August 11, 2024
Presented by NCMA
Advancing Defense Through Innovative Policy and Effective Practices
John Tenaglia, Principal Director, Defense Pricing and Contracting at the DoD discusses the ongoing efforts to enhance the DoD's acquisition process, emphasizing the need for both effective contracting practices and the integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. He highlights the importance of improving interactions between DoD contracting professionals and technology providers to acquire capabilities more quickly and efficiently. Tenaglia also addresses the challenge of balancing speed with responsible technology use and the role of policy in guiding these advancements. He notes that while the focus is on adopting new technologies, maintaining robust policies is crucial for ethical and effective implementation. Additionally, Tenaglia emphasizes the significance of continuous learning for the acquisition workforce, which is supported by initiatives like credential programs and collaboration with the Defense Acquisition University. He explains the critical role of pricing in contracting, as it directly affects the ability to deliver affordable and valuable capabilities.
Key Takeaways:
- The DoD is working to streamline the acquisition process by enhancing collaboration between contracting professionals and technology vendors, with a focus on incorporating new technologies like AI to improve efficiency.
- Policymakers play a vital role in integrating new technologies responsibly, ensuring that innovative practices are tested and proven before broader application, while maintaining ethical standards and effective policies.
- Continuous professional development is essential for the contracting workforce, with initiatives in place to provide ongoing training and credentials to ensure readiness and adaptability to new challenges.
Revitalizing Contract Management and Global Standards
Kraig Conrad, CEO at NCMA outlined several key aspects of the World Congress and its ongoing initiatives. He emphasized the event's mission to reinvigorate participants by providing engaging workshop simulations and introducing innovative content. The goal is to inspire attendees to embrace existing regulations while also exploring new ideas. He adds that a major focus of the Congress is the Better Contractor Initiative, which aims to enhance the entire acquisition process by encouraging early collaboration among all stakeholders, including program managers, contracting officers and post-award teams. Kraig also highlights the NCMA's efforts to establish a global ISO standard for contract management. The move towards an ISO standard is expected to standardize processes and improve career progression by providing clear pathways for professional development.
Key Takeaways:
- The World Congress aims to rejuvenate participants by combining practical simulations with innovative content, encouraging them to engage with regulations and explore new ideas.
- The Better Contractor Initiative seeks to improve contract management by fostering early and comprehensive collaboration among all stakeholders in the acquisition process.
- The NCMA is working towards a global ISO standard for contract management to unify practices, enhance career development, and elevate the profession on an international level.
Progressing Acquisition Policy with Emerging Technologies, Data Insights and Workforce Development
Jeff Koses, Senior Procurement Executive at GSA discussed the transition from the first to second generation of the Federal Advisory Committee focused on acquisitions policy. The first generation's success led to a decision to continue with a new focus, aiming to establish consistent policy guardrails and standardized operating practices to foster technology growth. Jeff highlighted that while there isn't a definitive end state for this initiative, the goal is to create a flexible roadmap that can adapt to ongoing innovation. Jeff also discussed the use of data in the acquisition process, particularly through the transactional data reporting initiative. This project has leveraged data to improve outcomes by revealing actionable insights, such as identifying gaps in small business participation and addressing cybersecurity threats. To support the workforce, Jeff also outlined efforts to address demographic imbalances by developing targeted talent programs. This initiative aims to attract and train younger talent and create a common curriculum to ensure consistent and effective professional development.
Key Takeaways:
- The second-generation Federal Advisory Committee aims to establish consistent policy guidelines for emerging technologies like AI, building on lessons learned from the first generation focused on sustainable acquisition.
- The transactional data reporting initiative has successfully utilized data to reduce costs, enhance small business opportunities, and address emerging cybersecurity threats.
- Efforts to support the workforce include developing targeted talent programs based on demographic data to address imbalances and build a more effective and future-ready acquisition workforce.