The popular “Nuts & Bolts” breakout sessions are a hallmark of The Coalition for Common Sense In Government Procurement (Coalition’s) Training Conferences. These small-group discussions focus on specific federal contract programs and allow attendees to learn about the latest developments with these programs and what’s next. These sessions give attendees the opportunity to engage directly with agency officials and industry peers to gain clarity on evolving requirements and how they can best support their customer agencies’ missions.
We are pleased to announce that breakout sessions are returning during the afternoons of both days of the 2025 Fall Training Conference: The Revolutionary Federal Market, taking place November 12–13 at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church, Virginia!
Explore the Nuts & Bolts breakout sessions below and plan which discussions you will join during the conference.
Governmentwide Day, Nov. 12
The first day’s Nuts & Bolts sessions will focus on the developing structures, requirements, and priorities driving the General Services Administration’s (GSA) modernization and reform efforts.
The New Schedules Market: Transactional Data Reporting and More
GSA policy and program leaders will unpack recent and upcoming changes to the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program, including how initiatives like Transactional Data Reporting are redefining pricing and competition.
Panelists:
- Greg Rollins, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of Policy and Compliance, GSA
- Steve Hutchinson, Chief of MAS Policy, Office of Policy and Compliance, GSA
- Paula Hance, Procurement Analyst, General Supplies and Services, GSA
- Mark Sachse, Services Acquisition Program Manager, Professional Services and Human Capital, GSA
Digital Transformation and the Role of AI
This session will explore how GSA is reshaping the way agencies acquire and deploy emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud solutions.
Panelists:
- Thomas Shedd, Director, Technology Transformation Services (TTS), GSA
- Alex Tullman, Senior Advisor, GSA
The New IT GWAC Market
Leaders from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and GSA will explore the latest on major information technology (IT) Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), including SEWP, CIO-SP3, Alliant, and Polaris.
Panelists:
- Joanne Woytek, SEWP Program Director, NASA
- Ricky Clark, Director, National Institutes of Health Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center (NITAAC), NIH
- Cheryl Thornton, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Acquisition, Office of Information Technology Category, GSA
Updates on GSA Schedule and OASIS Changes
This discussion will highlight key updates to the MAS solicitation, OASIS+, and related acquisition tools, providing contractors with the information they need to stay compliant as new requirements take effect.
Panelists:
- Jeff Calhoun, MAS Solicitation Contracting Officer, Solicitation Management Office, GSA
- Additional GSA Speakers TBD
View the full Governmentwide Day agenda here.
Healthcare Day, Nov. 13
The Healthcare Day’s Nuts & Bolts sessions will bring together acquisition and program leaders from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to discuss how major reforms are influencing various programs in the federal healthcare market.
The Latest on DHA Pharmaceutical Program
DHA’s pharmacy leadership will share the latest on formulary management, contracting processes, and how the agency is meeting beneficiary needs.
Panelists:
- Ed Norton, Chief of Pharmacy Operations, DHA
- Marsha Petersen, Chief, Pharmacy Support Branch/Sr Contracting Officer, DHA
GSA and VA Schedules Partnership
Representatives from the VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) and GSA’s MAS Program Management Office will discuss efforts to strengthen collaboration across both agencies’ Schedule programs.
Panelists:
- William Robert (Bob) Satterfield, FSS Chief, Services Division, VA
- Diana Lawal, FSS Chief, Pharmaceutical/Dental B Division, VA
- Jack Tekus, Director, Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program Management Office, GSA
VA Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor Program
VA officials will provide updates on the Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) Program and medical/surgical supply chain management.
Panelists:
- Leonaro Ashford, Acting Commodities Director, VHA
- Jeremy Parker, Division Chief, MSPV Supplies, VHA
- Crystal Martin, MSPO Director, VA
- Jon-Paul Grizzle, Contracting Officer, MSPV-GenZ V1 Delivery Orders
- Sarah Scott, Branch Chief, MSPV Supplies Branch 2, VHA
VA Pharmacy Program
This breakout will offer a look into the VA Pharmacy Benefits Management Services and the latest developments that enhance efficiency, improve outcomes, and ensure best value pharmaceuticals are available to our nation’s veterans.
Panelists:
- Tom Emmendorfer, Executive Director, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services (PBM), VA
- Eric Dill, Acting VHA Deputy Chief Consultant – Formulary, PBM, VA
VA Community Care Program
VA community care contracts and program leaders will review the contracting program that supports community care for veterans nationwide, highlighting the latest priorities for the program under the current Administration.
Panelists:
- Laura Scott, Acquisition Service Directorate 6 (AS6) Director, SAC, VA
- Janet Cabeen, Director, Network Development, VA
View the full Healthcare Day agenda here.
Join the Conversation and Submit Questions
Each Nuts & Bolts session is designed to provide attendees with actionable takeaways and direct engagement with agency decision-makers, ensuring every participant leaves with a stronger understanding of the current objectives and acquisition policies driving agency missions.
Registered attendees can also use the Fall Training Conference mobile app to submit questions in advance for these sessions and connect directly with fellow members before and during the event.
Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of these critical discussions at the Fall Training Conference!
Register Today
Register today to secure your spot and gain insight into what’s next for the federal market.
Please note: The Coalition is working to secure alternate dates for the Fall Training Conference as appropriate if impacted by the government shutdown.
Please use the following link to secure your room in our block at the discounted rate. Last day to Book: Friday, October 31, 2025
Book your group rate for CGP Fall Training Conference Nov2025