Welcome back! With the shutdown behind us—at least for now—the procurement community can get back to the business of competing, awarding and implementing contracts that support agency missions across the nation and the world. The impact of the shutdown is a stark symbol of how current fiscal challenges are reshaping the federal procurement marketplace. It is also the theme of the Coalition’s 2013 Fall Training Conference: “The New Federal Market.”
The 2013 Fall Training Conference will be held on October 30th at the Fairview Marriott in Falls Church, Virginia, right off 495 and Route 50. The agenda can be found here. The agenda and confirmed speakers reflect the Coalition’s efforts over the last three years to expand its dialogue with key procurement organizations across the federal enterprise. This year we are honored to have Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics and Major General Wendy M. Masiello, Director of Contracting, United States Air Force as our Keynote Speakers. The agenda also includes officials from the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Office of Management and Budget as well as the General Services Administration. And, as always, the afternoon Myth-Busters Breakout Sessions will provide a positive forum for dialogue between procurement officials/professionals from government and industry.
During the conference luncheon the Coalition will be presenting the 2013 Excellence in Partnership (EIPs) Recognitions to 12 individuals and/or organizations including the Lifetime Acquisition Excellence Award to Dr. Nick Nayak, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Homeland Security. A list of the honorees can be found in the EIP recognitions announcement below. Our EIP luncheon speaker is the always thought-provoking Steve Schooner, Nash & Cibinic Professor of Government Procurement Law and Co-Director of the Government Procurement Law Program at The George Washington University Law School.
The conference provides a wonderful forum for the procurement community to participate in a conversation focusing on key procurement issues, challenges and opportunities! It is a unique Myth-Busters opportunity for contracting officers, contract and program managers, compliance professionals, in-house counsel, business development and financial officers from across government and industry.
You can register here for the 2013 Fall Training Conference: “The New Federal Market.” We look forward to seeing you on the 30th!
Roger Waldron
President