WPI Acquisition Alert

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- August 14, 2024 -

UPCOMING EVENTS

8/20/24

Manufacturing Tomorrow: Automation and Cybersecurity for the future (Chippewa Falls)

In-Person

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8/22/24

Emerging Issues: Regulation Making – the Process and the Important Role Businesses Play

Webinar

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8/23/24

Cyber Friday: Building a CMMC Program: 3.1.4 Configuration Management Policy, Change Request Process, Baseline Configurations

Webinar

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8/28/24

Government Certification Workshop – DBE – Madison, WI

In-Person

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NEWS & UPDATES

WPI now publishes a monthly Cyber Newsletter

See previous editions here or subscribe here.

If your organization needs assistance meeting Federal or Department of Defense cyber security requirements, contact Marc Violante, Director of Federal Market Strategies at marcv@wispro.org, or Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist at mattf@wispro.org

Get Ready for MySBA Certifications!

The SBA is unifying how small businesses apply for and manage their federal contracting certifications.

Here’s what you need to know

Beginning August 1, 2024 initial certification applications will not be accepted as we prepare for the unified system.
MySBA Certifications is expected to be available for new applications in September.
Applications submitted before August 1 will continue to be processed during the upgrade period until a determination is made and will not be transferred to MySBA Certifications.
The pause in applications does not affect the Mentor Protégé Program, required reporting of material changes, or required annual recertification/renewal for HUBZone and 8(a) participants.
If your firm is facing a set-aside proposal decision that will be impacted by your certification status, please contact us at certifications@sba.gov and provide the contract number, agency contact information, and bid due date.

If you have any questions regarding this transition, please contact WPI at apexaccelerator@wispro.org or call 414-270-3600

Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI)

Foreign investment can play an important role in maintaining the vitality of the U.S. industrial base. Therefore, it’s the policy of the U.S. Government to allow foreign investment consistent with the national security interest of the United States. Therefore, it’s the policy of the U.S. Government to allow foreign investment consistent with the national security interest of the United States. Learn more at https://www.dcsa.mil/Industrial-Security/Entity-Vetting-Facility-Clearances-FOCI/Foreign-Ownership-Control-or-Influence/

Contact WPI at apexaccelerator@wispro.org if you have questions.

DOD Releases National Defense Industrial Strategy Interim Implementation Report

The Department of Defense (DoD) today published the National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS) Interim Implementation Report, detailing the progress that DoD is making toward implementing the actions laid out in the NDIS.

The NDIS, released in January by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)), offers a strategic vision, and identifies four strategic priorities for modernizing the defense industrial ecosystem. The Interim Implementation Report outlines initiatives from across DoD, showcasing how efforts to build a resilient industrial base are an ongoing, DoD-wide priority. DoD will be sharing further details on NDIS implementation later this summer.

Office of Strategic Capital Seeks Public Input on New Loan Program to Support Critical Technologies and Supply Chains

The Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) today announced the release of a Federal Register Notice and accompanying Request for Information (RFI) open for public comment. OSC seeks public input as it prepares to issue loans and loan guarantees for critical technology and supply chain components in support of the office's mission to attract and scale private capital for national security.

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 (FY24 NDAA) formally established OSC into law, and granted the Department of Defense new authorities to issue loans and loan guarantees to increase private investment in the critical technologies and supply chains that support national security. With these authorities and appropriations, OSC is actively building the Department's first loan program office.

STRUCTURING CHANGE TO LAST: An Update on Innovation at the Department of Defense

The Department of Defense is executing a warfighter-centric innovation strategy to meet the urgent needs of the National Defense Strategy. Recognizing there is no silver bullet that can solve all the challenges DoD faces, DoD’s innovation initiatives span every stage of capability development and every process step, from policy to acquisition.

ETI News: Pentagon Preparing Release of ‘Due Diligence Tools’ for Small Businesses

The Defense Department will be starting a new program for “commercial tool demonstrations” to help small businesses learn about and strengthen cybersecurity measures “within the next year,” a department official said Aug. 8.

In fiscal year 2023, Congress required DoD by 2027 “to establish a new program where we actually do commercial tool demonstrations for small businesses to help them to understand what their risks are when it comes to foreign control and influence,” Farooq Mitha, director of the DoD Office of Small Business Programs, said during a talk at the National Defense Industrial Association’s Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition.

FEATURED EVENTS

Manufacturing Tomorrow: Automation and Cybersecurity for the future

August 20

Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) – Chippewa Falls Campus

770 Scheidler Road, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

The Wisconsin Procurement Institute and UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC) invite you to join us for an informative event on key topics relevant to the manufacturing sector. The presentations will focus on automation and operational technology in manufacturing, providing insights into how these advancements can improve efficiency and productivity. Attendees will gain practical knowledge about integrating new technologies into their operations and explore how these tools can support their business goals in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.

Additionally, the event will offer an introduction to cybersecurity requirements for Federal and Defense contracting. This session aims to equip manufacturers with the essential information needed to comply with cybersecurity regulations, safeguarding their operations and ensuring eligibility for government contracts. Participants will learn about the necessary steps to meet compliance standards and protect sensitive data to win, and meet, potential Federal and Defense business.

Registration & More Information

2024 Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protege Program Networking Event

September 18

Johnsonville Tailgate Village

1265 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54304

The event will be in two parts:

Part 1 features our guest speakers on ALTERNATIVE FINANCING. Speakers include:

· Paul Schneider, Partner, SLK Finance

· Mike Hetzel – Director of Lending, WWBIC

· Kristy Vang – Director of Operations, Hmong Chamber of Commerce

· Jose Villa – Vice President of Commercial Lending, Fox Community Credit Union

Part 2 is reserved for networking. The networking will give businesses an opportunity to network with corporate buyers, resource providers, government agencies, lenders, and more. We encourage all businesses to bring a CAPABILITIES STATEMENT and BUSINESS CARDS. If you need assistance preparing for buyer meetings, please contact Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) at NeelagangaP@Wispro.org or at 414-270-3600 for assistance.

Confirmed Buyers