World Congress 2024 Agenda

Please pick-up your name badge at the registration area on the fourth floor in the Atrium lobby.

Stop by the Exhibit Hall to meet with our exhibitors!

Join us for breakfast in the Exhibit Hall!

At A-Frame Solutions, we're excited to showcase our innovative tools designed to enhance your organization's efficiency in proposal evaluation. Our featured demonstration includes:

1. Arc Select: A cloud-based source selection tool tailored to streamline individual and consensus evaluations, offering unparalleled support for proposals of any complexity or scale.

2. AI Sidekick: Our AI Assistance tool demonstrates its capability in optimizing proposal evaluation processes through advanced AI technologies, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

3. FAR AI Sidekick: A free tool available to the public via www.arcselect.com, designed to provide clear and concise answers regarding the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), enhancing accessibility and understanding.

Join us to experience firsthand how these solutions can revolutionize your approach to procurement and acquisition management.

The interview is where hiring managers will evaluate you on the three Cs: Competence, Character and Chemistry. Join this quick-tips stand up session to learn how to prepare and organize your responses to interview questions, how long your responses should be and more! Also stop by the Career Corner to try out your opening interview statement on our professional career coaches, on hand, to share tips and give real-time feedback.  

Companies doing business with the U.S. government face contractual complexities, a demanding regulatory environment, and highly stringent data security requirements found in few, if any, other sectors. Despite this, many federal contractors have yet to adopt vertical-specific CLM (Contract Lifecycle Management) technology to bring the benefits of digital transformation to their contracting. Join Kevin Brancato, SVP of Product Strategy at TechnoMile, as he showcases how a vertical CLM solution tailored to the unique needs of the federal contracting industry can rapidly boost the efficiency of your people and processes while mitigating the substantial costs of non-compliance.

From the exhilarating highs of being recognized as one of the fastest men in the world and standing on the precipice of athletic greatness, to the heart-wrenching lows of a career-ending injury, Charles’ story is a testament to the human spirit's unconquerable will. It's a message not just about loss, but about the pivotal moments of choice that redefine our paths and propel us toward fulfilling our destinies. Audiences of all ages and backgrounds will discover that regardless of your season—be it personal, within their companies, or the collective challenges of our times—they are merely a choice away from thriving. Charles will illuminate how making the right choices, even in the face of uncertainty, is the cornerstone of living a life that not only pursues dreams but achieves them.

In this empowering and motivating session, you will learn:

• Shift your perception on adversity and use it to make you a better, more fulfilled person
• Recognize the one skill you need to become less impacted by setbacks
• Identify the most important habits that amplify your confidence, happiness, and peak performance
• Develop the power of decision-making and what choices lead to gaining momentum on your goals
• Identify the science behind our behaviors and how to reprogram your mindset
• Become empowered and uplifted to become your best self
• Build a magnetic influence on those you lead and feel good about it
• Relearn the meaning of success to avoid burnout
• Create genuine relationship to help you reach success faster

"Choosing to Thrive" is more than a message based on his latest book Guide to Thrive; it's a journey that encourages individuals to rise above their circumstances, embrace the power of resilience, and make choices that are best for them. It's a call to action for everyone to not only dream but to be an active participant in fulfilling those dreams, ensuring that we live lives that make us proud.

Connect with exhibitors and grab a quick refreshment or snack.

Get your next job at the Career Fair! Come with an updated résumé and prepare to find new opportunities in the field of contract management. The career fair is open and free to all contract management professionals that are interested — World Congress conference registration is not required, but please register for the career fair by choosing the 'Career Fair Only' registration option.

Great ideas come from all levels of an organization. They can drive business objectives and careers forward, but only when they have the buy-in needed to make them happen! Gaining support from leadership is as important as the idea itself and is a skill that can be learned and practiced. Join this one-of-a-kind workshop to learn how to communicate new ideas skillfully and use real-world scenarios to practice. Try out your pitch on fellow participants! Both facilitators have experienced the sting of working on a program that did not get the buy in needed and plan to openly share their experiences and lessons learned. Not only that, but they are also bringing along their senior leader, Mr. Tim Applegate, Director, Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Headquarters Air Combat Command (ACC), to help evaluate communications in the workshop.

Breaking regulatory news on all the recent contract management developments. We'll break down the latest news and offer practical tips to incorporate these developments in your work. Expect high level updates on civilian cyber regulations, CMMC 2.0, NDAA, 8(a), and so much more! Questions, comments, and discussion welcome.

Join our high-stakes negotiation workshop tailored for the complexities of modern contracting. This interactive session provides vital tools, such as a playbook and an issue list template, to adeptly navigate your negotiation, protect your organization’s interests, and distribute key information internally on potential negotiation blockers. Experience a unique courtroom-style format where you assume the roles of negotiator and executive, enhancing your communication skills with senior leadership. Delve into key topics like workshare, unilateral vs bilateral changes, and termination provisions, all aimed at improving both internal and external communication. Attendees will emerge from this transformative workshop with not only practical resources but also newfound confidence to effectively tackle program and teaming challenges in the world of contracting.

Today's business environment is constantly changing resulting in the need for organizations to focus greater attention on talent development in order to remain viable and successful. This workshop will look at how to adapt Succession Planning to optimize individual professional and team development in a changing business environment. Participants will learn the elements of a best -practice succession plan and will work in teams to outline a succession plan based on provided scenarios. Participants will learn to put a plan in place to successfully execute their own vision for their department, their own professional development and help their team build a common vision for future growth.

As remote work becomes the norm, this workshop offers evidence-based insights into forging strong, multigenerational partnerships in virtual settings. Exploring the nuanced effects of the pandemic on workplace dynamics, we'll explore mentorship and reverse mentorship strategies, highlight the importance of intentional vulnerability, and discuss the pros and cons of remote work. Through this lens, attendees will gain actionable strategies to build trust, enhance communication, and foster collaboration, bridging generational divides and ensuring productivity. This session is designed to equip you with the tools needed to overcome the challenges of remote work, encouraging active participation in team dynamics and innovative solution development. Embrace the opportunity to transform remote work challenges into avenues for strengthening multigenerational teamwork and resilience.

Encounter NASA's lessons learned in implementing and administering multiple award contracts for highly-complex services. The panel will provide lessons learned and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various approaches taken in the acquisition strategy, formulation, solicitation, and evaluation of initial proposals. The panel will also provide additional experience and best practices in administrating complex multiple awards - from establishing set-asides and determining the task/delivery order acquisition strategy to managing and negotiating changes to task/delivery orders. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of the risks and benefits of multiple award contracting and save resources by learning from NASA's vast experience in this arena.

Contract closeout may not be #1 but should get more fanfare for avoiding major issues. Timely and effective closeouts 1) ensure the company has collected all revenue due, 2) eliminates lingering liabilities with subcontractors, and 3) confirms all contractual requirements have been met, and signed off on, by all parties. It decreases lingering risks and avoids costly rework years down the road when key players have moved on. In this unique session, DCMA and a large prime contractor topping the list of most overdue closeouts, share how they improved this major backflow in one year. Reinvigorating the closeout process within the organization required a significant process improvement effort. Join this session to learn how to avoid a similar backlog (or tackle one if you are already behind). It’s not too late to curb closeout backflow and improve your organization’s lingering liabilities.

This deep dive will provide the tools to develop practical problem-solving skills and tactics for navigating timeless industry challenges. Session leaders will ground participants’ learning in real-life accounts of how they’ve tackled challenges during their careers and the lessons they learned from those experiences. Learn to identify and address performance issues, proposal decisions, and government and industry protest decisions using proven problem-solving tactics through role-play exercises with fellow attendees. Expand your perspective through this active engagement session with other government and industry participants. Conflict resolution, Customer Relationship Management, and Communication are the skill areas that will be the focus of this deep dive session.

Learn how to navigate conflicts of interest in contract management in this compelling deep dive. This session will guide participants through the complex ethics and criminal restrictions that contract professionals face, illuminating the path to compliance and integrity. Discover the intricacies of protest risks and learn strategies to mitigate these challenges effectively. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into identifying potential conflicts of interest, understanding their implications, and implementing practices to avoid legal pitfalls. Arm yourself with the knowledge to uphold the necessary ethical standards in your contracts, ensuring a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in your professional endeavors.

Experience a deep dive into the development of direct and indirect rates to gain insight into how a contractor develops its price proposal. Discussions will include the creation of multiple fringe rates, differing site rates, material and subcontractor overhead rates, total cost input G&A base vs. value added G&A base, & service centers. The session will include a review of multiple indirect rate models and provide a take home tool that can be used to assist with pricing proposals regardless of contract type or agency. The discussion will also look at the entire contract lifecycle from pre-award to post-award/contract execution to gain an understanding and appreciation for how pricing decisions may impact the organization's overall contract and financial risk. 

Enter the enigmatic world of prototype Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) and dispel common myths in this deep dive. Learn firsthand the truths and misconceptions surrounding prototype OTAs, their advantages, application processes, and success stories. Learn where deals can and have been made to enable contracting at the speed of trust. This session promises to enlighten attendees on effective use of prototype OTAs, with real-world examples and interactive trivia to demystify their complexities. Ideal for those curious about alternative contracting methods and seeking clarity on prototype OTAs.

Embark on an exciting exploration of practical AI applications in the field of acquisition. After a brief Intro to AI, this session brings you face-to-face with real-world AI innovations, as experts from NASA, the Homeland Security Department, and the IRS unveil their successful AI use cases. Gain insights into selecting AI types, navigating acquisition terms, training AI with data, and risk management for effective AI deployment. This interactive workshop is designed for those eager to integrate AI to enhance efficiency and transform their roles in the industry. Leave equipped with new contacts, actionable strategies, and the motivation to implement AI solutions in your team.

Dive into the future of contracting with our interactive session on leveraging intelligent automation to revolutionize contracting processes. Discover how robotic process automation (RPA) and low-code technologies can streamline repetitive tasks, allowing contracting professionals to focus on critical thinking and higher-value activities. Engage in a choose-your-own adventure game where you guide Susie Q. Contract through a contract writing system, identifying opportunities for automation and modernization along the way. Participants will gain insights into low-code and RPA technologies, learn to identify automatable business processes, and become aware of existing solutions available for immediate implementation. Led by a technical expert and former contracting professional, this session promises dynamic engagement and actionable insights to shape the future of contracting.

As small businesses become increasingly integral to the contracting ecosystem, understanding the key aspects of small business contracts has never been more critical. This deep dive will equip you with the knowledge to navigate small business regulations, identify opportunities, and leverage government resources to your advantage. Discover the nuances of small business set-asides, the importance of subcontracting plans, and strategies for successful partnerships. Ideal for contract professionals looking to expand their small business engagement or those new to the federal contracting space.

Custom Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) are revolutionizing contracting and procurement by automating tasks and enhancing decision-making. This presentation offers a step-by-step guide to developing GPT models tailored to the specific needs and datasets of contracting and procurement. By fine-tuning GPTs with domain-specific knowledge, these models can automate routine documentation, extract key information from contracts, and provide predictive analytics. Attendees will learn the process of preparing datasets and training models using no-code interfaces, and practical considerations for deploying these models in real-world contracting and procurement operations. Embracing custom GPTs can significantly streamline processes and improve efficiency in this critical business function.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Our profession, centered around the procurement of goods and services essential to our nation, has a history as long as the country itself. By examining contracting practices developed during pivotal times such as the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War II, we can gain valuable insights for achieving better outcomes. What mistakes did our predecessors make? What successful strategies contributed to their victories? In this session, we will delve into the business practices that are crucial for success in future major world crises or conflicts.

Navigating difficult conversations is a crucial skill in both professional and personal settings. In this comprehensive and interactive session, we will explore the key components and strategies to effectively manage and master these challenging dialogues. Led by members of this year’s CMLDP cohort!

This strategic breakout will equip you with the essential skills and analytical tools needed to make informed bid/no-bid decisions, ensuring that your efforts are focused on opportunities with the highest potential for success. Designed specifically for business owners and contract managers involved in government contracting, this session will cover the RFP landscape, criteria for decision making, and risk assessment. Whether you’re new to government contracting or looking to refine your bidding strategy, you'll gain valuable insights that can be immediately applied to your business.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Stop by the Exhibit Hall for lunch and take some time to meet with our exhibitors!

NITAAC (NIH Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center) is housed within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We are a full-service acquisition program that has been designated a federal Executive Agent, authorized by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to administer three Best in Class (BIC) Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) for information technology (IT) acquisitions.

NITAAC’s three BIC IT GWACs (CIO-SP3, CIO-SP3 Small Business and CIO-CS) boast streamlined acquisition and fast ordering, a single login Electronic Government Ordering System (e-GOS) with built-in FAR guidance, and automated ordering. But that’s not all NITAAC offers. Our session will cover:

• How our GWACs are faster, easier, and cost-competitive

• The benefits of using NITAAC GWACs for IT products, services, and solutions

• NITAAC’s value-added services, including free comprehensive SOW/PWS/SOO assessments

Contracting Officers and Specialists, Chief Information Officers, IT program officials and anyone on your team who is involved in the IT procurement process can benefit from attending our overview session.

Can AI get from problem statement to a solicitation in 15 minutes? Get ready to see AcqBot in action. Acqbot, developed by the DoD’s Chief Digital and AI Office, is an AI software that generates requirements, fills in the gaps, driving the process all the way to the call to industry. 

A resume should be a marketing document that sells YOU. Join this quick-tips, stand up session led by a professional resume writer to learn how. Also, don't miss a chance to get your resume or LinkedIn profile reviewed by professional career counselors in the Career Corner throughout the event.  

Join the University of Dayton School of Law as we discuss our Master’s Degree Program in Government Contracting and Procurement! Attendees will learn how to fast-track their contracting career with a master’s degree that is fully online.

100% Online

Our remote learning technology makes it easy to experience the full program online wherever you are.

Earn Your Degree In As Little As 1 Year

Courses can be completed in as little as 12 months (3 semesters) or can be spaced to span 4 years (12 semesters). Check out our course schedule.

Live Interactive & Flexible Classes

Our courses are taught in real-time to encourage active learning and provide the opportunity for live feedback and interaction between faculty

and students. Each class meets once a week, scheduled for the working professional, allowing you to learn and work at the same time.

No Law Degree Required

This program sits within the UD School of Law and you will receive a Master in the Study of Law degree (M.S.L.), but no GMAT, GRE, or LSAT is required

for program admission.

Advance Your Career

This program is designed by seasoned industry and government experts to fast-track participants into the next step of their career in contracting and

procurement—whether you are just starting out or already in the field.

Faculty

Taught by working contracting professionals and created by experts in the industry. Gain valuable insight into the inner workings of the industry and

grow your professional network.

Financial Aid

Generous financial aid is available to eligible participants — including military and veteran benefits & corporate and government tuition deferment,

assistance, and reimbursement options.

Grow your career: Learn more about this unique opportunity.

An AI Agent is like a personal assistant you can train to operate, reason, and make decisions just as you would.  Learn how you can use an AI Agent to get a head start on contract management tasks related to bidding, procurement, compliance checks and more! 

Whether you are interviewing for a new job or asking for what you're worth in your current position, salary negotiations can feel uncomfortable for many. Join this quick-tips, stand up session for specific dos and don'ts of salary negotiation to arm you with confidence.  

Discover some of the innovative ways agencies are preparing the next generation.

Join this series of topics, highlighting GSA IT infrastructure related to procurement networks, and sole sourcing. Unlocking 2GIT's Procurement Potential: The General Services Administration's 2nd Generation IT (2GIT) Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) represent a pivotal shift in how federal agencies acquire commercial IT hardware, software, and ancillary services. Learn how navigate and order through the 2GIT eBuy portal or GSA Advantage, to enhance your agency’s IT procurement strategy with a focus on compliance, security, and efficiency." Building a Secure Future: Network Infrastructure and Zero Trust Strategies: As agencies increasingly rely on enterprise technologies, the security and reliability of their network infrastructure become paramount. This session provides the and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of securing enterprise networks, moving towards a more secure, efficient, and reliable future. Attendees will learn key network security concepts, enabling them to identify vulnerabilities and implement stronger security measures, strategies and insights on how the acquisition community can effectively deliver secure network infrastructure. Sole Sourcing Mastery: MAS IT and 8(a)STARSIII for Emerging Tech: Sole sourcing through GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) IT and 8(a) STARS III contracts represents a pivotal strategy for accessing emerging tech and other innovations with agility and precision. Join this session to learn how to use these systems for strategic advantage in government IT management.

This breakout session will address various approaches to maximize the government’s return on investment (ROI) through negotiation of Intellectual Property (IP) Terms and Conditions (T&Cs). A special focus of this session is informing personnel who work with Other Transactions who are not bound by the Bayh-Dole Act (P.L. 96-517, December 12, 1980). Emphasis on how IP T&Cs can be crafted to ensure their survivability and impact through the commercialization/transfer process. While the focus will be on support to Other Transactions, the session will be presented in a manner understandable to all contracting skill and experience levels.

Explore the essentials of SAM.gov, the U.S. government's central platform for federal procurement, in this informative session. Gain a thorough understanding of its capabilities, from entity registrations to award-related reporting, and learn effective strategies for registration and renewal. Delve into the entity validation process and discover how to effectively use SAM.gov for federal contracts, grants, and assistance programs. Benefit from insights on support services available through the Federal Service Desk (FSD.gov), ensuring seamless navigation of SAM.gov. This session is ideal for both newcomers and those seeking a deeper grasp of SAM.gov, aiming to streamline your procurement processes.

Join industry leaders for a critical discussion on AI's role in government acquisition and the urgency to replace outdated systems, as showcased through a live demonstration of the AI-powered "Ask Michael" tool used by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Gain insights from seasoned experts who have successfully implemented modern procurement solutions across numerous government agencies. Discover how FedRAMP software tools are creating custom solutions that simplify acquisitions, enhance compliance, and improve reporting. Learn actionable strategies for how acquisition teams can modernize their own processes in partnership with IT and what immediate actions can facilitate future modernization efforts. This session is essential for organizations aiming to streamline their procurement processes and achieve significant time savings.

"Dr. Data" returns with a fast paced, informative and interactive session on Intellectual Property (IP). During this session, the types of IP will be explored. In addition, the Data Rights rules and principles for the FAR and DFARS will be explained and attendees knowledge will be tested with multiple discussion questions and scenario evaluations. A "crosswalk" will be given to bridge the knowledge gaps between Data Rights management under the FAR and DFARS to quickly give the contracts professional the ability to adjust their Data Rights strategies between civilian customers and DoD customers. Finally, a “Four Question” methodology will be given to provide a rapid and intuitive approach to virtually any Data Rights issue you may encounter whether you are a government or industry professional.

Elevate your acquisition skills with our workshop designed for professionals in both the public and private sectors, emphasizing the power of empathy in understanding and anticipating customer needs. Learn proactive strategies for not just meeting, but exceeding customer expectations, and how to position yourself as a consultative partner. Through engaging activities, including strategic questioning, and role-playing, you'll discover how to develop mission-focused solutions beyond standard requests. This session offers a unique blend of practical exercises, in-depth anecdotes, and interactive elements to enhance your customer service capabilities. This will be a transformative experience for anyone looking to excel in empathetic, effective acquisition.

Back by popular demand! What happens when you are suddenly responsible for executing a newly awarded contract, but you were not privy to the pre-award activities? It can feel like walking into a real-life game of Clue - where you find yourself wondering whether to look in the Ballroom or the Kitchen, whether to question Professor Plum or Colonel Mustard. This Clue-themed workshop will allow teams to put their investigative skills to work, learning how to ask the right questions to solve challenges experienced by Program Managers, Contracting Professionals, Business Development Leads, and everyone else involved in a successful post award execution. As a team, you will unlock mysteries from the proposal, evaluation, and award negotiation processes that impact award execution. Teams will develop a summary of award changes that better capture intent of the contract to ensure compliance, proper execution, and provide clarity for everyone on the team. Join us for a mind-blowing mystery, a little mayhem, and a whole lot of FUN!

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) was established to work with innovators to invest in breakthrough technologies for national security. With this mission in mind, they have an essential focus on breaking down barriers to entry that small businesses face. Join this session to see how your organization might learn and leverage some of DARPA’s innovative approaches to contracting and working with businesses new to federal contracting. DARPA’s Contracts Management Office (CMO), Small Business Programs Office (SBPO), and DARPAConnect (DARPA’s Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA)), will discuss how the agency is breaking down barriers to entry and its new initiatives to support new non-traditionals and performers through contracting, outreach, and education.

Explore the fusion of commercial problem-solving practices with government acquisition teams to bridge the gap between these two worlds. This workshop examines adaptable methods that thrive across various team types and are particularly effective in post-award scenarios, such as budget cuts or technical challenges. Case studies and team activities are designed to bolster problem-solving skills, empowering contracting professionals to play a more active role in solution development. Learn and apply frameworks that not only facilitate this integration but also significantly enhance efficiency and innovation in your contracting processes, making them indispensable tools for any contracting professional.

Elevate your role in U.S. federal procurement with our essential workshop on climate literacy. Learn to integrate climate science into procurement decisions, ensuring alignment with evolving environmental policies and sustainability goals. Discover strategies for reducing procurement's carbon footprint and implementing green policies effectively. Engage with real-world case studies and interactive exercises to develop actionable skills in sustainable procurement. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to a more environmentally responsible future in federal procurement.

Many professionals admit to feeling lost along their career paths. Committed to their organization but unsure how the day-to-day results in their long-term goals or how it compliments their personal tenets. Does this resonate with you? In this session, Ms. Amy Horner provides an approach to realizing career goals by combining them with a set of personal core values. Using this as an anchor, the session will focus on tips for making meaningful connections through networking to support those goals. Attendees will take away goal-setting strategies that are effective and actionable. Proven steps with a robust approach that separates goals into career/job-related, professional development, and personal buckets.

Delve into the transformative role of Contract Data Specialists (CDS) in Air Force contracting, a strategic response to the fast-paced changes in the digital and global landscape inspired by tech giants. This session will illustrate how the creation of the CDS role has shifted data from mere entry to a powerful tool for decision-making and operational efficiency. Learn about innovative tools like the PKnowledge Board, which empowers staff with critical insights for contract management and negotiations. Discover how these enhancements not only streamline processes but also build a foundation for leadership and innovation within the contracting field. Attendees will gain an understanding of the tangible benefits of integrating CDS into their practices, improving outcomes, and adapting to the competitive demands of modern acquisition. Join us to see how embracing digital transformation through CDS is pivotal for future success and sustained mission achievement in Air Force acquisitions.

In this session, explore the vital role of acquisition professionals in tackling supply chain risks, amplified by global dynamics and emerging threats from countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Discover the cutting-edge tools and strategies developed by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and their partners, proven in both the federal and private sectors for robust supply chain management. Engage with real-life scenarios and interactive voting to develop skills in identifying supplier risks and tailoring contract solicitations for enhanced security. Learn effective risk categorization techniques and communication methods to inform stakeholders, ensuring rigorous protocol adherence. This insightful presentation is key for those committed to strengthening defenses against evolving supply chain vulnerabilities.

Non-traditional solicitation techniques such as Two-Step Solicitations and Oral Presentation encourage industry partners to propose unique and possibly proprietary solutions that may not be highlighted in more traditional processes. This approach not only expands the range of vendor responses but also streamlines the proposal process. Dive into the benefits of this strategy, including reduced solicitation burdens, enhanced industry collaboration, and cost savings. Join this session for new ideas for getting started leveraging non-traditional solicitation methods to drive new efficiencies and response quality in your organization.

Step into the future of procurement with this session on AI-powered intelligent eProcurement and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM). Discover how generative AI can revolutionize your approach to strategic purchasing and supplier relations through detailed spend analytics and robust contract management. Learn from step-by-step examples, case studies, and practical insights into how AI and GenAI applications enhance sourcing, contract oversight, and expenditure analysis. You'll explore modern techniques like Pareto analysis and how these tools, combined with AI insights, lead to superior procurement strategies and optimized SRM. This session is ideal for procurement professionals seeking to leverage AI for better sourcing outcomes, diversity utilization, and strategic decision-making in a data-driven age.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Bridging the Divide is a fun, engaging game built around a powerful metaphor. This is great for reinforcing the idea that all departments within your organization are striving to meet their own goals, but each also plays a vital role in the bigger picture.

Each team designs, decorates and brands their own bridge. In the end, the bridge needs to be big enough, strong enough and stable enough to allow a large remote-controlled vehicle to safely cross it. Awards are presented in categories like most creative engineering design, best branding and most efficient use of resources.

This event presents a challenging exercise where each team is both a supplier and a customer. The end goal is fully collaborative. Success requires ongoing customer relationship management, steady project management, plus a clear understanding of the consequences of good or poor communication. As always, a healthy dose of creative inspiration helps.

In today's ever-evolving world, change is a constant. From new technologies and policies to team re-organizations, the ability to navigate and lead through change is essential. This breakout will help you explore the impact of change and uncertainty on yourself and your team. You will learn practical strategies to lead effectively through change, discover tools to improve communication and foster team commitment, and network with peers facing similar challenges. This session is perfect for anyone experiencing change, especially leaders guiding teams through transitions. You'll leave with actionable skills and a supportive network to help you succeed.

Join us to learn best practice risk compliance and control methodologies for assessing pre-award, award, and post award procurement integrity fraud, waste, abuse, and error risk. Are you in pay and chase mode when procure-to-pay risk has been identified? Are you able to identify price fixing, bid rigging, collusion, phantom vendors, duplicate or false invoicing, or bribery and corruption? When preventing procurement fraud, waste, and abuse, do your internal controls leverage manual processes and basic ad-hoc analytics or are you leveraging automated data preparation and risk modeling with machine learning and AI routines that identify and prevent Contract Life Cycle risk? Don’t miss how to learn how to safeguard your organization from vendors, contractors, and your employees who are perpetrating intentional or unintentional acts of procurement fraud, waste, abuse, or error. 

Job descriptions that attract the best talent show that they connect to missions and meaningful outcomes. Join this quick-tips stand-up session to learn how to convey this connection to job seekers and specific tools recruiting next-generation talent.  

Take a moment to connect with our exhibitors.

This session is an invaluable journey into the world of strategic proposal analysis, with a special focus on Value Analysis. Participants will receive a comprehensive overview of cost and price analysis, followed by an in-depth exploration of Value Analysis as a key technique. Discover how to collaborate effectively with technical counterparts to ensure the success of this method. The training covers the spectrum of strategic proposal analysis techniques, from gathering market intelligence to determining reasonable pricing in award memorandums. Attendees will gain a suite of practical tools and strategies to assess and determine fair and reasonable pricing. The session is designed to empower professionals in procurement and contracting with advanced skills and methodologies for effective proposal evaluation and collaboration, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions in the procurement process.

This session will provide an overview of fixed price award fee (FPAF) with performance incentives and then dive into Air Combat Command Acquisition Management and Integration Center's (ACC / AMIC) administration of these hybrid contracts. Learn about our process for evaluating contractor performance, discover key lessons learned, and explore strategies for incorporating incentives into your programs. This session is packed with practical advice and innovative ideas designed to enhance the effectiveness of your contract management practices. Whether you're new to FPAF contracts or looking to refine your existing processes, this session will provide insights into optimizing performance and outcomes.

In 2008 an acquisition team was at the center of building the Afghan Air Force from scratch. The team responsible had barriers including limited knowledge of the environment, a communication gap between technical experts and end users, and an aggressive timeline. Come hear the extraordinary story of how the team overcame barriers in a high stakes situation and the lessons learned around the management of evolving objectives. The session will focus on takeaways that apply to all programs and discuss how to sift through uncertainty, drive an adaptive mindset on your team and define the required considerations. The presenter will share the team’s successes and also the things they missed to drive new thinking for acquisition teams tackling complex unknowns.

Do you have a toxic workplace that negatively impacts productivity? Social psychology reveals that organizations that prioritize positive relationships within the workplace simply do better and have less turnover, more productivity, and happier employees. This session will provide strategies for building positive relationships enabling attendees to recognize their strengths and weaknesses as a member of the team and how to leverage their relationships to achieve collaborative outcomes. Attendees will also learn strategies and use tools to deal with and improve interactions with difficult colleagues. Attendees will leave being better equipped to find shared goals and decrease friction with coworkers leading to a more transparent, compassionate organization that recognizes employees as unique individuals, not just a mechanism to drive results.

Learn how to sharpen your skills in identifying and managing concurrent delays in construction. After identifying a concurrent delay, examine the use of different analysis approaches such as dominant cause, first-in line, Malmaison and apportionment approaches and how each applies different principles and rules of law.   Understand the technical perspective in terms of critical path analysis and float ownership. Hear recommendations about how to reach comprehensive reliable results and a better idea of how to proactively draft contracts to more effectively manage concurrent delays.

Enhance your understanding of increasing small business (SB) awards in government contracting through this focused session. Explore effective pre-solicitation communication and debriefing techniques to improve SB participation and achieve award goals. Learn about the unique needs of SBs and how to accommodate these in the award process, including better comprehension of government decisions. This interactive session, featuring best practices, Q&A, and scenario analysis, provides insights and tools for both government and industry professionals. Attend to build stronger government-SB relationships, meet award targets, and minimize protests.

Strengthen your collaboration skills with program managers through this breakout session. Discover the essentials of effective program management, including key questions for contracting officers to ask, strategies for seamless integration, and tools for fostering mutual success. This session provides a roadmap for contracting officers aiming to enhance their project outcomes through collaborative excellence.

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) friend or foe in today's procurement environment? Attend this session to examine the high-risk areas of corruption in procurement and how AI and emerging technologies offer unprecedented solutions. Attendees will discuss potential use cases, showcasing the transformative power of technology in enhancing transparency and efficiency. This is an essential session for those looking to innovate their procurement strategies, mitigate risks, and champion integrity in their operations through the adoption of cutting-edge technology.

Join us for a live demonstration and various use case examples to show how the Air Force PKnowledge Board can provide contracting data at your fingertips. Housed in Project Management Resource Tools (PMRT) and available to all, the PKnowledge Board uses the past 5+ years of Air Force contracting actions to enhance data driven decisions. Highly interactive and searchable by MAJCOM, Base, PEO or Individual Buying Office, learn how you can quickly answer such questions as:  - What does our active contract portfolio look like and can I get a list of all of those contracts? - When do my ordering vehicles expire?  When do I need to exercise my next option? - What other contracts already exist for the same/similar services? - Who are my top vendors? Who are my new vendors? - All these, and many more questions can be answered at the click of a button with the PKnowledge Board!  The PKnowledge Board is currently a Department of the Air Force level tool, but could certainly be adopted/tailored by any other government agency that provides data to the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). This tool also shows the capability for vendors to track their government contracts, upcoming options, ordering ceilings, and much more using the data available from SAM.gov. This demonstration is an excellent session to accompany our presentation titled "Revolutionizing Air Force Acquisitions: The Rise of Contract Data Specialists" 

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Acquisition.gov is drawing 3 million page views a month, up 1,400% in five years. If you aren’t using it, come find out why you might want to start. See the Acquisition Regulation Comparator (ARC) in action. Learn about how enhanced FAR data can be used by contract writing systems and how that data can be accessed. Try the tools and suggest new features.Acquisition.gov team has worked hard to accommodate this rapid growth while continuing to provide information in a way that is easy to understand, using clear language and helpful visuals to guide users through the intricacies of government procurement regulations. With 32 regulations integrated into the ARC, the platform provides acquisition professionals with a unique tool to compare up to three acquisition regulations side by side, making the process more efficient and effective. 

Join this insightful session on navigating the complexities of supply chain compliance. Gain valuable insights into emerging legislation, regulatory updates, and global risks impacting supply chain integrity. Learn practical strategies for contract professionals to effectively manage compliance requirements and ensure business continuity. Explore real-world lessons and best practices from organizations adapting to new compliance standards while maintaining operational efficiency. Discover why supply chain compliance begins with comprehensive supplier mapping and assessments, and learn how to execute these critical steps. Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable strategies to lead in the evolving landscape of supply chain compliance.

The Price Negotiation Memorandum Builder demo will showcase a digital collaboration between artificial intelligence and robotics process automation to complete 76% of an Air Force PNM. Thus, providing the end-user with a nearly complete PNM enhanced document and freeing up their focus to hone in on the more thought provoking and critical aspects of the document. The process will accommodate template variations, input narratives & tables, cite the sources, and more. 

Foster meaningful connections and take some time to network with fellow attendees.

The NCMA Tysons Women In Leadership (WIL) community aims to make a real impact and open doors by connecting, empowering, and inspiring women within the Government Contracting profession and beyond, at all stages of their career journey.

Please pick-up your name badge at the registration area on the fourth floor in the Atrium lobby.

Stop by the Exhibit Hall to meet with our exhibitors!

Join us for breakfast in the Exhibit Hall!

Join Leidos for an information session on our mission in making smart smarter. You will experience some of Leidos’ newest and most exciting offerings to protect our country on the front lines and behind the scenes.

A resume should be a marketing document that sells YOU. Join this quick-tips, stand up session led by a professional resume writer to learn how. Also, don't miss a chance to get your resume or LinkedIn profile reviewed by professional career counselors in the Career Corner throughout the event.  

We’re living in a time when it is no longer sufficient to say we’re “experiencing change.” In many respects, we are encountering chaos. Dan Thurmon, renowned speaker and author of the bestselling book, Off Balance On Purpose will help you better understand the nature of chaos to transform uncertainty into your advantage!

This energizing keynote will help you align your personal growth with your professional excellence to unlock greater capacity and contribution. You’ll learn to spot repeating “patterns” that will turn what seems new and overwhelming into the familiar and possible. You’ll leave equipped with a new mindset and inspired to create changes that lead to breakthrough results.

Connect with exhibitors and grab a quick refreshment or snack.

Simplify the source selection process.

Discover innovative strategies for tech acquisition in a budget-conscious environment through an interactive, game-based learning experience. This session combines the thrill of a Dungeons and Dragons-style adventure with real-world acquisition challenges, offering a unique approach to strategy development. Learn to navigate the complexities of procuring AI, cloud solutions, and other cutting-edge tech effectively. Arm yourself with agile contracting techniques and simplified procedures for better outcomes. Ideal for those seeking creative, impactful ways to enhance their acquisition prowess in the face of technological demands without leveraging a special authority.

Safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in supply chains adds complexity, cost and risk to prime and subcontractors who can expect the pressure to ramp up under CMMC 2.0. Join this workshop to gain hands-on practice identifying CUI (did you know that not all CUI is identified in the contract?) and making real-world compliance plans and decisions around CUI down your supply chains. There are many types of CUI - including ITAR and export-controlled data - that need to be clearly identified and managed across your organization and by your suppliers in order to prepare for the CMMC final ruling. Through interactive role play exercises, participants will step into the shoes of both primes and subcontractors, gaining practical insights into identifying, handling, safeguarding and monitoring CUI in the supply chain.

This session offers a deep dive into the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) model, led by veteran DIU and industry contracting professionals. Attendees will explore the transformative potential of dealmaking in government contracting, learning to evolve into trusted advisors and innovative dealmakers. The session covers essential strategies for navigating common challenges, crafting compelling pitches, and creating impactful solution briefs for CSO-style solicitations. By understanding the CSO's evaluation criteria and leveraging cutting-edge procurement methods, participants will enhance their business acumen, align with commercial product cycles, and boost their confidence in responding to government solicitations.

Explore the critical challenges of chip shortages and counterfeit parts in the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) sector in this deep dive. Gain enhanced awareness of the supply chain's vulnerabilities, advanced AI-powered strategies for risk mitigation, and best practices for navigating these obstacles. This session is designed for contract professionals seeking practical insights into maintaining integrity and security within their supply chains amidst global disruptions.

Explore the rising tide of cloud software marketplaces, poised to revolutionize procurement with a projected value of over $100 billion by 2026. In this session, delve into the benefits of cloud marketplaces in enhancing customer experience, security, and cost-effectiveness, while aligning with legacy procurement laws. Understand the perceived risks, such as the expansion of shadow IT and governance challenges, and discover how leaders are developing strategies to safely adopt these platforms. Learn from real-world case studies and expert insights on how cloud marketplaces can support digital transformation, cloud adoption, and supply chain modernization in regulated sectors. This is an essential session for procurement officials and leaders aiming to bridge the gap between traditional procurement methods and modern digital marketplaces, ensuring agility and competitive advantage in the digital age.

Begin your journey to mastering government acquisitions with this first workshop in the Contracting Subway Map series! From identifying needs to preparing solicitations and evaluating proposals, this workshop will empower you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the complexities of acquisition planning, driving success in your procurement projects. Participate in scenario-based exercises and group discussions based on real-world acquisition challenges. This workshop is ideal for anyone involved in the planning and execution of government acquisitions.

The federal government will spend $1.8T in 2024 in a marketplace that is vast and highly competitive. Understand the basics of how to conduct market research and analysis for your products and services and successfully respond to federal solicitations. The session will provide a review of www.USASpending.gov and how to locate and define relevant federal government markets. Focus areas for this session include understanding available data and how to manipulate it in USASpending.com, creating a sales pipeline through market research, how to locate key contract awards to conduct further research, and awardees for teaming as prime and subcontractor, and how to locate key players like the Small Business Office, Contracting Office, Program Office and prime contractors in order to start building relationship and start marketing.

Prepare for a humorous and enlightening exploration of the Periodic Table of Acquisition Innovations (PTAI) in this unique panel session. Styled as a dating game, our panel will bring to life innovative procurement techniques, helping you find the perfect match for your procurement needs. Discover the diverse range of methods, from oral presentations to coding challenges, and learn how to apply them to streamline your awards efficiently. This interactive panel not only promises a good laugh but also provides a practical demonstration of the PTAI in action, including real case studies from procurement teams. Gain valuable insights into utilizing these innovative strategies to make your next procurement faster, smarter, and more effective. Perfect for industry and government attendees alike, this session will leave you equipped and inspired to revolutionize your procurement process with a dash of humor.

The Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS), better known as the Service Contract Act (SCA) is considered an antiquated law that contains complex elements making compliance difficult, costly and may result in unintended contract consequences. Learn the four SCLS/SCA requirements and how to build a comprehensive compliance assessment that adequately captures all components of the SCLS/SCA, including the required wages, health & welfare, vacation, and holidays. Attendees will explore various real business situations to identify potential compliance concerns and how to strengthen their compliance assessment to mitigate risk within their own organization.

Whether industry or government, learn how to effectively navigate the intersection of contracts, accounting, and pricing to enhance your organization's success. Learn methods to increase the collaboration between the contracts, accounting, and pricing team(s) and how to bridge knowledge gaps that may exist and reduce the functional effectivity of your organization. The session will help attendees identify and mitigate organization risk and help ensure all functional areas better understand contract types and risk, cost accounting concepts, financial risk and analysis and how each is involved throughout the contract lifecycle.

This session will delve into the intricacies of debriefings and protests and address the concerns of front-line workers by offering crucial insights into navigating the complexities of post-award processes. Attendees will gain practical tools to enhance decision-making and mitigate risks in the post award environment. The session provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal, procedural, and strategic aspects of Debriefs and Protests and will help bridge theory and practice. Use the session to acquire a nuanced comprehension of government debriefings, skills to discern underlying reasons for proposal rejection, and to gain practical techniques for navigating and mitigating protests effectively,

Join Major General Alice Treviño Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, to hear her perspective on the specific skills leaders need to master as they rise from managing teams to senior leadership roles. Whether you are a rising leader or a current leader charting your career path, join this session for General Trevino’s candid view of what it takes to lead at the top level and her perspective on near-future challenges acquisition leaders will face.

With cybersecurity threats on the rise, understanding the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements is paramount for contract professionals. This deep dive demystifies the CMMC framework, offering foundational knowledge and practical steps for compliance. Learn about the latest cybersecurity threats, the importance of safeguarding sensitive information, and how to navigate the CMMC landscape with internal stakeholders. Whether you're a company executive or an acquisition professional, this session is your first step toward cybersecurity readiness.

This deep dive is for those looking to navigate the complexities of teaming agreements between commercial primes and subcontractors effectively. Gain a better understanding of the critical issues inherent in these agreements and learn strategic methods to use teaming agreements to clearly define roles and secure optimal outcomes for internal clients and teams. Teaming agreements are often misused and misunderstood. This deep dive will demystify these critical documents by placing them in their proper context, reviewing their purpose, intent, and necessity. Participants will explore common pitfalls, traps, and misuses of teaming agreements through real-world examples.

Did you know there is a way to pitch your innovative AI/ML, Digital, and data analytics solutions to the DOD? Did you know you can also buy those same solutions, post competition, from the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Office’s (CDAO) Tradewinds Solution Marketplace (TSM)? This workshop is ideal for both buyers and sellers eager to maximize their opportunities in the defense sector. In this session, we will explore the potential of the TSM, the premier acquisition tool from the DOD's CDAO. We will bring together insights from CDAO officials and successful commercial companies who have effectively navigated the TSM proposal process. Join us to receive practical knowledge and actionable advice for succeeding in one of the most dynamic marketplaces.

Contrary to popular belief, the contracting world isn't just for extroverts. This workshop offers a sanctuary for introverts in the office, providing concrete strategies to leverage your strengths in a predominantly extroverted field. Learn to navigate networking, command presence in meetings, and foster meaningful connections, all while staying true to your introverted nature. Join us for a session that celebrates diversity in work styles and empowers you to make your mark in the contracting world.

How well do you juggle personal responsibilities and work productivity? Attend this session to gain invaluable tools to navigate life's daily work and personal challenges. Learn practical strategies to manage workload, reduce stress, prioritize self-care, enhance resilience and job satisfaction. Understand the importance of setting boundaries and identifying priorities. Learn how to utilize tools for building task prioritization matrices and time-blocking methods to streamline workflow and allocate time for relaxation and hobbies. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies and peer support to effectively manage workload, prioritize tasks and reduce stress. You'll hear how to become more resilient and effective, contributing to a positive work culture and achieving greater success both professionally and personally.

Can AI get from problem statement to a solicitation in 15 minutes? Get ready to see AcqBot in action. Acqbot, developed by the DoD’s Chief Digital and AI Office, is an AI software that generates requirements, fills in the gaps, driving the process all the way to the call to industry. 

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

After experiencing Dan Thurmon’s keynote presentation, you’ll be eager to put the ideas to work in your own life and business. This session will go deeper into content, showing you how to take charge of your circumstances, stretch your abilities, and create your blueprint for professional success!

Uncover the transformative potential of leveraging the power of people for positive process improvements in the workplace. Explore the benefits of networking, open communication, and developing partnerships to enhance daily workflow and foster a healthy work environment. Gain insights into expanding resource networks, embracing diverse perspectives, and cultivating self-awareness to drive innovation and creativity. This workshop offers practical strategies for valuing different opinions, maintaining flexibility, and improving the quality of life both professionally and personally. Led by an inspiring public speaker, this session promises to empower attendees to unlock their potential and drive meaningful change in their organizations.

An AI Agent is like a personal assistant you can train to operate, reason, and make decisions just as you would.  Learn how you can use an AI Agent to get a head start on contract management tasks related to bidding, procurement, compliance checks and more! 

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Stop by the Exhibit Hall for lunch and take some time to meet with our exhibitors!

Eager to use Generative AI to sift through the complexities of federal acquisition? But don’t know if you can really trust or rely on the validity of that help? Come learn about Unison’s Ally. Rapid and credible results will quickly summarize information and gather insights for trusted, cited responses within a conversational interface. 

The interview is where hiring managers will evaluate you on the three Cs: Competence, Character and Chemistry. Join this quick-tips, stand up session to learn how to prepare and organize your responses to interview questions, how long  your responses should be and more! Also stop by the Career Corner to try out your opening interview statement on our professional career coaches, on hand, to share tips and give real-time feedback.  

To meet the needs of their government customers while improving their win rates and profit margins, GovCons must evolve their legacy contract management systems and approaches to fully realize the potential of every contract.

Learn how prime and subcontractors gain a competitive advantage throughout the contract life cycle to help ensure successful contract outcomes with Icertis Contract Intelligence (ICI) for Government Contractors.

Join us for a demonstration of highlights from the latest version of Momentum Acquisitions, CGI Federal's built-for-federal COTS acquisition and contract management solution. Come see how contracting business processes are streamlined and automated from the perspective of a federal contracting professional.

The Price Negotiation Memorandum Builder demo will showcase a digital collaboration between artificial intelligence and robotics process automation to complete 76% of an Air Force PNM. Thus, providing the end-user with a nearly complete PNM enhanced document and freeing up their focus to hone in on the more thought provoking and critical aspects of the document.  The process will accommodate template variations, input narratives & tables, cite the sources, and more.  

Job descriptions that attract the best talent show that they connect to missions and meaningful outcomes. Join this quick-tips stand-up session to learn how to convey this connection to job seekers and specific tools recruiting next-generation talent.  

In this not-to-miss virtual presentation, you will gain valuable insights and enhance your understanding of SEWP V Marketplaces. Theresa Kinney, NASA SEWP Senior Deputy Program Director, will take you on a deep dive for an informative session that promises to enrich your SEWP experience.

Explore the crucial role of recognizing and managing conflicts of interest in government contracting. This session offers a deep dive into the statutes and regulations that govern this area, emphasizing their importance in upholding procurement integrity and maintaining public trust. Gain insights into how lessons learned from various government agencies have been instrumental in shaping robust policies and procedures, particularly in the context of the Advanced Research Project Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Participants will learn strategies for ensuring fair competition, maintaining compliance, and managing risk effectively. This engaging and informative session is essential for anyone involved in government contracting, focusing on fostering positive relations and protecting organizational reputation.

Ready to streamline and improve your decentralized Government Purchase Card (GPC) program? Learn how the USDA Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Business Center implemented the GPC Expanded Use Pilot Program which resulted in approved card holders placing orders against existing contract and blanket purchase agreements for supplies and services up to $25,000 on their GPCs. Benefits of implementing the program have been a reduction in new contract awards, a reduction in purchase times, and a reduction in third quarter contract orders. Attendees will receive the templates FPAC uses for policy, training, and documentation, which can be modified to use in their own agencies.

Hear from the Federal Advisory Committee under Federal Advisory Act (FACA) dedicated to transforming GSA’s extensive procurement power to advance the Administration's climate and sustainability ambitions, as directed by Executive Orders. On the forefront of sustainability, the Committee will share its implementation progress around strengthening sustainability considerations at key decision points in the acquisition life cycle. 

• Improving sustainable procurement training 
• Creating a new sustainability in acquisition credentialing program 
• Reducing the use of Single-Use Plastic Packaging 
• Minimizing acquisition of products containing harmful PFAS substances

 The committee will also share its recommendations and insights on strategic solutions and tools for reshaping policy, developing the workforce, and forging new partnerships to drive sustainability in GSA and across the federal government.

"Recent input from 513 organizations is the most comprehensive look yet on how AI is impacting the contracting community. Join this session to learn the results of this Icertis and World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) report, AI in Contracting: From Untapped Revolution to Emerging Evolution, which confirms inherent value of applying AI to contracting processes and highlights the enthusiasm of the contracting community for these advanced technologies. The results also provide valuable insight on current adoption and use, future plans, and predictions on how AI will change the practice of contract management over the next few years. Using data from this ground-breaking Icertis/WorldCC report, this session will share universal best practices for contracting professionals to overcome barriers to generative AI adoption and prepare them for this new technology-driven era of contracting topics include: 

• Benefits of AI and generative AI in contracting/common use cases. 
• Considerations to transform your manual process using technology. 
• Contracting data and KPIs to demonstrate compliance and continuous improvement; and 
• Change management plan to ensure technology adoption and success. 

The report that will be summarized is 25 pages, with lots of take-aways. The report can be downloaded at https://info.worldcc.com/ai-in-contracting 

This session offers a thorough exploration of cloud acquisitions tailored for both government buyers and industry sellers. Begin with an overview of cloud procurement and applicable policies in government settings, then delve into the technical considerations critical for both buying and selling cloud services. An experienced Contracting Officer will discuss the procurement process and the administrative aspects of managing cloud services. An engineer steeped in cloud technology will provide a technical framework & considerations for those buying & procuring cloud services. By attending, both buyers and sellers will gain valuable insights into how the government approaches cloud procurement and learn practical strategies for navigating these complex transactions effectively.

This strategic breakout will equip you with the essential skills and analytical tools needed to make informed bid/no-bid decisions, ensuring that your efforts are focused on opportunities with the highest potential for success. Designed specifically for business owners and contract managers involved in government contracting, this session will cover the RFP landscape, criteria for decision making, and risk assessment. Whether you’re new to government contracting or looking to refine your bidding strategy, you'll gain valuable insights that can be immediately applied to your business.

Join this series of topics, highlighting GSA Innovations related to new solutions for frameworks, data, systems, and infrastructure. Unleashing the Power of SBIR Phase III Contracting: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contracting is available to the entire government but is an underused tool throughout much of the federal acquisition community. This session will provide practical guidance for using SBIR to save time, money and drive innovation. Agile Frameworks-Flourishing in Non-Traditional Spaces: This session explores the difference between non-IT Agile and Agile to help you choose the best approach in your marketing, supply chain and strategic planning efforts. Attendees will learn how to systematize program adaptability and customer feedback, enhance collaboration skills, gain buy in and drive transparency on how work is supporting the organization's mission. Transactional Data Reporting - Innovative Solutions for Better Contracting Outcomes: This session provides an overview of the Federal Acquisition Service’s Transactional Data Reporting Initiative and how it drives lower prices and better terms. Industry and government will leave with a better understanding of the potential and pitfalls of data collection and how it may shape the future. Get to Know the new OASIS+: OASIS+ is a government wide, multiple-award indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (MA-IDIQ) multi-agency contract (MAC) program designed to address government agencies' mission needs for a full range of service requirements that integrate multiple service disciplines and ancillary services and products. This session will provide industry and government an in-depth understanding of the new and innovative contract solution for complex services requirements including features for small businesses. Breaking the Norm - How GSA redefined infrastructure contracts for EVSEs: With the push to electrify the federal fleet under Executive Orders 14008 and 14057, GSA has created a one stop shop for all electric vehicle related procurements. Any contracting officer can leverage this contract with the issuance of a Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA), and warranted GSA PBS Contracting Officers can place orders under the EVSE D/B & Construction IDIQ contracts. Attendees will leave with instructions for how to get a DPA to accomplish mission more efficiently, reach contractors more quickly, and mitigate risk.

This unique and innovative session will challenge you and your assigned team to think outside the box in order to design, evaluate, negotiate and award a legally compliant, FAR-based contract in under 2-hours. Small groups will watch a live mock oral presentation/tech demo and be provided a scenario with artifacts to solve collaboratively. Several procurement innovation expert facilitators will be available for assistance during the session to help ensure groups are on the right track. The additional goal of this session is to develop a new innovative solution that can be submitted to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy for consideration to be included in the Periodic Table of Acquisition Innovations.

Join this interactive workshop to master Lean Six Sigma principles and revolutionize your contracting processes. You will gain a deep understanding of how to apply Lean Six Sigma in contracting, learn to optimize the contract lifecycle, and reduce waste through hands-on problem-solving activities with industry experts. This workshop includes practical strategies and real-life applications, emphasizing process optimization and continuous improvement to enhance efficiency, quality, and risk management. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, you'll leave with actionable solutions and the skills to implement Lean Six Sigma techniques effectively. Plus, earn a Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification by the end of the session, marking a significant step in your professional development.

Join us to uncover the transformative strategies behind the Defense Health Agency's successful approach to acquisition, utilizing forward-thinking communication methods under the new FAR rule. In this session, you'll delve into how DHA expertly navigated complex contracting by opting out of traditional price evaluations at the IDIQ level, leveraging the FY17 NDAA Section 825 exception. We'll guide you through practical ways to engage with industry partners, simplifying your acquisition process and accelerating contract awards. Learn to refine requirements and evaluation criteria through effective communication, ultimately leading to more strategic and timely project outcomes. This presentation is a unique opportunity to gather insights and techniques that will elevate your approach to acquisition, setting a new standard for success.

Does it surprise you that burned out unhappy workers costs U.S. businesses $1.9 trillion in lost productivity? Join Professor Pete Alexander in this session to learn how to utilize innovative stress relief strategies to transform burned out and unhappy employees into engaged employees who will increase overall organizational productivity. This interactive, engaging session will teach you and allow you to practice stress relief activities that can be used and shared in the office or the home.

Don’t miss Part 2 of the Contracting Subway Map series! This engaging workshop will provide you with hands-on insights and strategies to navigate the federal contracting process swiftly, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging shortcuts without sacrificing compliance or quality. Engage in real-world scenarios and interactive discussions that bring each station and line on the map to life. Whether you are new to federal contracts or looking to refine your existing skills, this workshop will equip you with valuable strategies to accelerate your contracting activities.

Join us for an engaging workshop designed to explore the pivotal role of culture in driving innovation within acquisition teams. Through interactive discussions, real-world examples, and hands-on activities, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how culture influences innovation in acquisition management. Dive into the challenges faced by acquisition professionals and uncover common barriers to fostering a culture of innovation by using the insights from the Tradewinds Culture Science Assessment, spearheaded by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office's (CDAO) acquisition team. Experience the Tradewinds Trading Card Game, a unique tool tailored for acquisition professionals to practice desired behaviors for culture change in simulated scenarios. Walk away with practical tools, frameworks, and tactics to design and sustain a culture of innovation within your organization. Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and join the conversation on shaping the future of innovation in acquisitions.

Considering scenarios before stepping into a negotiation room is good practice to be ready for a complex conversation with many possible outcomes. Join this engaging workshop, where we will explore the challenges of negotiation planning and response in today's complex business landscape and discuss applications for AI in this area. Scenario planning can help teams prepare for various negotiation outcomes and develop effective strategies. 

Beginning with practical skill-building around scenario planning, the workshop will culminate in a review and survey evaluation of one of four negotiation scenarios. The review exercise will sharpen your game-planning skill set and drive NCMA Contract Management Institute research on this important topic. 

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your negotiation game and stay ahead of the curve while being a part of a groundbreaking research effort in this area. 

Dive into the world of Other Transaction (OT) terms and conditions (T&Cs) in an interactive workshop, where government and industry professionals unite to redefine negotiation practices. Break free from the confines of standard Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses and engage in a hands-on exercise to develop bespoke, project-specific T&Cs tailored to your needs. Enhance your negotiation and communication skills through realistic scenarios, fostering creative collaboration across different perspectives. Whether you're new to OT or seeking to refine your techniques, this workshop promises invaluable insights and the opportunity to join the ARPA-H OT Community for ongoing support and resources. Connect, negotiate, and learn in a real-world simulation with peers from both government and industry – all designed to empower your approach to non-FAR based research and development efforts.

Join us for an enlightening journey into the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) initiative, a pioneering approach to recruitment and training for the next generation of ready-to-innovate acquisition professionals. This session will provide details about the two-year program, current DoD partner organizations, and the approach for integrating classroom education with games, interactive exercises, and resilience training complemented by out-of-class immersive experiences and summer internships. Discover how this program is equipping students from diverse majors with comprehensive acquisition knowledge through a multi-disciplinary, cohort-based approach. Participants will get to play and provide feedback on the latest version of the interactive DCTC Acquisition Game and hear from students interning at the Army Gaming Studio as they work to translate the board game version into a more dynamic video game for expanded use across DoD. Audience members from DoD organizations will learn how to become a DCTC strategic partner.

Defining your requirement is arguably the most important AND difficult step in the service acquisition process. It’s not easy to define performance in terms of expected, measurable outcomes rather than stating how the work is to be accomplished. As a team, you’ll build a Requirements Roadmap that aligns performance tasks, standards, and acceptable quality levels to the high-level objectives for the acquisition. This Roadmap becomes the basis for the performance work statement and quality assurance surveillance plan and can help determine meaningful evaluation criteria.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Whether you are interviewing for a new job or asking for what you're worth in your current position, salary negotiations can feel uncomfortable for many. Join this quick-tips, stand up session for specific dos and don'ts of salary negotiation to arm you with confidence.  

Take a moment to connect with our exhibitors.

If you're midcareer Federal or private sector - where do you find career growth opportunities and resources? In February 2024 OPM published its Workforce of the Future (WOF) playbook geared at developing a high-performing workforce with priorities of attracting, acquiring, developing, and retaining quality talent. One of the playbook’s priorities, Career Pathing and Employee Development, attempts to clearly articulate career paths and prioritize professional growth and development. Join this session to examine opportunities presented in the WOF. An interactive, networking portion of the session will allow participants to explore opportunities and obstacles while sharing and comparing personal experience. This session will improve participants’ ability to find their right career path and how to leverage their network and unique skills to optimize career potential.

Welcome to a panel discussion with three voting members of the FAR Council: Mr. Jeff Koses, GSA, Mr. John Tenaglia OSD, and Ms. Karla Smith Jackson NASA. Bring your questions and concerns to an open exchange with members of the FAR Council. Currently there are over 40 open cases on topics ranging from Cyber Security to Small Business, to Climate and Sustainability that will likely result in new requirements for federal contracting and how we do business in the future. Attendees will gain insight into how the FAR Council operates and learn about the work of a procurement analyst, building a compliance program, or making more effective public comments.

Join this insightful session on navigating the complexities of supply chain compliance. Gain valuable insights into emerging legislation, regulatory updates, and global risks impacting supply chain integrity. Learn practical strategies for contract professionals to effectively manage compliance requirements and ensure business continuity. Explore real-world lessons and best practices from organizations adapting to new compliance standards while maintaining operational efficiency. Discover why supply chain compliance begins with comprehensive supplier mapping and assessments, and learn how to execute these critical steps. Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable strategies to lead in the evolving landscape of supply chain compliance.

Immerse yourself in the transformative realm of Real-Time Problem Solving (RTPS) within source selection, gaining hands-on expertise to enhance procurement outcomes. Learn to design and execute Live Challenges that reveal true vendor capabilities beyond traditional proposals. Explore strategies for crafting challenge scenarios, conducting unbiased evaluations, and managing logistical complexities. Uncover RTPS's advantages, including increased transparency and dynamic vendor insights, and discover compelling reasons to integrate this innovative approach into your procurement strategy. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples from Program Executive Office (PEO) Defense Healthcare Management Systems (DHMS), attendees will develop actionable strategies to champion RTPS within their organizations, ensuring improved procurement outcomes and fostering a culture of innovation.

Are you discouraged from talking with vendors during the competitive process? Are requirements misunderstood by vendors and your government team? Improve mission outcomes and reduce protest risk through improved communications and actions that limit assumptions and allow vendors to put their best solution forward. Listen how you can create a solicitation that supports one-on-one communications with vendors in the post-solicitation environment. Attendees will learn the regulatory foundations and come away with a playbook for overcoming stakeholder and team objections, and how to include positive solicitation language to leverage valuable one-on-one sessions.

Agencies and organizations will increasingly contract with venture capitalist and emerging technology firms who are backed by private equity. These relationships come with unfamiliar territory and communication gaps around data rights, market research, pricing models, etc. This session tackles the unique challenges and opportunities at the intersection of government requirements and emerging technology companies and underscores the impact of developments like the Office of Strategic Capital on collaborations between the U.S. government and the private sector, particularly in areas like AI and large language models. Dig into the cultural and ecosystem differences between government entities and emerging tech companies, focusing on bridging these gaps for successful partnerships.

Do you know how to successfully prepare for an audit? In this session learn the role of audit agencies, like the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), different types of audits, the overall audit process, and most critically, best practices to prepare for a successful audit outcome. Using their insights and experience, the speakers will provide an understanding of how the audit process and overall outcome could impact the opportunity to achieve a contract award or to manage post-award activities. Attendees will also be given a compliance update of the current audit landscape.

In today's contracting world, addressing mental health and well-being is essential. This session explores the increasing mental health challenges and their impact on job performance. Attendees will learn to identify stress triggers and understand stress's effects on mental and physical health. It offers strategies and best practices to cope with contracting-specific challenges, enhancing resilience and overall well-being. This proactive session, complete with psychoeducation and interactive elements, aims to foster a high-performing, mentally aware contracting community.

Acquisition.gov is drawing 3 million page views a month, up 1,400% in five years. If you aren’t using it, come find out why you might want to start. See the Acquisition Regulation Comparator (ARC) in action. Learn about how enhanced FAR data can be used by contract writing systems and how that data can be accessed. Try the tools and suggest new features.Acquisition.gov team has worked hard to accommodate this rapid growth while continuing to provide information in a way that is easy to understand, using clear language and helpful visuals to guide users through the intricacies of government procurement regulations. With 32 regulations integrated into the ARC, the platform provides acquisition professionals with a unique tool to compare up to three acquisition regulations side by side, making the process more efficient and effective. 

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Explore a simple and powerful method to transform the negotiation climate from frustrating competition to productive collaboration. Join this session to see how you can become a better negotiator by learning to build a positive, collaborative, productive relationship with your counterpart, and a better problem solver by learning to see opportunities rather than barriers when faced with a challenge. In this session we’ll share techniques you can start using today. Come prepared to enjoy real life stories and to share some of your own.

Our Tuesday Evening Networking Event will be held at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). Set amid the backdrop of the Space Needle, the MoPOP is a leading-edge non-profit Museum designed by internationally acclaimed architect Frank O. Gehry. Hop on a 5-minute monorail ride from Westlake Center at 400 Pine St. and come experience an exciting collection of exhibitions that feature rich pop culture content, unparalleled technology, and a variety of unique spaces to choose from for a truly memorable occasion.

Additional transportation to the venue, will be available with buses leaving from the Seattle Arch Building Convention Place Entrance at 6:00pm. For return, buses will run on a loop starting at 8:30pm with the last leaving at 9:45pm from the venue to hotels.

Bring your luggage and we will store it for you until you depart for the airport.

Join us for breakfast on the 6th floor.

Whatever you want out of life, you need to be more interesting to get it!

People give us promotions, propositions, and proposals. Your personal and professional goals can only be reached with the right people to assist you. In this keynote, you will learn how to attract the right people to increase your personal and professional opportunities. The core focus of this session is teaching people how to stand out in the world by thinking creatively, embracing humor, and building stronger relationships with others. (Note: This course is not about taking—interesting people give back!) 

This session is designed to entertain, educate, and inspire. You will walk away with insights and tips on how to more quickly and effectively build memorable moments and stronger relationships with others. Many people get stuck in ruts; this program encourages you to tackle your bad habits and embrace better ones so you can lead more interesting lives and inspire others to do the same.

From the very first moments, it’s clear that every aspect of this team building challenge has been designed to leverage the benefits of gamification. That translates into serious engagement plus major fun.  With Beat the Box, there are no lengthy introductions – just a short, thrilling video to catapult the players into the game. Working against the clock adds even more excitement.

Once they’ve broken out into smaller working teams, your group will tackle four different escape room-style challenges. These have to be solved in sequence, and naturally, each Beat the Box challenge raises the bar a little higher. The ultimate goal: discover a mystery slogan with the power to stop the clock.

Of course, the only path to victory is through smooth teamwork and real cooperation. This is a great program to highlight the power of combining individual skill sets to achieve the greatest possible outcome. If there’s a team out there that wouldn’t benefit from better teamwork, we haven’t met them yet.

Learn how to become a better partner with your small business colleague through an increased understanding of the small business perspective. Buyers and sellers, prime and subs will benefit from hearing about the challenges all parties face when engaging with small businesses or being a small business. Obtain real world strategies on overcoming common challenges such as negotiating contract type and achieving approved business systems. Listen as the presenters share success stories, tales of the not so successful, and words of advice. This session will facilitate candid discussions that will help break down barriers and support actions to develop successful relationships and meaningful negotiations.

It’s no secret that federal agencies and companies that recruit contracting talent are often out competed for top tier talent by the allure of well branded companies like Google or Amazon. The truth is that job seekers are increasingly looking for meaningful mission-driven work, and contracting jobs offer just that! Join this session and learn about DHS’s Acquisition Professional Career Program, which has successfully developed over 400 contracting professionals, many of which are now in senior leadership positions. The session will provide you valuable insights and tools for attracting top talent by demonstrating commitment to organizational culture and conveying the mission impactful role of the contracting professional during the recruitment process. Attendees will work together to identify ways to make meaningful culture shifts and drive mission connection in recruitment efforts and early career development. Attendees are encouraged to bring a current or recent contracting professional job announcement (government- or private-sector) and/or have ready a link to any public information designed to attract early talent to their organization. Early talent professionals in the Acquisition Professional Career Program will provide real-time feedback on the content’s strengths and weaknesses. What resonates with our leaders of tomorrow? What falls short? You are guaranteed to leave with actionable insights that will strengthen your organization’s ability to attract the next generation of talent.

Hear first-hand examples from innovative organizations who have successfully launched contracting Communities of Practice to transform the employee experience. Learn how to identify, assess, and improve the contracting employee experience and leave the session with specific solutions for driving workplace satisfaction and productivity in your organization. Attendees will understand how to design and implement a high-performing contracting Community of Practice that will provide a central space for sharing best practices, challenges, and new ideas and innovations. Attendees will also understand how to design and implement an on-line Community of Practice portal that houses critical, central contracting community resources, templates, and process guides. Participate in break-out group discussions to develop mini employee experience transformation plans for your own organization.

How does a great debrief improve your source selection? Leveraging both government and industry experience, this session will improve your understanding of the source selection process, selection criteria definition process, and market research. The speakers will address strategies to improve communication across teams and relate how thorough, multi-channel feedback enables continuous improvement of the source selection process. You will also be presented with additional ways to foster strong relationships between government and industry. This deep dive will provide an excellent opportunity to learn how to deepen relationships, communicate ways that industry offerors can improve their proposal responses and understand strengths/weaknesses, and how contracting officers actually reduce the number of protests by conducting effective debriefings.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the critical aspects of Risk, Issue, and Opportunity (RIO) management. This deep dive will provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals, processes, and practical tools and applications of managing risks, issues, and opportunities to enhance program outcomes in cost, schedule, and performance. Discover best practices in joint risk management efforts between government and industry and how RIO management integrates with pre-award and post-award activities. This session is designed for anyone involved in acquisitions seeking to enhance their understanding and application of risk, issue, and opportunity management strategies.

Explore the intricacies of pricing proposals and uncover the essential elements that shape fair and reasonable pricing in this session. Delving into the differences between commercial products and services determination, we'll unveil how these factors intricately weave into the fabric of pricing strategies, ensuring alignment with market standards and proposal requirements to maximize profitability. From assessing price reasonableness to leveraging the profound impacts of market research and competitive analysis, participants will gain invaluable insights into crafting winning proposals and best practices. Attendees will leave equipped with the best practices, gain a better understanding of how you use market research & pricing data tools to navigate the complexities of pricing proposals with confidence and precision. This will help you gain confidence in creating best value pricing responses, negotiate, and defend your pricing position.

Dive into the remarkable journey of the CISA contracting office as they share their groundbreaking approach to requirement tracking using Microsoft Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI. Learn how this team, devoid of developers or programmers, engineered a no-cost solution that transformed communication and collaboration across their acquisition organization. Discover how the low-code custom tracking system facilitates early engagement, streamlines acquisition processes, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. Gain invaluable insights into change management techniques and the iterative development process that fueled the success of this acquisition team. Join this engaging session to uncover practical strategies for leveraging low-code tools to revolutionize business processes and enhance stakeholder relationships.

Government contracting officers and their industry counterparts in the Department of Defense are responsible for more than $135 billion worth of government contract property. Properly managing and accounting for these assets is a critical precursor to achieving a successful FIAR audit for the DoD. This session will focus on current property clause requirements and mandatory tools and will provide a life-cycle review of government contract property focusing on the contracting officer's responsibilities throughout the process. The session includes some "real world" examples of property issues on government contracts and tips for how best to resolve them.

Learn the fundamentals of negotiation and explore strategies for achieving optimal outcomes in various contexts in the workplace. This session will address different negotiating styles and techniques through the use of different characters and real-time situations that are applicable in a contracting environment. Further topics that will be addressed include definition and importance of negotiation, different types of negotiations (e.g., distributive vs. integrative), and most critically, the elements of effective negotiation: preparation, communication, and flexibility. Smaller groups within the session will be formed to tackle negotiation scenarios created by the presenters.

Uncover the transformative potential of leveraging the power of people for positive process improvements in the workplace. Explore the benefits of networking, open communication, and developing partnerships to enhance daily workflow and foster a healthy work environment. Gain insights into expanding resource networks, embracing diverse perspectives, and cultivating self-awareness to drive innovation and creativity. This workshop offers practical strategies for valuing different opinions, maintaining flexibility, and improving the quality of life both professionally and personally. Led by an inspiring public speaker, this session promises to empower attendees to unlock their potential and drive meaningful change in their organizations.

Talent development should be data driven! Join this interactive session to leverage lessons learned in the development of the Army Contracting Talent Management and Career Mapping Tool to inspire similar tools to develop your own contract management workforce. Learn some of the key components of the tool that were important to its development including supervisors and employees’ assessment of the employee’s knowledge, skills, behavior. Hear from real experience on how to manage and grow talent using assessment results, data, and dashboards to drive robust career planning and decision making to close identified skill gaps. The team will also share their Interactive Procurement Game as an example of another tool built to upskill its workforce through gamification.

Strategic market intelligence, as opposed to basic market research, helps improve understanding of the market, vendor capabilities and business models, align requirements with commercial capabilities, and gain deeper knowledge about the economics of businesses. Thought this session, you will learn key principles and get practical guidance for conducting thorough market analysis. Learn how to skillfully translate market insights into precise requirements and a strategic acquisition plan. This session is crucial for anyone looking to achieve the best outcomes for their customers by grounding their decisions in informed, world-class market intelligence. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced practitioner, this deep dive will equip you with the tools to excel in the dynamic world of acquisition.

Step into the vital role of cybersecurity in procurement with this enlightening session on the upcoming Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 40. As cyber threats evolve, learn how to become a key defender of our nation's digital infrastructure. Gain crucial insights into the new FAR part, which will reshape cybersecurity contractual requirements for Federal Information Systems. This session offers a comprehensive understanding of emerging cybersecurity standards, strategies for adapting to the threat landscape, and effective tips for compliance and risk management. Through an engaging mix of presentations, and interactive group activities, you'll emerge equipped to integrate cybersecurity seamlessly into your procurement strategies, enhancing both national defense and procurement integrity. Don't miss this opportunity to transform into a cyber warrior, crucial in forging a more secure and resilient digital future.

The APEX Accelerators, formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), was authorized by Congress in 1985 to expand the number of businesses capable of participating in government contracts. APEX, the Association of Apex Accelerators is a valued partner to NCMA in our common goal to support small businesses and grow the industrial base. Did you know that APEX Accelerators provide hands-on support to help companies navigate government systems connect with agencies, navigate solicitations, network, and resolve performance issues? Whether you are a business seeking support on selling in the federal or state and local market, or an agency or prime contract buyer seeking to learn how APEX Accelerators can help you make connections with small businesses, join this session to learn hands on how to leverage APEX Accelerator resources through interactive Q&A and discussion. APEX Accelerators will also be on hand in the exhibit hall providing valuable support to businesses, one on one!

Great leaders have a consistent vision for their teams and organizations. However, leading a vision is more than having big ideas. Leaders are successful when they can define what success looks like and support team members in setting measurable performance indicators and goals to get to the desired outcomes. Join this workshop for hands on practice bridging the gap between a big vision, strategic objectives, and team performance. Getting this right is what inspire teams to align efforts and collaborate with a purpose. Bring your team vision with you to practice pulling the thread to define next-level strategic objectives for your teams.

There is no textbook answer to how careers are built and where opportunities come from. Career mapping is important, and also professionals get to the next level by leveraging relationships, putting in extra hours, leaving jobs, taking an unplanned opportunity, etc.  Join this session for a candid conversation including several perspectives on the events, people, priorities etc. that got them from point A to point B and how they recognized signs of growth to make the decisions that drive careers forward. This session will not have one right answer or formula but rely on the experiences of panelists and participants to share lessons learned and make meaning to inspire new ideas and perspectives on professional growth.   

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

Attendee-driven agenda and discussions based on the topics they propose. To reserve your spot, sign up on the board posted at the registration desk.

For those registered for the NASA SEWP training only.

Join us for an in-depth SEWP training to learn more about the many offerings that SEWP provides the Federal government, contract holders and providers. You will receive the latest information regarding products and services offered, and an in-depth web tools demonstration directly from the SEWP Program Management Office (PMO). You will also learn more about emerging federal acquisition trends, and how SEWP can help you meet your small business goals. This session is excellent for individuals unfamiliar with SEWP and those looking for a refresher.