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 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 Joins CDE in Welcoming Suzanne Patrick as Director of Operations

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8-koi’s Cape Design Engineering Co. welcomes Suzanne Patrick as Director of Operations in Q1. Suzanne brings a wealth of experience in facility design, construction, and management with a balanced appreciation for the art of design and the rigors of engineering solutions. In all her projects, Suzanne maintains a commitment to the reliability and practicality of facility operations while practicing effective team relations.

“The heart of my work has always been focused on people. Increasing productivity and enhancing collaboration of people at work has been my passion. I am safety-first, health and well-being minded for all occupants of a building and workers on a jobsite,” says Suzanne.

Her professional career includes a highly varied sampling of delivering and managing workplaces from software design and data centers to highly advanced manufacturing centers of excellence. Her work also includes sales offices, call centers, educational laboratories, and corporate real estate executive (CRE) across the Americas.

“We are fortunate to have Suzanne on our team in this leadership role,” says President Inga Young. “Suzanne exemplifies our commitment to excellence and has the background to uphold our reputation for commissioning complex high-end projects in both public and private sectors. Our team looks forward to growing and learning together with Suzanne’s guidance.”

Learn more about our woman-owned Design Engineering capabilities and connect with Suzanne about starting new or troubleshooting your current projects.

SBA Recertifies 8-koi as EDWOSB

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Valid until August 16, 2027, 8-koi’s Economically-Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certificate awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) allows our firm to participate in the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program (WOSB Program), as set forth in Title 13, Part 127 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program (WOSB Program) is to help provide a level playing field for women business owners. The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program allows set-asides for WOSBs in industries where firms are underrepresented. WOSBs must be at least 51% owned and controlled by women.

To continue participation, 8-koi must undergo a program examination every three years conducted by SBA or a third-party certifier. 8-koi participated in the SBA’s 8(a) Program from 2013 until graduation in 2023. To learn more about doing business with 8-koi, please contact our Business Development team via email.