Center for Supply Chain Management
Federal Supply Chain Forum
The center recently partnered with the Wisconsin Procurement Institute to present a two-part, daylong series of presentations and panel discussions focusing on how Wisconsin and northern Illinois firms can tap into federal contract opportunities. This unique program brought together political “experts,” successful federal contractors and federal representatives from Washington and the Midwest to share insights, knowledge and experience. Co-hosting this forum was an opportunity to work with and provide real value to industry while allowing our students to gain new perspectives into another area of supply chain.
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute assists local companies with government contracting – helping firms successfully enter and develop their government market segment.
Featured speakers included:
- Brian Detter, deputy assistant secretary for expeditionary programs and logistics management, Navy
- Paul Gosling, vice president, global procurement and supply chain, Oshkosh Corporation
- Dr. David King, assistant professor of management, Marquette University
- Rich Koehl, vice president of supply chain and integrated operations, DRS Power & Control Technologies
- Mark Wagner, vice president government relations, Johnson Controls
On the event:
- Aina Vilumsons, Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute: WPI has traditionally focused on bringing more opportunity and understanding of the Federal / Defense market to Wisconsin businesses. As these businesses succeed in winning Federal awards, the need for qualified professionals to support the unique requirements of Federal work becomes a challenge to many of these contractors. We saw that Marquette University’s focus on “applied learning” and their nationally ranked Supply Chain Program could potentially provide a solution. The March program was a great start and we look forward to building the partnership with Marquette in support of our regions Government contractors.
- Austin Kopitzke, sophomore, Operations and Supply Chain Management major: This was a great opportunity to meet possible future employers. The panel offered great information about governmental supply chain and advice to students on how to make yourself marketable to this industry.
- Dr. David King, associate professor of management, Marquette University: In a "one-of a kind" event jointly sponsored with the Wisconsin Procurement Institute, Marquette was able to engage elected officials, political appointees, federal civilian service, business professionals, academics and students in a discussion of Federal procurement. The event show cased Marquette's nationally ranked Supply Chain program and presented businesses with centuries of experience on how to win government contracts.
- Christopher Steffen, sophomore, Operations and Supply Chain Major: As a sophomore, it was great to meet and network with professionals in an area of supply chain with which I have had very little exposure to.
- Richard Deschauer, Director of Contracts and Compliance, DRS Power & Control Technologies: I found the summit between the Wisconsin Procurement Institute and Marquette University College of Business Administration to hold tremendous promise for Southeastern Wisconsin. I look forward to helping Marquette prepare their supply chain management students for real world opportunities and, as a Government contractor, becoming an added resource to the University on those issues unique to Defense acquisition.