Washington, D.C. Pilot Program Yields Positive Results

Ashburn, VA – The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) have created a unique, collaborative program designed to improve the competence and capabilities of state public procurement workforce. This program, already in pilot phase, brings together two organizations dedicated to supporting contract and procurement professionals.

The Contract Management Organizational Capability (CMOC) program explores the Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) and the Contract Management Body of Knowledge® (CMBOK®) through the flow of the CMBOK Competency System. The CMOC is comprised of the following content:

1. Foundational Knowledge: The competencies of NCMA’s CMBOK®  will serve as the foundation of the program.
2. Added Value Knowledge: The content of NASPO’s State and Local Government Procurement: A Practical Guide will provide best practices in Public Procurement and establish a link from the CMBOK competencies to State procurement rules and regulations.
3. Targeted Knowledge: The State’s procurment rules and regulations will be discussed with emphasis on areas deemed important by the State.

“Leading contract management practice is a direct result of one’s ability to apply leadership, management, and technical competencies as a single, integrated process,” said Kraig Conrad, NCMA CEO. “The launch of the CMOC program instructs the interactive relationships of the CMS and CMBOK domains, competencies, and job tasks, which are independently and jointly performed by buyers and sellers.”

Beginning in February, NASPO ran a pilot of the CMOC program with the Washington, D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement. Through eight weeks of an instructor-led course, paired with online materials, discussion board interaction, assessments, and a final exam, students were eligible to receive 45 CPEs and a certificate of completion. Of the 22 students enrolled in the D.C. pilot program, 100% passed the final exam with an average score of 84% (with a minimum passing score of 70%).

“The CMOC program offers a new option for state procurement offices seeking to establish training programs for contract management staff,” said Lindle Hatton, NASPO CEO. “We are proud to be a part of the CMOC creation, and we are excited to continue the rollout to the state procurement offices that NASPO represents. Participants that have completed the CMOC program can be proud of their accomplishments.”

George Schutter, Chief Procurement Officer for the Washington, D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement added, “The District of Columbia Government Office for Contracting and Procurement was honored to serve as the pilot site for the CMOC program. Maintaining public trust is one of our top priorities, and the elements of the certificate program speak directly to that by focusing on recognized standards of competent service. Include District-specific regulations in our course means that our contracting and procurement staff receive customized training that meets their obligations to District citizens.”

For more information about the Contract Management Organizational Capability (CMOC) program, reach out to NCMA.

 

About NCMA: Founded in 1959, NCMA is the world’s leading professional resource for those in the field of contract management. The organization, which as over 18,000 members, is dedicated to the professional growth and educational advancement of procurement and acquisition personnel worldwide. NCMA strives to serve and inform the profession it represents and to offer opportunities for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. For more information on the association, please visit www.ncmahq.org.

Contact: Jennifer Knowlton, Senior Director, Marketing & Engagement, NCMA.

About NASPO: NASPO was established in 1947 and is dedicated to advancing Public Procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as Public Procurement leaders through promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.

Contact: Kelly McKown King, Director of Communication & Creative Services, NASPO.