We are the NCMA's best (or maybe worst) kept secret!
The NCMA Rio Grande Chapter is small in numbers but has a very large footprint in the Contract Management profession. As they say in boxing ... we punch well abover our weight!
Welcome to the Rio Grande Chapter - the best kept secret in the National Contract Management Association. Our award winning chapter represents the Middle Rio Grande Valley including Albuquerque, Sandia National Labs, Kirtland Air Force Base, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the National Nuclear Security Administration. Our members come from both government and industry. All are welcome at our chapter and we invite you to attend one of our Board meetings or a Chapter event listed below.
Chapter News
Chapter Newsletter
Check out this month's is the Rio Grande Chapter Newsletter compiled and edited by past National President, Treasurer, and communications Chair Gary Zura and Cynthia Jennings. While we email this to our members we will also publish a copy here for quick reference. Please send any feedback to president@ncmargc.org and I'll pass it along.
Job Opening
https://chess.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/SFCC/job/Santa-Fe-Community-College-Santa-Fe-NM/Procurement-Advisor-Albuquerque---Alamogordo_JR108085-1
HOT, HOT, HOT. Virtual Training Event May 8th
Coming March 20th courtesy of the NM APEX Accelerator. A presentation by Don Shannon of the Rio Grande Chapter siscussing the recent Executive Order 14222 and possible impacts on the NM GovCon community.
Small businesses and the prime contractors and federal buyers who work with them are navigating a rapidly evolving federal contracting landscape. From terminated and canceled contracts to the impacts of recent executive orders and memos, small businesses are facing new challenges, exploring new markets, and continuing to maintain regulatory and cybersecurity compliance. The agenda includes sessions designed to keep you up to date and prepare you for the future of federal contracting. Connecting has never been more important! This one-day virtual format makes it easier than ever to attend. Those who register will receive access to all the recorded content. The agenda includes a full slate of essential topics, and the event will also feature opportunities for 1:1 coaching with Apex Accelerators.
For our Albuquerque members NCMA RGC President Don Shannon will present Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Join this session for practical tips for establishing and maintaining baseline cyber compliance in line with FAR 52.204-21. The focus of this
session will be an overview of the steps needed for minimum level of compliance and will include a look at non-computer related requirements including visitor control, securing the premises, and user authorization policies.
Small businesses and the prime contractors and federal buyers who work with them are navigating a rapidly evolving federal contracting landscape. From terminated and canceled contracts to the impacts of recent executive orders and memos, small businesses are facing new challenges, exploring new markets, and continuing to maintain regulatory and cybersecurity compliance. The agenda includes sessions designed to keep you up to date and prepare you for the future of federal contracting. Connecting has never been more important! This one-day virtual format makes it easier than ever to attend. Those who register will receive access to all the recorded content. The agenda includes a full slate of essential topics, and the event will also feature opportunities for 1:1 coaching with Apex Accelerators.
For our Albuquerque members NCMA RGC President Don Shannon will present Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Join this session for practical tips for establishing and maintaining baseline cyber compliance in line with FAR 52.204-21. The focus of this
session will be an overview of the steps needed for minimum level of compliance and will include a look at non-computer related requirements including visitor control, securing the premises, and user authorization policies.
FAR Case 2017-016 Controlled Unclassified Information Published 1-15-25
The January 15th Federal Register includes a posting of the proposed rule for Non-Defense contractors covering Controlled Classified Information. (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/15/2024-30437/federal-acquisition-regulation-controlled-unclassified-information)
The proposed rule announces a new provision notifying offers of the need to provide protection for Controlled Unclassified Information in the resulting contract and two new clauses which will be added to 52.204.xx to add protection of CUI via implementing NIST SP 800-171 R2 for other than COTS items.
Those familiar with DFARS 252-204.7012 will find that the new FAR clauses essentially parallel that requirement. However, there is a departure currently with respect to third party verification of compliance which the Defense community covers via the CMMC requirement.
The proposed rule is out for comment at this time and interested parties or organizations are encouraged to read the proposed rule and submit comments as appropriate.
The proposed rule announces a new provision notifying offers of the need to provide protection for Controlled Unclassified Information in the resulting contract and two new clauses which will be added to 52.204.xx to add protection of CUI via implementing NIST SP 800-171 R2 for other than COTS items.
Those familiar with DFARS 252-204.7012 will find that the new FAR clauses essentially parallel that requirement. However, there is a departure currently with respect to third party verification of compliance which the Defense community covers via the CMMC requirement.
The proposed rule is out for comment at this time and interested parties or organizations are encouraged to read the proposed rule and submit comments as appropriate.
Suggestions for Event or Training
If you have suggestions for events or other activities please use the below form to contact us.
This is going to be a great year and we can't wait to share with you more details of the planned events. Keep track of upcoming events and Chapter activities here and on the chapter's web page on NCMA HQ.
This is going to be a great year and we can't wait to share with you more details of the planned events. Keep track of upcoming events and Chapter activities here and on the chapter's web page on NCMA HQ.
Certification Preparation
Sign up NOW for CPCM Certification Study Group
The NCMA Rio Grande Chapter will be hosting a 2025 Certified Professional Contract Manager study group for those interested in advancing their career by obtaining NCMA's flagship certification. Details are in the below flyer. Use the Contact Form below to register your interest.
Test your Knowledge
The NCMA Rio Grande Chapter also offers a number of study aids to our members including a free preview of what to expect on the certification exam. To try your luck simply click on the below button and you will be redirected to a site that will allow you three attempts to take and pass a very realistic simulation of the exam.
No obligation … no Junk email or mailing list enrollments … just a preview of what to expect. Try it for fun, try it for bragging rights, or use it to see where you need to study more.
Enjoy!
No obligation … no Junk email or mailing list enrollments … just a preview of what to expect. Try it for fun, try it for bragging rights, or use it to see where you need to study more.
Enjoy!
Upcoming Events
NCMA World Congress 2025
Get ready for an exciting and impactful World Congress! Our agenda is packed with insightful keynotes, engaging breakout sessions, and valuable networking opportunities designed to fuel your professional growth. Explore the full schedule to plan your experience and make the most of every moment. Click the button below to view the agenda!
Early Bird Deadline: May 31, 2025
Hotel Reservations Deadline: June 13, 2025
Final Presentations Due: June 13, 2025
Registration Cancellation Deadline: June 27, 2025
Early Bird Deadline: May 31, 2025
Hotel Reservations Deadline: June 13, 2025
Final Presentations Due: June 13, 2025
Registration Cancellation Deadline: June 27, 2025
Chapter Elections Coming!
Election of Chapter Officers for the 2025 - 2026 Program Year is approaching!
If you would like to test your individual leadership skills please 'toss your hat in the ring'
Elected Officers:
President - 1 or 2 year term
Vice President - Generally 1 year then step up to President the following year
Treasurer
Secretary
Other positions are available as appointed members of committees including Programs, Communications, Certifications, etc.
If you are interested please email president@ncmargc.org to indicate your interest.
If you would like to test your individual leadership skills please 'toss your hat in the ring'
Elected Officers:
President - 1 or 2 year term
Vice President - Generally 1 year then step up to President the following year
Treasurer
Secretary
Other positions are available as appointed members of committees including Programs, Communications, Certifications, etc.
If you are interested please email president@ncmargc.org to indicate your interest.
Board Meetings
Our monthly meetings are scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30. These meetings will be hybrid meetings as Board Members can elect to join via Zoom or in-person. The monthly Zoom information was setup for recurring meetings so the Zoom information provided below will be consistent for this program year.
In-person meetings at Verus Research, which is located at 6100 Uptown Blvd NE, Albuquerque - 7th floor.
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16April
Rio Grande Chapter Board Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Chapter Board - open to Bpard members.and guestslocation_on Albuquerque, NM access_time 5:30 PM - 7:00 PMNCMA Rio Grande Chapter Meeting
Scheduled: Apr 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, MDT
Location: 6100 Uptown Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110;https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82745729359?pwd=3PTxocBLWbt9Uwy0n5RxXYlpAjH6iV.1
p>──────────
Donald Shannon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82745729359?pwd=3PTxocBLWbt9Uwy0n5RxXYlpAjH6iV.1
Meeting ID: 827 4572 9359
Passcode: 026564
---
One tap mobile
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+12532050468,,82745729359#,,,,*026564# US
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Dial by your location
• +1 719 359 4580 US
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Meeting ID: 827 4572 9359
Passcode: 026564
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kmFxFzN07
────────── -
21May
Rio Grande Chapter Board Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Chapter Board - open to Bpard members.and guestslocation_on Albuquerque, NM access_time 5:30 PM - 7:00 PMDonald Shannon's Zoom Meeting
Scheduled: Apr 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, MDT
Location: 6100 Uptown Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110;https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82745729359?pwd=3PTxocBLWbt9Uwy0n5RxXYlpAjH6iV.1──────────
Donald Shannon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82745729359?pwd=3PTxocBLWbt9Uwy0n5RxXYlpAjH6iV.1
Meeting ID: 827 4572 9359
Passcode: 026564
---
One tap mobile
+17193594580,,82745729359#,,,,*026564# US
+12532050468,,82745729359#,,,,*026564# US
---
Dial by your location
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 827 4572 9359
Passcode: 026564
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kmFxFzN07
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