NCMA Awards

NCMA recognizes the outstanding efforts and extraordinary work from across the profession. Descriptions of the NCMA awards and nomination/application deadlines are listed below.

Why should you apply?

  1. Be recognized: Being nominated for an award is a brilliant way to celebrate your professional achievements. After all, great work deserves recognition!
  2. Boost your profile: Awards can also help you to stand out from the crowd when applying for future roles or looking for a promotion
  3. Celebrate with peers: Our awards are recognized during World Congress. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet fellow recipients and celebrate with your NCMA community.

Partner Awards | Application Period is Now Closed

Procurement Round Table's Elmer B. Staats Award for Bold Acquisition

Awarded by Procurement Round Table | Presented at World Congress 
The Procurement Round Table, in cooperation with the National Contract Management Association, awards one deserving professional, free admission to the NCMA World Congress annual conference, a $5,000 prize award, and a year of NCMA membership. Additional applicants will receive honorable mention and World Congress registrations. This prestigious award recognizes extraordinary contributions that boldly advance the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the federal acquisition system.
 

Professional Awards | Application Period is Now Closed

Presented at World Congress

Lifetime Achievement Award

Awarded by an NCMA review team | No submissions are accepted for the Lifetime Achievement Award.
 
In addition to the World Congress awards above, the Lifetime Achievement award winner is reviewed and selected exclusively by an NCMA awards team. As mentioned above, submissions are not accepted for this award.  This award is presented annually to a nationally renowned and distinguished NCMA member who has made a significant contribution to contract management and NCMA. It recognizes individuals with a remarkable reputation for professionalism and exceptional achievement in contract management. It is our highest award. 

 

 

Outstanding Fellow Award - NCMA Fellows Only

The Outstanding Fellow Award is the highest prestigious individual award for service to NCMA and the contracting community. This award is to recognize outstanding NCMA Fellows who have made continuous contributions to NCMA and the contract management profession, and recognize accomplishments at the Chapter and National levels. 
 

NCMA Fellow Award - Member Only Award

The NCMA Fellow Award is one of the highest and most prestigious individual awards for service to NCMA and the Contracting Community. This award recognizes NCMA members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of both the profession and the NCMA community based on a set of criteria for determination.
 
 

Advancing Professionals Award - Member & Non-Member Award

This award recognizes rising stars and top performers coming into their own as leaders in contract management and in NCMA. 

Learn More 

Best Contract Management Magazine Article Award - Member & Non-Member Award

The Best Contract Management Magazine Award recognizes the best articles published in NCMA's Contract Management magazine for the past program year. It was established in 1971 by NCMA Life Member and Fellow Norman Singer to provide an added incentive to NCMA members to submit well-written, relevant articles for publication in Contract Management Magazine based on a set criterion for determination.
 

Contract Management Education Award - Member & Non-Member Award

The future of contract management is transformed through the adoption of NCMA's ANSI-approved Contract Management Standard and Contract Management Body of Knowledge as common foundational competencies for all contracting professionals. If you are one of the many organizations that has decided to lead the way in providing a common language as the basis of hiring, training, and career development within your organization, this award is for you.
 

Contract Management Innovation Excellence Award - Member & Non-Member Award

The Contract Management Innovation Excellence Award recognizes outstanding innovations that demonstrate creativity, effectiveness, and impact.
 

Chapter Awards | Application Period has Closed

Presented at the Chapter Leader Summit during World Congress

Chapter Excellence Award

The NCMA Chapter Excellence Award honors outstanding chapters across four size categories for excellence in programming, engagement, and member impact. Chapters are evaluated on leadership, operations, communications, and member offerings, with a maximum score of 100 points.

Eligibility:
To apply, chapters must have submitted their 2024–2025 Annual Reporting by the deadline. Applications must be completed by a current member of the Chapter Executive Committee and submitted no later than January 31, 2026.
Award Package:
Winning chapters receive:
  • Two (2) complimentary registrations to World Congress 2026
  • Two (2) $500 travel stipends
  • Recognition at the Chapter Leader Summit during World Congress
Ready to apply?
Use the buttons below to access the full criteria and application.
Apply Now    View Criteria

For questions, please contact the NCMA Chapter Relations Team.

 

 

Outstanding Chapter Volunteer Award

The NCMA Outstanding Chapter Volunteer Award celebrates one exceptional chapter member who has gone above and beyond in service to their chapter and NCMA’s mission. Nominees are evaluated across eight categories including leadership, impact, collaboration, and mentorship, with a total possible score of 80 points.

Eligibility:
Nominees must be NCMA member in good standing.
  • Self-nominations require a recommendation letter from a current Chapter Board member
  • Board nominations must be submitted by a current Chapter Board member
  • NCMA staff, contractors, consultants, board members, and national committee members are not eligible
  • Past nominees may be re-nominated; past awardees may not be re-nominated for the same award
Award Package:
The selected volunteer receives:
  • One (1) complimentary registration to World Congress 2026
  • One (1) $500 travel stipend
  • Recognition at the Chapter Leader Summit during World Congress
Ready to nominate?
Use the buttons below to access the full criteria and application.
Apply Now    View Criteria

For questions, please contact the NCMA Chapter Relations Team.
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