News - Jan 2009 forward
The Great Lakes State Chapter is awarded the Silver Walter R. Graalman Award
The National Graalman Committee Chair reviews chapters based on several criteria and how each chapter meets the National’s outlined objectives. Then, each chapter earns a score based on the criteria met for the prior program year. Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards are presented to the winning chapters every year in January at the Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Meeting. For the Program Year 2008-09, our Chapter received the Silver Level. Thanks for your hard work!
Call for Nominations!
It’s that time once again for nominations of NCMA members who desire to serve on the Great Lakes State Chapter Board of Directors. The following positions will be open for the FY10-11 Program Year:
President Elect
The President Elect is mentored by the current President, to be prepared to take over the President position in the next Program Year. The Chapter President is the chief executive officer of the chapter and chairs all chapter meetings. He/She is responsible for administration and surveillance of all chapter activities and is accountable to the National Board of Directors. The President is responsible for the appointment, guidance, and supervision of all chapter committee chairs. He/She is charged with providing an effective organization and carries out the policies formally handed down by the National Organization. The President ensures the timely performance of all chapter activities and coordinates matters of importance with the National Vice President for the Region.
Vice President
The Chapter Vice President follows the President in the line of chapter authority, and in the absence or incapacity of the Chapter President shall automatically assume the authority, duties, and responsibilities of the President. He/She shall have authority in coordinating all committee activities, obtaining monthly activity reports from each committee chairperson, and such other authority as is delegated by the Chapter President.
Secretary
The Chapter Secretary follows the Vice President in the line of chapter authority and in the absence of the Chapter President and Vice President shall automatically assume the authority, duties, and responsibilities of the President. The Chapter Secretary maintains the official records of all chapter activities and properties, except for financial affairs. The Secretary shall originate and maintain such records as the minutes of the Executive Assembly; minutes of regular and special chapter membership meetings; reports to the NCMA Office; and a current roster of all chapter assets.
Treasurer
The Chapter Treasurer follows the Secretary in the line of chapter authority, and in the absence of the Chapter President, Vice President, and Secretary shall automatically assume the responsibilities of the President. The Chapter Treasurer is responsible to effectively manage and maintain accurate records of the chapter's finances. He/She is responsible for the chapter's bank account; receipt of all income and timely deposit thereof; payment of all accounts payable; and maintenance of all official financial records.
Trustees – 2 year and 3 year
The Chapter Trustees serve as long-term board members andfollow in chapter authority after the Treasurer and in order of seniority. Chapter Trustees are responsible for exercising fiducial oversight on behalf of Chapter Membership. Specific responsibilities are to include audit the chapter’s financial books, perform annual financial audit required by NCMA HQ, develop the chapter operating budget, oversee any investments (should there be any), and aid and assist the board in the general operation of the board.
Persons interested in these positions should send an email no later than June 1, 2010 to carol.wiles@gd-ais.com. Please include your full name and contact information (organization, phone, email and NCMA member number).
Elections will take place electronically June 7-11, 2010, with the announcement to follow.
The Officer installment will occur mid-late June 2010.
We are also looking for the following non-officer positions:
Program Chair
Plans and presents balanced and informative programs designed to assist chapter members in their professional development. This may include brief workshops, monthly meetings, or seminars and conferences.
Membership Chair
Recruits prospective members, ensures the retention of current members, and helps the chapter achieve steady and healthy growth.
Changes to NCMA Membership Structure and Rates Effective July 1, 2010
To maintain the quality and availability of our member benefits and services for our growing population, the Board of Directors has approved changes to the NCMA membership structure and a dues increase, the first in three years. Between now and July 1, current rates will remain in effect, and we encourage all members and prospective members to beat the increase and renew or join early. Renewing your membership for multiple years at the current rate, if you prefer, is a great way to lock in years of NCMA member benefits at today's rate.
Changes to NCMA membership structure and rates, effective July 1, 2010
Type |
Current Rate |
Approved Rate |
Individual |
$110 |
$125 |
Associate |
$45 |
— |
New Professional |
— |
$75 |
Retired |
$45 |
$55 |
Student |
$0 |
$25 |
Member Pro Vita |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
Initiation |
$20 |
$25 |
World Congress 2010 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
July 18-21, 2010
World Congress is about bringing together the greatest minds in the business to provide advice, best practices, and tools you can put to immediate use to help you and yourorganization deal with the issues you confront every day.This year’s event features improved educational content and an improved level of participant networking and communication, which will give you the competitive advantage to improve what is most important to you, your contracts.
Register now! (link) https://www.cteusa.com/ncma11/ or download and complete the registration form:
http://www.ncmahq.org/files/PDFs/WC10RegForm.pdf
|
On or before June 11, 2010 |
After June 11, 2010 |
One Day |
NCMA Member |
$950 |
$1,050 |
$650 |
Nonmember |
$1,075* |
$1,175* |
* You will receive a one-year complimentary NCMA membership with full conference registration payment.
Register before the advanced deadline, Friday, June 11, 2010, has the chance to sneak up on you!
Group Discount Rates: If you have a group of five or more attendees who register at the same time, you qualify for a group discount. For all inquiries pertaining to group discounts, contact Rita Rose at rrose@ncmahq.org or 571-382-1108.
Reminder that NCMA is Here to Support You, the Contracting Professional…
through several means including, magazines and journals, Webinars, E-Courses, National Educational Seminars and more. Click here for more information!
Other News
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Pamela Hill is Awarded the Arthur G. Muller Volunteer Award
Ms. Pamela Hill is being recognized by both the National and local Chapter of the NCMA for the Muller Award on January 23, 2010 at the Mid-Year Leadership meeting in Las Vegas.
This Award is intended to recognize, annually, NCMA members who have served the Association, without compensation, through their participation, contribution, and leadership in its activities.
As a volunteer, Ms. Pamela Hill demonstrated exceptional effort and dedication during the past program year by working tirelessly to support, promote, and revitalize our local Chapter. Through her efforts our Chapter has benefited from increased enthusiasm, community outreach, and alignment with national NCMA goals. Ms. Hill’s accomplishments go far beyond those expected from volunteers.
Our Chapter would like to thank Pam for her contributions to the Chapter.
Call for Interested Members for NCMA’s Board of Directors - 01/01/2010
In accordance with the NCMA National Bylaws, and Association Policy 5–12, National Elections Process, NCMA invites members to submit statements of interest for the position of board director.
D.C. considers contracting changes - 01/06/2010
D.C. officials may consider rewriting the city's contracting rules after Councilwoman Mary Cheh, D-Ward 3, proposed major changes to the process Tuesday.
DoD Requests Comments on Proposed Rule for Foreign Participation in Acquisitions in Support of Operations in Afghanistan - 01/06/2010
DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement: Waiver of the section 302(a) of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979...
Call for Papers: The W. Gregor Macfarlan Excellence in Contract Management Research and Writing Program - 01/05/2010
There is still time to submit papers for the Fourth Annual W. Gregor Macfarlan Excellence in Contract Management Research and Writing Program. Papers may be submitted for consideration in one of three categories: graduate research, professional research, and undergraduate paper writing. The deadline for submission of papers for the 2009 Macfarlan program is January 15, 2010.
Chief Acquisition Officers Council 2010 Acquisition Excellence Awards - 01/05/2010
The Chief Acquisition Officers Council is seeking nominations for the 2010 Acquisition Excellence Awards. The awards will be presented May 5, 2010 at the General Services Administration Training Conference and Expo held in Orlando, Florida. Nominations are being solicited for Federal employees engaged in teams or individual activity that led to results.
Outsourcing Luncheon Speaker at GWU Law, January 12 - 01/05/2010
On January 12, 2010, the George Washington University Law School Government Procurement Law Program is pleased to present professor Allison Stanger discussing her book One Nation Under Contract: The Outsourcing of American Power and the Future of Foreign Policy (Yale University Press 2009).
Class Deviation to the Federal Acquisition Regulation - Extension of Authority for Use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items - 01/04/2010
The Class Deviation - Extension of Authority for Use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items, DAR tracking Number: 2009-O0016
New 8(a) Partnership Agreement Between the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Department of Defense - 01/04/2010
The referenced DPAP memo, dated 29 December 2009, provides notification of a new 8(a) Partnership Agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Defense through September 30, 2012...
DoD Issues Final Rules on Technical Data and Computer Software Requirements for Major Weapon Systems - 12/31/2009
DoD is adopting as final, with a minor change, the interim rule that amended the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement Section 802(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 and DoD policy requirements.
OMB Issues Updated Guidance on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - 12/31/2009
The updated guidance included in this Memorandum incorporates lessons learned from the reporting period ending September 30, 2009 (the first reporting period under the Recovery Act) and further addresses recommendations of the Government Accountability Office in its report...
Are there contracting topics that you would like to see presented through the Great Lakes State Chapter? Please feel free to share your comments with any Board member on the Chapter Directory page. There are email links provided.
Would you like to get more involved with the Great Lakes State Chapter?
The Board is always welcoming new ideas, members, and leaders. Board meetings are open to all members and held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Click here for the Calendar of Events. If you would like to attend a meeting, or just provide some comments, please contact David Denomme, President.
NCMA Great Lakes State Chapter – 30th Anniversary Celebration
On Thursday, June 11, 2009 the NCMA Great Lake State Chapter celebrated it’s 30th Anniversary. It was held at Burton Manor in Livonia, Michigan and was attended by a broad spectrum of members. We would like to take this time to thank all members for your support to our Chapter in the past, present and future. Below are some photos from our event.
Entertainment was provided by: Scotty Gunther – Emcee, Comedian and the Co-Worker’s Challenge.
www.scottysays.com.
Photography was provided by: Dustin Francis Photography www.dustinfrancis.com.
We would like to thank all the members that joined us in June for our 30th Anniversary Celebration! Photos from this event are posted here.
NCMA Great Lakes State Chapter appoints Pamela Hill as President-Elect
Mr. Michael Jennings, who was elected as President-Elect, has decided to pursue a career out-of-state. As such, he regretfully resigned from his position. We will miss Mike and appreciate all the help he has provided to the Chapter in his role last year as Trustee. We wish him and his family the best of luck in their future endeavors.
Ms. Pamela Hill was nominated as a Trustee for this program year, and last program year was Program Chair. She has spent much time and effort in support of our Chapter these past few years. Upon Mike’s departure, she expressed her interest to take over this very important role. The Board voted unanimously to appoint Ms. Hill President-Elect at the October 13 Board meeting. We look forward to Pam’s continued support of our Chapter.
Cost Estimating and Contract Pricing Seminar was Held October 29, 2009
We would like to thank all of those who attended our sold-out NES on October 29, 2009. A special thanks goes out to our Guest Speaker, Ms. Shene¢ Commodore, CPCM. Ms. Commodore is President of Commodore Consulting, LLC and is a member of the NCMA Atlanta Chapter. www.commodoreconsulting.com.
Are there contracting topics that you would like to see presented through the Great Lakes State Chapter? Please feel free to share your comments with any Board member on the Chapter Directory page. There are email links provided.
Would you like to get more involved with the Great Lakes State Chapter?
The Board is always welcoming new ideas, members, and leaders. Board meetings are open to all members and held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Click here for the Calendar of Events. If you would like to attend a meeting, or just provide some comments, please contact David Denomme, President.
Certification Information Now Easier to Find - 09/28/2009
Information on NCMA's certification programs is now easier to locate than ever! Everything you need has been reorganized under the new "Get Certified" button on the left-hand side of the page. Whether you're looking for the basics of certification, eligibility requirements, recertification requirements, or FAQs about any aspect of the program, you can find it under this new menu item. ttp://www.ncmahq.org/GetCertified/?navItemNumber=6088
President Signs Bill Repealing Defense Personnel System - 10/30/2009
President Obama on Wednesday signed the death warrant for the Pentagon's personnel system, the same day the Government Accountability Office issued a report urging the Defense Department to better address employee concerns with pay for performance when devising a new framework.
President Signs Defense Authorization Act - 10/29/2009
President Barack Obama today signed the fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act during a ceremony at the White House. Obama hailed the act, which contains $680.2 billion in military budget authority, as transformational legislation that targets wasteful defense spending.
SBA Proposes Major Revisions to Small Business Contracting Program - 10/29/2009
The Small Business Administration on Wednesday proposed some of the most comprehensive changes to its 8(a) small and disadvantaged business contacting program in more than a decade.
Defense Firms in Probe Received $30M in Stimulus Money - 10/28/2009
The Department of Defense has awarded nearly $30 million in stimulus contracts to six companies while they were under federal criminal investigation on suspicion of fraud.
Embattled DCAA Director Reassigned - 10/28/2009
Embattled Defense Contract Audit Agency Director April Stephenson was removed from her post Monday, the Defense Department announced.
OMB Calls for 5 Percent Growth in Civilian Acquisition Workforce - 10/28/2009
Civilian agencies should increase their acquisition workforce by at least 5 percent by 2014, according to a memo the Office of Management and Budget released on Tuesday. In a second memo, OMB sought to limit the use of noncompetitive and higher-risk types of contracts.
DISA, GSA offer Details on Satellite Communications Services Contract - 10/27/2009
Satellite service providers met with government procurement officials Oct. 22 to hear details about the upcoming $5 billion, 10-year Future ComSatCom Services Acquisition, and to proffer questions and concerns about this acquisition that could become a model for others to come.
DoD Could Replace NSPS Instead of Reverting to Old Systems - 10/27/2009
The Defense Department's controversial pay-for-performance system is headed for repeal, and there are several ways the dismantling of the National Security Personnel System could proceed, say advocates and employee groups.
Group asks Administration to Measure Results of Stimulus Projects - 10/27/2009
Earlier in October, thousands of recipients of federal Recovery Act contracts reported to citizens how their money was being spent. In data published on Oct. 15 on Recovery.gov, recipients disclosed the nature of their contracts, where the work was performed and the number of jobs saved or created.
New Chapter Officers and Chairs Announced
On June 11, 2009, the following Board Members were inducted into the Great Lakes State Chapter:
NCMA Announces Contract Management E-Courses - 06/05/2009
NCMA is proud to announce its new suite of contract management e-courses. This is education at your fingertips! Contract management is an extraordinarily busy and ever-changing profession, and contract managers demand learning opportunities that are self-paced, relevant, and have 24/7 availability. NCMA is dedicated to the delivery of continuous learning opportunities supporting the contract management workforce.
Coalition Asks Court To Halt E-Verify - 09/03/2009
A coalition of business groups, led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, filed for an emergency court order Wednesday to prevent a rule from going into effect that would require federal contractors to verify the legal status of their workers.
'Buy American' -- Why Not? - 09/02/2009
Federal government purchases make up about 20% of the U.S. economy, yet the United States is almost alone among the major developed nations and China in not having a significant "buy domestic" government procurement program.
Procurement Outsourcing 'Key To Business Recovery' - 09/02/2009
Business leaders believe outsourcing procurement can play a vital role in helping firms recover from the financial crisis.
Small Businesses Make Modest Contracting Gains - 09/02/2009
According to data compiled by Eagle Eye Publishers Inc., federal spending with small business increased by more than $10 billion from fiscal 2007 to 2008.
Civilian Agency Contract Spending Continues To Climb - 09/01/2009
President Obama shook up the federal procurement community in March when he held a news conference to announce major reforms of the contracting system aimed at saving taxpayers $40 billion annually.
Crunch Time For Federal Procurement Staffs - 09/01/2009
Late August and September are typically peak season for agency procurement staffs, busy spending the remains of their budgets before the fiscal year ends Sept. 30. This year the influx of stimulus cash adds to the workload.
Many Recovery Act Contracts Fall Into High-Risk Category - 09/01/2009
More than half the Recovery Act contracts federal agencies have awarded are cost-reimbursement agreements, which the Obama administration has repeatedly described as risky and prone to abuse.
Air Force Dangles Bonuses to Keep Contracting Officers - 08/28/2009
In an effort to keep experienced contracting officers in uniform during a critical period, the Air Force recently approved funding for a sizable bonus program aimed at keeping them from leaving service for more lucrative jobs in the private sector.
Procurement Fraud Not Just for Large Contractors - 08/28/2009
While procurement fraud risks are often thought of as the domain of large federal contractors, small and mid-sized firms are at risk as well, and thanks to increased enforcement, the stakes are higher than ever.
Call for Statements – Board of Directors 2009 – 2010
In accordance with the NCMA National Bylaws, and Association Policy 5-12, National Elections Process, NCMA invites members to submit statements of interest for the position of Board Director. The NCMA Board of Directors is the volunteer governing body of the association, and consists of the officers and directors, as established by the National Bylaws. As officials of the association, Board members are responsible to the membership for the proper governance of the association. Submissions due February 27. Read more…
Acquisition Lawyers Say Mandatory Disclosure Rule Is Opaque — February 18, 2009
A mandatory contractor disclosure rule that took effect late last year
is proving difficult to decipher, according to procurement lawyers.
Defense Extends Suspension of Price Adjustments for Small Disadvantaged — February 18, 2009
The Defense Department has extended its suspension of a policy that
allowed it to adjust bid prices to give small disadvantaged businesses
a leg up in winning contracts, citing a November 2008 court ruling that
deemed the practice unconstitutional.
The Stimulus Package, The Contracting Workforce and Reinventing ... — February 18, 2009
This should be organized by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy in
OMB. We should also do a thought experiment to imagine how these
demands of the ...
Procurement Weathering The Storm, Experts Claim — February 12, 2009
Procurement professionals are ideally placed to weather the economic
downturn, despite the widespread rise in unemployment hitting other
fields, according to sector experts.
That ‘Buy American’ Provision — February 12, 2009
“Buy American” is a familiar cry in Washington, even though
the vast majority of American economists and policy makers oppose
anything that hints at protectionism. President Obama has said that
“we can’t send a protectionist message,” and the
Senate softened a buy-American provision in the stimulus bill it passed
by stipulating that any government procurement policies comply with
World Trade Organization rules. But business interests argued that the
language favoring American producers should have been removed
altogether.
Upgrading Federal Facilities Would Create Thousands of Jobs, Economist Says — February 12, 2009
Bills in both chambers would allocate several billion dollars for
facilities improvements, although the Senate version stripped $3.5
billion from such programs. The House bill provides $6 billion to the
General Services Administration alone to make federal facilities more
energy efficient, and millions more to the Defense Department and other
agencies for similar improvements.
Stimulus Haste Could Waste Billions, Experts Say — February 10, 2009
Washington - The Obama administration's economic stimulus plan could
end up wasting billions of dollars by attempting to spend money faster
than an overburdened government acquisition system can manage and
oversee it, according to documents and interviews with contracting
specialists.
US Senate To Vote On Softened 'Buy American' Plan — February 10, 2009
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate planned to vote late Wednesday
on a softened "Buy American" plan as part of its nearly $900 billion
economic stimulus bill, after President Barack Obama expressed concern
the original language could trigger a trade war.
Government Contracting Weekly Returns! — February 6, 2009
NCMA's hit radio program, Government Contracting Weekly, has moved to
our Web site in the form of a podcast. Visit our site weekly for new
installments or receive notifications of new content with our RSS feed.
Government Contracting Weekly features coverage of up-to-the-minute
news items and a plethora of fresh and innovative guests. Listen from
your computer or download the show to your MP3 player!
Commission on Wartime Contracting hears advice from special IG — February 5, 2009
The hearing -- held on Monday in the Caucus Room of the Russell Senate
Building -- featured the release of a 450-plus page report from the
special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction outlining lessons
from past projects that would benefit ongoing work in Afghanistan and
future projects. SIGIR Stuart Bowen was one of four inspectors general
and three lawmakers who testified before the panel, established in
January 2008.
Defense Outlines Change in Acquisition Strategy — February 5, 2009
NEW YORK CITY--The Defense Department plans to dramatically realign its
acquisition strategy, increasing its focus on competition, rebuilding
its procurement workforce and creating more consistent requirements for
contractors in the post-award process.
Lieberman Creates Contracting Oversight Panel — February 5, 2009
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs Committee, has created a subcommittee to
oversee federal contracting. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) will be its
chairwoman.
Membership Chair Receives Fellow Award
The Great Lakes Chapter would like to congratulate our
Chapter Membership Chair, Mr. James N. Phillips, Jr., CFCM,
for being a recipient of the Fellow Award by the NCMA Awards and Honors
Committee in November 2008.
The Fellow Award is recognition by NCMA of the achievements
by those few who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the
contract management discipline. It is the third-highest award that NCMA grants
to its members.
Jim (as we fellow members prefer to call him) has published
several documents relating to the contracts realm. For a listing of his other
publications, click here.
Supply Chain News: If Suppliers are
Struggling Financially, What Should Procurement Organizations Do? - 01/06/2009
The economic downturn continues to manifest itself in many ways, and certainly
one of them is the risk many companies will face in terms of some of their
suppliers being under significant financial pressures.
5 e-Procurement Mistakes to Avoid - 01/06/2009
It's a new year — and with it comes a new chance to avoid making last year's
mistakes. Here are some of the most common implementation blunders made in
regards to e-procurement.
Bid Protests Reach 10-year High - 01/06/2009
Federal contractors filed more bid protests at the Government Accountability
Office during fiscal 2008 than they did any other year in more than a decade,
but many of those cases were mediated by the agencies, making it unnecessary
for GAO to issue a decision.
Connecticut Strengthens "Nation's Toughest Contracting
Law" - 01/05/2009
Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell's Office said that on Jan. 1 the state has added
new provisions to the "nation's toughest contracting laws."
Many Issues Still Unaddressed by Gates - 01/05/2009
The story of Robert Gates's impact in 2008 is incomplete
without acknowledging that there are major issues he must still address.