PSC continues to advocate for and demonstrate the value of government contracting and contractors to help the government operate more efficiently and effectively. To support that mission, PSC's five councils, led by member leaders and staff, provide member engagement channels around key customers or policy issues important to all federal contractors. Each council produces a regular update that summarizes their work, member opportunities, and upcoming events. To view the updates, click below:

Acquisition & Business Policy Council 

Civilian Agencies Council 

Defense & Intelligence Council 

Council of International Development Companies 

Technology & Innovation Council 

PSC membership provides many opportunities to receive in-depth market intelligence to assist you in making better decisions.

PSC Summary of the December 7, 2023 DHS CPO / Industry Association Touchpoint Meeting

On Dec. 7, 2023, PSC, along with other trade associations, met with DHS’s Chief Procurement Office to get an update on key agency activities, including DHS’s CWMD Office and CISA’s Software Attestation Rule. Click here to view a summary of the meeting.

 
 

PSC Comments on OMB's Draft AI Memo

On December 4, 2023, PSC provided comments on an OMB draft memo, "Advancing Governance, Innovation, and Risk Management for Agency Use of Artificial Intelligence." PSC noted AI policies will impact both federal programs and their contracting partners and offered to facilitate future engagement to deepen all stakeholders' understanding of AI's potential opportunities and limits. Based on member feedback, PSC also commented on specific questions and language related to the draft memo. Click here to access PSC's comments.

 

CODSIA Comments on Use of Fixed-Price Contracts for Certain Major Defense Acquisition Programs

Click here to access CODSIA's comments regarding DFARS Case 2023-D009, Use of Fixed-Price Contracts for Certain Major Defense Acquisition Programs.

 

PSC Provides Recommendations to Federal Executives on the Use of AI in Federal Acquisition

On November 16, 2023, PSC shared a white paper, “AI Technologies in the Federal Procurement Context: Recommendations for U.S. Contracting Officers” that reflects PSC member company input and provides recommendations on the use of AI tools in federal procurement and acquisition processes. This document is the first in a series of issue papers that PSC will share with relevant U.S. executive and legislative branch officials on potential AI roles, opportunities, and implementation challenges in the federal context. Click here to access that issue paper. If you are interested in participating in PSC’s Tech & Innovation Council or its Emerging Technologies Working Group, please reach out to Christian Larsen at Larsen@pscouncil.org.

 

Reverse Industry Presentation at FDA Digital Transformation Symposium

On December 6, PSC co-hosted a hybrid reverse industry presentation with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) for the Food and Drug Administration's (FDAs) Office of Digital Transformation (ODT) at the FDA Headquarters in White Oak. This event was held for ODT leadership as part of the FDA's multi-day Digital Transformation Symposium which had more than 2400 registrants from numerous stakeholder organizations. PSC and NCMA members discussed how industry analyzes and responds to best value procurements for complex services. The session discussed the importance of forecasts, communication and engagement during the market research phase, and common challenges and impacts from language in Sections B, C, L, and M of an RFP.  Thank you to the following companies for their participation in this event: Accenture Federal Services; Ad Hoc LLC; Customer Value Partners; HumanTouch LLC; General Dynamics Information Technology; and Tyrula LLC.  

 

 

DHS Reverse Industry Presentation on "Truth in Partnerships"

On November 29, PSC hosted a virtual reverse industry presentation on "Truth in Partnerships" for more than 130 acquisition professionals at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This industry led discussion focused on explaining the differences between teaming arrangements, including joint ventures, mentor protege joint ventures, GSA Schedule Contractor Team Agreements, and prime / sub relationships. Speakers discussed roles and responsibilities; workshare requirements; legal requirements; and risks to both government and industry. They also explained common procurement challenges with technical evaluation scorecards, terminology, sections L&M of the RFP, and acquisition timelines. We thank the following member companies for their participation in this event: Ad Hoc LLC; Aleut Federal; Arc Aspicio; ECS Federal; Red Team Consulting; and Wiley Rein. 

 

 

HHS Task Force Meeting with CMS Chief Digital Strategy Officer

A recording is available from the November 29th Health and Human Services Task Force meeting with Andrea Fletcher, the Chief Digital Strategy Officer for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Ms. Fletcher discussed her hiring efforts and plans for improving customer experience, website accessibility, identity management and verification, and digital equity at CMS. 

 

 

HHS Task Force Meeting with SAMHSA Center for Mental Health

A recording is available from the November 13 Health and Human Services Task Force meeting with Dr. Anita Everett, the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Everett discussed the future of mental health care in the US, particularly with regards to how SAMHSA is fostering evidence-based practice, supporting clinicians in the field, and helping facilitate changing care models to increase treatment accessibility for both substance and mental health disorders.

PSC provides many opportunities every month for members to engage with our activities, provide feedback or learn more about the value membership can provide them. 

January Government Affairs Committee Meeting to Present and Discuss 2024 Legislative Priorities

During our January Government Affairs committee meeting, PSC will present and discuss legislative priorities for 2024. Members are encouraged to attend this session to present ideas that can be incorporated into the priorities. This is meant to be a collaborative meeting that will set the legislative agenda for PSC for the next calendar year and participation is highly encouraged.

Jan. 5, 2024 | 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Register

 

Seeking Volunteers for FedHealth Conference Planning Committee

PSC is seeking members to join the 2024 FedHealth Conference planning committee. This year’s Conference will be held on Thursday, May 30 at the Bethesda Marriott. This year’s committee will be chaired by Katie Webb from IBM. The kick off meeting will take place on Friday, January 19^th from 1-2pm via Zoom. Committee members will help with identifying session topics and descriptions, determining keynote and panel speakers from HHS and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and helping prepare moderators. Planning committee meetings will occur once a week or every other week as needed. Please email Andrea Ostrander at ostrander@pscouncil.org if you or someone from your company would like to participate in planning or you have questions about this opportunity.

 

2023 PSC Member Satisfaction Survey 

Your feedback is invaluable to us. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the benefits of PSC membership, we invite you to participate in our Membership Satisfaction Survey. The survey takes only 10 minutes to complete and provides you an opportunity to voice your opinions, share your experiences, and suggest improvements that will help shape the future of PSC. As a special bonus for taking the time to share your thoughts, all survey participants will be entered in a drawing for a FREE ticket to the 2024 Annual Conference, valued at $1,200. Take the survey here. 

Reminder: New Member Dues Structure in 2024 

A special Membership Dues Structure Committee assessed the regular member dues structure and recommended changes to address changes in the nature of our industry and the size and breadth of our member companies, and those recommendations were unanimously approved by the Board. This change will take effect for all member dues with payment dates on or after January 1, 2024. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact membership@pscouncil.org. 

PSC Elects New Board Members and Leadership

The Professional Services Council (PSC) elected its 2024 Board Officers, along with 29 Board members for new three-year terms and 15 Executive Committee members for new one-year terms during its Board of Directors meeting on December 7, 2023. These changes take effect on January 1, 2024. Click here to view the press release.

PSC Salutes Our Veterans

PSC commemorated Veterans Day – a day to reflect with extraordinary gratitude on the service and sacrifices of those who have worn America's uniform. PSC highlighted some of the ways our member companies support our Veterans. Read more here.

 

Development Conference Recap
A record number of attendees convened at the Westin in Arlington, VA on Nov. 9 for the PSC Development Conference. View photos, media mentions, and recaps of the sessions here.

 

Vision Federal Market Forecast Released
On Nov.15, the PSC Foundation released the Vision Federal Market Forecast at the Westin in Arlington, VA. Presentations included Acquisition Trends, Customer Experience, Federal IT Management and Budget Forecast, Federal Services Outlook, Industry Outlook and Panel, and Macro-Economic and Defense Topline Forecast. Get access to all reports here.

PSC holds more than a hundred events each year. These dynamic and valuable events provide members and their government partners a forum for discussion on the key issues and government missions.