Dear Members: A Year of Growth With More Opportunities Ahead

As we prepare for a new NCMA program year, I reflect on the past year and could not be prouder. Buoyed by the tremendous success of the 2023 World Congress in Nashville and guided by the clear objectives set forth in the strategic plan, I entered the program year with optimism and determination. 

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the NCMA staff and the dedicated Board of Directors for their unwavering support. Thanks to them and to all of you, our committed members, NCMA stands poised to continue our journey with vigor and enthusiasm. But, before we talk about where we are going, let’s recap the achievements of the past year. 

CMS Adoption and Expansion

Over the past year, the NCMA Common Language Initiative has welcomed nine new adopters – including two major prime contractors – that have committed to integrating our Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) and Contract Management Body of Knowledge® (CMBOK®) into their hiring and training frameworks. That brings the total number of adopters to 13.

  Common language provides the foundation for effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Organizations and educators can use the CMS and CMBOK as the basis of their words, processes, and common practices and then expand to reflect what is unique for their organization. As we move forward, stay tuned for updates as more higher education and industry adopters join their peers and make a commitment to these standards and the advancement of the contracting profession.

Launch of NEXUS

We officially kicked off NCMA’s newest event, NEXUS. It was a brand-new forum that opened the doors for other practice areas to join contract professionals at an NCMA event. We saw a need to engage with related acquisition communities, and to have multi-disciplinary teams on both sides of the table – the buyer and the seller – to prompt better outcomes. The event was a resounding success; we hope you decide to join us for the 2025 NEXUS event, February 9-12 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California.

WorldCC Collaboration

Last October, NCMA joined forces with World Commerce and Contracting (WorldCC) to globally elevate the profession. This groundbreaking partnership has been working towards increasing the accessibility and impact of the CMS on a global scale. In addition to the CMS, this partnership continues to provide a wealth of resources that are invaluable to professionals in the field, including a research collaboration.

Launch of the Contract Management Institute

The NCMA Contract Management Institute (CMI) was launched, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the profession. The CMI governance board was established, bringing together experts to guide its direction. Research initiatives have already commenced, signaling a commitment to advancing knowledge and standards in contract management.

The Plan to Broaden

As we step into the next program year, embracing our “Broaden” theme under the leadership of Chair-Elect Heather Gerczak, I eagerly anticipate witnessing the association’s expansion of our offerings and outreach. Initiatives such as the Executive Leaders Program (ELP) and NEXUS mark just the beginning. With plans to delve deeper into the intersections of contract management with other professions, there’s a wealth of opportunities ahead. 

I invite you to continue the journey with us. CM