8-koi Brevard Electrical Apprentices Light Up NASA’s Launch Pad B

Through a growing partnership with the Brevard Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program, 8-koi is helping develop Brevard County’s next generation of electrical talent at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center where three apprentices are training on active launch support projects under 8-koi’s Journeyman Electrician, Sean Lapinski.

Through an agreement with the Brevard Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program, apprentices are supporting ongoing electrical work at Launch Pad B while building skills needed for long-term careers in the trade.

“These apprentices are stepping into complex, mission-critical environments with professionalism and enthusiasm,” said Inga Young, president and founder of 8-koi. “This partnership reflects our commitment not only to NASA and our customers but also to developing the next generation of electrical talent in Brevard County.”

Electrical work supporting launch operations

Journeyman electrician, Sean Lapinski, along with apprentices Johnny Joseph, Cody Monda and Frank Hall III, has been working daily at Kennedy Space Center to support installation, repair and restoration tasks essential to operations at Pad B. The current task order includes repairing various perimeter power pedestals and lights, as well as installing 30-amp circuits and 60-amp receptacles for KPLSS/EGS scrubbers.

“These tasks are an ideal match for hands-on apprentice training,” Lapinski said. “It’s real technical work in an active launch environment and the apprentices are rising to the challenge.”

In the photo above, the 8-koi team and Brevard electrical apprentices gathered for a BBQ lunch Friday, November 28, 2025, at NASA KSC worksite.

About the Brevard Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program

The Brevard Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program GNJ Inc., offers vocational training in residential, commercial and industrial electrical work. Students gain experience by working full time with a participating employer while attending classes one evening a week for four years. Students must be employed by a participating member company to attend classes at no cost. The program provides a list of member companies to applicants but does not place students in jobs. More information is available at electricalapprenticeship.org.

About 8-koi and Cape Design Engineering
8-koi is an Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, with a field office in Jacksonville. Founded in 2008 by Inga Young, 8-koi delivers service excellence across three divisions: Design Engineering, Construction and Technical Services. 8- koi provides design engineering, construction, technical and health care services to government agencies across the United States, meeting rigorous technical and Mil-Spec requirements that include facility renovation, medical administration and direct care, quality assurance and risk management. Cape Design Engineering Co. (CDE), a wholly owned subsidiary of 8-koi, is a full-service, multi-discipline engineering and construction firm established in 1997. As a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), CDE delivers commercial, industrial, educational, medical, institutional, military and government projects, including critical launch systems and facilities for NASA and the U.S. Air Force.

Contact our Business Development Team for more information.

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

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 Tessa Collins at tcollins@8-koi.com.

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

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 Collins
tcollins@8-koi.com

8-koi Celebrates 15 Years!

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.