As we prepare for the Fall Training Conference on the 2025 Federal Market – What’s Next? on November 20 – 21, the Coalition reflects on a successful October for our members filled with meetings, webinars, and trainings. From the annual meeting with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Acquisition Center (NAC) to our popular Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Basic Training and Schedule Contracting Training for In-House Counsel courses, all these engagements equipped our members with the latest knowledge and tools to navigate the federal marketplace.
The Coalition thanks our members for attending these events and contributing to the thoughtful dialogue surrounding several procurement policies and programs. We would like to especially recognize our guest presenters from government and industry who shared their expertise, helping make each session valuable for all in attendance. Below, we’re pleased to highlight the speakers that made this past October a memorable month for the Coalition and our members!
October 3: Bid Protests and Other Recent Federal Contract-Related Litigation – and Impacts on Contractors Webinar
Thank you to our guest presenters from Mayer Brown, Luke Levasseur and Evan Williams. During this timely webinar, Luke and Evan covered key contract-related legal developments, including recent bid protests, strategically significant litigation trends, and their potential impacts on federal contractors. Access the recording here.
October 9: Imaging Equipment Committee Meeting
Thank you to Michael Burrell Sr., General Services Administration (GSA) Section Chief of the MAS Office Management Branch for providing an update on the Office Management segment, software attestation requirements included in the upcoming MAS modification, and the new economic price adjustment clause.
October 10: The Nuts, Bolts, & Clicks of CMMC Webinar
Thank you to Eric Crusius, Partner at Holland & Knight, for presenting on what the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program means for contractors and companies with access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Attendees learned about the CMMC certification process, its impact on Federal contracting, and the steps required to ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards. Access the recording here.
October 23: IT/Services Committee Meeting
Thank you to Laura Stanton, GSA Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Information Technology Category (ITC), for providing an update on ITC’s market results for fiscal year 2024, and priorities and initiatives for 2025.
October 24: Annual VA NAC Meeting
On October 24, we held our annual member meeting with officials from the VA NAC at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church, Virginia. This year’s event featured leadership from the VA Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) Program and the National Contract Service (NCS). In addition, for the first time, we were joined by the Commodity & Services Acquisition Center (CSAS) and the Denver Logistics Center (DLC). The support for this event from the VA and our members was exceptional, with approximately 150 participants in attendance. The Coalition sincerely appreciates VA leaders who took the time to update industry on their contracting programs. Thank you to the following:
- Christopher Parker, Associate Executive Director of the Strategic Acquisition Center and Acting Associate Executive Director of the NAC
- Dan Shearer, VA FSS Director
- Fran DeRosa, VA NCS Director
- Andrea Lay, Director, CSAS
- Kevin Quitmeyer, Director, DLC
- Diana Lawal, Chief, Pharmaceutical/Dental Team B Division and Chair, Public Law Pricing Group, VA
October 28: 2024 (2025 FCPs) Public Law Pricing Update for Covered Drugs Webinar
Thank you to Allison Pugsley, Partner at Hogan Lovells, and Ted Karnezis, Principal Owner of Karnezis Consulting, for providing an overview of what manufacturers of covered drugs with a FSS contract in place should expect and prepare for during the 2025 Public Law Pricing Update process. Access the recording here.
October 29: GSA & VA Schedule Contracting Training for In-House Counsel
On Tuesday, we held our GSA and VA Schedule Contracting Training for In-House Counsel, an intensive one-day training workshop designed for lawyers and contract managers with significant contract management and compliance responsibilities with the GSA and/or VA Schedule. Thank you to the day’s presenters:
- Jason Workmaster, Member, Miller & Chevalier Chartered
- Liam O’Reilly, Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP
- Alex Barbee-Garrett, Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP
October 30: MAS Basic Training: The Nuts, Bolts, & Clicks
On Wednesday, we hosted our MAS Basic Training: The Nuts & Bolts, a one-day training workshop that taught the basics of GSA’s MAS Program. Thank you to the following presenters:
- Robin Bourne, Subject Matter Expert, The Gormley Group
- Sonia Pesantes, Director of Consulting, The Gormley Group
- Andrew Sisti, Principal Consultant and GSA Systems Subject Matter Expert, The Gormley Group
- Leo Alvarez, Principal, Baker Tilly
- Shannon Ridge, Manager, Baker Tilly
- Rob Burton, Partner, Crowell & Moring
- Bill Gormley, President, The Gormley Group
- Ken Dodds, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, The Coalition for Government Procurement
Thank you to Miller & Chevalier for graciously hosting both of this week’s training sessions.
The Coalition looks forward to keeping the momentum going in November as we look ahead to two crucial engagements. On November 19, we will once again host our Small Business Summit. This half-day forum featuring key insights and analyses into the latest developments regarding small business policy, subcontracting, teaming, joint venture agreements, the nonmanufacturer rule and more. The program will consist of three valuable sessions featuring experts from government and industry, and the chance to network with peers in the procurement community. Learn more and register here.
And, of course, we are eagerly anticipating the Fall Training Conference on November 20-21. This year’s conference explores “What’s Next” for the Federal market in 2025 following the election. Acquisition officials from GSA, the VA, the Department of Defense (DoD), the Office of Management (OMB), and more will be in attendance to provide the latest updates on government policies, programs, and initiatives. Be sure to check out the conference agendas and register here.
We look forward to seeing you in November for more opportunities to connect, learn, and engage in vital discussions on federal procurement!