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 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 Secures New Vendor Agreements for Medical Supplies

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After starting with 8-koi in May, Healthcare Program Manager Krista Dupell has since successfully secured two new prime vendor relationships with InSource and AndaMEDS. With access to dedicated account representatives and nearby distribution centers in Jacksonville and South Florida, 8-koi anticipates greater efficiency and cost-savings when provisioning supplies for their Healthcare Division customers.

“In order to follow through on 8-koi’s promise to do business with a ‘human touch,’ I pursued a relationship with these companies for medical supplies and some medications because they operate with the same values,” said Krista. “These agreements greatly enhance our customer service when working with government and institutional health care clinics and providers so we can offer a larger catalog and deliver with a faster response.”

During the COVID-19 public health crisis in 2020, 8-koi expanded its Healthcare Division to fill purchase orders for scarce and critical medical supplies to organizations in need during the pandemic. The woman-owned small business based in Melbourne provided medical supplies, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and pharmaceuticals to include N95/KN95/3-ply/custom masks, Tyvex Suits, Nitrile gloves, shoe covers, and surface disinfectants to support client COVID-19 Alternative Care Sites across the US.

8-koi’s rapid response to RFQs and awarded government contracts has helped to secure its position as the primary supplier on multiple efforts. As a subsidiary of Henry Schein, world-leader in medical business, clinical, technology, and supply chain solutions, InSource offers more than 300,000 products. AndaMEDS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TEVA Pharmaceuticals, the global leader in generic medicine, and provides niche distribution service with next-day delivery on medical supplies and generic pharmaceuticals. 8-koi is also a licensed McKesson reseller and can provide products for sterile environments and cleanroom facilities.

“The evolution of our Healthcare Division has been on a fast track since the pandemic,” says 8-koi Founder and President Inga Young. “Now, with Krista’s initiative to secure priority vendor agreements like these with InSource and AndaMEDS, we can more firmly establish ourselves in the marketplace and continue to develop our capabilities for both new and existing customers.”

In addition to supplying Federal Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs), state and local governments, Indian Health Services, and schools, 8-koi has been working to generate new business with other commercial supply houses, concierge healthcare providers and local medical facilities. Organizations interested in ordering medical supplies from 8-koi can contact Krista Dupell at 321.802.6768 or healthcare@8-koi.com.