Contract Management articles from September 2005

Contract Management archives from September 2005

The new energetic faces of contract management.(LEADERSHIP FORUM)
September 1, 2005... As I sat down to write this column, I thought, where do I start to explain something particular about what NCMA has to offer? Do I write about the opportunities at the chapter and national levels to grow and develop leadership skills? Should it...

Teamwork starts at the top.(PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
September 1, 2005... "A major reason capable people fail to advance is that they don't work well with their colleagues." --Lee Iacocca, U.S. Business Executive Picture this: A manager has a reputation for high standards. She expects teamwork among her...

The NCMA certification program: the standard of excellence for contract management professionals.(National Contract Management Association )
September 1, 2005... You made a smart decision when you obtained NCMA professional certification--now protect your career investment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Your NCMA certification designation has afforded you a mark of distinction and demonstrates not...

Commercial contract management: a primer on strategic sourcing for service contracts; Effective sourcing involves using a number of complex processes that require specific abilities, but the effort is worthwhile if it results in gaining a competitive advantage for the organization.(Cover Story)
September 1, 2005... Introduction: This article is written for the newly appointed administrator or manager of contracts in the ubiquitous "commercial" environment. It is intended as an orientation tool and as way to get acquainted with one of the core contracting...

The role of contracts in the capture process: winning new and re-competing business is a team effort that depends on the communication and dedication of every person within a company--the contracts department is critical in this process.
September 1, 2005... Regardless of whether your company is large or small, a solid capture process is the foundation for winning new business and retaining your incumbent contracts. A robust capture process with active contracts department participation will help...

Every day: millions of people depend on one agency to get their work done.
September 1, 2005... Acquisition Excellence The GSA Guide to Acquiring Total Solutions Scale. We leverage the buying power of the U.S. government with companies of every size and specialization. National priorities. From supplying the front lines and...

The "QT" on quality assurance versus quality control: blurring the definition between quality assurance and quality control allows contractors unnecessary wiggle room for compliance and thus complicates the government's evaluation and enforcement of these contractual duties.
September 1, 2005... As envisioned by the government-wide performance-based contracting (PBC) movement of the 1990s, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) work hand-in-hand to ensure the contractual delivery of an excellent product to the government. Yet,...

5th annual commercial contract management conference.
September 1, 2005... October 17-18, 2005 * Renaissance Atlanta Downtown * Atlanta, GA Make the Connection: Your Customers, Suppliers, and Partners * Get up to date on the current ethical and compliance environment, * Learn how to balance risks and...

Award-term contracts: good for business? The use of award-term contracts doesn't seem to represent the best interests of the U.S. taxpayer--rather, it smacks terribly of the government acquisition environment of two decades ago that preceded the passage of the Competition in Contracting Act.
September 1, 2005... The rising number of award-term incentive-type contracts should cause concern among government acquisition professionals. Over the last six years, use of award-term contracts has expanded considerably--thanks in part to the wave of acquisition...

A case for ethical capitalism in contract management: now more than ever, it has become practical to be principled. If we want to help rebuild trust in the capitalist economic system, we must take action.
September 1, 2005... The issue of ethical capitalism and its importance is critical to building winning, self-governing cultures based firmly in trust. This article is derived from Seidman's remarks at the NCMA World Congress 2005 in Phoenix, Arizona. ...

Maximizing margin on fixed-price projects: profitable fixed-price project execution is a situational art learned over a lifetime. Here are some practical suggestions, gleaned from long (and sometimes painful) experience in the field of fixed-price contracting.
September 1, 2005... As federal and state construction budgets in the United States continue to shrink in response to tax law changes, the costs of the Iraq occupation, federal government agencies and other clients are increasingly turning away from cost...

September 2005 Audio Seminar: how to sell IT to the government without killing your commercial margins.
September 1, 2005... Register Today: www.ncmahq.org/education/audio.asp [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Registration Fee: $150.00 SPECIFIC DATE IN SEPTEMBER IS TO BE DETERMINED, WATCH FOR FUTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS ON NCMA'S WEB SITE AND IN YOUR EMAIL! Here's...

Managing contracts in turbulent times: the Contract Management Maturity Model; As the corporate contract management function increases in importance, the need for a systematic approach to assessing effectiveness and competence will become critical for an organization to maintain a competitive advantage.
September 1, 2005... In his book Managing in Turbulent Times, Peter Drucker states that in turbulent times, "you manage the fundamentals and you manage them well..." (1) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Today's contracting environmen can definitely be described as...

The basics of government contract administration.(A unique two-day workshop for Government and Contractor Professionals)
September 1, 2005... This workshop is designed to explain the legal and regulatory underpinnings of government contract administration, give you practical experience through case studies and alert you to pitfalls. Completely updated incorporating the latest...

Diversity gone wild.(CASE STUDY)
September 1, 2005... A current Naval Facilities Engineering Command solicitation is an example of diversity programs in federal procurement "gone wild." The work involves providing a fully functional fuel facility. The statement of work (SOW) includes fuel,...

E-courses.
September 1, 2005... With the support of our new on-line learning partner, VCampus, we are proud to offer you virtual courses to support the NCMA Certification Program. On-line learning is a flexible, affordable, and effective way to meet your continuing education...

NCMA corporate membership.(National Contract Management Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... NCMA corporate members enhance their industry image as premier businesses in the contract management community. Learn how your company can take advantage of our growing resources by joining our corporate members. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Leased premises renovation.(CASE COMMENTARY)
September 1, 2005... In 2000, after 25 years of occupancy, the General Services Administration (GSA) gave up the office space it had leased in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The building was new when the lease began, after which ownership had changed hands three...

EBS's ProPricer: a fast, flexible, compliant, scalable answer to winning proposals.(INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)
September 1, 2005... Your proposal team has developed an unbeatable technical solution and turned to the pricing team for a compliant, competitive cost. A last-minute modification to the RFP statement of work requires adjustments in several areas of your cost...

CM magazine 2006 editorial calendar.(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... January -- Articles Due: Oct. 1, 2005 Outsourcing and Supply Chain Management Strategic alliances, performance measurement, supplier relationships, financial risks, negotiations, best value, competition, outsourcing, cost...

House bill introduced to require VA to award small business concerns owned by veterans 9 percent of VA procurement contracts.(Legislation)
September 1, 2005... On June 28, 2005, Representative John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the "Veteran-Owned Small Business Promotion Act of 2005," to require that 9 percent of procurement contracts entered into by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) be awarded to...

DOD, GSA, and NASA issue final rule modifying requirement that contractor withhold certain payments under time-and-materials contracts.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... The Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have issued a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to remove the mandatory requirement that...

DOD, GSA, and NASA issue final rule: amend FAR to clarify basis for determining rental charges for government property use.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD, GSA, and NASA have issued a final rule amending the FAR (1) to establish as the basis for rental charges the time property is actually used for commercial purposes, rather than the time available for use; (2) to permit contractors to...

DOD, GSA, and NASA issue final rule establishing Standards for justifying ordering activities that limit consideration of schedule contractors.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD, GSA, and NASA have issued a final rule amending the FAR to clarify the procedures when an ordering activity limits consideration of schedule contractors. As previously reported, on June 18, 2004, DOD, GSA, and NASA issued a final rule...

DOD, GSA, and NASA issue interim rule revising definition of "information technology".(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD, GSA, and NASA have issued an interim rule amending FAR 2.101(b) to revise the definition of "information technology" to include "analysis" and "evaluation." The rule also revises the term "information technology" to include peripheral...

DOD, GSA, and NASA issue interim rule requiring contractors confirm subcontractor HUBZone certification.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD, GSA, and NASA have issued an interim rule amending FAR 19.703 and the clause at 52.219-9 to require contractors to confirm, by accessing the Central Contractor Registration or by contacting the Small Business Administration (SBA) that a...

DOD, GSA, and NASA propose rule amending FAR to update language re: OMB Circular A-76.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD, GSA, and NASA have proposed a rule amending the FAR to update FAR Subpart 7.3 to provide language consistent with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-76 (Revised), dated May 29, 2003. Specifically, the rule proposes to: (1)...

DOD, GSA, and NASA propose rule to amend FAR fast payment procedures.(Regulations)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... DOD, GSA, and NASA have proposed a rule amending FAR fast payment procedures to permit, but not require, fast payment when invoices and/or outer shipping containers are not properly marked "Fast Pay," provided the contract includes the "Fast...

DOD issues rule to amend DFARS, implementing Berry Amendment policy.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD has issued a final rule amending DFARS 255.70022(b) provide that the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics, and the secretaries of the military departments may make domestic nonavailability determinations...

DOD issues interim rule, amending DFARS: delegation authority to make determinations relating to business restructuring costs.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD has issued an interim rule amending DFARS to implement Section 819 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2005, which permits the director of the Defense Contract Management Agency to make a written determination of savings when...

DOD issues interim rule to amend DFARS to permit sole source award to small businesses owned by native Hawaiian organizations.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD has issued an interim rule amending DFARS to implement Section 8021 of the DOD Appropriations Act of 2004 (Pub. L. No. 108-287), which requires that small business concerns owned by native Hawaiian organizations be provided the same status...

DOD proposes rule, amending DFARS requirements for preparation of material inspection and receiving reports under DOD contracts.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD has proposed a rule amending DFARS Appendix F requirements for the preparation of DD Form 250 (Material Inspection and Receiving Report), including clarifying requirements for marking of shipments when a contractor's certificate of...

DOD proposes rule to amend DFARS requirements regarding export-controlled information & technology under DOD contracts.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD has proposed a rule amending the DFARS to address requirements for preventing unauthorized disclosure of export-controlled information and technology under DOD contracts. Specifically, this rule proposes to add DFARS Subpart 204.73...

DOD proposed rule to amend DOD FOIA regulations.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... DOD has proposed a rule amending DOD Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations to conform to the requirements of the Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1996. Specifically, DOD indicates that the rule intends to make the...

State department amends ITAR re: export and temporary import of defense articles to and from Canada and license applications for export to Australia and UK.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... The Department of State has issued a final rule amending certain providing of Part 126 of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). First, the rule amends Section 126.5 to clarify for exporters the range of defense articles, related...

Commerce issues rule revising CCL to conform to Wassenaar agreement.(Regulations)(Commerce Control List)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a final rule amending the Commerce Control List (CCL), which identifies items subject to the Department of Commerce export controls. The rule implements the Wassenaar...

OFPP proposes to amend cost Accounting Standards relating to ESOPs.(Regulations)
September 1, 2005... The Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) amending Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) 412, "Cost Accounting Standard for Composition and Measurement of Pension Cost," and CAS 415, "Accounting...

McGrenra named to cadre of outstanding fellows.(National Contract Management Association)(Joseph J. McGrenra)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... NCMA is proud to announce the most recent Outstanding Fellow Award winner: Joseph J. McGrenra, CFCM, Fellow. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding NCMA Fellows, stimulate continuous contributions...

NCMA leader recognized with 2005 Outstanding Alumni Award.(National Contract Management Association)
September 1, 2005... CM congratulates one of our members and leaders of the NCMA association, Victor Ramos, CPCM, CFCM--he recently was awarded the 2005 Outstanding Alumni Award from Strayer University, a leading post-secondary adult education institution, where he...

National Contract Management; Association 24th annual government contract management conference; Improving the procurement process: getting the bang for the buck.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... December 5-6, 2005 Sheraton Premiere Tysons Corner Vienna, VA Connect with business, legislative, and political professionals to see how innovative acquisition processes can transform into disbursement savings. Explore recent...

Pittsburgh: contracting is like a good football because ...(NCMA Chapter Profile)
September 1, 2005... A connection between NCMA and the National Football League (NFL) may not seem natural, although many contracting officers might envy the players' shoulder pads and helmets when trying to make it through a rough day at the office unharmed. ...

Charity is definitely "worth" it.(National Contract Management Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... I just wanted to share an example of what our NCMA chapter members have been doing to get involved in our community with charitable work. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The NCMA Fort Worth Chapter of NCMA has been involved in some community...

NCMA's 2005-2006 educational conference calendar.(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... Attendance at NCMA's conferences offers you: * ways to stay in touch with contemporary issues, * exposure to best practice models, * opportunities for networking with those in the same field, * career growth programs, and ...

NCMA member wins DOE Small Business Manager of the Year Award.(NCMA ASSOCIATION NEWS)
September 1, 2005... WTP Project Small Business Manager Carrie Brittain recently was named as the Department of Energy's FMC Small Business Manager of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding advocacy and commitment to the small business (SB) community....

Greater Philadelphia chapter.(CHAPTER BULLETIN BOARD)
September 1, 2005... Robert Fryling (right) thanks John Alviti (left), senior curator at the Philadelphia Franklin Institute, for his presentation and tour. In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight, this presentation included...

Los Angeles/South bay chapter.(CHAPTER BULLETIN BOARD)
September 1, 2005... Chapter President Ron Hill completed the Los Angeles Marathon--sporting his very lucky NCMA hat! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Commodity sourcing strategies: processes, best practices, and defense initiatives; This article discusses the procurement transformation within the commercial and DOD sectors, specifically as it applies to developing procurement strategies and the implementation of commodity strategies as an application of strategic sourcing.
September 1, 2005... Abstract Background This research discusses the transformation occurring in the procurement and purchasing function, specifically as it applies to developing procurement strategies and the implementation of commodity strategies as an...

The "Three Musketeers" of overhead property: Motorola, Hughes, and Raytheon cases; Whether you agree or disagree with the reasoning of these cases, one outcome is clear--government property is not a mundane or boring subject anymore.
September 1, 2005... In the realm of federal government contract law and management, especially in the legal representation of government contractors, we have many exciting issues that are frequently litigated. Such "exciting litigious issues" from a contractor's...

Review and analysis of the Acquisition System Improvement Act: if approved into law, these changes would have the potential for substantial impact on the acquisition process for defense contracting officers and program managers.
September 1, 2005... Abstract The Acquisition Systems Improvement Act (ASIA), H.R. 4228 (2004) and H.R. 2067 (2005), is proposed congressional legislation to further enhance previous governmental contract reforms. The content of this bill seeks to change or...

The evolution of contracting in Iraq March 2003-March 2005: the transformation of contracting in Iraq is a textbook case where this new organization and concept of support needs to be incorporated into joint doctrine and not lost in the trash heap of good ideas.
September 1, 2005... Introduction Contracting support, like every other aspect of Operation Iraqi Freedom's stabilization and reconstruction operations, had to evolve and adapt in order to meet the commander's intent and support a mission that was under...