NCMA and WorldCC Join Forces to Launch CCM Institute for Global Contract Standards
On January 9, 2025, in Reston, Virginia, the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) proudly announced the establishment of the Commerce & Contract Management (CCM) Institute. This new research institute aims to set a benchmark for contract management across diverse industries and sectors, ensuring that both purchasing and selling practices are enhanced on a global scale.
The CCM Institute was co-founded with the mission of elevating standards of commerce and contracting through extensive data-driven research, which will ultimately influence policy-making and enhance how goods and services are exchanged worldwide. By providing valuable insights and practical solutions to ongoing challenges in contract management, the institute aims to improve the standard practices within both the private and public sectors.
The vision behind the CCM Institute is straightforward yet powerful: to utilize meaningful research that informs policy and operational practices globally, thereby generating better societal outcomes. The focus is on empowering professionals in contract management by providing them with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate real-world challenges effectively. The institute strives to create commercial environments that are not only efficient and trustworthy but also inclusive and beneficial for businesses and governments.
Sally Guyer, the CEO of WorldCC, expressed her enthusiasm about the institute’s founding, stating, "We are thrilled to co-found this groundbreaking initiative. The CCM Institute will provide critical insights into commerce and contracting, helping to raise global standards. Together, we will drive positive change, building trust in business relationships, supporting social inclusion, and generating broad economic benefits."
Kraig Conrad, the CEO of NCMA, also highlighted the institute’s dedication to actionable research. He remarked, "CCM Institute is set to transform our approach to commerce and contracting. Our research will uphold rigorous academic standards while addressing real-world challenges. The insights we produce will drive better outcomes in both the public and private sectors, raising global contract management standards."
At the helm of this impactful institute will be Tim Cummins, the President of WorldCC, who is appointed as the Executive Director. Under his guidance, the CCM Institute will spearhead research initiatives that deliver actionable standards and practices. The goal is to reform global methods of exchanging goods and services, thus shaping a more efficient and fair marketplace.
The inception of the CCM Institute marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between NCMA and WorldCC, which was formalized in 2023. In addition to establishing the institute, the two organizations are also working on producing the 4th edition of the Contract Management Standard® and have successfully undertaken research to benchmark public sector contracting.
As a not-for-profit organization, CCM Institute is committed to enhancing the landscape of commerce through the establishment of higher standards in buying and selling. With its foundations deeply rooted in practical research and insights, the institute aims to influence global policy and practice in ways that will lead to improved trading outcomes across both private and public sectors.
In summary, the launch of the Commerce & Contract Management Institute is a robust step towards improving contract management practices. It embodies the collaborative spirit between NCMA and WorldCC, merging expertise from both organizations to serve the industry better and foster an environment where commerce thrives on higher standards, trust, and inclusivity. Through continuous research and development, CCM Institute aspires to enhance the way contracts are managed, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.