#United States #Reston #federal procurement #NCMA Nexus 2026 #Kevin Rhodes

Keynote Insights at NCMA Nexus 2026

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) is excited to announce that Dr. Kevin Rhodes, the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), will serve as a keynote speaker at NCMA Nexus 2026. With a critical role in shaping federal acquisition policies, Dr. Rhodes’ presence at the event promises to offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of federal procurement.

Dr. Rhodes, appointed by the current administration and confirmed by the Senate, oversees approximately $1 trillion in annual federal procurement expenditures. His extensive experience, including senior positions at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), private-sector leadership, and a notable 25-year tenure with the Air Force, uniquely positions him to provide a comprehensive outlook on acquisition priorities and reforms.

Important Context

His involvement comes at a pivotal time for the federal procurement ecosystem, particularly in light of recent challenges posed by a government shutdown and delayed budget reconciliation processes. These events have exacerbated pressure on federal agencies and industry partners, necessitating innovative strategies to navigate the complexities of modern procurement.

As Kraig Conrad, CEO of NCMA, emphasized, "We are honored to welcome Dr. Rhodes to Nexus 2026. His leadership and deep engagement in today's most consequential acquisition reforms make his insights especially valuable." The summit seeks to unite the acquisition community to collaboratively address and solve pressing challenges in public procurement.

Event Highlights

Under the overarching theme of "Being Different in a New Age," NCMA Nexus 2026 will deliver comprehensive training for participants, spanning the entire government-industry acquisition team spectrum. The agenda includes sessions focusing on crucial topics such as supply chain risks, cybersecurity, requirements planning, and small business engagement.

A standout feature of this year's event will be the discussions surrounding a commercially driven approach to federal acquisition, aiming to enhance the speed and agility required for effective mission execution. Participants will engage in hands-on problem-solving workshops, designed to push beyond traditional, risk-averse practices, thereby fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency in federal procurement practices.

In addition to keynote speeches, Dr. Rhodes will also present the 2025 Acquisition and Program Management Excellence Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the Federal Acquisition System.

Looking Ahead

The lineup for NCMA Nexus 2026 continues to strengthen as additional senior government and industry leaders are set to be announced in the coming weeks. Those interested in participating can register now at the NCMA official website.

This year's event not only aims to share knowledge but also to inspire collaboration across the federal procurement landscape, addressing immediate challenges while preparing for future opportunities and innovations. The gathering will serve as a vital platform for forging partnerships and shared understanding between government and industry stakeholders, ultimately enhancing procurement outcomes for public service initiatives.

The NCMA Nexus 2026 promises to be a landmark event for professionals in contract management and federal procurement, generating dialogue that shapes the future of governmental practices and policies.