- October 22, 2024 -

10/24/24

Government Certification Workshop – State and Local Certifications – Madison, WI

In-Person

10/24/24

Emerging Issues: Innovation – What does innovation look like from DoD’s perspective?

Webinar

10/25/24

Acquisition Hour: CMMC Update – October 2024

Webinar



11/12/24

Acquisition Hour: Preparing for One-on-One Buyer Meetings

Webinar

November 18-20

 Washington, D.C.

Hosted by the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) Board of Directors, in partnership with the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Great Lakes Chapter

The annual Wisconsin Federal Contractor Forum (WFCF) presents a unique opportunity to build your government business network and gain insights into government priorities and future opportunities. The Forum’s briefings, discussions, and networking opportunities will facilitate your access to the industrial, political, federal, and Department of Defense experts and insiders necessary for developing a strong strategic position in the government marketplace.

Using Government Logos in you Capabilities Statement

We strongly encourage all small businesses to develop a strong capabilities statement and to add it to their DSBS profile https://dsbs.sba.gov/ I ran across this article recently by TargetGov that addressed a serious element of Capabilities Statement development – the use of government logos to highlight past experience and performance. I would like to share the article with you https://www.targetgov.com/articles/using-government-logos-is-illegal/  

If you need any assistance in crafting your Capabilities Statement – contact us at apexaccelerator@wispro.org or 414-270-3600 for assistance in reviewing or developing.

Office of Strategic Capital Announces First Notice of Funding Availability to Secure the U.S. Industrial Base

The Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) today announced the release of its first Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), which lays out eligibility criteria and initiates the application process for OSC loans. This will be the first OSC application call to accelerate commercialization and scale production for critical technologies.

"With this Notice of Funding Availability, OSC establishes itself as a credible lending partner for U.S.-based companies that manufacture and produce critical technology components," said Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. "This demonstrates that DoD is dedicated to using every tool in our toolbox to secure America's and our military's enduring technological advantage."

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Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Architect and Engineering Service Fees (DFARS Case 2024-D019)

DoD is issuing a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 that increases the statutory fee limit for architect and engineering services.

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Primes Met Just 64.4% of Individual Small Business Subcontracting Goals in FY 2023

Executive Summary: A Federal contractor that is other-than-small that receives a contract or subcontract that exceeds $750,000 (or $1.5 million for construction) that has further subcontracting opportunities is required to submit a small business subcontracting plan that includes goals for subcontract awards to small business (SB), small disadvantaged business (SDB), women-owned small business (WOSB), HUBZone small business (HUBZone), veteran owned small business (VOSB), and service-disabled veteran owned small business (SDVOSB).1 There are three types of subcontracting plans: Individual Subcontracting Plans (contain small business goals specific to a contract), Commercial Subcontracting Plans (contain annual small business goals that apply to the entire company, division or product line), and Department of Defense (DOD) Comprehensive Subcontracting Plans (contain annual small business goals for all DOD contracts).

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DOD Simplifies Process for Defense Contractors to Comply With Cybersecurity Rules

The Defense Department on Friday released for public inspection the final cybersecurity maturity model certification program rule. The rule includes changes which make it simpler for private sector companies to comply with the cybersecurity requirements which must be in place before they can bid on defense contracts. 

The department's cybersecurity maturity model certification program, also called CMMC, ensures that private sector companies doing work for the Defense Department as part of the defense industrial base demonstrate that their computer networks and cybersecurity practices are up to the task of defending against intrusions by adversaries who may want access to information about government contracts and weapons systems development. 

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THE LINK - CONNECTING SUPPLIERS WITH DLA - ISSUE 34

Welcome to the 34th issue of "The Link" newsletter, a quarterly publication highlighting information important to our DLA suppliers.

The newsletter can be viewed HERE

Articles in this issue:

- The Nonmanufacturer Rule and Small Business Set-Asides

- DLA Supplier Survey to be released October 18th, 2024

- Medical Supplies for Overseas Shipment

- Defense Contract Management Agency Vendor Shipment Module Decommissioning

- Land Supply Chain - "Hot" Items List

Previous issues of "TheLink" can be found under "The Link Newsletter" at:

https://www.dla.mil/HQ/InformationOperations/Business/EBSSupplierResources.aspx

BREAKING: Few Companies Ready for CMMC Compliance, Study Finds – from NDIA – National Defense Industry Association

The Defense Department is gearing up to implement a sweeping cybersecurity mandate for defense contractors, but the vast majority of industry is not prepared to comply with the new guidance, according to a study released Oct. 1.

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC, program is the department’s plan to assess whether companies that handle sensitive unclassified information are compliant with the department’s cybersecurity requirements.

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New Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity (WCMP) Report Details Key Growth Opportunities for Manufacturers

The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity (WCMP) just released a new report on growth opportunities for manufacturers in anticipation of the fourth annual Wisconsin Manufacturing Report. This new release uses data from three report cycles to uncover four critical growth opportunities for manufacturers across the state. These insights bolster the WCMP’s ongoing efforts to improve the competitiveness and resilience of Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector. 

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From the US Department of Energy



The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Acquisition Forecast contains a list of upcoming contracting and subcontracting opportunities to help make it easier for small businesses to search for opportunities and navigate the Department’s complex procurement environment.

Approximately 80% of DOE’s annual procurement base is allocated to the Agency’s Management and Operating Contractors (M&Os), also commonly referred to as Facility Management Contractors (FMCs). Learn more at

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FACT SHEET: OMB Issues Guidance to Advance the Responsible Acquisition of AI in Government

This new guidance helps agencies harness the power of AI through their acquisitions process to promote innovation and competition while managing risks. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the Advancing the Responsible Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence in Government memorandum (M-24-18). Successful use of commercially-provided AI requires responsible procurement of AI. This new memo ensures that when Federal agencies acquire AI, they appropriately manage risks and performance; promote a competitive marketplace; and implement structures to govern and manage their business processes related to acquiring AI. Document available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2024/10/03/fact-sheet-omb-issues-guidance-to-advance-the-responsible-acquisition-of-ai-in-government/

GSA advances Building Automation Systems and connectivity to reduce security risk and promote small business contract opportunities

WASHINGTON — The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced that it will be standardizing a Building Automation System (BAS) solution, a major step towards vulnerability mitigation and reducing cybersecurity risks associated with BAS hardware and software solutions. This enterprise-wide solution is expected to open more doors for small business contract opportunities and encourage more competition, especially related to BAS service contracts to install, program, support, and maintain building automation systems 

Establishing an enterprise-wide BAS Solution streamlines software and hardware solutions across its inventory for all new BAS installations and major modernizations of existing BAS. A standardized approach will also streamline operations and maintenance contract support, and minimize training requirements by reducing the number of different systems across the portfolio. 

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FEATURED EVENTS

MEET BUYER DECISION MAKERS FACE-TO-FACE

MARKETPLACE’s exhibit hall offers a tradeshow-style opportunity to find new customers for your products and services, and create new or deepen relationships with hundreds of diverse business leaders.

- Save the Date -

December 10

Registration and more information will be available at

https://wicontractingacademy.org/

• Be sure to follow WPI on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, X) for regular updates on events, news and opportunities.

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