KPH recently presented at Government Opportunities Business Conference (GOBC)—annual statewide events hosted at various Department of Defense installations and federal agencies throughout Wisconsin. The conferences are designed to connect local and regional business leaders with government representatives. The events include government contracting workshops that guide businesses through the complexities of winning federal, state, and local government contracts. Attendees receive insights into operational priorities, upcoming projects, and specific supply chain/procurement needs of military bases.

KPH has held a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) with the Wisconsin Air National Guard since 2011, completing numerous mission-critical projects at all three installations in the state.

KPH Construction & Environmental was both a presenter and sponsor of GOBC. KPH founder Keith Harenda spoke in June at the 115th Fighter Wing, a unit of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, which is stationed at Truax Field Air National Guard Base in Madison, Wisconsin. In July, he spoke at the U.S. Army's Fort McCoy and at Volk Field Air National Guard Base in Camp Douglas.

At each location, he shared KPH’s experience working for the federal government at Wisconsin’s military installations, and offered this advice to small businesses looking to become qualified subcontractors:

1. Work with Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI). Established in 1987, WPI is a non-profit organization that helps Wisconsin businesses compete for and win federal, state, and local government contracts. Acting as Wisconsin's official APEX Accelerator (funded in part by the Department of Defense), WPI provides free technical assistance, bid matching, and certification support to local companies. KPH has worked with WPI for 27 years.
2. Help large businesses meet government requirements. Large businesses are required to submit a small-business plan for most government procurements. Reach out to large businesses bidding on projects and be prepared to share how hiring your company as a subcontractor will help meet their small-business requirements.
3. Engage in a Mentor Protégé agreements with a large business.
   Small businesses can engage in a mentor-protégé agreement with a large business by finding a qualified partner, drafting a formal development plan, and applying jointly through federal programs like the Small Business Administration (SBA) or the Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program.
4. Enter into Joint Venture and Teaming agreements
   KPH has entered into many Joint Ventures and Teaming agreements over its 27 years. This helps small businesses grow and gain experience.  KPH is currently looking for a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) to enter into a joint venture with and mentor. Interested companies can contact Keith Harenda.

Left to right: Kim Garber, Director Small Business Programs; Colonel Daniel P. Statz, MN ANG, recently retired from the 115th Fighter Wing; Colonel Benjamin Gerbs, USAF ANG 115 FW/CC; Chief Master Sergeant Maria Chew, Senior Enlisted Leader for the Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC), Volk Field Air National Guard Base; Aina Vilumsons, CFCM | President/Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) and Wisconsin APEX Accelerator

These networking events allow direct interaction with military leadership, federal agency officials, and prime defense contractors such as KPH. In addition to tours and “Coffee with the Commander,” the events offer small businesses access to organizations like WPI and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help them compete for larger-scale projects.

GOBC has been a staple in the region for two decades, serving to boost the local economy and strengthen the relationship between Wisconsin industries and military readiness. Learn more.