Company updates from 8-koi :: summer 2024

As summer unfolds and we review our progress in this third quarter, I want to take a moment to reflect on our big picture vision, our 16-year growth as a company and our shared path forward.


On August 8, we celebrate 8-koi's 16th anniversary. We take pride in our thoughtful approach to our work and the ‘human touch’ we bring to each interaction that builds client trust and loyalty.   


We continue to set high standards for our leadership and value integrity, prioritizing a people-first approach within our team and when we’re supporting clients and community members. Our core values – Passion, Excellence, Dependability, Thoughtfulness – guide us through the complexities of today’s social and political landscape. In these times, demonstrating kindness and empathy through our ‘human touch’ is more important than ever.


As we look forward to 2025, the Year of the Snake—symbolizing transformation and renewal—we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook along our continuous journey of growth and adaptation. Accepting change with optimism and unity, together we will tackle challenges, celebrate our achievements and emerge stronger.


I’m reminded of the Chinese proverb:


"You cannot see the beauty of a swaying tree when there is no wind."


Summer represents resilience and growth through challenges and I’m proud to witness the exceptional teamwork and synergy within our company. The remarkable progress we’ve made over these years makes me proud to represent 8-koi and all that’s been overcome to get where we are today. It is my privilege to lead and work alongside our dedicated team to serve our community and clients.



I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your trust and support. Together we will continue to shape the future of 8-koi and make a positive impact in our community and industry.


Your feedback is invaluable in this journey. Please connect and share.


With gratitude,

Inga I. Young
Founder and President

8-koi Recertifies as EDWOSB


Valid until August 16, 2027, 8-koi’s Economically-Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certificate awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) allows our firm to participate in the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program (WOSB Program). 8-koi participated in the SBA’s 8(a) Program from 2013 until graduation in 2023.


Contact our Business Development Team

PROGRESS WITH OUR 4 Ps:

People, Programs, Processes and Pipeline

 

Our 8-koi team continues to gain traction going into the second quarter of 2024 by executing excellent Human Touch operations. 

Here are some of our highlights:

 

PEOPLE:

This quarter, Q2 2024, I had the opportunity to help orientate 38 new employees as we continue to ramp up hiring for the ORR Sponsored Services contract. We welcome all our newest employees to the team!

 

PROGRAMS:

Construction


8-koi won the following contracts: 


• Kennedy Space Center 5-year Blanket Purchase Agreement Electrical Effort

• Florida National Guard Construction Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC)

• Daytona State College -Prequalified Contractor for Construction


Design Engineering


Cape Design Engineering successfully captured contracts supporting multiple federal, state and county agencies.

 

Some projects include:


• Palm Beach State College Continuing Services for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural (MEP&S)

• Replace AC Units at Kennedy Space Center

• Switchgear for Mobile Launcher 1 at Kennedy Space Center

• Install Feed to Tap Box at Kennedy Space Center

• Palm Beach State College Master CW System, Palm Beach Campus

• Burger King Photometrics in Merritt Island, FL

• Waterfront (3) Roof and Seawall Designs

• Brevard Public Schools Structural Continuing Engineering Services

• Structural Beam Repairs at Kennedy Space Center


Technical Administration

• 8-koi was on a team that won the Department of Navy Financial Operations & Transformation Services IDIQ Contract

• Continuous hiring for the ORR Sponsored Services contract and supporting multiple proposal efforts with the Healthcare and Design Engineering Divisions

 

PIPELINE:

In Q2 2024, we won a total of 13 contracts and we’ve identified 62 new business development opportunities that we are evaluating for pursuit.

 

PROCESS:

Our traction efforts continue as we successfully passed our annual ISO 9001-2015 audit. A stellar effort by the audit response team made it all possible, which included Regina Weiler, Lisa McCarty, May Rilo, Sami Mized, John Weiler and Inga and I supported the effort too.  


As a team, we consistently demonstrate our "human touch," ensuring our employees remain satisfied and happy. The 8-koi team is driven by a deep-seated passion for engaging with and delighting our customers. We genuinely appreciate each and every one of you!


As always, your questions, suggestions and thoughtful emails are welcome. 

 

Onward,

Dean
Dean Rosenquist
Chief Operating Officer

8-koi Celebrates 'Sweet 16'


What's better than celebrating sixteen years in business with a sundae party? Hearing from employees about why life is sweet at 8-koi!

Read "16 Things You Should Know About 8-koi."



CDE is your trusted design-build partner for innovative energy, sustainability, and LEED compliant projects in Florida.

View our past performance and request a meeting!

MEET THE TEAM

::

Jared Jacobs

CAD Designer


Jared Jacobs joined the 8-koi team in October 2021 and supports the CDE team as one of the CAD design members focused on meticulous drafting, intricate designing and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Jared spends his work days configuring new projects in AutoCAD, Revit and tackles complex 3D modeling challenges in Fusion360 and crafting functional protypes. He juggles multiple projects simultaneously and finds the dynamic work he does rewarding while ensuring client satisfaction through continuous project updates.


Currently Jared is immersed in a transformative project designing multiple new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) beach access crossovers for the City of Cocoa Beach, Florida. Teaming with the City of Cocoa Beach, Jared takes pride in the meaningful work and having a positive impact within the community. 


"I have always enjoyed building, designing and finding out about the inner workings of objects," Jared said. 


Before joining the 8-koi team, Jared worked for a fiberglass manufacturing company specializing in HVAC ductwork and piping and gained foundational skills and knowledge for his current work through rigorous studies at Eastern Florida State College where he earned an associate of art and an associate of science in drafting design technology.


Jared was aspiring to expand his working experience and was attracted to 8-koi, looking for the right fit and opportunity to delve into multiple disciplines of drafting and designing. He brings to the team a dedication to creative innovation and is driven to continue pushing boundaries in design excellence and leaving his professional touch on every project he undertakes.


See more about Cape Design Engineering.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Among Space Coast business leaders, 8-koi Founder, Inga Young, captivated the Space Coast Association for Technology and Innovation (SCATI) with her presentation on how gamification can turn workplaces into fun and vibrant hubs of productivity. The event took place on July 25, at the Florida Tech Center for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Design.

 

Pictured left: Center of Excellence Supplier Diversity Small Business Manager from L3 Harris, Maureen Bryant, President and CEO Grater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Peltonen and President of 8-koi and CDE, Inga Young.

 

Pictured right: 8-koi and CDE CEO, Inga Young, shares tips on how to make work fun.

Pictured above: 8-koi and CDE President, Inga Young, Accounting Lead, Sirena Ozzello and Corporate Graphics & Publication Specialist, Jessica Manzano

Praise and Recognition


From the Physical Readiness Management system (PRIMS) Contracting Officer Representative (COR):

 

We’re thrilled to share that Mike Wallace has been honored for his exceptional contributions to the Physical Readiness Program Office, which helped the Enterprise Customer Relationship Management (eCRM) system win the 2024 Department of the Navy IT Innovate Award.

 

Over recent months, Mike’s meticulous work and dedication were crucial in testing the Physical Readiness Information Management System (PRIMS-2), completing over 1,200 critical steps and delivering outstanding customer service to the Fleet.

 

Rear Admiral Jay Clark recognized Mike’s remarkable performance at the All Hands Team meeting on July 22, 2024.

 

Congratulations, Mike, on this well-deserved recognition!

2024 Federal Contracting Conference in Cocoa, FL


Inga Young attended the Federal Contracting Conference hosted by Congressman Bill Posey at the Florida Solar Energy Center on August 14 and visited with representatives from the Small Business Administration and other small business resources.


See more photos at WIDSC.org.


Smiles on the Space Coast!

 

CDE's Matt Charmbury (bottom right) and Inga Young met with Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro (above) and the SBA's Althea Harris (bottom left) at the 2024 Space Coast Symposium on August 23rd.

VIEW OUR CAPABILITIES

DESIGN - BUILD - STAFF - SUPPLY


Our Leadership Team is ready to learn more about how 8-koi and CDE can help to meet your EDWOSB goals for 2024.

EMAIL US

Professionals

(and their pups)

Welcome Here!


View all open positions.


Contact our Recruiting Team to submit your resume and learn more about our pet-friendly workplace.

PASSION | EXCELLENCE | DEPENDABILITY | THOUGHTFULNESS

8-koi Veteran Employee Resource Group NOW ONLINE!

 

Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERGe) helps to "codify a framework attracting, hiring, retaining, nurturing and developing veterans within our organization." Learn more about available resources at 8-koi.com.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

8-koi and its wholly owned subsidiary, Cape Design Engineering (CDE) are Equal Opportunity Employers. 8-koi and CDE do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers.

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VIEW 8-KOI PAST PERFORMANCE

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8-koi, Inc. has complied with the passage of an interim rule to bridge the gap toward full transition to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. The Department of Defense is requiring all contractors with the clause at Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.204-7012 in their contracts to conduct a self-assessment of NIST SP 800-171 standards and enter their results into the Supplier Performance Risk System by November 30, 2020. Contractors who have not entered their results by that deadline will not be eligible for an award on a contract containing DFARS 252.204-7012.
For more information, click here.