NCMA DC is excited to announce a new webinar taking place on Thursday, February 26 at noon- Unlocking America’s Seed Fund: A Guide to SBIR, STTR, and TABA for Small Business Innovation. Tiffany Hixson and Steven Pomykalski of Baker Tilly will be our presenters. Attendance is limited to 100, so please register early!

The federal acquisition landscape is rapidly changing, driven by evolving national security demands, accelerating technological competition, and increasing pressure to adopt innovative commercial solutions. In this environment, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs, along with supplemental Technical and Business Assurance (TABA) funding, are more essential than ever. They provide a structured pathway for small businesses to develop, mature, and transition cutting‑edge technologies that the government increasingly relies on but cannot source through traditional procurement channels.

Authorization for the SBIR and STTR programs under the Small Business Act expired on September 30, 2025, and is currently under discussions for re-authorization. As agencies face shrinking R&D budgets, rising scrutiny over program performance, and mandates to engage non‑traditional vendors, this webinar will review how SBIR/STTR funding serves as a critical mechanism for injecting innovation into the federal ecosystem.

 This session will explore how:

1. SBIR/STTR remain critical sources of non‑dilutive funding for innovation

2. Agencies are increasingly focused on commercialization and transition

3. Policy changes and reauthorization debates are reshaping the landscape

4. TABA funding is becoming essential for competitive proposals and successful transition

MEET THE SPEAKERS:

Tiffany Hixson is Director at Baker Tilly. Tiffany is a distinguished federal acquisition leader with more than 35 years of experience spanning category management, program transformation, and enterprise procurement strategy. She previously served as the Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories at GSA, where she oversaw a $70B+ portfolio that included OASIS, OASIS+, MAS, HCaTS, and the GSA SmartPay programs. Throughout her career, Ms. Hixson has held key leadership roles as the federal professional services category manager and as an executive within multiple federal agencies’ acquisition organizations. Under her leadership at GSA, professional services programs achieved record growth in agency participation and advanced collaboration across GSA, OMB, and major federal agencies to streamline procurement. She is also recognized for leading the creation of major GWACs and MACs - including the OASIS+ contract vehicle - which now serves as a cornerstone of professional services acquisition across the federal government.

Steven Pomykalski is a Senior Consultant in Baker Tilly’s Government Contractor Solutions (GCS) team, where he supports federal contractors across a broad spectrum of regulatory, compliance, and pricing matters. His experience includes DFARS Business Systems Compliance, designing and analyzing indirect cost and tailored rate structures, developing complex FAR 15 proposals, pursuing and maintaining Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts, and acquisition of Tier 3, Best-in-Class (BIC) contract solutions (OASIS+, Alliant 3, NASA SEWP VI, etc.).  During his tenure at Baker Tilly, Steven has worked with clients across a diverse range of industries, including professional services, healthcare, information technology, and cybersecurity.

In an era of global disruption — pandemics, supply-chain shocks, geopolitical crises, and rapid technology change — procurement and contracting professionals must operate at speed, with flexibility, and with resilience. Whether you're supporting a federal agency, commercial enterprise, or non-profit, the ability to respond rapidly matters. NCMA DC welcomes Jacob Acosta of Amazon Business and Kateryna Bondar of the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) on Wednesday, November 19 to explore agile contracting in a world of disruption.

This event is designed for contracting officers, procurement leaders, supply-chain professionals, commercial-industry partners, and anyone who is responsible for sourcing, acquisitions or responding rapidly to changing mission needs. Learn best-practices from recent contingency operations (including Ukraine) plus how those lessons translate to everyday procurement challenges like lead-time reduction, transparency, supplier agility, and mission readiness.

Join us for an evening at Amazon HQ2, enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac, connect with contracting and procurement professionals across sectors, and unwind in a casual atmosphere.

• PARKING: Parking for this event is free at the public parking garage on Crystal Drive located next door to SolidCore and marked “PUBLIC PARKING 1770, 1550, Grocer Access.” Please follow the signage for elevator access to 1770 Crystal Drive and Amazon.

• METRO: Crystal City Station (Blue/Yellow)

• SECURITY: We must provide the full names, companies/agencies, and addresses at least two days in advance of event. Photo ID is required to enter the building.

• DRESS CODE: Come as you are - casual attire welcomed!

MEET OUR PANELISTS:

Jacob Acosta is a Senior Account Executive at Amazon Business supporting civilian federal agencies and Tribal/ANC partners, where he helps federal agencies modernize procurement through digital marketplaces and commercial best practices. Before joining Amazon, he served as Chief of the Contracting Office at the Department of Education and a Contracting Officer at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, Department of Commerce, and Census Bureau. With more than a decade of experience in federal acquisition reform and strategic sourcing, Jacob has led large-scale modernization efforts that reduced procurement lead times and increased transparency across government operations. He holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Texas at San Antonio and brings a storyteller’s perspective to reimagining how the government buys and delivers services

Please join NCMA DC and Holland & Knight on Tuesday, October 7 for a timely, FREE webinar on how contractors can best navigate the current government shutdown. Our panel, Jeremy Burkhart, Gregory Hallmark, and Angela Jimenez, will offer the latest developments in the current political situation, tips on how to deal with contract-related issues caused by the shutdown, and guidance on employment issues that may arise.

We will also cover:

• Best practices when your government contract is impacted by the shutdown

• What to do if a contract is funded, but government employees are furloughed

• Recovering shutdown-related costs through requests for equitable adjustments (REA) and claims

• Mitigating shutdown related costs

We will leave plenty of time for audience participation so attendees can ask questions and share their own experiences. Register now for this highly informative webinar!

MEET OUR PANELISTS:

Jeremy D. Burkhart is a Partner in Holland & Knight’s government contracts practice where he focuses on litigation, counseling, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), federal leasing and negotiating with the federal government. Jeremy leverages significant experience in all aspects of government contracting, his 12 years of military experience, and a vast network to solve his clients' problems. He provides counsel and representation on all government contract matters, including claims, subcontracts and teaming agreements, SBA compliance requirements and size and status protests, and suspension and debarment.

Gregory R. Hallmark is a Partner and experience litigation attorney in Holland & Knight’s government contracts practice. He is well versed in prosecuting and defending bid protests, as well as small-business protests and appeals. Gregory assists clients with requests for equitable adjustment (REAs) and contract claims, and litigates contract disputes. Other areas of practice include FAR compliance, False Claims Act (FCA) matters, subcontracts and teaming arrangements, commercial item issues, cost and pricing compliance, organizational conflicts of interest, terminations, responding to adverse performance assessments, and small business regulations.

Angela M. Jimenez is a litigation attorney in Holland & Knight's litigation and dispute resolution practice where she focuses her practice on government investigations and enforcement, compliance, white collar defense and civil litigation. She has experience representing individuals and corporations against criminal or civil actions brought on by the DOJ and qui tam relator actions brought under the civil False Claims Act (FCA). She has represented clients in investigative, regulatory and trial matters, including DOJ and Inspector General investigations, procurement fraud investigations, and internal investigations.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST. REGISTRATION CLOSED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15.

NCMA DC is excited to kick off our 2025-2026 program year with a timely, lower-priced event at a new venue. Please join us Wednesday, September 17 as Tim Cooke, President and CEO of ASI Government, will host Jon Margolick for a fireside chat about the Brave New World of Government Contracting in 2030! Jon and Tim will take us five years into the future, where LLMs and GenAI have transformed trillions of dollars in government acquisition. We'll get sporty with some live tech demos and audience participation...this is going to be an awesome event.

In order to make this program more accessible, we will be hosting the event at Amazon HQ2. Tickets are only $20 and include Chik-fil-A sandwiches and non-alcoholic beverages.

• PARKING: Parking is available at the venue; however, we are unable to guarantee parking validation. Without validation, parking costs around $20. Metro or ride share recommended.

• METRO: Crystal City Station (Blue/Yellow)

• SECURITY: We must provide the full names, companies/agencies, and addresses at least two days in advance of event. Photo ID is required to enter the building.

• DRESS CODE: Come as you are - casual attire welcomed!

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Jon Margolick is the CEO and co-founder of a stealth-stage AI start-up building tools to accelerate federal acquisitions to mission speed. He previously founded Ground Truth Design, a mission-focused innovation consultancy; served as Executive Vice President of the Truman National Security Project and Truman Center for National Policy; and led customer success at a defense tech startup.

In government, Jon was a plankowner in both the Navy’s and Marine Corps’ innovation units, where he helped launch Tech Bridges, the Centers for Adaptive Warfighting, Warfighter-Centered Design, and the “4E” approach to innovation. A Marine Corps Reserve Major and judge advocate, he has prosecuted major crimes across three continents and advised senior leaders across DoD and partner agencies.

Jon holds degrees from Stanford Law School, Columbia University, and Brown University. Off the clock, he’s a brown belt and instructor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a lifelong student of jazz, funk, leadership, and science fiction.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR:
An accomplished leader with more than 40 years of experience, Timothy (Tim) W. Cooke, PhD, has excelled as chief executive officer and president of ASI Government, an organization that helps create, guide, and implement at-scale innovations in federal acquisition. Tim has helped develop major initiatives such as performance-base acquisition, strategic sourcing, and category management. He received a Hammer Award from the Secretary of Defense for his work on acquisition reform.

In addition to his work at ASI, Tim is deeply engaged in supporting industry associations including American Council for Technology-Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC), Professional Services Council (PSC), National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and Intelligence and National Security Association (INSA).

Tim received his B.A. in Economics, summa cum laude, from George Mason University, and his M.A. and Ph. D. in political economy from The Johns Hopkins University.

WAITLIST AVAILABLE. PLEASE EMAIL NCMADC@NCMADC.ORG TO JOIN.

NCMA DC welcomes Jessica Tillipman, Associate Dean for Government Procurement Law Studies at the George Washington University Law School, as our speaker for Fellows’ Night. Join us at the Arts Club of Washington on Wednesday, June 18 for a timely discussion on the emerging integrity risks in Artificial Intelligence (AI) acquisition as shifting policies and political transitions reshape the federal procurement landscape. Tillipman will explore real-world examples and lessons learned from recent federal initiatives, offering practical insights for acquisition professionals navigating the complexities of buying AI with integrity.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE: Your ticket price includes a networking half hour, complimentary beer and wine, a buffet dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th Street).

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jessica Tillipman is the Associate Dean for Government Procurement Law Studies and Government Contracts Advisory Council Distinguished Professorial Lecturer in Government Contracts Law, Practice & Policy. She is an internationally recognized expert specializing in integrity, compliance and emerging technology issues in government procurement law.

She teaches the law school's foundational government procurement law course, Formation of Government Contracts, and Anti-Corruption & Compliance, a course that focuses on anti-corruption, ethics, and compliance issues in government procurement.

Prior to joining GW Law, Dean Tillipman served as a law clerk to the Honorable Lawrence S. Margolis of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and was an associate at Jenner & Block, where she specialized in Government Contracts and White Collar Criminal Defense.

Dean Tillipman served as Senior Editor of the “The FCPA Blog”—a leading Foreign Corrupt Practices Act resource on the internet. She has also published numerous articles that address legal and policy issues involving anti-corruption, government procurement, white-collar crime, government ethics, and artificial intelligence.

Dean Tillipman is also a Senior Advisor to the American Bar Association, International Anti-Corruption Committee, a Faculty Advisor to the Public Contract Law Journal, a member of the National Contract Management Association Board of Advisors, and an Advisory Board member of The Government Contractor. She frequently organizes and presents at domestic and international government procurement and anti-corruption conferences and colloquia, and her legal commentary has been featured in numerous domestic and international media outlets.

Dean Tillipman is a member of the bars of the United States Court of Federal Claims, the state of Virginia, and the District of Columbia. She graduated cum laude from Miami University (Oxford, OH) in 2000 and obtained her JD, with honors, from the George Washington University Law School in 2003.

NCMA DC is honored to welcome Colonel Jason M. Holman, Deputy Director of Contracting for the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO), as our speaker in May. The President recently extolled the RCO as an innovative authority to expedite acquisitions throughout the Department of Defense in the Executive Order, Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base. Join us on Wednesday, May 21 for an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Air Force group responsible for rapidly acquiring and fielding critical new weapon systems based on cutting-edge technologies.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE: Your ticket price includes a networking half hour, complimentary beer and wine, a buffet dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th Street).

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:
Colonel Jason Holman is the Deputy Director of Contracting for the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. Alongside the Director, he oversees contracting activities executing $8 billion a year for selected study, development, and fielding activities involving 40 programs tasked directly by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.  

Additionally, Col Holman is the Deputy Director of Contracting, Air Force Special Access Programs (SAP), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. Along with the Director, he is responsible for oversight and support of the Air Force SAP and Classified Contracting portfolio at Headquarters Air Force level valued at greater than $70 billion and senior level advocacy and training for over 1,000 military and civilian acquisition professionals. He serves as a senior adviser to the Service Acquisition Executive on acquisition strategy, execution and policy and procedures for classified and SAP contracting.

Prior to this assignment, he served as the Deputy Director, Defense Procurement Initiatives within the Contract Policy Directorate in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Pricing and Contracting. In this role he oversaw supply chain management and acquisition initiatives across the roughly $414B annual acquisition budget. Additionally, his efforts improved the cyber resiliency of the Joint Force to execute missions in a contested environment, enhances DoD cybersecurity, and bolsters the defense of DoD weapon systems. Colonel Holman also oversaw policies in support of technology and information sharing protections along with bolstering international cooperation across formal international cyber agreements with our allies and partners

Col Holman has a Bachelors degree in Economics, as well as Masters degrees in Public Administration, Military Art and Science, and National Security and Resource Strategy. He is the recipient of many major awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and AF Outstanding Unit Award.

Recent executive orders have dramatically changed funding and compliance rules for federal contracts and grants. Please join NCMA DC, Holland & Knight, and Aprio Advisory Group for a multifaceted and engaging hybrid event on navigating terminations of federal grants and contracts.

This event will take place Wednesday, April 30 from 9:00-10:30am Eastern. Registrants can attend in-person at the Holland & Knight conference center at 800 17th Street, NW or virtually. Refreshments will be provided at the in-person event. Thank you to Holland & Knight for generously donating the use of its conference facility for this special program!

Our panelists will cover -
++Latest developments in terminations for contractors and grant recipients, including legal rights and remedies,
++Accounting for and recovering costs related to stop work orders and terminations,
++Best practices for drafting persuasive termination settlement packages, and
++New policies and actions that might be on the horizon.

MEET THE PANELISTS:

David S. Black is a government contracts attorney, Partner, and co-chair of Holland & Knight's national Government Contracts Group. Black is a seasoned protest litigator and experienced in contract claims, responding to investigations and audits, False Claims Act (FCA) matters and prime-subcontractor disputes. He counsels on a range of contract administration and procurement issues, such as data rights, Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) matters, small business programs, domestic preferences and federal grants.

Jeremy Burkhart is an experienced government contracts attorney and Partner at Holland & Knight. He focuses his practice on litigation, counseling, M&A, and negotiating with the federal government. Burkhart provides counsel and representation on all government contract matters, including claims, subcontracts and teaming agreements, SBA compliance requirements and size and status protests, and suspension and debarment. Burkhart previously served on a presidential transition team, advising the incoming administration on federal procurement matters.

Amy L. Fuentes is a government contracts attorney and Partner at Holland & Knight. She has extensive experience in all principal aspects of government contracting and federal assistance agreements. Fuentes has substantial experience analyzing, drafting and negotiating requests for equitable adjustments (REAs) and certified claims and appeals under the Contracts Disputes Act (CDA). She has successfully helped clients in responding to terminations for convenience, cure notices, terminations for default and other performance concerns.

Eric Poppe, CPA is a Partner in the Government Contracts Compliance Practice at Aprio Advisory Group. His practice focus areas include regulatory compliance, cost accounting, indirect rates, pricing, business systems, and internal controls. Poppe helps clients develop requests for equitable adjustments (REAs), claims, and termination proposals. He also provides DCAA audit support, as well as assistance with forecasting and pricing actions.

Roza Sheffield (Moderator) is a skilled government contracts litigator and Associate at Holland & Knight's. She brings nearly 11 years of experience from her service in the Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, where she built a strong foundation in federal litigation, government procurement and national security law.

NCMA DC is pleased to welcome Jason Miller, Executive Editor of Federal News Network, as our speaker for April. Federal News Network has been at the forefront of reporting on the new Administration and the effect its priorities are having on federal agencies, public servants, and government contractors. Miller will discuss the seismic changes taking place in Washington, using his years of experience to inform the conversation. The dinner is taking place on Wednesday, April 23 at The Arts Club of Washington.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE: Your ticket price includes a networking half hour, complimentary wine, a buffet dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th Street).

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Jason Miller has been executive editor of Federal News Network since March 2008. In that role, he manages the day-to-day editorial coverage of the multi-media news organization covering the people, policies and programs of the federal government and contractor workforces. Miller also helps oversee the long-term editorial strategy for Federal News Network.

Miller also covers federal technology and acquisition issues with a focus on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the General Services Administration (GSA), and other governmentwide issues. Miller continues to host the longest-running weekly show on Federal News Network: Ask the CIO, where his guests include technology leaders from Cabinet level agencies, including the Defense Department, Homeland Security, and many others.

He has also produced several investigative news series – among them on whistleblower retaliation at the SBA, the impact of the Technology Modernization Fund, and the ever changing role of agency CIOs.

Miller has covered the federal government market since 1998, working as the editor of a small business newsletter, Set-Aside Alert, and for Government Computer News.

Miller graduated from Towson State University in Towson, Md. He is married with two children and lives in Arlington, Va.

NCMA DC is excited to announce a special, only-in-DC event for Women’s History Month taking place on Wednesday, March 26. The event will be held at the Military Women’s Memorial, located at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery. Retired two-star Rear Admiral and former Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Allie Coetzee Leslie will be our speaker. Your ticket price includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine.

There has never been a more important time to expand your professional network! This special, lower-cost event is the perfect opportunity to meet new people while learning about the more than three million women who have volunteered to serve this country since the American Revolution.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PARKING AND SECURITY: The Military Women’s Memorial is located on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). All attendees are subject to security screening before entry. Visitors must present a valid state or federal photo identification. If you are not a US citizen, you must present your valid passport or State Department-issued photo ID.

The ANC parking lot will NOT remain open late. The preferred method to reach the venue is either by Metro (blue line) or taxi/ride share. Street parking on Memorial Avenue IS NOW CLOSED as the noon deadline on Monday, March 24 has passed.

*Image Copyright - Karen Saunders Photography

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: The Honorable Althea (“Allie”) Coetzee Leslie offers an exceptional career that spans nearly four decades, combining distinguished military service and extensive civilian expertise. Allie graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1985 and retired from the Navy in 2017 as a 2-Star Rear Admiral. She received her MBA (Law) from National University, where she was awarded the American Jurisprudence Award (Criminal Law).
Allie transitioned into the Navy Reserve and the private sector in 1993. In her civilian capacity, she has worked in the public sectors, including municipal, state, and federal government agencies; and the Department of Defense. In the private sector, Allie worked in retail distribution, contracting, and medical device manufacturing; and was a small business owner.
In 2011, Allie was recalled to active duty and from then until her 2017 retirement she served in a variety of acquisition leadership positions at the Pentagon. These included Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Expeditionary Programs and Logistics Management); Executive Director, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Acquisition & Procurement); Acting Director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy; Commander, U.S. Central Command Theater Support Contracting Command; and Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L).
After serving in uniform for over 36 years, Allie was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2017 and served as Deputy Administrator in the U.S. Small Business Administration. In this capacity, she championed the causes of entrepreneurs and small business owners optimizing the SBA’s resources to start and grow small businesses. Later, leveraging a lifetime of diverse personal and professional experiences, Allie started a consulting firm to deliver strategic solutions.

ABOUT THE VENUE: The Military Women’s Memorial is a one-of-a-kind tribute to America’s Servicewomen, past and present. The Memorial features an education center, interactive exhibits, and a world-class collection of military women’s stories. Since the American Revolution, more than three million women have served this nation. All of them volunteered to serve.
As the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service, the Memorial educates and inspires through innovative and interactive exhibitions, world-class collections, and engaging programs and events for all generations. The Memorial is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

NCMA DC is excited to welcome John M. Tenaglia, Principal Director, Defense Pricing, Contracting and Acquisition Policy (DPCAP) within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), as our speaker for the Wednesday, February 19 dinner meeting. Mr. Tenaglia is responsible for the pricing, contracting, and acquisition policy matters that govern $450+ billion in annual contract obligations. As the Functional Area Leader for the DoD Contracting community, Mr. Tenaglia is responsible for leading professional career development for the 35,000+ person Contracting workforce.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE: Your ticket price includes a networking half hour, complimentary drinks, a buffet dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

John M. Tenaglia serves as the Principal Director, Defense Pricing, Contracting and Acquisition Policy (DPCAP) within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). He is responsible for the pricing, contracting, and acquisition policy matters that govern $450+ billion in annual contract obligations. As the Functional Area Leader for the DoD Contracting community, Mr. Tenaglia is responsible for leading professional career development for the 35,000+ person Contracting workforce. Mr. Tenaglia serves as the principal advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment on acquisition and procurement negotiation strategies for major weapon system acquisition programs. 

Prior to his current assignment, Mr. Tenaglia served as the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) for the Defense Health Agency (DHA) where he was responsible for the award and administration of contracts with annual obligations valued at over $13 billion. Having previously served in DPCAP under its former name, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (DPAP), from 2008 to 2017, Mr. Tenaglia last served as Deputy Director for Contract Policy and International Contracting. In that role, Mr. Tenaglia was responsible for developing and improving innovative procurement policies for the Department of Defense. 

Mr. Tenaglia was commissioned in the United States Air Force in 1988 and retired from active duty in 2008. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of South Florida, a Master of Science degree in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law.  Mr. Tenaglia has been a member of the Senior Executive Service since 2014.

NCMA DC is excited to welcome Eric Lofgren, professional staff member and Seapower and Acquisition Lead for the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), as our speaker for the Wednesday, January 15 dinner meeting. Prior to joining the SASC, Eric created Acquisition Talk, where he published more than 1,400 blogs and 160 podcast episodes. If it matters in defense acquisition, chances are Eric has written or talked about it! This promises to be an informative and dynamic event. Please note that this meeting is subject to the Chatham House Rule and anything discussed will not be for attribution.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE: Your ticket price includes a networking half hour, complimentary drinks, a buffet dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:
Eric Lofgren is a professional staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), where he serves as the staff lead on the Subcommittee on Seapower. His SASC subject areas of specialization include acquisition, Navy shipyard maintenance policy, maritime issues, Navy munitions, shipbuilding programs, test and evaluation, and unmanned surface and undersea systems.
Prior to joining the SASC, Lofgren was a Research Fellow at the Center for Government Contracting within the School of Business at George Mason University where he performed research, wrote, and lead initiatives on business, policy, regulatory, and other issues in government contracting. He also managed the Acquisition Talk blog and podcast where he spoke with leading experts in the field from 2018-2023.
Prior to joining George Mason, Lofgren was a senior analyst at Technomics, Inc., supporting the Defense Department’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office. There, he participated in dozens of major defense program cost estimates, led policy development the Contractor Cost Data Reporting system, supported economic studies such as for the Space Industrial Base, Better Buying Power, and uses of inflation and escalation.
Lofgren is an expert in cost estimation and defense contract business data. He has won five best paper awards at the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association including best paper overall. He has appeared on Government Matters and published articles in Defense News and the Federal Times.
Lofgren earned his B.A. in history and economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and his M.A. in economics from George Mason.

In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, NCMA DC is honored to welcome Dr. Michael D. Parrish of the Department of Veterans Affairs as our November speaker. Dr. Parrish is the Chief Acquisition Officer and Principal Executive Director for the VA’s Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction (OALC). The event will be held on Wednesday, November 20 at the Arts Club of Washington.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE: Your ticket price includes a networking half hour, complimentary drinks, a buffet dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Michael D. Parrish is the Chief Acquisition Officer and Principal Executive Director for the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction (OALC). In this capacity, he serves as the senior advisor to the Secretary, overseeing all acquisition activities within the Department. Dr. Parrish leads a team of 17,000 acquisition professionals, manages a procurement budget of $63 billion, and oversees approximately $100 billion in major programs. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board for VA’s Acquisition Academy, which is responsible for acquisition workforce training, professional development, and career management.

Dr. Parrish has significant senior leadership experience in military, government, corporate, and non-profit organizations. Before joining the Department of Veterans Affairs, he worked as a Professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Dr. Parrish has served as Chairman and CEO of several publicly traded companies and as founder and CEO of multiple Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses. Dr. Parrish is a retired Colonel who served on active duty and in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is a senior Army Aviator and Army Acquisition Corps Officer and served as an Air Operations Officer during Operations Desert Storm and Provide Comfort.

Dr. Parrish graduated from the United States Military Academy with a BSME in Aerospace Engineering. He holds an MS in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA with Honors from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Parrish earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Engineering Management (artificial intelligence) from Missouri University of Science & Technology. He also graduated from The Air War College and is DAWIA Level III certified in Program Management.

NCMA DC is excited to welcome Paula S. Trimble, Policy Chief and Director of Small Business Programs at the Space Development Agency for a fireside chat at our meeting on Wednesday, October 16. The Space Development Agency (SDA) is a new Department of Defense agency, founded five years ago. SDA is delivering hundreds of satellites to low Earth orbit in support of the missile warning, missile tracking, and missile defense mission area, developing and deploying new capabilities in two year “tranches” to leverage commercially available capabilities and a spiral development approach.

Paula will discuss SDA’s unique business model, and how the agency leverages special acquisition and contracting authorities to accelerate delivery of space-based capabilities for the joint warfighter. The chat will be moderated by Jim Segelstrom, CEO of McNally Industries, LLC and Chairman of the NDIA Manufacturing Division. The event will take place at the historic Arts Club of Washington.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE: Your ticket price includes a networking half hour, complimentary drinks, a buffet dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Paula Trimble is Policy Chief and Director of Small Business Programs at the Space Development Agency in the U.S. Department of Defense. She drives policy solutions to reduce barriers in the acquisition process and enable small businesses and start-ups to work more easily with the government. She formulates and leads SDA’s congressional engagement strategies in support of the defense appropriations and authorization processes, garnering significant increases to the agency’s budget to accelerate delivery of missile tracking capabilities for the nation.

Ms. Trimble started her career as a reporter at Space News and Federal Computer Week. She served in the Department of Commerce Office of Space Commercialization, helping promote the expansion of commercial markets for GPS, satellite communications, and satellite imagery. Following that, she was an industry analyst at the Office of Commercial Space Transportation in the FAA. Ms. Trimble spent more than eight years overseeing prototyping and experimentation efforts in the DoD’s Rapid Reaction Technology Office. Most recently, she was Senior Principal at Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, leading the lobbying firm’s national security practice.

Ms. Trimble is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, with a B.A. in Journalism, and minor degrees in Art History and Science, Technology, and Society. She is a member of Women in Aerospace and the U.S. Air and Space Forces Association.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR:
Jim Segelstrom is the CEO of McNally Industries LLC., and Chairman of the National Defense Industry Association (NDIA)’s Manufacturing Division. He has more than 40 years of experience in manufacturing and distribution management. His last 16 years have been spent at McNally Industries where he serves as CEO. Jim was elected Chairman of the NDIA’s Manufacturing Division in 2023.

Since 1942 McNally has focused on serving the Department of Defense and DoD Primes with capabilities including design engineering, precision machining, complex assembly, and systems integration.  Jim also has responsibility for McNally's Northern Gear Pump Division, a specialty gear pump whose markets include Oil & Gas, Chemical Processing, and Specialty Coatings.

Prior to joining McNally Jim spent 25 years managing and selling process equipment, process automation and pumping systems to the Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical, CPI, Power Generation and various fluid handling markets. Jim served these markets for both manufacturing and distribution. This blend of experience has produced a well-rounded understanding of industry and the skills and strategies needed for success.

NCMA DC kicks off its 2024-2025 program year on Wednesday, September 18 with a special fireside chat on AI in acquisition. The event will take place at the historic Arts Club of Washington. Our honored speaker is Andrea Brandon, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Budget, Finance, Grants and Acquisition within the Department of Interior (DOI). The chat will be moderated by Tim Cooke, Owner and CEO of ASI Government.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE: Your ticket price includes a networking half hour, complimentary drinks, a buffet of heavy hors d’oeuvres, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:

Andrea Brandon is the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Budget, Finance, Grants and Acquisition within the Department of Interior (DOI). As the DAS she has executive responsibility for the leadership and strategic direction of all budget, finance, financial assistance, acquisitions, property, and related business IT systems for the DOI. This portfolio comprises of more than $12 Billion in financial assistance and contract awards. She was formerly the DAS for the Office of Grants and Acquisition Policy and Accountability (OGAPA), the Senior Procurement Executive, and the Suspension and Debarment Official for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Andrea has broad experience in risk management, audits, internal controls, information technology innovation, acquisition management, grants, and financial operations in her federal career of 34 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral and Social Sciences from the University of Maryland, a Master’s in Public Administration from American University and a member of the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society; and a Master’s in Legal Studies from Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR:

Tim Cooke is the owner, President, and CEO of ASI Government, LLC. In this role, he puts his experience to work to create value for clients who leverage the marketplace to create mission essential capabilities for dozens of public sector organizations. Tim helps create, guide, and implement at-scale innovations in federal acquisition, including initiatives like performance-based acquisition, strategic sourcing, and category management. He received a Hammer Award from the Secretary of Defense for his work on acquisition reform.

Tim received his B.A. in Economics, summa cum laude, from George Mason University, and his M.A. and Ph. D. in political economy from The Johns Hopkins University. He served as an Assistant Professor of Economics at Rice University and was an Adjunct Professor at American University’s Key Executive Program for federal leaders seeking a master’s degree in public administration.

NCMA DC is pleased to announce the final course in our new CERTIFICATION BOOT CAMP SERIES starts in August 2024. The Boot Camp Series is comprised of four-week sessions dedicated to preparing for the CCMA, CFCM, CCCM, and CPCM exams. The fourth session of the series focuses on the Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) certification. More information on subsequent sessions will be available soon. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list for notifications!

The CCCM Boot Camp will be held virtually via MS Teams and led by Dr. Jayati Dasgupta, CPCM, CCCM, CFCM, CCMA. Classes will take place from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Eastern on Tuesday evenings from August 6 - August 27, 2024. Students who attend all four CCCM classes will earn 10 CLPs. The Boot Camp is $75 for NCMA members and $100 for non-members.

NCMA certifications are the gold standard for contract management excellence. Certifications are awarded to candidates who meet rigorous standards - including work experience, education, training, and knowledge. A CCCM™ certificate holder exhibits knowledge as a contract manager as it relates to the training & knowledge of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree. Non-degreed candidates with at least five years of verifiable contract management experience plus 24 college credits that align with the CMBOK competencies may request a waiver.

• Two years of work experience in contract management or related field.

• Minimum 80 hours of CPE/CLP.

NCMA DC is pleased to announce the third course in our new CERTIFICATION BOOT CAMP SERIES starts in July 2024. The Boot Camp Series is comprised of four-week sessions dedicated to preparing for the CCMA, CFCM, CCCM, and CPCM exams. The third session of the 2024 series focuses on the Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) certification.

The CPCM Boot Camp will be held virtually via MS Teams and led by Dr. Jayati Dasgupta, CPCM, CCCM, CFCM, CCMA. Classes will take place from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Eastern on Tuesday evenings from July 9 - July 30, 2024. Students who attend all four CPCM classes will earn 10 CLPs. The Boot Camp is $75 for NCMA members and $100 for non-members.

NCMA certifications are the gold standard for contract management excellence. Certifications are awarded to candidates who meet rigorous standards - including work experience, education, training, and knowledge. For professionals who have mastered the competencies in the Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK)®. NCMA's pinnacle certification is accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and based on the internationally recognized Contract Management Standard™.

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree.

• Five years of work experience in the contract management or related field.

• Minimum of 120 hours of CPE/CLP .

Please join NCMA DC on Wednesday, June 26 at the Arts Club of Washington for the final dinner meeting of the 2023-2024 Program Year. This will be a very special event - not only is it our annual Fellows Night, we will also be celebrating the Chapter’s 60th Anniversary!!! We are pleased to welcome Jason Miller, Executive Editor of Federal News Network, to moderate a fireside chat with Emily Murphy, Senior Fellow at George Mason University’s Baroni Center for Government Contracting and former Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA).

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE: Your ticket price includes a networking half hour with complementary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet meal, wine during dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS:
Jason Miller is executive editor of Federal News Network where he manages the day-to-day editorial coverage of the multi-media news organization covering the people, policies, and programs of the federal government and contractor workforces. Miller covers technology and acquisition issues with a focus on OMB, GSA, and other governmentwide issues. He has also produced several investigative news series — including on whistleblower retaliation at the SBA, the impact of the Technology Modernization Fund, and the changing role of agency CIOs.

Miller has covered the federal government market since 1998, starting as the editor of a small business newsletter, Set-Aside Alert. While at Set-Aside Alert, Miller won the 1998 Small Business Advocate of the Year – Small Business Journalist award for the Washington, D.C. region. Miller also worked at Government Computer News for seven years, starting as a reporter and moving into management as assistant managing editor for news.

Miller’s reporting has been featured in the Washington Post, on NPR, and on a host of other industry-related podcasts and publications. He contributed to several winning submissions for the Jesse H. Neal Awards, one of the longest running premier awards programs honoring business-to-business (B2B) journalism.

Miller graduated from Towson State University in Towson, Md. with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a minor in history.

Emily W. Murphy is a leading expert in government contracting and the business of government. Throughout her career, Emily has held multiple leadership roles in the federal government, including serving as Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration. Currently, she is a Senior Fellow with the Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University Business School, where she provides thought leadership and research on procurement issues. Additionally, she consults with government contractors through her company, Government Procurement Strategies, LLC.

Emily served as the GSA Administrator from 2017 to 2021, leading a workforce of more than 11,000 federal employees, and overseeing $75 billion in annual contracts. As Administrator, Emily increased GSA’s sales from $55 billion to $75 billion, increased retained earnings by $8.2 billion, and saved customer agencies $21.6 billion. She led GSA through both the longest government shutdown in history and the COVID pandemic, each of which posed substantial challenges for federal buildings, land ports of entry, and court houses. Under her leadership, GSA had the highest customer, vendor, and employee satisfaction scores in the history of the agency.

Prior to being confirmed as Administrator, Emily served as the Senior Advisor at GSA. Emily was appointed as GSA’s first Chief Acquisition Officer from 2005 to 2007. In that role, she was responsible for more than $40 billion in acquisition programs. Emily also served at the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2004 to 2005 as the Senior Advisor for Government Contracting and Business Development, and as Acting Associate Administrator for Government Contracting.

In addition to her senior roles in the Executive Branch, Emily spent nine years serving in various procurement policy and leadership roles for the House of Representatives. She served as Counsel and Professional Staff Member to the Committee on Armed Services and also held Senior Counsel and Policy Director roles for the Committee on Small Business. During her tenure with Congress, Emily drafted numerous contracting reform provisions that ultimately became law.

Emily is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and Smith College. She is a member of the Young Presidents Organization, the Economic Club of Washington DC, and the Chief Executives Organization.

NCMA DC is pleased to announce the second course in our new CERTIFICATION BOOT CAMP SERIES starts in June 2024. The Boot Camp Series is comprised of four-week sessions dedicated to preparing for the CCMA, CFCM, CCCM, and CPCM exams. The second session of the series focuses on the Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certification. More information on subsequent sessions will be available soon. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list for notifications!

The CFCM Boot Camp will be held virtually via MS Teams and led by Dr. Jayati Dasgupta. Classes will take place from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Eastern on Tuesday evenings from June 11 - July 2, 2024. Students who attend all four CFCM classes will earn 10 CLPs. The Boot Camp is $75 for NCMA members and $100 for non-members.

NCMA certifications are considered the gold standard for contract management excellence. These certifications are awarded to candidates who meet rigorous standards - including work experience, education, training, and knowledge.

The CFCM™ is ANAB-Accredited and designed to exhibit knowledge as a contract manager from the perspective of the federal environment, which is heavily focused on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). To be eligible to sit for the CFCM exam, the following are required:

• Bachelor’s Degree. Non-degreed candidates with at least five years of verifiable contract management experience plus 24 college credits that align with the CMBOK competencies may request a waiver.

• Two years of work experience in contract management or related field.

• A minimum of 80 hours of CPE/CLP (see our Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Guide  for details).

NCMA DC is honored to welcome Christine Harada (Confirmed), Senior Advisor at the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), as our speaker for May. Harada will discuss OFPP’s priorities and initiatives, such as building the acquisition workforce and innovation-friendly acquisition. The dinner will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at the historical Arts Club of Washington.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE? Your ticket price includes a networking half hour with complementary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet meal, wine during dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:

Christine Harada is a senior advisor in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP). Harada joined OFPP in July 2023 after serving as Executive Director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. As Director, Harada assisted in managing a portfolio of nearly $100 billion in large-scale infrastructure projects—most of which are renewable energy, coastal restoration, and electricity transmission projects.
Harada has more than 25 years of leadership experience in the public and private sectors. She was the Vice President for Government Affairs at Heliogen, a California-based renewable energy technology company. Harada also served as the President of i(x) investments, a company focused on impact-driven investments in critical sustainability initiatives, and was a Partner with Ridge-Lane Limited Partners, an advisory firm of experts in private sector innovation, investment capital, and government policy.
As the former Federal Chief Sustainability Officer under President Barack Obama, Harada oversaw all federal sustainability-related initiatives in energy, vehicle fleets, and acquisitions. She also served as the Acting Chief of Staff, the Associate Administrator of Government-wide Policy, and Chief Acquisition Officer at the U.S. General Services Administration.
Harada holds a master's degree in international studies from the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and an MBA in finance from the Wharton School at Penn. Additionally, she has a master's degree from Stanford University and a bachelor's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in aeronautics and astronautics. 

NCMA DC is pleased to announce the first course in our new CERTIFICATION BOOT CAMP SERIES starts in April 2024. The Boot Camp Series is comprised of four five-week sessions dedicated to preparing for the CCMA, CFCM, CCCM and CPCM exams. More information on subsequent sessions will be available soon. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list for notifications!

 The first session of the series will focus on the Certified Contract Management Associate (CCMA). The course will be held virtually via MS Teams and led by Dr. Jayati Dasgupta. Classes will take place from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Eastern on Tuesday evenings from April 30 - May 28, 2024. The Boot Camp is $50 for NCMA members and $75 for non-members.

NCMA certifications are considered the gold standard for contract management excellence. These certifications are awarded to candidates who meet rigorous standards - including work experience, education, training, and knowledge. The CCMA is an entry-level certification based on the Contract Management Standard (CMS)™ designed to assure new professionals and decision-makers that the right knowledge has been achieved to practice contract management.

The CCMA is awarded to those who meet education, training, and/or experience requirements and who demonstrate knowledge of the CMS. It is intended as a stepping stone to higher level NCMA certifications. To be eligible for the CCMA, you should have a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, at least one (1) year of work experience , and training equivalent to 40 CPE credits.

The Contract Management Standard, Third Edition is required for the Course.

For any further questions, please feel free to contact:

Dr. Jayati Dasgupta, CPCM, CFCM, CCMA, CCCM

Email: rumarchi@aol.com

COVID brought home the need to address the security of the nation's supply chain. Global conflicts, criminal and nation state actors, and more are challenging the supply chain. Congress and the Executive Branch have taken steps to address these challenges. On April 1, the FAR Council announced they would be amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to add the framework for a new FAR part (Part 40) on information security and supply chain security. NCMA DC is excited to welcome Susan Warshaw Ebner, a partner in Stinson LLP, on Wednesday, April 17 for a discussion of these supply chain challenges and steps being taken to address them.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE? Your ticket price includes a networking half hour with complementary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet meal, wine during dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Susan Warshaw Ebner is a Partner with the firm Stinson LLP where she leads its government contracts and investigations practice. She has vast experience counseling and representing large and small businesses, nonprofits and consortiums on a broad spectrum of complex and emerging issues in government contracts, grants and agreements.

In addition to private practice, Ms. Ebner has served as counsel in government and industry.  In government, she was a trial attorney in the Department of the Navy Office of the General Counsel, Litigation Office, where she represented the Navy and the Department of Defense, where she handled complex litigation and dispute resolution. She subsequently served as Special Assistant United States Attorney in Norris v. Lehman, et al. Ms. Ebner also held positions as in-house counsel for ten years, first at Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its spin-off Convergys Corp., and later NCR.

Ms. Ebner currently serves as a Director of The Procurement Round Table, a Fellow of the ABA Public Contract Law Section (PCLS), a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and Co-Chair of the National Defense Industrial Association’s (NDIA's) Cyber Legal Regulatory Policy Committee.  She previously served as Chair of the ABA PCLS, as President of the Boards of Contract Appeals Bar Association, as National President of Women in Defense, as a member of the Board of Directors of the NDIA, and past Chair, DC Bar Government Contracts & Litigation Section. Ms. Ebner also previously served as a member of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims Advisory Council.

Ms. Ebner attended Cornell University, where she earned her J.D. from Cornell Law School and B.A. from the College of Arts and Sciences.

The courts play an important role in protecting the integrity of government contracts, but no agency or contractor wants to see their procurement end up there. NCMA DC welcomes Jessica Tillipman, Associate Dean at The George Washington University Law School, to discuss what’s new in government contract case law and how those lessons learned can improve your acquisition. Please join us on Wednesday, March 20 at the Arts Club of Washington for this special dinner event.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE? Your ticket price includes a networking half hour with complementary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet meal, wine during dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:
Jessica Tillipman is the Associate Dean for Government Procurement Law Studies and Government Contracts Advisory Council Distinguished Professorial Lecturer in Government Contracts Law, Practice & Policy and an internationally recognized expert in government procurement integrity and compliance issues.

Prior to joining GW Law, Dean Tillipman served as a law clerk to the Honorable Lawrence S. Margolis of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and was an associate at Jenner & Block, where she specialized in Government Contracts and White-Collar Criminal Defense.

Dean Tillipman is a Senior Editor of the The FCPA Blog - a leading Foreign Corrupt Practices Act resource. She has published articles and book chapters that address legal and policy issues involving anti-corruption, government procurement, white-collar crime, and government ethics law. Dean Tillipman frequently presents at government procurement and anti-corruption conferences and colloquia, and her commentary has been featured in numerous media outlets.

NCMA DC is honored to welcome Charlotte Phelan, Assistant Commissioner for the GSA Office of Strategy and Innovation, as our speaker for the February dinner meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 21 at the Arts Club of Washington. This special fireside chat will cover how GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) is using transaction monitoring, like transactional feedback loops, and data analytics to improve user and customer experience in the FAS ecosystem.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE? Your ticket price includes a networking half hour with complementary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet meal, wine during dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Charlotte Phelan serves as the Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Strategy and Innovation. She directs FAS strategic business planning and is partnering across the agency to improve FAS’ data analytics, governance, and systems modernization, particularly in GSA’s efforts to support governmentwide category management.

Ms. Phelan is the executive sponsor for FAS’ Federal Marketplace strategy, an effort that brings together policy, process, and technology to improve the buying and selling experience for agencies and suppliers of products and services. This effort includes delivering a digital presence to support the improvements.

Before joining GSA, Ms. Phelan served as the Director for Naval Research and Development Establishment (NR&DE) with the Department of the Navy. In that role she worked on issues associated with the NR&DE technical workforce, technical capabilities, infrastructure, budgets, policies, authorities, and initiatives.

Ms. Phelan has a B.S. in Information Technology and an M.S. in Information Technology with a concentration in Security, Assurance, and Digital Forensics.

NCMA DC is excited to kick off 2024 with an event about re-envisioning the contracting process. Join us Wednesday, January 17 at the Arts Club of Washington as we welcome Bijan Mansoury and Shanna Webbers of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). They will discuss a novel contract clause they have recently leveraged at FDIC called a “Quick Transition Clause.” It enables FDIC to efficiently transition current work on contract without repeating the procurement process. They will also talk about overall FDIC priorities and procurement initiatives.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE? Your ticket price includes a networking half hour with complementary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet meal, wine during dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS:

Bijan Mansoury currently serves as an Assistant Director in the Acquisition Services Branch within the Division of Administration at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). He brings with him over 15 years of extensive experience in various federal government roles, including positions at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Transportation.

Prior to assuming his role at FDIC, Bijan served as the Director of Office of Acquisition Services at the Federal Railroad Administration, where he led initiatives to manage and categorize the Department of Transportation's substantial $2 billion professional services requirements.

Bijan holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specific emphasis on resource management from the University of Liverpool. Additionally, he has an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Shanna Webbers is the Deputy Director, Acquisition Services Branch within the Division of Administration at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  She is a strong proponent of innovation, seeking new and better ways to meet the changing requirements in federal acquisition.  She provides executive leadership and direction on all matters relating to the planning, direction, coordination and control of Procurement programs at the FDIC.

Prior to joining the FDIC in March 2022, Shanna was the Chief Procurement Officer at the IRS, overseeing annual obligations of $3.3B and over 440 procurement personnel.  Shanna also served as the acting Senior Procurement Executive for Treasury from October 2018 - March 2019, where she oversaw procurement operations with annual contract obligations valued at over $4.6B.  Shanna spent most of her 30-year federal career working throughout the DoD, including the Office of the Secretary Defense, Secretary of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and Defense Logistics Agency. 

Shanna is on the Board of Directors at the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from East Carolina University, a Master of Science degree from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University. 

Join NCMA DC on Wednesday, November 15 at the Arts Club of Washington for an engaging discussion on the challenges and impacts of government shutdowns and operating under a Continuing Resolution. Stan Soloway, CEO of Celero, will moderate a panel including Gordon Bitko, EVP of Policy at Information Technology Information (ITI) Council and Stephanie Kostro,  EVP for Policy, at the Professional Services Council. They will explore how both industry and the government can best prepare for potential budget interruptions.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE? Your ticket price includes a networking half hour with complementary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet meal, wine during dinner, and free parking in the Arts Club garage (located off 20th street).

ABOUT OUR PANEL:

Gordon Bitko is ITI’s Executive Vice President of Policy, leading the association’s public sector portfolio and serving as the chief policy strategist for the technology industry in the government and public sector market. Bitko joined ITI in 2019 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). During his tenure, he served as the Chief Information Officer and oversaw key FBI innovation programs. He led the re-organization of FBI Information Technology personnel and resources to a more functional and service-oriented model.

Bitko was with RAND Corporation from 2002-2007, as a policy analyst and doctoral fellow. He began his career with Motorola and two private sector startups. He has a BS in Engineering from Princeton; MS in Mechanical Engineering from University of California, Berkeley; an MBA from Arizona State University; and a PhD from the Pardee RAND Graduate School.

Stephanie Sanok Kostro is Executive Vice President for Policy at the Professional Services Council (PSC). With more than 25 years of experience in federal government and industry, she leads a strong policy team that is committed to advocating for and supporting productive collaboration between the U.S. government and government services industry. Previous positions have included Principal at a small strategic advisory firm (2015-2021), Senior Fellow and Director of the Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (2010-2015), contractor at U.S. Embassy Baghdad (2008-2009), senior Professional Staff Member and Policy Director on the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee (2005-2008), and civil servant at the Pentagon (1998-2005). Ms. Kostro holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Cornell University.

Stan Soloway is the CEO of Celero Strategies, a full-service growth and strategic consultancy focused on the federal market. Prior to founding Celero in 2016, Soloway spent 15 years as the President and CEO of the Professional Services Council. Prior to PSC, he was the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense and Director of Defense Reform and was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medals for Distinguished and Exceptional Public Service. Soloway is a member of the Defense Business Board, a fellow and Vice Chairman of the National Academy of Public Administration, and a Fellow and member of the Board of Advisors of NCMA. He is a four-time winner of the Fed100 Award, received the Consumer Electronics Show/Government Technology Leadership Award, and was the Government Computer News Technology Executive of the Year.

Join NCMA DC on Wednesday, October 25 for a very special Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused Fireside Chat with Congressman Don Beyer, representing Virginia’s 8th District.  Facilitated by Mr. Quentin McCoy, Head of Contracting Activity for the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO), the discussion will span topics ranging from Generative AI, to development of rapid AI procurement contract vehicles.

This event offers in-person and virtual options. In-person tickets include a Chick-fil-A sandwich. Adult beverages will be available for purchase. Networking starts at 4:00pm and the fireside chat begins promptly at 5:00pm. Space is LIMITED, so please register ASAP!

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS:

Congressman Don Beyer is serving his fifth term as the U.S. Representative from Virginia’s 8th District, representing Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and parts of Fairfax County. He serves on Congress' Joint Economic Committee and the House Committee on Ways and Means. 

Congressman Beyer is currently a part-time student at George Mason University pursuing a graduate degree in computer science with emphasis on machine learning.

Quentin McCoy serves as the Head of Contracting Activity for the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer.  A 2023 GOVEXEC FED 100 Awardee, Mr. McCoy also served at Head of Contracting Activity for U.S. Cyber Command and Deputy Division Chief (Contracting) for the Defense Intelligence Agency.

 Mr. McCoy earned his M.B.A. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

The NCMA DC and Bethesda Chapters are excited to join forces for a special event kicking off the 2023-2024 Program Year. Please join us on Wednesday, September 20 at the Arts Club of Washington for an evening of learning, networking, and fellowship. The reception will feature cocktails and heavy hors d’ouevres. We will also welcome Soraya Correa to discuss her new role as Executive Director of NCMA’s Contract Management Institute.

ABOUT THE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE AND OUR SPEAKER:

NCMA recently announced the reinstatement of the Contract Management Institute (CMI) with the appointment of Contract Management veteran, Soraya Correa as the new Executive Director. Soraya brings a wealth of experience and expertise to lead the CMI into a new era of excellence and innovation in contract management. 

The reinstatement of the CMI marks a significant milestone for the industry, as professionals and organizations can once again benefit from a dedicated hub of knowledge, resources, and collaboration opportunities. As the field of contract management continues to evolve and become increasingly critical in today's complex business environment, the reinvigorated CMI will serve as a vital platform for professionals to stay at the forefront of profession trends and best practices.  

Soraya's appointment as Executive Director is a testament to her outstanding leadership and achievements in contract management. As the former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chief Procurement Officer and Senior Procurement Executive, Soraya was responsible for the implementation of the unique acquisition policies, regulations, and standards of the agency.

Her work included direct oversight of all procurement operations, including over 1,500 procurement professionals providing contracting services to DHS components, organizations, and offices. The DHS procurement portfolio exceeded $25 billion per year and consisted of the acquisition of a variety of services and products, including information technology, research and development, construction, law enforcement, and professional, consulting, and advisory services.

Soraya is recognized as a transformational leader who designed several programs at DHS, including the Procurement Innovation Lab (PIL), that were adopted by other federal agencies to improve business processes and support the continued development and growth of the acquisition workforce. She has received many awards from government and industry for her accomplishments.

NCMA DC is excited to announce our 2023 Fellows’ Night will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at the Arts Club of Washington. In addition to recognizing our Fellows, we are honored to welcome Federal News Network host Tom Temin as our speaker. You probably know Tom as the long-time host of the Federal Drive. He will call on his experience in the federal market to discuss the need for good requirements, plus how the government often lacks sustainment of long-term efforts.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER: Tom Temin is a columnist and has hosted of the popular weekday Federal Drive With Tom Temin show on Federal News Network since 2006. He has been reporting on technology markets for more than 30 years. He covers a wide variety of federal topics, including information technology and policy. Before becoming a broadcaster, Tom was editorial director of Government Computer News and Washington Technology.

NCMA DC is honored to welcome Diane M. Sidebottom, Senior Policy Advisor at Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), as the speaker for the fourth event in our new Technology Acquisition Series. Diane will focus on the historical background and current application of the Department of Defense’s Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs).

According to the Defense Acquisition University (DAU), “[t]he OT authorities were created to give DoD the flexibility necessary to adopt and incorporate business practices that reflect commercial industry standards and best practices into its award instruments. When leveraged appropriately, OTs provide the Government with access to state-of-the-art technology solutions from traditional and non-traditional defense contractors, through a multitude of potential teaming arrangements tailored to the particular project and the needs of the participants.”

Please join us on Thursday, May 25 for this virtual event. The webinar will take place on Zoom from 12:15-1:00pm Eastern. Attendees are eligible for 1.0 CPE hour.