Contact: David Volz, 608-266-2125
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker recently announced the winners of the annual Governor’s Procurement Awards. These awards recognize state firms that have not only shown significant growth in their federal sales, but are recognized as outstanding suppliers to the federal government.
“Congratulations to these companies who have worked hard to obtain and build success in a competitive environment,” Governor Walker said. “Those efforts have generated economic growth and job creation for both the companies and others statewide that benefit from their success. I admire their achievements and appreciate their contributions to our great state.”
“In fiscal year 2010, Wisconsin companies won over $10 billion in federal awards which placed the state at 16th in the federal contracts award ranking. This is a significant change from 10 years ago when Wisconsin ranked 42nd in federal sales. These dollars are bringing significant economic success to our State,” commented Aina Vilumsons, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Procurement Institute.
“The federal market is very challenging and very demanding. For those businesses that can meet the challenges and meet the requirements, the government can be a very good, long term customer,” she added.
Awards were presented in the following categories:
Large Federal Contractor – Marinette Marine Corporation (MMC), Marinette
Marinette Marine Corporation was founded in 1942 along the Menominee River in Marinette, Wisconsin to meet America’s growing demand for naval construction. From humble beginnings with a contract to build five wooden barges, MMC has grown into a world-class shipbuilder, having designed and built more than 1,500 vessels. In late 2010, the U.S. Navy awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin of up to 10 littoral combat ships by 2015. The ships will be constructed by MMC in Marinette and create significant opportunities in supply chain support and employment.
Small Federal Contractor – TAPCO (Traffic and Parking Controls, Inc.), Brown Deer
Established in 1956 in Wauwatosa, TAPCO has remained a Wisconsin based family run small business for three generations dedicated to the innovative manufacturing, distribution and servicing of traffic, parking and safety products. TAPCO established their Federal division in 2005 and focused their efforts to grow manufacturing jobs and expand the distribution of U.S. made end products to the Federal Government. Many of TAPCO’s proprietary line of safety products rely upon solar power and recycled materials successfully combining environmentally aware products with an American lead labor force.
New Federal Contractor – Energy Tech Solutions LLC, Madison
Wisconsin, Energy Tech Solutions, LLC (ETS) was founded in 2005 on the concept of creating a comprehensive, single source, LED lighting solution They have successfully developed sales with several municipalities, USDA Forest Services, NASA, Sandia National Laboratories (a DOE laboratory), Navy, Department of State, Department of Defense, and with several of the top electrical distributors in the country.
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) annually hosts the Governor’s Procurement Awards Dinner. Established in 1987, WPI helps state companies sell products and services to federal, state, local agencies and prime contractors; navigates government procurement process for small firms; and helps firms develop competitive processes and technical capabilities to earn federal contracts. For further information, contact Aina Vilumsons, WPI, 414/270-3600.
