Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

Background

The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) serves as Wisconsin's APEX Accelerator, operating under the Department of Defense (DoD), Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). Its mission is to assist Wisconsin businesses in competing within government markets, aiming to strengthen the defense and government industrial base by accelerating innovation, fostering ingenuity, and establishing resilient and diverse supply chains.

Celebrating over 37 years of service, WPI has provided technical assistance to more than 1,300 active clients, added over 900 new clients, and hosted or participated in over 100 webinars, workshops, and conferences. Notably, WPI has been credited with assisting clients in securing over $1.9 billion in contract awards.

Key Strategic Focus

WPI's strategic focus includes:

Core Objectives: Assisting Wisconsin businesses in navigating the government procurement process, enhancing their competitiveness, and fostering innovation within the defense and government sectors.

Areas of Specialization: Providing technical assistance, bid matching services, market research, and guidance on government contracting regulations and compliance.

Key Technologies Utilized: Leveraging digital platforms for bid matching, client dashboards, and hosting virtual events to facilitate client engagement and education.

Primary Markets Targeted: Federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as prime contractors seeking to diversify their supply chains.

Financials and Funding

WPI's funding sources include:

Department of Defense (DoD) – Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP): Through a cooperative agreement, WPI receives funding to support its mission.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC): WPI is a key strategic partner of WEDC, which leads economic development efforts in Wisconsin by providing resources, operational support, and financial assistance to companies, partners, and communities.

In fiscal year 2024, WPI engaged with 917 companies, helping them obtain more than $841 million in contracts, resulting in 1,063 jobs created and retained.

Pipeline Development

WPI's pipeline development focuses on:

Key Pipeline Candidates: Wisconsin-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) aiming to enter or expand within the government contracting space.

Stages of Development: Assisting businesses from initial counseling and market research to proposal development and post-award support.

Target Conditions: Addressing challenges such as compliance with government regulations, understanding procurement processes, and building capacity to meet government contract requirements.

Anticipated Milestones: Facilitating client participation in government contracts, achieving certifications, and expanding into new markets.

Technological Platform and Innovation

WPI distinguishes itself through:

Proprietary Technologies: Development of a client dashboard for tracking opportunities and resources, and a bid matching system that aligns client capabilities with government procurement needs.

Significant Scientific Methods: Utilizing data analytics to match client capabilities with government contracting opportunities, and providing training on compliance with government regulations.

AI-Driven Capabilities: Implementing AI algorithms in bid matching to enhance the accuracy and relevance of identified opportunities for clients.

Leadership Team

WPI's leadership team includes:

Aina Vilumsons: Executive Director, with extensive experience in government contracting and economic development.

Benjamin Blanc, CPPS, CFCM: Government Contract Specialist, specializing in federal procurement processes and compliance.

Jim Segelstrom: Director of Federal Market Strategies, focusing on federal contracting opportunities and client engagement.

Michael Steger: Director of State and Local Market Strategies, overseeing state and local government contracting initiatives.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for government contracting assistance is characterized by:

Market Size and Growth Potential: A substantial and growing demand for support services as more businesses seek to enter or expand in the government marketplace.

Industry Trends: Increasing emphasis on cybersecurity compliance, the adoption of digital platforms for procurement processes, and a focus on diversifying supply chains.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

APMP: A nonprofit organization providing resources and training for proposal professionals.

Rainy River Future Development Corporation: Offers business development services in the Rainy River District.

Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission: Provides economic development services in Albany-Dougherty County.

These organizations offer varying levels of support in business development and government contracting, but WPI's comprehensive suite of services tailored to Wisconsin businesses positions it uniquely in the market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

WPI's strategic collaborations include:

Department of Defense (DoD) – Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP): Provides funding and strategic direction for WPI's initiatives.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC): Partners with WPI to enhance economic development and support Wisconsin businesses in government contracting.

Operational Insights

WPI's strategic considerations include:

Major Competitors: Organizations like APMP and regional economic development commissions.

Market Position: WPI holds a strong position due to its long-standing presence, comprehensive services, and deep understanding of Wisconsin's business landscape.

Competitive Advantages: Tailored services for Wisconsin businesses, extensive network within the state, and a proven track record of facilitating significant contract awards.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

WPI's strategic roadmap includes:

Future Business Directions: Expanding digital platforms to enhance client engagement, increasing outreach to underrepresented businesses, and strengthening partnerships with federal and state agencies.

Opportunities for Expansion: Leveraging data analytics to provide more targeted assistance, exploring new funding sources, and enhancing training programs to address emerging market needs.

Achieving Future Objectives: Utilizing current strengths in client relationships, market knowledge, and strategic partnerships to drive future growth and success.