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ACQUISITION ALERT

NDAA 2019 - H.R. 5515 John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019  
 
Read in full  H.R. 5515, which was signed into law (Public Law 115-232) on August on 13, 2018.   

 
UPCOMING EVENTS
9/11-13/18
Wisconsin Federal Contracting Forum
Washington, D.C

9/17/18
Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program Networking Event
Green Bay
Learn More
9/12/18   
The Future of SAM.Gov
 Webinar
Learn More


9/25/18
Introduction to Certifications Available to Woman Owned Businesses
Webinar
Learn More
WHEDA Loan Program for Contractors   
 
Do you hesitate to compete for contractors due to low cash-flow? The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority recently announced the Contractors Loan Guarantee (CLG) Program.

The CLG offers reduced fees, expanded eligibility and a streamlined application process allowing for improved profitability and cash flow.

Learn more at https://www.wheda.com/Business-Lending/Financing-Products/.
 
Opportunities with the Red Cross

On July 19, 2018, the North Central Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC) hosted a one day workshop to learn how to do business with the American Red Cross.  Jillnell Joiner, Senior Supplier Diversity Manager for the American Red Cross explained their Supplier Diversity Program.  They proactively seek women, minority, disabled-veteran, and disabled-owned businesses to be used as 1st tier (prime) and 2nd tier (subcontractor) suppliers.  The American Red Cross purchases a wide variety of items required in emergency and disaster relief such as water, emergency response vehicles, cots, blankets, meals, tarps, rakes, shovels, trash bags, and comfort kits that include toothbrush, deodorant and shampoo.  The American Red Cross also purchases medical supplies and equipment required to collect, process, and distribute donated blood.  They also purchase supplies and materials to use in their health and safety training.  The American Red Cross requires all suppliers to register online.  Please utilize the following link to register. 
 
If you have any questions or need additional information please contact Carol Murphy at 414-270-3600 or carolm@wispro.org .

Federal Service Contracts

Congratulations to all the Wisconsin companies that are winning Federal Service Contracts!  We have had an increasing number of inquiries in recent months on some of the requirements of contracts that include clauses from FAR Part 22.  This would include (but is not limited to) service contracts for occupations such as food preparation, janitors, drivers, mechanics, security guards, administrative support, information technology, marketing, and health care. These clauses require contractor's to comply with federal minimum wage, wage / benefit rate and other labor requirements.  If you are currently bidding on or are administering a Service Contract and need assistance in understanding these requirements, please contact Carol Murphy at  carolm@wispro.org (Milwaukee) or David Olson at davido@wispro.org
(Camp Douglas).

GSA to close down reverse auction platform after 5 years

Look back over the last say 25 years and see if you can remember the last time an agency publicly admitted defeat with a program or project and decided to move on. Don't think about a contract that failed or even an act of Congress ending a specific program, but focus on a service offering that just couldn't make it.
 
It's hard to find one. Right?
 
Listen to the story at FEDERALNEWSRADIO.COM
 
 WPI Cyber Resource Center 
  
Cyber threats continue to grow and seem to be more of the norm than the exception. These threats are a serious concern.  When these threats become an "attack" - the results are devastating to the business, their suppliers, their employees and their customers. When the military or other government agencies are the customer, the outcomes can be even more devastating.
 
WPI has been receiving many questions from Wisconsin businesses on an wide range of topics related to cyber and internet security. Many of the questions involve the DFARS clauses, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and actions required by NIST 800-171 r1. Other questions touch on topics such as "Is this a real notice to update my SAM" or "is this email spam" or "it this a real government website"?
 
Over the last couple of years, WPI has been developing a myriad of resources to assist businesses to support data and system security as well as contractor compliance.   Business can now forward their questions or requests for assistance to WPI-CYBER@wispro.org.  A WPI staff member will contact you directly to assist.  WPI-CYBER@wispro.org  will not accept any attachments.  We ask that you include your name, company name, business location and a telephone number.
 
 
End of Fiscal Year - Buying Bonanza 
 
 
It's the end of August which is a sure signal that we are quickly approaching the end of the federal government's fiscal year. Over the next four to five weeks, the federal wave of spending will reach monumental levels. During this time period, federal buyers will spend over One Hundred Billion Dollars!!! Using any math - this is a number which is nearly too big to comprehend but indicates that there will also be many opportunities for both large and small businesses.
 
Specifically between August 23 and September 30 of 2017 the federal government awarded contracts with a base and exercised option value of more than $134 Billion dollars. WOW!  So, here is the question - are you going to rely upon chance to getting some of these end of year federal dollars or are you going to dig deep into the numbers, to help identify likely customers, and their buying needs?   
 
What do you need to get started? Contact WPI. We have the tools and capabilities to maximize your year-end opportunities. Don't wait too long to make the call. This spending wave will only last for so long.  For more information, contact Marc Violante (920) 456-9990 or via email at marcv@wispro.org
 
GSA taking bids for new contractor validation services

The General Services Administration has started the long-anticipated process to acquire new validation services for federal contractors and grantees.
The agency issued a request for proposals Friday seeking an identifier and unique numbering system for its Integrated Award Environment and System for Award Management to validate that companies or other organizations that do business with the government are who they say they are.
This comes ahead of the expiration this year of its current validation contract with Dun & Bradstreet.

Continue reading at https://www.fedscoop.com/29638-2/

USDA Small Business Innovation Research Program - Phase 1

Funds may be awarded up to $100,000 for a Phase I project. Proposed Phase I projects should prove the scientific or technical feasibility of the approach or concept. Projects dealing with agriculturally related manufacturing and alternative and renewable energy technologies are encouraged across all SBIR topic areas. USDA SBIR's flexible research areas ensure innovative projects consistent with USDA's vision of a healthy and productive nation in harmony with the land, air, and water. USDA SBIR Program has awarded over 2000 research and development projects since 1983, allowing hundreds of small businesses to explore their technological potential, and providing an incentive to profit from the commercialization of innovative ideas.

Find additional information at https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/small-business-innovation-research-program-phase-i