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ACQUISITION ALERT

Disaster and Procurement Opportunities  
 
Federal direct support to disasters is probably the most well-known and recognizable facet of federal response and support to major events such as hurricanes, floods or tornadoes. This involvement is also a key signal for federal procurement opportunities.  Join us at a NEW ACQUISITION HOUR: The Lifecycle of Federal Disaster Response and Support.  
 
The webinar will:
  1.  Explore the full range of procurement opportunities.
  2.  Identify the contracting offices which play a major role in disaster  response.
  3.  Gain an understanding of how your top customers purchase.
  4. Determine what acquisition vehicles are being used -A GSA Schedule or other type of Indefinite Delivery Contract or other Long Term Contract.
  5. Insure that you (your company) is administratively ready to support disaster relief operations.
  6. Be prepared to respond!
  7. Research your market and identify the terms and phrases that will immediately be recognized by those who are seeking resources.
  8. Reach out to and market to FEMA's Local Business Transition Teams (LBTT).
  9. Visit WPI's web site and sign up for our July 24th Webinar titled - The Lifecycle of Federal Disaster Response and Support.
Explore each of these pieces of advice in greater detail at on the WPI BLOG and on the July 24 webinar.   

 
UPCOMING EVENTS
7/24/18
Acquisition Hour: The Lifecycle of Federal Disaster Response and Support
Webinar


8/8/18
Acquisition Hour: Market Research - Using the Federal Procurement Data Systems (FPDS)
Webinar
Learn More
8/8/18   
Doing Business With the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
 Appleton, WI
Learn More


8/21/18
Acquisition Hour: The End of the Fiscal Year is Here - What is Hot and What is Not
Webinar
Learn More
Section 809 Panel Update  
 
The Section 809 panel was created in section 809 of the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It is tasked with finding ways to streamline and improve the defense acquisition process. In June, the panel has released volume 2 of 3. The most recent report and other information can be found at https://section809panel.org/
 
FAR Update

Two interim rules were recently issued to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).


Item I - Use of Products and Service of Kaspersky Labs is effective July 15, 2018, prohibits contractors from providing any hardware, software, or services developed or provided by Kaspersky Lab or its related entities, or using any such hardware, software, or services in the development of data or deliverables first produced in the performance of the contract.  This requirement flows down to subcontractors and applies to all acquisitions, including at or below the simplified acquisition threshold and to commercial items, including commercially available off-the-shelf items.

Item II - Violations of Arms Control Treaties or Agreements with the United States is effective June 15, 2018, adds a certification provision which addresses measures against persons involved in activities that violate arms control treaties or agreements, and is included in solicitations that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, with an exception for commercial item acquisitions.

More information is available in the June 15, 2018 Federal Register or contact Carol Murphy at carolm@wispro.org or 414-270-3600.

DIBBS Pocket Guide

The Defense LogisticsAgency (DLA) Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) is a web-based application that enables the vendor community to search for, view, and submit secure quotes on Requests for Quotations (RFQs). Through DIBBS, users can search for and view Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bid (IFB), Awards, and other procurement information.

The Pocket Guide provides an overview of the DIBBS application and instructions for its use.
 
  Foxconn's Statewide Impact: Second Round Information Sessions Announced for Green Bay, Eau Claire, Madison, and Racine County  
 
The second round of information sessions for Foxconn construction work will take place at the end of July and early August.   Five sessions have been scheduled in Green Bay, Eau Claire, Madison and Racine County, where two will take place.  These information sessions are a way to connect construction-related businesses and workers in all regions of the state with the tools they need to get connected with the Foxconn project.
 
Hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Gilbane Building Company, and M+W Group, the meetings will provide an update on the construction schedule over the next 12 months, share a detailed timeline on the next anticipated round of bidding, and explain how the project is being broken down into smaller segments to allow smaller companies opportunities to participate as part of the "Wisconsin First" approach.
 
Representatives  will be on hand  from WEDC, Foxconn, Gilbane Building Company, and M+W Group to answer questions about the project and the opportunities available to Wisconsin companies.  All business are welcome to attend, though the sessions are aimed at companies providing goods and services in construction logistics, roadways, site utilities, foundations, structure, enclosure, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, materials, and equipment.
Second Round Information Sessions:
The information sessions are free, but advanced registration is required.  Registration information is available by clicking the button below.
 
 
Wisconsin Minority, Woman and Service-Disabled Veteran Business Awards 
 
Why nominate a business?
  • Nominate a client to recognize their accomplishments
  • Nominate a supplier to recognize your top MBE, WBE and DVB vendors
  • MBEs, WBEs and DVBs - nominate your company to promote your capabilities and growth
The top three finalists in each category receive:
  • Four free passes to the MARKETPLACE conference Dec. 12 - 13, 2018
  • Optional discounts on trade show exhibit booths worth hundreds of dollars more
  • Increased visibility with profiles in press releases, on the website and in the program booklet
  • Recognition at the award luncheon Dec. 13         
Award categories: 
  • Outstanding Large Business Awards (25 employees or more)
    Recognize Wisconsin-based and State-Certified Business Enterprises with 25 or more employees that have demonstrated the capacity to grow over the past five years, with plans to continue expanding in the future

  • Outstanding Small Business Awards (fewer than 25 employees)
    Recognize Wisconsin-based and State-Certified Business Enterprises with fewer than 25 employees that have demonstrated the capacity to grow, with plans to continue expanding in the future

  • Rising Star Awards

    Recognize Wisconsin-based emerging State-Certified Business Enterprises established on or after Jan. 1, 2014, that have strong growth potential by virtue of their past performance, innovative products or services, business team or other distinct competitive advantage

 
IMPORTANT - New VIP WEBSITE
 
Effective 22 June 2018,  VIP has changed to https://www.vip.vetbiz.va.gov. Please update your bookmarks to reflect the new address. Small Business Owners and Representatives will need to access the new site to submit for Verification. 
 
AccessVA gives you a single login option for many VA websites and online applications. You can learn more about our
Sign-In Partners, AccessVA enabled websites, or see the FAQ below for additional information.
 
Secure - Our login partners meet standards and mandates set by the government.
 
Safe - Your personal and/or health information will not be shared with the login partners.
 
Convenient - You pick your sign-in partner.
 

Wisconsin Federal Contracting Forum - Washington, D.C.

Save the Date! Join WPI in Washington, D.C. September 12th for a series of meetings with federal procurement officials, experienced federal contractors and Washington insiders.  End the day in the evening with attendance at the MMAC Milwaukee in Washington, D.C. reception in the Rayburn House Office Building. Contact Hilary DeBlois at hilaryd@wispro.org or 414-688-3882.