KOCOL LLC is a dual-certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUBZone) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Federal Government Contractor, located in Pittsburgh, PA, which is a highly diversified, multi-brand small business, specializing in advanced geopolitical consulting, political science research, and eco-friendly beverage supply chains. Founded by Harvard alumnus and Service-Connected U.S. Army Medic Veteran John M. Kocol, KOCOL LLC functions as the World's First ACMU™ (America Canada Mexico Union) political science firm, delivering premier advisory and procurement solutions to federal/SLED (State, Local and Education) entities and global markets.
Core Competencies
- Geopolitical & Economic Consulting: Advanced macroeconomic research focusing on cross-border economic integration and North American monetary frameworks.
- Political Science Research: Specialist analysis of trade dynamics, institutional policies, and international economic expansion.
- Sustainable Supply & Bottling: Procurement and distribution of premium, zero-plastic American-sourced spring and mineral water.
Corporate History & Foundation
- Academic Origins: Formed directly from the groundbreaking Harvard ALM thesis, "Federal Reserve Expansion in Mexico", written by founder John M. Kocol.
- Elite Academic Direction: The foundational research was directed by John Womack, Jr., the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Robert Woods Bliss Professor of Latin American History and Economics.
- Corporate Evolution: Originally founded as the John M. Kocol Company (established at the time of registering SwimWithTheSharks.com), the entity formally changed its name to KOCOL LLC in 2017.
Key Differentiators
- World's First ACMU™ Firm: Pioneer of the America Canada Mexico Union political science framework; John M. Kocol coined the acronym ACMU™ America Canada Mexico Union on January 16, 2025.
- Eco-Friendly Beverage Pioneer: Exclusive partner for ZWATER™ (ZWATER END OF THE LINE FOR PLASTIC?™), and aluminum bottles are Made in America by small manufacturers.
- Dual Socioeconomic Status: Maximizes agency credit as both a certified HUBZone and SDVOSB entity.
- Academic Excellence: Led by a Harvard alumnus with deep expertise in macroeconomic policy and Latin American economics.
Corporate Information
- Company Name: KOCOL LLC (Formerly John M. Kocol Company)
- Founder: John M. Kocol (Harvard Alumnus / Service-Connected U.S. Army Medic Veteran)
- CAGE Code: 5VJT5
- Unique Entity ID (UEI): M81BAJ2JB7R7
- Phone: 1-877-ACM-FUEL (1-877-226-3835)
- Emails: john@zwater.com | kocol@alumni.harvard.edu
- Websites: johnkocol.com | 52americanstates.com | zwater.com
- Socioeconomic Status: Certified HUBZone / SDVOSB / Veteran-Owned
NAICS Codes
- 541720: Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (Core Consulting & ACMU™ Framework), KOCOL LLC is uniquely qualified for a HUBZone/SDVOSB sole-source award under NAICS 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities) due to our unparalleled niche expertise in the emerging America Canada Mexico Union (ACMU™) framework. As the primary architects of this geopolitical and economic paradigm, our specialized research capabilities cannot be replicated by other market suppliers. This distinct subject-matter leadership is further demonstrated by our founder’s role as the creator of the Harvard Alumni for the America Canada Mexico Union (HAACMU), a pending Harvard Alumni Association Shared Interest Group (HAA SIG). While this academic organization operates independently and does not endorse commercial entities, the founder's pioneering leadership of HAACMU ensures that KOCOL LLC possesses an unmatched depth of knowledge, institutional network, and socio-economic insight into North American trilateral alignment. Awarding a sole-source contract to KOCOL LLC eliminates the steep learning curve and substantial performance risks associated with unspecialized vendors, delivering immediate, authoritative research and strategic analysis vital to federal mission success.
- 312112: (Primary) Bottled Water Manufacturing (ZWATER™ and ZWATER END OF THE LINE FOR PLASTIC?™ Zero-Plastic Aluminum Sourcing). ZWATER™ is American-sourced spring and mineral water in 16 FL OZ (473 ML) aluminum bottles. Non-Manufacturer Rule (NMR) Compliant: Expertly structured to leverage the SBA’s Non-Manufacturer Rule by supplying high-purity water manufactured by domestic, small business bottling facilities. Unlike single-location beverage brands, ZWATER END OF THE LINE FOR PLASTIC?™ utilizes a decentralized multi-region small business manufacturing network with production hubs on the East Coast, Central/Mountain, and the West Coast. This eliminates interstate freight surcharges, minimizes the military's carbon footprint, and guarantees supply chain continuity if a regional disaster shuts down one part of the country.
- 324110: Petroleum Refineries
- 339113: Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing