What is the Better Contracting Initiative?

The Better Contracting Initiative is aimed at improving early-stage collaboration among acquisition teams in government agencies to drive better procurement outcomes. It focuses on the use of standardized terminology to ensure more effective communication and streamlined processes.

How can AI and digital transformation benefit government procurement?

AI and digital transformation technologies can reduce compliance burdens and allow contract managers to focus on strategic goals. These technologies help in processing contract data efficiently, offering insights that lead to more agile and outcome-driven contract processes.

Who is Kraig Conrad and what is his role at NCMA?

Kraig Conrad is the CEO of the National Contract Management Association. He leads initiatives to elevate the profession through education and standards development, and has overseen the expansion of NCMA's community as well as the adoption of ANSI-accredited standards.

Common Language, Better Contracts: NCMA’s M...

Common Language, Better Contracts: NCMA’s Mission to Modernize Government Procurement

The NCMA is working to modernize government procurement by using standardized terminology in federal contracting. This effort aims to unlock savings and reduce procurement delays, ultimately making the process more efficient. Bernadette Bulacan discusses this initiative with Kraig Conrad, emphasizing AI and digital transformation as key elements.

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By MarketScale · April 30, 2025, 3:02 AM UTCBernadette BulacanContract ManagementFast TrackGovernment Contracting

Key takeaways

Standardized terminology can significantly reduce costs and delays in government procurement.

The NCMA's Better Contracting Initiative focuses on improving early-stage collaboration.

AI and digital transformation present opportunities to enhance strategic contract management.

As the complexity of federal contracting deepens with each new regulation, executive order, or technology shift, agencies are searching for clarity and cohesion. With AI and digital transformation taking center stage across public and private sectors alike, the stakes have never been higher—especially when it comes to making taxpayer dollars count. According to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, inefficient procurement practices can cost the government billions each year. As policy demands increase and the workforce landscape shifts, contract managers are being asked to do more—with smarter tools and shared understanding.

So how can the government's acquisition community build more transparent, agile, and outcome-driven contract processes in today's rapidly evolving environment?

In this episode of Fast Track by Icertis, Chief Evangelist Bernadette Bulacan sits down with Kraig Conrad, CEO of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), to explore the evolving role of contract professionals and the tools they need to thrive. The conversation spans critical themes like the Better Contracting Initiative, workforce modernization, and the ambitious push for a "common language" in contracting.

The ambitious push for a "common language" in contracting.

Kraig Conrad introduces the NCMA's Contract Management Standard (CMS) as a foundational tool for aligning federal and commercial procurement language and practices.
The Better Contracting Initiative is helping agencies improve early-stage collaboration across acquisition teams to drive better outcomes.
AI and digital transformation, while still unevenly adopted, offer vital opportunities to reduce compliance burdens and refocus talent on strategic goals.

About the Speakers

Kraig Conrad is the CEO of the National Contract Management Association, where he leads efforts to elevate the profession through education, certification, and standards development. Under his leadership, NCMA has grown its community to nearly 100,000 participants and has led the adoption of ANSI-accredited standards. Kraig holds leadership experience across professional associations and is a prominent voice in the government contracting space.