Dr. Kevin Rhodes Joins NCMA Nexus 2026 to Share Insights on Transforming Federal Procurement

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) is thrilled to announce that Dr. Kevin Rhodes, Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), will deliver a keynote address at NCMA Nexus 2026. As one of the most influential voices in federal acquisition today, Dr. Rhodes is at the forefront of transformative initiatives, including the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul and modernization of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). His participation promises attendees an unparalleled perspective on the policy shifts shaping the next decade of federal procurement.

A Leader Driving Change

Appointed by the current administration and confirmed by the Senate, Dr. Rhodes oversees nearly $1 trillion in annual federal procurement. His distinguished career spans senior roles at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), leadership in the private sector, and 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. This depth of experience positions him to offer a comprehensive, forward-looking view of acquisition priorities during a time of significant governmentwide transformation. His presence underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening the acquisition workforce and fostering collaboration between government and industry to achieve mission success.

Why His Insights Matter

Kraig Conrad, CEO of NCMA, shared, “We are honored to welcome Dr. Rhodes to Nexus 2026. His leadership and deep engagement in today’s most consequential acquisition reforms make his insights especially valuable. Nexus is where the acquisition community comes together to tackle real challenges, and having someone at the center of federal procurement policy join us reinforces the importance of the conversations happening at this event.”

Nexus 2026: A Pivotal Moment

This year’s Nexus arrives amid heightened pressures on the acquisition ecosystem. The recent federal government shutdown and delays in budget reconciliation have compressed timelines and strained budgets. Nexus provides a collaborative environment for buyers and sellers to explore strategies for improving acquisition outcomes through efficiency, accountability, and shared understanding.

Under the theme “Being Different in a New Age,” Nexus 2026 offers training for the complete government–industry acquisition team. Sessions combine foundational knowledge with hands-on problem solving, challenging entrenched, risk-averse habits and equipping teams to work with the speed and agility today’s missions demand.

Program highlights include:

• Supply Chain Risk Management
• Requirements Planning
• Cybersecurity
• AI and Intellectual Property
• Small Business Engagement
• And more…

Participants will also explore how a more commercially driven approach could accelerate innovation while maintaining compliance.

Special Recognition

While at Nexus, Dr. Rhodes will present the 2025 Acquisition and Program Management Excellence Awards, the Chief Acquisition Officers Council’s annual recognition of standout contributions to the Federal Acquisition System.

Additional senior government and industry leaders will be announced soon, further strengthening the Nexus 2026 lineup. View the agenda preview here.