via livestream.
For more information, click here.

NGAUS 147th General Conference & Exhibition
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-25 | The Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53203
The NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition is the Association’s annual business meeting. Army and Air National Guard officers from all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia gather to network, set their legislative agenda and hear from America’s civilian and military leaders. Family members, industry representatives and local officials also attend. We hope to see you in Milwaukee this year!
America’s National Guard: Affordable, Accessible, Lethal
Three members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin will headline the annual general conference of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Aug. 22-25 in Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin National Guard will host the conference, which includes delegations from 54 states and territories, for the first time since 2011.
The association’s annual business meeting attracts hundreds of current and former Guard officers from across the country. It also represents a platform for senior U.S. military officials to address the Guard community. In addition, there is a tradeshow that will include more than 350 companies marketing goods and services suitable for the Guard’s unique dual mission as each respective state’s first military responder and as the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force.
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Green Bay – hosted by the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub
2025-08-26 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-18 09:00 - 12:00 | 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.

DOT Blatnik Bridge Project Bonding Education Program
2025-08-26 12:00 - 12:30
The Bonding Education Program’s mission is to increase small businesses’ economic competitiveness. The program includes the following:

Building an Effective Capability Statement
Improving your credit and access to capital
Bidding & Estimating
Davis Bacon Payroll Requirements
DBE Contract Compliance
Bonding 101
PRIME Lead session: What do primes look for in a subcontractor?

Class Schedule:

Kickoff- August 26, 2025 – 12:00 – 12:30PM CST

Session times – 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM CST

September 04, 2025
September 09, 2025
September 11, 2025
September 16, 2025
September 18, 2025
September 23, 2025
September 25, 2025

For more information, click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Do You Have Skeletons in the Closet? Could They Come Back to Life? Issues to Ponder. Reviewing Past Performance
2025-08-26 12:30 - 13:00

Satellite Office: Manitowoc – hosted by Progress Lakeshore
2025-08-27 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.

Cyber Thursday: The Federal Cybersecurity Horizon: Zero Trust, FedRAMP, and Supply Chain Risk
2025-08-28 11:00 - 12:00
As federal cybersecurity strategy continues to evolve, understanding emerging priorities is essential for staying compliant and competitive. This webinar explores key federal initiatives – Zero Trust Architecture, FedRAMP, and Supply Chain Risk Management—and how they intersect with existing regulations like FAR 52.204-21 and NIST SP 800-171. Attendees will gain insight into the federal government’s long-term cybersecurity vision, what contractors can expect in terms of risk accountability and system authorization, and how these initiatives shape future compliance requirements. This session is ideal for those looking to align their cybersecurity programs with federal expectations and prepare for what’s next on the cybersecurity horizon.
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.

Indigenous Business Group Wisconsin Contractor Connection - Networking Event Series - Danbury, WI
2025-08-28 16:00 - 19:00 | St. Croix Casino Danbury, 30222 Wisconsin 35 #77, Danbury, 54830, United States
Wisconsin Contractor Connection is a networking event by the Indigenous Business Group designed to connect contractors and businesses across Wisconsin with public and private sector opportunities. Bringing together professionals from construction, trades, consulting, media, infrastructure, energy, engineering, and environmental industries, this event fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business growth. Attendees will engage in networking, hear from industry leaders, and explore opportunities in contracting and procurement.
Target Audience:
Contractors & Tradespeople: General contractors, specialty trade contractors (electricians, plumbers, HVAC, etc.), and businesses in construction and infrastructure.
Industry Professionals: Engineering firms, environmental consultants, energy sector professionals, media, and business service providers.
Public & Private Sector Representatives: Government agencies, large corporations, and tribal enterprises seeking subcontractors and partnerships.
For more information, click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: What's New With the FAR? The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Has Begun. What You Need to Know About It.
2025-09-02 12:30 - 13:00

35th Annual Milwaukee Night in Washington D.C
2025-09-03 16:30 - 18:30 | Union Station – East Hall, Union Station Dr NE, Washington D.C., 20002
This event highlights the contributions of the Milwaukee Region to the economic strength and vitality of the nation. Milwaukee Night also provides an opportunity to thank the legislators, staff members and administrators who help us achieve our goal of making the Milwaukee Region a world-class location.
Please note: The time of the event is 5:30 PM – 7:30PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Madison – hosted by FEED Kitchens
2025-09-08 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.

DLA Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2025-09-09 - 2025-09-10
The TKO seminar is a course that teaches vendors how to start doing business with DLA Land and Maritime. 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. This session is free.
For more information, click here.

Casting, Forging, and Machining: Insights from DoD Industry Experts
2025-09-09 12:00 - 15:00
Join the APEX Accelerators for an informative afternoon featuring industry experts from the Department of Defense’s Casting, Forging, and Machining programs and initiatives. This session offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge directly from those shaping these critical areas of defense manufacturing.
Attendees will hear from a panel of experts:

Sheila Rayburn, Integrated Casting Order Network (ICON) program/Non-Ferrous Founders Society (NFFS)
Michael Chiero from the Valor Group
Eric Evans – DLA Land & Maritime
David Poweleit – Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA)
Charles Edens – Forging Defense Manufacturing Consortium (FDMC)
American Metal Casting (AMC)
Advanced Technology International (ATI)

Summary of the ICON program:
Unlocking the Power of the Integrated Casting Order Network (ICON): Modernizing Defense Manufacturing
In today’s rapidly evolving defense landscape, the demand for agile, secure, and efficient manufacturing solutions is greater than ever. The Integrated Casting Order Network (ICON) stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering a state-of-the-art digital platform that connects the Department of Defense (DoD) and prime contractors with a wide range of qualified foundries, forging facilities, and machine shops. Designed to modernize the acquisition and production of metal components critical to national security, ICON enables smarter sourcing, increased visibility, and accelerated procurement timelines.
For more information, click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Cybersecurity Requirements for Non-DoD Vendors. The Big 15; What You Need to Know. Actions to Take.
2025-09-09 12:30 - 13:00

Acquisition Hour: Contracting in Disasters Doing Business with Emergency Agencies
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00
When disasters strike, federal, state, and local agencies must act quickly to provide relief, restore services, and support affected communities. This creates unique contracting opportunities for businesses that can supply goods and services in times of crisis. Understanding how emergency procurement works is essential for small businesses that want to be ready when opportunities arise.
In this session, participants will learn:

How federal, state, and local agencies buy during emergencies and disasters
The role of FEMA, GSA, and other key emergency management agencies
Contracting methods used in disaster response and recovery
Registration, certification, and preparedness steps businesses should take now
Best practices for positioning your business to respond quickly and effectively

This training will help small businesses understand the disaster contracting process, prepare in advance, and explore opportunities to support emergency response and recovery efforts.
Speakers:

Jeremy Bonikowske, WCEM, Emergency Management Director – Juneau County
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.

CTC's SBIR Advance Showcase!
2025-09-11 08:30 - 12:00 | WEDC @ The HUB, 2352 S. Park Street, Madison, WI, 53713
RSVP to join this special event celebrating 10 years of SBIR Advance — a milestone made possible by partners like you!
Join us for a dynamic day of networking, knowledge sharing, and strategic connections with SBIR Advance awardees and fellow VCs and industry leaders.
For the past decade, SBIR Advance has been a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s innovation ecosystem—providing critical funding, mentorship, and commercialization support to over 100 high-potential startups. These companies, backed by federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards and enhanced by SBIR Advance, are now solving real-world problems across biotech, manufacturing, software, and more!
This event is designed to elevate awardee visibility, spark new partnerships, and open doors to future funding and collaboration.
📍 Location: WEDC @ The Hub, 2352 S. Park St., Suite 303, Madison, WI 53713
📅 Date: September 11, 2025
🕘 Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
What to Expect:

Awardee Spotlights & Pitches – Share their journey and showcase their tech
VC & Industry Networking – Speed-dating style sessions with curated contacts
Strategic Exposure – Connect with potential investors, partners, and customers
Celebration – Reflect on a decade of impact and innovation with the SBIR Advance community

This is more than a celebration — it’s a launchpad for your next big opportunity.
For more information, click here.

Office Hours: Madison - Selling to the Government
2025-09-11 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 on Selling to the Government at the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus in Madison, WI.
Schedule:
9-10 AM –Presentation on Doing Business with the Government
Tru Mwololo will give an hour-long presentation on Doing Business with the Government.

What does the government buy?
How to enter the government market-State & Federal.
Benefits & challenges.

Please RSVP/register for the presentation hour at this LINK.

10:15AM-12 PM – One-on-One Meetings

Please select an individual meeting time with Tru at this LINK.

Presenter:

Truphosa Mwololo, Manager Small Business Programs, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

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.

Satellite Office: Fond Du Lac – hosted by Envision Greater Fond du Lac
2025-09-11 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.

128th Air Refueling Wing Open House
2025-09-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-14 10:00 - 15:00 | General Mitchell Air National Guard Base, 1919 E. Grange Ave, Milwaukee, 53207, United States
The 128th Air Refueling Wing will host a two-day open house September 13 and 14, 2025, at General Mitchell Air National Guard Base, located on the east side of international airport at Pennsylvania and Grange. The last open house was in 2012, so be sure to take advantage of this special opportunity. This event is open to the public and guests will get the opportunity to tour static display aircraft, view a variety of military equipment, interact with Airmen and their families, enjoy several exhibitions from select military and civilian agencies, and purchase food and military swag.
This is a static display event that offers a chance to get an up close look at the greatest military air power in the world.
For more information, click here.

2025 Manufacturing x Digital Annual Summit
2025-09-16 - 2025-09-17 | MxD Headquarters, 1415 N Cherry Ave, Chicago, IL, 60642, United States
Join us on September 16th and 17th at MxD for a two-day immersive event focused on the forefront of continuous improvement in manufacturing. This event will gather industry leaders, technical experts, government partners, including the Dept. of Defense, and practitioners to explore critical themes in digital manufacturing, including practical applications, cybersecurity, workforce development, and emerging technologies.
Both days of the summit are open to members and non-members. Through a blend of interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, factory floor tours, and keynote presentations, attendees will gain actionable insights to drive digital advancements in their organizations and across the manufacturing sector.
For more information, click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Are You Part of the Old DIB or the New DIB? The Battlefield is Starting to Change and So Might DoD's Needs.
2025-09-16 12:30 - 13:00

CONNECT! 2025 Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protege Program Networking Event (in-person)
2025-09-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Lambeau Field, 1265 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay, WI, 54304, United States
Join us for an exciting networking event as part of the Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program, taking place in-person at Lambeau Field. To register, please CLICK HERE.
This in-person event at Lambeau Field is your chance to connect with corporate buyers, resource providers, government agencies, lenders, and more. The event is divided into two parts:
Part 1: Panel Discussion
Part 2: Networking & Buyer Meetings
Event Schedule:

2:30 PM: Registration Opens
3:00 PM: Program Begins
4:00 PM: Networking & Buyer Meetings
5:00 PM: Close of Program

Full Program Details below:
