This week I attended another successful National Contract Management Association (NCMA) World Congress in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. I’ve attended this event for a number of years, and once again, it delivered. Every year, I leave with new insights, valuable conversations, and a renewed appreciation for the acquisition community.
The NCMA World Congress continues to provide an outstanding opportunity for training, engaging with acquisition professionals from across government and industry, and exchanging ideas on the issues impacting the future of federal procurement. Given the significant changes currently underway, including the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) and broader acquisition reform efforts, events like this are more important than ever. They provide a forum for those who support the acquisition system to come together, discuss emerging developments, and share their perspectives on where we are headed.
One of the things I value most about the conference is that I always learn something new. Through training sessions, panel discussions, and conversations in the hallways, there are always fresh ideas and takeaways to bring back.
This year’s educational sessions covered a wide range of timely topics, with government and industry leaders presenting on a host of important acquisition topics, including the RFO, procurement consolidation, artificial intelligence, ethics, Other Transaction Authorities, interagency contracting, outcome-based contracting, commercial item acquisitions, and more. Hearing different perspectives on these topics reinforces the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration as the acquisition community navigates the current procurement environment.
One panel that particularly stood out was “Headlines from the FAR Council,” featuring Bradley Niese, Senior Procurement Executive, Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer, and Assistant Administrator for the Office of Procurement at NASA, Jeff Koses, Senior Procurement Executive at GSA, and John Tenaglia, Principal Director, Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy at the Department of War. The discussion provided valuable perspectives on the RFO, the acquisition workforce, and the overall culture needed to support an effective and efficient procurement system.
An unexpected highlight came when the Honorable Dr. Kevin Rhodes, Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, joined the panel. His thoughtful remarks on the importance of taking appropriate, reasonable risks in procurement were especially timely as agencies work to implement acquisition reforms and modernize procurement practices.
This year’s NCMA World Congress was another rewarding experience. I appreciate the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and hear directly from many of the leaders helping shape the future of federal procurement. I look forward to attending again next year.