Effective communication between government officials and industry partners is of paramount importance in fostering a thriving procurement landscape. Through collaboration, we are able to promote the creation of innovative solutions and systems, improve the efficiency of processes, and enhance problem-solving through the sharing of expertise and lessons learned. The Coalition seeks to find ways to facilitate this collaboration through our various engagements and policy efforts. To this end, we are excited to announce that this year’s Fall Training Conference includes additional “Ask the PMO” table opportunities with the General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The GSA and VA Ask the PMO tables were introduced during the 2022 Spring Training Conference, and included representatives from the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) and Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Programs. As a result of its widespread appeal, we have expanded this feature of the conference to include additional program offices, with a total of six tables present at the conference. Through this unique opportunity, conference attendees will be able to schedule one-on-one meetings with government officials to discuss their contracts, voice their key questions and concerns, and learn more about the benefits of the various programs in attendance!
The full schedule of tables for both the governmentwide and healthcare conference days can be found below:
| “Ask the PMO” Session | Date | Invited Government Participants |
| GSA MAS: Program officials from GSA’s MAS Program will be available to answer any Schedule-related questions. | November 15 | Jack Tekus, Management Analyst, MAS PMO, GSA Derek Tribble, Senior Procurement Analyst, GSA |
| GSA Pricing Tools: GSA’s Catalog Management team will be present to discuss various agency solutions and tools. | November 15 | Josh Royko, Branch Chief, FAS Catalog Management Office, GSA Mike Shepherd, Director, Catalog Management Office (CMO), Office of the Regional Commissioner Mid-Atlantic Region, FAS, GSA Peter Han, Business Requirements Lead, GSA |
| GSA CASE: The Office of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement (CASE) will offer their perspective and answer questions on various GSA solutions. | November 15 | Tamika Coleman, Event Producer, Digital Outreach and Communications Division, GSA |
| Med/Surg Supply BPAs: This table will allow healthcare attendees to meet with the VHA to discuss their Supply BPAs. | November 15 | Craig Hilliard, Division Chief, Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) Supplies, VHA Sarah Keefer, Branch Chief, Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) Supplies, VHA |
| VA FSS: VA FSS leadership returns to address any questions related to the VA Schedules. | November 16 | Daniel Shearer, FSS Director, VA Lydia McKay, FSS Chief, Program Management & Resource Support Division, VA |
| VA Pathfinder (TDB): Attendees will have the chance to learn how VA Pathfinder can be used to introduce new technologies and connect vendors with contract opportunities. | November 16 | Ashley Hammond, Portfolio Manager, CMSO, VA (invited) |
How does it work?
One-on-one appointments with the GSA and VA representatives at each table will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the beginning of each day of the conference. 15-minute appointments will be available throughout the conference. Please refer to the schedule above as to which day each program will have a tabletop. If you have any questions about the “Ask the PMO” tables, please contact Michael Hanafin at mhanafin@thecgp.org.
We encourage you to take advantage of this excellent opportunity for direct engagement with the Federal Government!
The Fall Training Conference: “What is Fair and Reasonable?” is less than three weeks away! The conference, which takes place on November 15-16 at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church, Virginia, dives into the theme of “What is Fair and Reasonable?” in the federal marketplace when it comes to market conditions, contract terms, policies, and regulations. The two-day agenda promises to offer essential insights into the latest policy and program developments, with attendance from key government leaders and industry experts.
Please take time to explore the agendas and review the engaging lineup of sessions present on both days:
View the Draft Agenda for Day 1
View the Draft Agenda for Day 2
Register now for the Fall Training Conference by clicking here.
Thank you to our current sponsors of the Fall Training Conference:
