Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Manufacturing Matters! 2021 Virtual Conference
2021-02-25 | WI
Plans that manufacturers made heading into 2020 were greatly disrupted as they faced extraordinary challenges that required them to quickly adapt to an unstable and rapidly changing business environment. After an initial period of uncertainty, manufacturers refocused their priorities on what was most important and got back to work.
“Adapt & Advance” is the theme of Manufacturing Matters! 2021, and this year’s conference will share insights into how organizations and individuals can overcome challenges and turn disruptions into opportunities for growth. The manufacturing landscape remains dynamic, and the new economy favors those who position themselves to succeed regardless of market forces and disruptions.

ED OSDBU Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) Virtual Conference
2021-02-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Please join the U.S. Department of Education for a virtual meeting to provide the business community with information regarding the Department of Education’s Simplified Acquisition Threshold purchases under 250K. Provide knowledge sharing on how to engage with the program office designated points of contact.
– Wednesday February 24, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST (please note start time and time zone).
– You must RSVP to join the webinar.
– Upon successful registration, you will receive an email containing a personalized access link.

35th Annual DBE Workshop & Secretary's Golden Shovel Awards
2021-02-24 - 2021-02-25
The Annual DBE Workshop and Secretary’s Golden Shovel Awards is Wisconsin’s premier conference for small, minority, and women-owned businesses in the transportation construction industry. WisDOT partnered with the National Association of Minority Contractors-Wisconsin (NAMC-WI) Chapter to help DBE firms navigate the bends and turns in accessing federally funded road construction projects and open doors to opportunities to public-private funding partnerships that construct major building and community developments throughout Wisconsin.
The virtual conference is open to all businesses; small and large, prime/general contractors, architect-engineers, subcontractors, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, construction industry suppliers/vendors, local, state and federal procurement specialists, and small business advocates. In collaboration with NAMC-WI Chapter, WisDOT Office of Business Opportunity and Equity Compliance (OBOEC) will bring together industry experts, resources and highlighted opportunities necessary for you to become competitive and profitable in Wisconsin’ construction industry in the years to come.
On Wednesday, February 24, 2021 NAMC -Wisconsin Chapter will honor industry professionals and community leaders with their Golden Champion Award for Leadership in Minority Business Development in Wisconsin Construction Industry.
On Thursday, February 25, 2021 WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson will recognize the winners of the 2021 Golden Shovel Award who have demonstrated their commitment to the WisDOT DBE program, the utilization of DBEs on WisDOT projects and maintaining a diverse workforce year after year.

8th Annual WPI and NCMA WI Chapter - FAR Evening Study Group - Session 4, FAR Parts 13-18
2021-02-23 18:00 - 19:30
This will be the 8th year that the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Wisconsin Chapter will be hosting and presenting this series.
These sessions are designed specifically for current Federal contractors.
In addition, these sessions will help you prepare for the NCMA CFCM certification exam. Learn more at https://www.ncmahq.org/certification/certified-federal-contract-manager-(cfcm)

This session will be presented by Daryl Zahn, CFCM, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, DRS Naval Power Systems, Inc.
This webinar is eligible for 1.5 CPE credits.
View the full 2021 FAR Evening Study Group schedule.

TKO DIBBS Solicitations
2021-02-23 13:00 - 14:00
The TKO seminar is a session that teaches vendors how to START doing business with Defense Logistics Agency. 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 Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) to get paid. There will also be many other relevant topics of discussion. This course is designed for dealers, distributors, and manufacturers, but NOT a company that provides services.
To register for this event go to https://tko.dla.mil, select “DLA Land and Maritime,” fill out the registration form, and additional information will be provided to you.

Acquisition Hour: Update on Federal Wage-Hour Laws
2021-02-23 13:00 - 14:00
This session will provide attendees with an update on federal wage-hour laws to help employers maintain compliance with Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, Service Contract Act and Fair Labor Standards Act provisions.
Mr. Walton will offer guidance on a wide range of topics including prevailing wages, completing certified payrolls forms, the correct payment of overtime and the tests used to determine if an employee should be classified as exempt.

Speaker: Corey Walton, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist – U.S. Department of Labor/Wage & Hour Division

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

Cyber Friday: Preparing for a CMMC Certification assessment
2021-02-19 11:00 - 12:00
As the CMMC program evolves and matures, there will certainly be more information available that specifically addresses this topic. Even though there is currently no formal guidance, there is considerable information that can be gleaned from the program goals, requirements and resources. Given program guidance, it is obvious that the assessment will look beyond documents, policies and various logs. These records will be very important, but it is also important to recognize that the company in its entirety will be under review as well. This webinar will explore the general nature of formal assessments to help provide context to better understand the process which will assist in making appropriate preparations.

Speaker: Marc Violante, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

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

FAR Up Close - FAR Regulations and Clauses on Subcontracting
2021-02-17 13:30 - 14:30
The government’s requirements for subcontracting can seem complex and even tedious. Let WPI help simplify this for you! This webinar will provide an up close analysis of the FAR requirements on Subcontracting Plans required from large businesses, Subcontracting limitations imposed on small businesses, and clauses that are required to be “flowed down” into subcontracts. Please join us and gain a better understanding of what the federal government requires with regard to subcontracting.

Speaker: Helen Henningsen, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View the full 2021 FAR Up Close series schedule.

Acquisition Hour: Market Research - Successful Contractors Do Their Homework
2021-02-17 12:00 - 13:00
Successful contractors do their homework – or their market research. They determine who is buying, how they are buying, when they will be buying, how much they have procured in the past, what they are currently buying and what they will be buying in the future. They also know who are the current contract holders and who are their competitors.
This workshop will teach you how to do your own government contracting market research using on-line various tools that are available to you at no cost.
Who should attend: Any business determining if the government market is a good fit for their business, or businesses that want to learn how to better focus their government market efforts.

Presented by: Kim Garber, Manager Small Business Programs, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

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

8th Annual WPI and NCMA WI Chapter - FAR Evening Study Group - Session 3, FAR Parts 5-12
2021-02-16 18:00 - 19:30

TKO DIBBS Solicitations - Webinar
2021-02-16 13:00 - 14:00

2nd Quarter FY2021 Office of Construction and Facilities Management Virtual 1 on 1 Meetings
2021-02-16
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 2021 event will be hosted by Ms. Janice Speth, Acting, Associate Executive Director, Office of Facilities Acquisition, Office of Construction and Facilities Management 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
The cost is free to attend. Space is limited; only 13 sessions are available.
One representative per firm will be permitted to participate.

FAR Up Close - Overview of the FAR
2021-02-10 13:30 - 14:30
If you are currently or are planning to be a contractor or subcontractor to the Federal government, it is important to know and understand the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). The FAR is the principal set of rules governing the acquisition process and critical to your success as a contractor.
What you will learn:

How the FAR is structured
Locate and search for FAR clauses
Understanding how to determine what clauses apply to your solicitation / contract
A BASIC understanding of the FAR

Speaker: Daryl Zahn, CFCM, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, DRS Naval Power Systems, Inc.
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View the full 2021 FAR Up Close series schedule.

Doing Business with DLA - Webinar - With a Special Emphasis on the 8(a) SDB Program
2021-02-10 12:30 - 13:30
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Office of Small Business Programs offers monthly webinars to educate small businesses and others about DLA’s mission and opportunities to participate in our various supply chains.
February is Black History month. During this session we will have a special emphasis and focus for 8(a)/SDBs. This session is open to all not just 8(a) SDBs.
To register for this event go to https://tko.dla.mil select “HQ DLA Small Business Programs” fill out the registration form and additional information will be provided to you.

Engage2Connect: Opportunity | Skills | Experience - Virtual
2021-02-10 12:00 - 13:30
Full Event Page
As we embark on a new year, and new administration, join us for a panel discussion, in our 3rd listening lab, “Engage2Connect.”
Panelists include:

Mr. Sam Le, from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) who will share new legislation updates,
Mr. Cameron Hernandez, from the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) presenting contracting and grant opportunities, and
Tommy Marks of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), who will discuss customized business development and industry-focused services to provide greater access to capital, contracts and markets for small businesses.

Acquisition Hour: Understanding Trends and Evolving Areas of Emphasis in the Federal Marketplace
2021-02-10 12:00 - 13:00
Budgeted monies need to be spent and strategic plans require action. Future looking companies will want to explore information available in budget, strategic plans and a variety of other resources to understand their customers and position themselves to take advantage of any resulting opportunities. This webinar will review several of these resources and discuss how the available information can be incorporated into a company’s federal market strategy.

Speaker: Marc Violante, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.

8th Annual WPI and NCMA WI Chapter - FAR Evening Study Group - Session 2, FAR Parts 1-4
2021-02-09 18:00 - 19:30

Cyber Friday: Embarking on the path to CMMC Level 3
2021-02-05 11:00 - 12:00
To be certified as CMMC L3, a company must be able to demonstrate its ability to achieve of both practices and processes associated with L3 but also those associated with Level 1 and Level 2 requirements. As the level of cyber maturity increases so does the formality and documentation needed. As an example at CMMC L3 companies will require formal Policies. More importantly the “institutionalization” of these practices will be assessed and will in part ultimately determine the level at which a company is certified. This webinar will provide information that will assist companies with their planning and initial efforts toward developing a company-centric and tailored program that is consistent with the goals of the CMMC program.

Speaker: Marc Violante, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

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

8th Annual WPI and NCMA WI Chapter - FAR Evening Study Group - Session 1, Introduction & FAR Part 16
2021-02-02 18:00 - 19:30

Navigating DHS S&T Opportunities - Webinar
2021-02-02 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for the Insights Outreach webinar series launch: How to Work with S&T.
On February 2, at 1 p.m., DHS S&T Office of Industry Partnerships Director Megan Mahle and S&T Industry Liaison Dee Parker will highlight S&T’s unique innovation funding programs and current opportunities to adapt, develop, or commercialize your technologies in support of the DHS mission.

How to Get Certified as a Minority-Owned Business - Virtual
2021-01-30 09:00 - 10:00
EVENT FLYER
Minority owned business can receive advantage when selling to various Public and Private entities. In most cases, a certification process must be completed to qualify.
It is important for business to understand the certification requirements and the potential benefits to their business prior to investing their time and resources in the certification process.
This presentation will provide an overview of these programs, application process, describe eligibility requirements as well as the benefits and obligations for certifications with:

Federal Government agencies
State Government agencies (including WisDOT and State of Wisconsin)
Local Government agencies (including Milwaukee City and County, Dane County, Madison (City), MMSD)
Corporate (Large business)

13th Annual End of Year Federal Contractor Update - Virtual
2021-01-28 08:00 - 16:00
Join Wisconsin’s Federal contractors and subcontractors for this annual event. Keep up to date with this series of briefings focusing on changes and challenges in DOD/ Federal contracting.
Program: 8am – 3pm
Virtual Networking Hour – hosted by NDIA Great Lakes: 3pm – 4pm (Separate registration for this segment required) – click HERE.

Share in the conversation about federal contracting and contractors in the Midwest. (Bring your own “refreshments”)

View and download the full agenda HERE.
View the speakers’ bios HERE.
Speakers include:

Lieutenant Colonel Susan M. Depisstyer (Styer), Commander, Defense Contracting Management Agency, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
William Hughes, Attorney, Husch Blackwell LLP
Brian P. Waagner, Partner, Husch Blackwell LLP
Jason Rathsack, Group Lead, Business Operations, DCMA Milwaukee
Eric Ness, Wisconsin District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Sean Ketter, Vice President, Supply Chain Operations, Global Procurement and Supply Chain, Oshkosh Corporation
Nathaniel Millsap, Director, Security & Cyber, Fincantieri Marinette Marine
Richard Deschauer, Senior Director of Contracts and Compliance, DRS Naval Power Systems, Inc.
Daryl Zahn, CFCM, Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance, DRS Naval Power Systems, Inc.
Nick Cucci, Director of Business Development, PDT, an Astronics Company
Virtual Networking Hour with –

Megan McKinney, Business Development, Army Programs, Beacon Interactive Systems
Aina Vilumsons, CEO, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Topics this year will include:

Updates from DCMA
2020 Federal Case Law Update
Update from Washington, D.C.
2020 Updates in Contract Management
2020 Update on Federal Acquisition Regulations and Other
Update on Security Issues for Federal Contractors
2020 Small Business Updates

This virtual event is eligible for 6 CPE credits.

MATC's First Contractor/Consultant Virtual Open House
2021-01-27 10:00 - 11:00
Click here to view the Event Flyer.
Get the latest information on items critical to MATC’s upcoming projects.
Topics:

Upcoming Fiscal Year 2021 Construction Projects
Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Participation
Apprentice Utilization

Cyber Security Is No Longer Optional - Webinar
2021-01-26 08:00 - 10:00
As the calendar year closes the door on 2020, the New Year ushers in new Federal Cyber Security Requirements.
Cyber Security is no longer optional. Every computer, every network, every business is at risk of being the target of a cyber-attack. “Hackers” don’t care who they attack. They have one primary motivation – financial reward from their efforts. Ad Hoc or general measures may be quick, convenient and seem to be sufficient. They are not. Adversaries are motivated, sophisticated and will use an ever-changing set of tools to succeed. The bar has been set high and the requirements for protecting computer networks and systems continues to grow in scope and level of detail. To be competitive in 2021 and beyond, all companies and especially companies interested in entering DoD’s Supply Chain need to adopt a more formalized cyber-security framework such as NIST SP 800-171.
This webinar will address key questions business executives should ask and discuss concerning cyber risks to their companies and the importance of using a common cybersecurity framework such as NIST 800-171 or CISecurity controls to protect their systems and business information.
All businesses, corporations, non-profits, and education professionals are encouraged to join us for this informative event.
Business leaders need to add new business capabilities while managing security complexities. Businesses must strike a balance between what is needed in a cybersecurity framework and the risks to undertake for the business to move forward. Without this stability and balance, opportunities will be missed.
Do not miss out on this cybersecurity event. This event is being presented in partnership with the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation and the City of Oshkosh at no cost to attendees.
Guest Speaker:

Marc Violante, Director, Federal Market Strategies, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Cyber Friday: Overview of CMMC Level 1
2021-01-22 11:00 - 12:00
FAR 52.204-21 is a current and active contract clause that addresses the protection of Federal Contract Information (FCI). This clause is also synonymous with CMMC Level 1, which also specifically addresses FCI. However, there are differences. One is that the 15 requirements of FAR 52.204-21 are listed as 17 requirements in CMMC L1 requirements. Other differences are the FAR clauses exists today, it requires compliance and it also has a flow-down requirement. While the clause might be synonymous with CMMC L1 it is not a replacement or a substitute for it. To become certified under the CMMC program, companies will have to develop programs that are compliant with CMMC L1. What is equally as important is that the processes, mindset and efforts surrounding CMMC L1 will be needed for companies interested in certifying at other CMMC Levels. In effect, CMMC L1 is the foundation needed for future efforts. This webinar will provide an overview of the necessary ideas, concepts and philosophy necessary to begin the process.

Speaker: Marc Violante, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

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

Acquisition Hour: beta.SAM.gov - An Update and Overview
2021-01-20 12:00 - 13:00
beta.SAM.gov has become the official U.S. government website for people who make, receive, and manage federal awards. It is the central HUB for the entire federal awards community–assistance, grants and procurement. General Services Administration (GSA) went public with the new site last August.
Once integrated, 10 systems (including fbo.gov, fpds.gov, Wage Determination, CPARS, CFDA and others) will be categorized by their main feature (such as contract opportunities, registration, and wage determinations) into a centralized website called beta.SAM.gov.

This webinar will provide an overview on:

The Integrated Award Environment
Changes with beta.SAM.gov
Creating a login and profile

Speaker: Kim Garber, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

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

Doing Business with DLA - Webinar
2021-01-19 13:00 - 14:00

Introduction to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)
2021-01-14 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for an introduction to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). The speaker is Mr. Steve Mapes, Small Business Programs Director, DCSA.

Doing Business with DLA - Webinar
2021-01-13 12:30 - 13:30
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Office of Small Business Programs offers monthly webinars to educate small businesses and others about DLA’s mission and opportunities to participate in our various supply chains.
To register for this event go to https://tko.dla.mil select “HQ DLA Small Business Programs” fill out the registration form and additional information will be provided to you.

Doing Business with the Department of Defense - Webinar
2021-01-12 12:00 - 13:00
Join Ms. Victoria Mundt, Associate Director, DOD Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), as she discusses Doing Business with the Department of Defense. DOD OSBP maximizes contracting opportunities for small businesses to respond to current and future warfighter requirements.
