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Friday Flash 07/05/2024

Wishing You a Happy Fourth of July! 

The Coalition for Government Procurement would like to wish our members and colleagues across the procurement community a Happy Fourth of July! We hope you enjoy celebrating our nation’s independence with family and friends and take time to reflect on the values of freedom and democracy, and the lives of so many who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy them. Here at the Coalition, we are grateful for the freedom to advance our mission of “common sense in Federal procurement” on behalf of our members and wish you all a safe holiday filled with joy and pride for our country. Happy Independence Day!

Please know that when you return from the holiday, there is a full calendar of trainings and events in July and August scheduled. We encourage you to check out all of these upcoming opportunities, and register below!


Congratulations GSA for 75 Years of Service!

The Coalition for Government Procurement congratulates the General Services Administration (GSA) on its 75th anniversary, which took place on July 1. According to GSA, “President Harry S. Truman established GSA on July 1, 1949 by consolidating various Federal agencies to streamline administrative tasks.” For 75 years, GSA has been a cornerstone in supporting the efficiency and effectiveness of our Federal Government in acquisition, real estate, and technology services. We especially celebrate their commitment to excellence and innovation in procurement, and look forward to continuing the partnership to advance the Federal acquisition system.

To learn more about the establishment of GSA and how it has transformed government over the years, visit GSA’s 75th anniversary web page

The President also recently wrote a letter in honor of GSA’s 75th anniversary. 


Green Committee Meeting: Impacts of the New FAR Part 23 on Sustainable Acquisition, July 9 

Join the Green Committee on July 9 at 1:00 PM (ET) for a members-only presentation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the new FAR Part 23 on sustainable procurement and ecolabels. Guest speakers will be Jenna Larkin, the Acting Section Lead for the EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program, and Jonathan Rifkin, a Specialist and sustainable acquisition expert on the EPP team.  

Jenna and Jonathan will break down the FAR Council’s recently adopted Sustainable Procurement rule, effective on May 22, which reorganizes and condenses the Federal Government’s approach to sustainable purchasing. They will also cover recent developments regarding the EPA’s Ecolabels program.  

To register, click here.  For any assistance with registration, please contact Madyson Whiting at mwhiting@thecgp.org.

If you have advance questions for Jenna and Jonathan about sustainable procurement, please email Greg Waldron at gwaldron@thecgp.org


Webinar: The BIOSECURE Act’s Potential Impact on the Biotechnology Supply Chain, July 10 

Taking a page out of playbook used to establish the framework that excludes products of certain Chinese telecommunications companies from the federal market (e.g., the “Huawei ban”), the BIOSECURE Act would prohibit the federal government from purchasing biotechnology equipment or services from certain “companies of concern.”  The Act does not stop there.  It would also prohibit Executive agencies from contracting with a company that would use biotechnology equipment or services from a “biotechnology company of concern” in the performance of a federal contract.

Please join the Coalition for a webinar on July 10 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM (ET) as we host four attorneys from Hogan Lovells’ Global Regulatory practice. Partners Joy SturmMike DruckmanAjay Kuntamukkala, and Tim Bergreen, Senior Counsel, will brief attendees on the latest regarding the BIOSECURE Act.  They will outline what contractors need to know about the Act, including the key terminology, scope, and applicability, and will speak to its implications within the biotechnology sector.  They will also speak about potential U.S. trade sanctions that could be applied to restrict business with companies of concern and others considered to pose a national security threat. Finally, the team will discuss key compliance practices and steps companies can take to keep up with the evolving landscape impacting the biotechnology supply chain. 

To register, click here. For any assistance with registration, please contact Madyson Whiting at mwhiting@thecgp.org.


Who is Eligible to Buy from the Schedules? July 11 

On July 11 at 10:00 AM (ET), Thomas O’Linn, Senior Procurement Policy Analyst, Acquisition Policy Division of the Office of Government-Wide Policy at the General Services Administration, will be speaking at a meeting hosted by the Coalition’s Furniture/Furnishings Committee to provide an update on the Eligibility Process for using GSA sources of supply (e.g., contract vehicles). The meeting will be open to all members and held virtually. GSA will explain what entities, in addition to Federal agencies, are eligible to purchase from the Schedules program and FAQs on the subject. 

To register for this virtual members-only meeting, click here. For any assistance with registration, please contact Madyson Whiting at mwhiting@thecgp.org.

Please provide any questions on this subject for GSA to address during the meeting to Greg Waldron at GWaldron@thecgp.org by July 1. 


GWAC/MAC Committee Meeting: AAS Outlook and Realignment, July 16

On July 16 at 2:00 PM (ET), the GWAC/MAC Committee is hosting a members-only meeting with Casey Kelley, Client Executive, AAS Air Force/Navy/Space Force, GSA. During the meeting, he will brief attendees on the latest updates and initiatives from GSA’s Assisted Acquisition Services (AAS), including AAS outlook and the status of its realignment efforts.

The meeting will take place at CGI Federal in their 9th floor Innovation Center, located at 1000 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA. Virtual attendance is also available.

To register, click here. For any assistance with registration, please contact Madyson Whiting at mwhiting@thecgp.org.

Please provide any questions for AAS in advance of the meeting to Michael Hanafin at mhanafin@thecgp.org.


Webinar: Upcoming CMMC Cybersecurity Requirements for Healthcare Contractors, July 31 

The following CMMC webinar is open to Coalition and AMSUS-SM members. 

With the rise of DoD cyber enforcement and the near completion of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, join Crowell & Moring government contracts attorneys Michael Gruden and Payal Nanavati specializing in cybersecurity and healthcare, respectively, for a webinar overview of CMMC requirements for companies working in the Healthcare sector and the unique requirements companies should be mindful of working in this space.  

Key topics covered will include:  

  • Overview of CMMC Scoping, Documentation Requirements and Implementation Timeline; 
  • How to determine whether Protected Health Information (PHI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is handled by your company; 
  • Understanding PHI and CUI handling requirements; 
  • Understanding Commercially Off the Shelf (COTS) determinations and related exemptions; and
  • Healthcare & Cybersecurity Enforcement Risks.

To register, click here. For any assistance with registration, please contact Madyson Whiting at mwhiting@thecgp.org.


Pharmaceutical Pricing Summer Webinar Series 

Welcome to the “Pharmaceutical Pricing Fun in the Sun Summer Webinar Series”! Join us for five weeks in July and August as we dive into the intricate and dynamic world of pharmaceutical contracts and pricing. This five-part series is designed to enlighten and engage professionals across the industry, offering invaluable insights into pricing strategies, regulations, market trends, and much more. 

Speakers: 

  • Stephen Ruscus, Partner at BakerHostetler 
  • Greg Madden, Managing Member at Orlaithe Consulting 

To register for the webinar series, click here. For any assistance with registration, please contact Madyson Whiting at mwhiting@thecgp.org

July 11: Don’t Mistake an AMP for a WAMP – Key Characteristics for 5 Key Federal Health Care Programs 

July 11, the first part of the Pharmaceutical Pricing “Fun in the Sun” Summer Webinar Series. In this detailed webinar, presenters Stephen and Greg will break down the essential characteristics of five key federal healthcare programs, including: Medicaid; Medicare Part B; Medicare Part D; The 340B Program; and The VA Veterans Healthcare Act 

During the webinar, Stephen and Greg will discuss the critical distinctions between Average Manufacturer Price (AMP) and Weighted Average Manufacturer Price (WAMP) and their implications for both brand and generic drugs. Additionally, they will highlight and discuss a top issue impacting each program, providing you with the insights needed to stay compliant in this evolving landscape. Register today to gain a comprehensive understanding of these programs and their impact on pharmaceutical pricing. 

July 18: The FSS Contract – 5 Key Legal, Pricing, Compliance, Finance and Contracts Issues 

July 18, for an in-depth webinar focused on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Program. This session will explore five key aspects of an FSS contract that are recognized as essential by legal, pricing, compliance, finance, and contracts professionals. Stephen and Greg will provide valuable insights into the intricacies of negotiating and managing FSS contracts for brand drugs, generic drugs, and medical devices. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic considerations, regulatory requirements, pricing strategies, and compliance issues critical to maintaining successful FSS agreements. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and ensure your organization’s adherence to best practices in FSS contracting. 

July 25: Public Law Season Is Fast Approaching – What Do I Do? 

As public law season rapidly approaches, it is crucial to stay informed and prepared, especially for drugs marketed under New Drug Applications (NDAs) and Biologics License Applications (BLAs). Join us on July 25 for a timely and informative webinar as Stephen and Greg will guide you through the essential steps to navigate public law season. 

During the webinar, Stephen and Greg will cover the latest compliance requirements and strategic considerations that impact pricing, including: 

  • Why and how are my prices capped? 
  • What is the calculation? 
  • What are 5 key considerations for my organization in reporting pricing? 
  • What are the relevant processes and timetables? 
  • How does the statutory calculation affect my contracts? 

 Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully navigate the upcoming public law season. 

August 1: Domestic Sourcing Requirements – The Old and the New 

we are pleased to have Stephen and Greg present an insightful webinar dedicated to understanding the evolving landscape of domestic sourcing requirements for brand drugs, generic drugs, and medical devices. This session will delve into both the established regulations and the latest updates affecting sourcing practices, including: 

  • The Buy American Act;  
  • Critical Component and Critical Item Heightened Requirements 
  • Increasing Component Cost Requirements 
  • The Trade Agreements Act; and 
  • Political Developments Focusing Domestic Sourcing Requirements on China and National Security. 

During the webinar, Stephen and Greg will discuss the implications of these requirements on supply chains, compliance strategies, and overall business operations. Attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of these requirements and learn how to navigate the complexities of domestic sourcing in today’s market. 

August 15: The FSS Contract Revisited – Handling 5 Other Key Issues 

On August 15, we will wrap up the summer webinar series with Part 2 of our deep dive into the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Program. Building on the foundational knowledge shared in our previous session, “The FSS Contract – 5 Key Things Legal, Pricing, Compliance, Finance, and Contracts All Agree Are Important,” this webinar will address five additional critical and emerging aspects of FSS contract compliance that are not price related. 

During this webinar, Stephen and Greg will provide advanced insights and address additional complex issues related to negotiating, managing, and maintaining FSS contracts for brand drugs, generic drugs, and medical devices. Whether you attended the first webinar or are new to the topic, this session will enhance your understanding and help ensure your organization’s success in the FSS contracting landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your expertise and stay current with best practices in FSS contracting. 


Swing for Heroes at the Joseph P. Caggiano Memorial Golf Tournament 

The 11th Annual Joseph P. Caggiano Memorial Golf Tournament is less than two months away! The Coalition for Government Procurement invites you to join us on August 21 to enjoy a day on the golf course while supporting some wonderful causes for veterans! The annual golf tournament, which will take place at the beautiful Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville, Maryland, honors our dear friend and colleague Joe Caggiano, a Navy veteran and longtime expert in the Federal contracting marketplace with a career spanning over 25 years. Golfers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate with their friends and colleagues for the chance to win prizes!     

The tournament features a scramble format with teams of four golfers. In addition, this year’s event includes a Longest Drive/Closest to the Pin contest. You can register a foursome, as an individual golfer, or enjoy the scenic views of the veranda club by clicking here.   

Joe Caggiano, a veteran himself, served eight years as an officer in the United States Navy where he completed multiple tours of duty, including on the USS Independence, at Navy Personnel Command, and as an instructor at Villanova University. To honor Joe’s legacy, proceeds from the tournament will support two charitable causes dedicated to the brave men and women who have served our country.   

The Coalition for Government Procurement Endowed Scholarship Fund   

Since 2014, the Coalition has worked with The George Washington University (GWU) to fund a scholarship supporting a veteran who is concentrating their studies in U.S. procurement at the GWU Law School. We are grateful to have awarded eight accomplished veterans with this scholarship since 2017. Thanks to the continued generosity of our members, we have raised over $140,000 for the scholarship fund over the years. The Coalition is pleased to announce that this year’s scholarship recipient is Kristin Wolford Gillooly. Kristin is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Government Procurement and Cybersecurity Law at the GWU Law School. She is a Lieutenant for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and has received a Joint Commendation Medal for meritorious service in Afghanistan, as well as a Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious service in response to the war in Ukraine. We are thrilled to have Kristin join us at the tournament to introduce herself and give opening remarks.    

Paws for Purple Hearts   

Last year marked the inaugural time that we supported a new charity organization, Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH), through the Joseph P. Caggiano Memorial Golf Tournament. We are excited to announce that proceeds from this year’s golf tournament will once again support PPH! PPH is the first program of its kind that improves the lives of veterans and wounded service members facing mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), through assistance dogs and its unique Canine Assisted Warrior Therapy® program. PPH was founded in 2006 as a research program at the prestigious Bergin College of Canine Studies and has since evolved into its own non-profit organization.   

Through working with PPH over the past two years, members have learned how service dogs play an important role in veterans’ healthcare and quality of life. Since 9/11, nearly half of service members have returned home with a service-connected disability, and a large percentage of that group experiences some level of PTSD, TBI, or another mental health condition. Service dogs help these veterans by reducing the severity of their symptoms like anxiety and stress, performing tasks for those with physical limitations, and promoting social interaction and integration with others.   

PPH has held over 15,000 therapy sessions and directly impacted the lives of more than 10,000 veterans and wounded service members. Watch a video on PPH’s dedication to improving the lives of veterans across the country here. Thanks to the outstanding generosity of our sponsors and members, we raised $11,000 for this wonderful cause in 2023. We look forward to continuing this support, and meeting some new service dogs, at the 2024 tournament!   


Thank You to Our Tournament Sponsors  

If your company is interested in supporting the tournament while also gaining exposure for your brand, there are many sponsorship opportunities available. 

  • Title Sponsorships – $6,000/each    
  • Reception Sponsorships – $4,000/each    
  • Lunch Sponsorships – $4,000/each    
  • All-Day Beverage Cart Sponsorships – $2,500/each    
  • Hole Sponsorships with 4 Players – $1,200/each    
  • Veranda Club Sponsorships – $150/each    
  • Hole Sponsorships (no players) – $500/each    
  • Golf Foursomes – $800/each    
  • Single Golfer – $210/each    

View the full list of sponsorship opportunities here. For more information, please contact Heather Tarpley at htarpley@thecgp.org.     


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