Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Emerging Issues: Suggested Process for Creating a Federal Business Development Strategy
2024-03-14 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
Over the last several years, cybersecurity has been front and center and garnered most of DoD’s contractor’s time and energy as it should. Cybersecurity is a major issue that needs to be addressed but it is not the only issue. There are existing and evolving issues that DoD contractors need to know about and in many cases require affirmative actions related to compliance.
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.
A federal business development strategy requires as a first step, a company to develop a process for identifying and ranking its most likely customers, their acquisition strategies, tendencies and other marketplace factors. This webinar will cover how available and accessible data can be combined with information from other resources to gain a more complete understanding of your highest ranked prospects.
Speaker: 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

Satellite Office: Fond Du Lac – hosted by Envision Greater Fond du Lac
2024-03-14 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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: Eau Claire - hosted by the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
2024-03-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-12 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

St. Croix EDC's Good Morning! Business Education and Networking Event
2024-03-13 07:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | WI, United States
The Federal Government buys products and services – including but not limited to military vehicles, tree planting services, office furniture, plumbing services, facility maintenance, and IT support. Sales have been to a broad range of agencies from the US Forest Service, USDA, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense and many more. The State of Wisconsin and local governments also purchase a wide range of goods and services. In addition, there are opportunities to subcontract to government prime contractors. This session is designed as an introduction to the government market for small businesses who are considering or new to the government market.
Topics and Speakers:

Enhancing Employee Value Perception – Alicia Schwartz, Consultant | JA Counter, Alera Group
Behavior Recognition and Response – Dave Skinner | CEO & Founder | NTS Security Services
Selling to the Government – Is there an opportunity for your small business? – Benjamin Blanc CFCM, Government Contract Specialist | Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)

There will be a focus on three key objectives: optimizing compensation and rewards, fueling career growth, and cultivating an inclusive culture. The event is open to businesses of all sizes and there is no cost to attend.
For more information, click here.

WEM - 2024 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Lake Geneva, WI)
2024-03-13 - 2024-03-15 | Grand Geneva, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147, United States
The conference offers multiple tracks designed to help attendees explore how different aspects of emergency management and homeland security intersect. Whether you come from communications, public health, the private sector, emergency response, or homeland security, the 2024 conference strives to help attendees gain skills to disentangle complex situations during an emergency.
The agenda features presentations highlighting the following tracks:

Interoperable Communications and Technology
Critical Infrastructure and Private Sector
All-Hazards Response and Recovery
Public Health and Community Resilience
Managing Cyber and Physical Threats
Emerging Trends

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) will be presenting Wisconsin Certified Emergency Manager certificates during the conference to those who have achieved this important milestone in their training.
For more information, click here.

VA 2nd Quarter FY 2024 Office of Construction and Facilities Management Virtual Scheduled 1 on 1 Meetings
2024-03-13 | WI
In response to the Veteran-Owned Small Business and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business community request to have business networking dialogue with a senior leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction (OALC), the Department made available a series of quarterly events.
The 2nd Quarter FY 2024 event will be hosted by Dr. Zebulon Fox, Associate Executive Director for the Office of Facilities Acquisition (OFA) and Head of Contracting Activity within the Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM) for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The event is intended for firms operating under the following North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes:
236220 – General Construction
237990 – Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
541310 – Architectural
541330 – Engineering
541360 – Seismic Geophysical Surveying Services
For more information, click here.

11th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 7: FAR Parts 34-41
2024-03-12 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | WI
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “11th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 7: FAR Parts 34-41.” This session is part of the 11th 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.

WPI is Wisconsin’s APEX Accelerator

Acquisition Hour: U.S. SBA Surety Bond Guarantees: What to Know
2024-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
The U. S. Small Business Administration’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program can help your small business obtain contract bid, performance, & payment bonds. Surety bonds help small businesses win contracts by providing the customer with a guarantee that the work will be completed.
Many public and private contracts require surety bonds, which are offered by surety companies. The SBA guarantees surety bonds for certain surety companies, which allows the companies to offer surety bonds to small businesses that might not meet the criteria for other sureties.
Does your business have: Limited Financial Resources? You have no Prior Bonded Work Experience? Trouble Bonding as a Startup? A Desire to Increase its Current Bond Limits? – if the answer is YES – YOU SHOULD ATTEND!
This webinar will cover contract bonds:

What they are and why they are required
Your potential bonding capacity
Ways to maximize your surety credit
SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program
Up to $6.5 million for non-federal contracts and up to $10 million for federal contracts.
The SBA advantage
Costs and getting started

This webinar will also include a presentation by WPI on locating government contract opportunities and marketing your small business.
Speaker:
Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration
Ben Blanc, Government Contact Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.
The SBA has recently announced statutory increases for the Surety Bond Guarantee Program. This change will give small businesses access to projects up to $9 million and federal contracts up to $14 million. To read more, please view this press release.

WPI is Wisconsin’s APEX Accelerator

You won a Federal Contract: What are the cybersecurity requirements? -- Chippewa Falls
2024-03-12 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) – Chippewa Falls Campus, 770 Scheidler Road Rm 108, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729, United States
In the ever-expanding landscape of government contracting, safeguarding Federal Contract Information (FCI) is not just a regulatory obligation but a crucial aspect of earning and maintaining trust with federal agencies. This session is designed for manufacturers, service providers and other small businesses currently supplying or aspiring to enter the Federal Government Supply Chains.
Gain valuable insights into the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements, understand the significance of securing covered contractor information systems, and learn practical strategies for implementing effective security measures.
If you are currently a federal government supplier, or are considering entering the federal government market, this session is your gateway to understanding compliance, building credibility, and positioning your organization for success in this marketplace. Don’t miss this opportunity!

SCHEDULE
10AM – 11AM Presentation
11AM – Start of Networking

Location Note:
This session will take place in Room 108 at CVTC.

WPI is Wisconsin’s APEX Accelerator

DLA Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2024-03-12 - 2024-03-13 | 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.

U.S. Department of Transportation - 4th Annual Women's Small Business Transportation Summit
2024-03-12 | WI
In observance of Women’s History Month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) will host the 4th Annual Women’s Small Business Transportation Summit on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm ET.
The purpose of this virtual event is to celebrate women entrepreneurs and provide an opportunity to learn about technical assistance resources, capacity building, access to capital, and upcoming USDOT initiatives, including Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) opportunities.
Throughout the morning, subject matter experts will discuss topics including:

Navigating Resources for WOSB: Local programs, Technical Assistance, and Capital
WOSB and Federal Contracting: Challenges and Opportunities
What’s Next? USDOT Programs, Initiatives, and Upcoming Projects

The remainder of the event will be dedicated to one-on-one business matchmaking via the Connections MarketPlace (CMP) platform. Business matchmaking will include USDOT’s procurement specialists, federal partners, state, and local technical assistance specialists, financial resources, prime contractors, and other stakeholders for matchmaking.
Though the event will focus on WOSB firms, all small businesses and socioeconomic groups are welcome to attend.
For more information, click here.

DLA Doing Business with DLA with an emphasis on the Women-owned Small Business Program (WOSB)
2024-03-06 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | WI
Under the WOSB Program, DLA and other federal agencies reserve certain contracts exclusively for competition among woman-owned small businesses (WOSBs) or economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs). This webinar will discuss the program along with an overview of our Major Subordinate Commands (MSC) and what they procure.
Unique to the WOSB Program, only certain contracts are eligible. The Small Business Administration (SBA) designates industries where woman-owned small businesses are underrepresented and eligibility for the program is determined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to the contract. You do not have to be a WOSB to attend this webinar.
For more information, click here.

11th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 6: FAR Parts 30-33
2024-03-05 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | WI
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “11th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 6: FAR Parts 30-33.” This session is part of the 11th annual FAR Evening Sessions.
The FAR Evening Sessions are designed specifically for current Federal contractors. In addition, these sessions will help you prepare for the NCMA CFCM certification exam.
Speakers

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

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

WPI is Wisconsin’s APEX Accelerator

DLA DIBBS: Quoting
2024-03-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
An introduction on the quoting process using the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Madison (FEED Kitchens)
2024-03-04 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.

NCMA Nexus
2024-03-03 - 2024-03-06 | Information Security
Nexus 2024 is an event that unites government and industry acquisition teams. It provides a platform for cross-functional collaboration to tackle pressing issues in federal procurement, such as supply chain risk, cybersecurity, and sustainability. The event features strategic discussions, case studies, hackathons, and real-world problem-solving, offering attendees deployable solutions. Nexus is open to all professionals involved in federal procurement, making it an opportunity for integrated teams to learn and train together.
For more information, click here.

Schneider Electric Virtual Business Opportunity Session
2024-02-29 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
Schneider Electric EPC, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Direct Access Program, will host a virtual business opportunity session. The desired outcome for this event will be for Schneider Electric to identify partners suitable to participate in Energy Performance Contracts in a subcontractor capacity.
By participating in this event, attendees will:

Learn more about Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) as a vehicle for public capital improvement projects
Gain insight into what is required to be a subcontractor for Schneider Electric EPC
Learn more about upcoming subcontracting opportunities

Schneider Electric seeks to establish relationships with small businesses with a proven track record in Federal project subcontracting related to the business sectors, NAICS, capabilities, Federal agencies, and socioeconomic designations.
For more information, click here.

Emerging Issues: From SBIR/STTR to DPA Title III – An Overview of Federal Innovation Programs, Needs and Marketplace
2024-02-29 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
Over the last several years, cybersecurity has been front and center and garnered most of DoD’s contractor’s time and energy as it should. Cybersecurity is a major issue that needs to be addressed but it is not the only issue. There are existing and evolving issues that DoD contractors need to know about and in many cases require affirmative actions related to compliance.
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.
The federal innovation ecosystem is comprised of many programs. There are agency specific needs and larger, more involved, and complex national needs and goals managed through the Defense Production Act Title III. SBIR/STTR programs are the most visible and most widely publicized. However, FAR 15.6 provides guidance on submitting unsolicited proposals, the CIA has a Venture Capital investing program – https://www.iqt.org/, and the Challenge.gov website – www.challenge.gov lists challenges for researchers, citizens, and students.  Additionally, many agencies have offices, programs and senior level positions dedicated to research and development and innovation which underscores the overall importance of innovation. This webinar will provide a broad overview of the federal innovation ecosystem and its opportunities.
Speaker: 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

WI Rural Partners 2024 Education Series: Automation Solutions & Funding mechanisms
2024-02-28 12:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
This is the first in a series of programming that will assist you in accessing the latest solutions designed to meet businesses where they are at. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, cutting-edge technology and a personalized approach will help you achieve your goals and take your business to the next level. This is a complimentary program; a Zoom link will be emailed out on Monday, February 26 to all attendees.
Topics covered in the program:

Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity Manufacturing Report
Manufacturing needs automation to address the workforce gap
Financing Automation Solutions

For more information, click here.

Acquisition Hour: Protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI): An Introduction to FAR 52.204-21
2024-02-28 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
In the ever-expanding landscape of government contracting, safeguarding Federal Contract Information (FCI) is not just a regulatory obligation but a crucial aspect of earning and maintaining trust with federal agencies. Join our one-hour session, ‘Protecting FCI: An Introduction to FAR 52.204-21,’ designed for manufacturers, service providers and other small businesses currently supplying or aspiring to enter the Federal Government Supply Chains. Gain valuable insights into the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements, understand the significance of securing covered contractor information systems, and learn practical strategies for implementing effective security measures. If you are considering entering this arena, this class is your gateway towards understanding compliance, building credibility, and positioning your organization for success in the federal marketplace. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your business with the knowledge needed to navigate and excel in government contracting.
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.

WPI is Wisconsin’s APEX Accelerator

WI DOT Annual Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Workshop and Networking Summit
2024-02-28 - 2024-02-29 | Leadership and Partners (True)
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is hosting the Annual DBE Workshop and Networking Summit to engage highway contractors, consultants, subcontractors, and laborers in communications and teambuilding interactions that aim to lead to a diverse and equitable highway contracting environment. The conference agenda will include keynote speakers, presentations, panels, and break-out sessions covering topics for Contractors, Consultants, Truckers and Small Businesses. There will also be networking opportunities to connect and engage with industry stakeholders, business professionals, contractors, consultants, subcontractors and laborers.
Early Bird Registration for the 38th Annual DBE Workshop & Networking Summit is NOW OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 31st.
The $99 Early Bird Registration pricing lasts only until January 31, 2024.

11th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 5: FAR Parts 19-29
2024-02-27 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | WI
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – Wisconsin Chapter will be presenting the webinar, “11th Annual FAR Evening Webinar and Study Group Session 5: FAR Parts 19-29.” This session is part of the 11th 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.

WPI is Wisconsin’s APEX Accelerator

Satellite Office: Green Bay – hosted by the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub
2024-02-27 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

2024 Tactical Wheeled Vehicles Conference
2024-02-26 - 2024-02-28
The 2024 Tactical Wheeled Vehicles Conference 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.

UWSP AI Innovations at Work: The Impact of AI on Healthcare, Business, and Industry
2024-02-23 | WI, United States
This conference will dive into the world of AI in healthcare, business, and industry. Engage with leaders, get a glimpse of AI’s potential, and uncover solutions. Connect with peers and be part of the AI revolution. Look forward to exploring, learning, and networking in the realm of AI innovation.
For more information, click here.

IL Secretary of State Modernization Procurement Summit
2024-02-22 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | WI
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his office will host two virtual Technology Procurement Summits next month to raise awareness and share information about future opportunities. The office is seeking vendors and partners to provide technological solutions and assist with the implementation of various technological projects. Interested vendors are encouraged to participate in an informational session detailed below and monitor BidBuy for updates and further details.
These information sessions include:
• Understanding Secretary Giannoulias’ vision for the modernization effort
• Discussing potential opportunities and solutions related to the modernization plan
• Learning more about the procurement process.
For more information, click here.

How to do Business at the Department of Interior (DOI)
2024-02-22 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | WI, United States
This event is to promote the capabilities of small business vendors, increase awareness of downstream contracting opportunities as a result of DOI financial assistance awards, and facilitate partnerships between Small Businesses and the Financial Assistance Community.
This is an In-Person/Hybrid Small Business Outreach event.
For more information, please contact DOI_OSDBU@ios.doi.gov.

Satellite Office: Manitowoc – hosted by Progress Lakeshore
2024-02-21 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Government Certification Workshop - State and Local
2024-02-21 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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 and local certifications:

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

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
