8-koi Renews DoD SkillBridge Agreement to Support Transitioning Military Members

Posted by Tessa Friederichs on

Melbourne, Fla., July 11, 2025 — 8-koi is proud to announce the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Defense (DoD), continuing its participation as an approved partner in the SkillBridge Program — an initiative that provides separating military service members with valuable civilian work experience during their final months of active duty.

Through this renewed partnership, 8-koi will continue to provide immersive training and real-world career development opportunities in fields such as construction, finance and IT. Originally approved as a DoD SkillBridge partner on November 10, 2021, 8-koi’s collaboration with the Department of the Air Force (DAF) SkillBridge team at JBSA-Randolph AFB underscores its commitment to supporting the long-term success of our nation’s veterans.

“At 8-koi we see the DoD SkillBridge as a strategic tool to evaluate and onboard high-quality talent while offering veterans a real-world ‘test drive’ in civilian roles before they separate from the military,” said Dean Rosenquist, chief operating officer at 8-koi. “It has been incredibly beneficial to both our business and the service members transitioning into the workforce.”

To date, 8-koi has welcomed four SkillBridge participants representing the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and Space Force. Of those, three transitioned into civilian employment following the program, while one returned to military service to pursue further education and credentialing.

The training plan developed for SkillBridge participants is hands-on, structured and highly personalized. A 12-week construction-focused program, for example, offers service members exposure to general contracting skills, construction management and project estimation — culminating in a potential full-time job offer and a pathway to licensure.

“This partnership honors the incredible experience and discipline service members bring to the workforce,” said Inga Young, 8-koi founder and president. “We are proud to help guide them through the transition process and connect them with meaningful opportunities that align with their goals.”

8-koi continues to welcome applications from separating service members, especially those with experience or interest in IT, finance or construction who intend to grow their civilian careers in the Melbourne, Florida, area.

To learn more about 8-koi’s SkillBridge opportunities, visit 8-koi.com or email tfriederichs@8-koi.com.

8-koi Supports Magnolia Government Solutions on $43 Billion Defense Health Contract

Posted by Tessa Friederichs on

Melbourne, Fla., July 1, 2025 — 8-koi is proud to announce its role as a subcontractor supporting Magnolia Government Solutions, LLC (MGS) on the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) Medical Q-Coded Support and Services – Next Generation (MQS2-NG) contract.

The $43 billion contract vehicle enables MGS and its team of trusted partners, including 8-koi, to deliver critical healthcare staffing services that support the readiness, resilience and well-being of military members and their families nationwide.

“We are honored to partner with Magnolia, an Orlando-based firm whose values align with 8-koi’s commitment to mission-focused service,” said 8-koi Founder and President Inga Young. “Our work together will help ensure the highest quality of care for the men and women who serve.”

Under MQS2-NG, Magnolia Government Solutions is authorized to provide nursing, dental, ancillary, physician and other medical support services to military medical facilities across all regions of the United States. This IDIQ contract allows for both small business set-aside and unrestricted requirements, offering flexible support to meet the evolving needs of the Defense Health Agency.

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Purpose

The award reflects the strength of local small businesses working together to meet national needs. As a Florida-based Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), 8-koi’s collaboration with Magnolia exemplifies how Florida firms are contributing to the health and readiness of our nation’s service members.

“We are thrilled to support Magnolia’s mission of making a difference in people’s lives every day,” said Young. “This opportunity underscores the trust placed in our team to deliver the specialized staffing solutions essential to military healthcare.”

About Magnolia Government Solutions, LLC

Magnolia Government Solutions is a Joint Venture under the SBA 8(a) Mentor-Protégé Program between Innovative Systems Group of Florida, Inc. (ISGF) and Donald L. Mooney Enterprises, LLC (NURSES Etc STAFFING). Together, they bring over 55 years of combined experience providing highly skilled healthcare professionals to government agencies across the country. Learn more at magnoliags.com.

About 8-koi 8-koi is a Florida-based Woman-Owned Small Business specializing in providing compliant, quality-focused services in Healthcare, Design Engineering and Construction. Our fully integrated approach ensures mission success for government and commercial clients. Learn more at 8-koi.com.

Media Contact:
Tessa Friederichs
tfriederichs@8-koi.com

8-koi Honored with HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion

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For the fourth consecutive year, 8-koi is recognized as a Platinum Medallion Awardee for the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Medallion Program. In a virtual ceremony held on 31 October, U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su recognized 8-koi as one of a total of 838 organizations across the United States.

In 2022, 8-koi hired sixteen US Military Veterans and now joins the 66 Florida companies that received awards for demonstrating unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans. Implemented by the requirements of the HIRE Vets Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-31), the HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal award recognizing exceptional achievement in veteran employment. By meeting the criteria required for a Platinum Medallion Award, 8-koi “demonstrated both patriotism and recognition of the value veterans bring to the workplace.”

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8-koi is a Certified Pet Centric Employer

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We are proud to be certified as a Pet Centric Employer, demonstrating our commitment to the well-being of our employees and their pets. From special ‘Dog Day‘ events and outdoor spaces at HQ to offering pet insurance as an employee benefit, 8-koi strives to create a pet-friendly workplace because we know the value that furry friends contribute to well-being and productivity.

Read more about why pets are welcome at 8-koi.

Visit our Careers page and contact our Recruiting Team to learn more.

8-koi Celebrates ‘Sweet 16’ on August 8th

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“When I started 8-koi, I wanted to be a better employer where people worked together for a common goal to provide for their families and be a happy place to work, where legacies would live on. By being a good employer, we would therefore be a good service provider to our customers.” – Inga Young

On August 8, 2008, 8-koi Founder Inga Young put into motion her idea to offer a more efficient option to the government for high quality management of Federal contracting services. After years of helping other businesses succeed as a DCAA-compliant contract accountant, Inga reflected at her favorite koi pond and was inspired to start her own company, one where she could do better than others.

Inga’s Favorite Koi Pond

Since that day, Inga has had the opportunity to grow and learn along the way. Read Inga’s “Thirteen Things I’ve Learned About Business” for more insight.

This year, 8-koi employees contributed more about their experiences to help round out “Sixteen Things You Should Know About 8-koi” listed below:

Continue reading “8-koi Celebrates ‘Sweet 16’ on August 8th” →

8-koi Honored with HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion

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On November 8th, 8-koi was officially recognized during a virtual ceremony as a Platinum Medallion Awardee for the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Medallion Program by U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su. This is 8-koi’s third consecutive HIRE Vets award.

In 2022, 8-koi hired sixteen US Military Veterans and now joins 859 organizations across the United States that received awards for demonstrating unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans. Implemented by the requirements of the HIRE Vets Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-31), the HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal award recognizing exceptional achievement in veteran employment. By meeting the criteria required for a Platinum Medallion Award, 8-koi “demonstrated both patriotism and recognition of the value veterans bring to the workplace.”

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8-koi Celebrates 15 Years!

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Fifteen years ago, University of Florida accounting graduate and show dog mom Inga Young founded 8-koi on August 8th in her hometown of Melbourne, Florida. Since then, the woman-owned small business has grown to support millions of dollars in government contracts and hired hundreds of employees around the US. As a first generation American, Inga credits her success to her parents, and practices everyday gratitude for the opportunity to learn from her coworkers and peers in the industry. Design, build, staff, and supply… 8-koi offers full-spectrum contracting solutions with a human touch. See more about the EDWOSB’s capabilities in design engineering, construction, and technical services.

8-koi Honored with HIRE Vets Gold Medallion for Second Year in a Row

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On November 9th, 8-koi was officially recognized during a virtual ceremony as a Gold Medallion Awardee for the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Medallion Program by U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans.

In 2022, 8-koi is one of a total of 835 organizations across the United States that received awards. Implemented by the requirements of the HIRE Vets Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-31), the HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal award recognizing exceptional achievement in veteran employment. By meeting the criteria required for a Gold Medallion Award, 8-koi “demonstrated both patriotism and recognition of the value veterans bring to the workplace.”

Continue reading “8-koi Honored with HIRE Vets Gold Medallion for Second Year in a Row” →

8-koi Receives Patent for Military Approved Bollard System

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The US Patent Office issued Patent No. US 11,319,681 B2 to 8-koi on May 3, 2022 for a bollard system invented by 8-koi VP of Construction Otto Herrera. The patent application for the physical security device used to restrict vehicular movement was filed August 6, 2020 in response to a DoD customer’s request for a solution to their force protection.

“Their fancy hydraulic traffic retractable bollard system was inoperable because of built up debris and muck within the mechanism. I couldn’t fix the existing problem, nor could the manufacturer, but I thought a simpler retractable system could serve the same purpose,” says Otto. “I proposed a conceptional system with a cardboard model to test the basic functionality for a customer demonstration and they greenlighted it.”

Otto went to work to complete the design and fabricate a full-sized prototype to install and test. The total cost for the first unit is a tremendous cost savings when compared to the dysfunctional barrier system that was installed, not inclusive of the time lost and the associated labor required to maintain the original system.

8-koi’s patented OttoBollardTM deployed at secure facility

The simple OttoBollardTM design is made to be permanently installed, stowed in place, easily maintained, and operated manually to replace more complicated and expensive hydraulic traffic control systems. It is designed to give property owners the choice of how and when they change protection levels and or traffic patterns. As an example of maintainability, 8-koi’s OttoBollardTM was easily repaired and made ready for service with minimal downtime the same day following impact.

Applications include property egress paths, facility egress paths, civic meeting places, and roads and other similar locations where bollard systems are not to be permanently installed and there is a need to modify or change potential traffic patterns. The OttoBollardTM eliminates off site storage of temporary bollards or other similar systems when not in use. The OttoBollardTM reduces recurring costs of transport, manpower, rental, and deployment.

8-koi’s patented OttoBollardTM in the secured position

“Our patented bollard is a simple system that is quick to deploy, operates without electricity or hydraulics, requires no storage, and works in all weather conditions,” says 8-koi President Inga Young. “We are looking forward to targeting sales to municipalities for secure event areas like sports arenas, stadiums, and parks to help with crowd control and hopefully avoid tragic public safety disasters such as the recent parade crashing events we see on the news.”

A woman-owned company, 8-koi currently supports design engineering and construction contracts with public and private organizations to include Eastern Florida State College, Daytona State College, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and Army Corps of Engineers among others. See more construction capabilities.

DOWNLOAD OttoBollardTM sales flyer PDF.