My Reflections on Engage FedGov: AI, Automation, Acquisition, Data and Digital Transformation Event - Wed Sept 25, 2024 Moderating the panel on Business Innovation, Strategy, and Acquisition at the Engage FedGov event gave me the chance to reflect on the transformations happening in federal procurement. As a former Federal Contracting Officer Representative (COR II) and Subject Matter Expert with experience in procuring, leading, and executing contracts and programs in the Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment space such as the Risk Adjustment Suite of Systems (RASS), the Risk Adjustment Validation, Encounter Data Systems, the Encounter Data Integrity, the Encounter Data Dashboard & Analytics, Customer Support Services etc., I’ve witnessed the complexities of federal acquisitions firsthand. Yet, this week’s discussion with key government leaders revealed an ongoing shift toward greater collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose in procurement. The panel's final thought, shared by Tarrazzia Martin, really resonated with me: "Government acquisition should be a ‘love fest.’" This captured a key change in federal contracting—moving from a rigid, transactional process to one that fosters partnerships and collaboration between agencies and contractors. Several important lessons emerged for me during the discussion. Polly Hall and Mitchell Winans emphasized how Innovation Procurement Labs are helping federal agencies lower barriers to entry, making it easier for small businesses to contribute innovative solutions. Additionally, Communities of Practices are being used to foster internal collaboration and learning. Leonard Grant’s insights into the FDA’s success in surpassing small business and women-owned business targets showed how inclusivity can drive growth in federal contracting. One of the striking takeaways came from Jamala Peyton, who emphasized that while small businesses are given opportunities to thrive, they should also serve as hubs for other small businesses, creating a continuous cycle of growth and opportunity within the U.S. Commerce space. This concept of small businesses supporting each other reflects a critical shift toward sustainability and shared success. Another key lesson for me was how acquisition offices are becoming facilitators of innovation, allowing program teams to engage directly with offerors to better understand their needs and propose tailored solutions. This shift in mindset—from seeing acquisition as a barrier to viewing it as a catalyst for collaboration—has significant implications for the future of federal procurement. Thank you to Jignesh Miyani and the JOS Group LLC and the other organizations for sponsoring such an impactful event; and to Shelley's Events and OrangeSlices AI for bringing it all together so beautifully. This panel provided a valuable glimpse into the future of acquisition, one that is inclusive, innovative, and collaborative—a process and execution where we all play as "#TEAMUSA".
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🙌We are still riding high from Engage FedGov: AI, Automation, Acquisition, Data, and Digital Transformation last night! What an #epic event. 🥇We would like to thank our spectacular speakers who brought their A-game and made this event a huge success! Anita Allen | Prince Baawuah, DrPH, MPH, CSM® | Brian Erickson, PE | Leonard Grant | Polly Hall | Michael Jerabek | Tarrazzia Martin | Jignesh Miyani | Jamala Peyton | Harrison Smith | Kristin Switzer | Traci Walker | Andrea D. Wilson | Mitchell Winans | David Park | Jacqueline Manger, MBA 👏 Another round of applause for our awesome event sponsors who represented this year! You all rock! - JOS Group LLC | Softrams | DOMA Technologies | Tech2i Inc | Infotrend Inc | ExpediteInfoTech, Inc. | ICF | Cogniai | KBR, Inc. 🏆 Thank you OrangeSlices AI, David Blackburn and team for hosting this event, all your hard work and passion for highlighting this community and bringing us together. 🔊Shout out to my rockstar team at Shelley's Events for putting on a well planned, well executed, exceptional event! Amanda Schrauben | Kelly Morehead | Elizabeth Wright 🫶 Finally, Thank all of YOU who were in attendance! The connections we formed, intellect that was shared and honestly the fun that was had last night will continue to drive innovation well after today. We can’t wait to see you next time! OrangeSlices Fed Health | OrangeSlices Fed Citizen Services | OrangeSlices Fed Financial | OrangeSlices National Security | Heather Seftel-Kirk | Tara Marcoux-Tynski, CRAE #govcon #governmentcontracting #governmentcontractors #government #ai #artificialintelligence #businessdevelopment #capture #automatio #data #digitaltransformation #automation #acquisition #data #digitalTransformation #UMD
