The NCMA supports all types of contract management jobs. For instance, its members include government contract managers, government agency contract managers, and commercial contract managers. Furthermore, it offers customized benefits to each of these job types. For government contract managers, for instance, the NCMA issues invitations to government contract management seminars and maintains a certification program called the Certified Federal Contracts Manager. There are similar benefits for the two other types of contract manager jobs.
The additional benefits to joining NCMA are legion. After paying an initial membership fee of $130, the member receives a national contract-management journal and Contract Management magazine. The member also receives a contract-management newsletter highlighting industrial trends as well as monthly audio seminars. Further benefits include eligibility for prestigious certification programs in contract management and access to online e-courses. To renew membership, members pay $110 per year. Many contract managers consider their membership to NCMA as such a bonus to their careers they become lifetime members.
Like all professional associations, NCMA offers a wealth of networking options. Any type of contract manager will find his niche among other members who practice similar jobs in his field. For instance, a vendor contract manager can connect with managers who share that job title. Knowing all these peers puts contract managers at a great advantage when they decide to change jobs. It is equally true for contract managers as it is for other jobs that most new job openings are not advertised, but go by word-of-mouth. Therefore, knowing such an extensive network of contract managers gives members access to new positions they might otherwise have not heard about.
Contract managers who join NCMA and take advantage of its abundant learning options will easily close the gaps in their professional knowledge. NCMA holds seminars each month at diverse locations, from Las Vegas to Virginia. At these seminars, members can learn in-depth about contract negotiations and pricing analysis. Each seminar further addresses changes in contract management that benefits contract managers to know, such as the trend of corporate outsourcing. These seminars are also the typical backdrop for networking among contract managers.
Joining NCMA is also convenient for contract managers because it is likely there is a chapter not far from their homes. Larger states, such as Texas, have about four chapters, while smaller states such as Rhode Island have at least one chapter. Since the majority of contract manager's work in metropolitan areas, finding an NCMA chapter is not a difficult affair.
It is highly recommended that contract managers earn certification in their field. Fortunately, NCMA offers three certification programs: one in federal contracts, another in commercial contracts, and the last in professional contracts. The final contract tests knowledge of both government and commercial contracts. Each certification program requires an application, as well as a bachelor's degree, two years of professional experience, and 120 hours of continuing education. Each certification program consists of completion of at least two exams. Moreover, once a contract manager has received certification, he must renew it every five years. This, too, is a simple process since NCMA simply asks for certified members to provide evidence of 60 hours of continuing education. After completing these 60 hours, a certified member instantly qualifies for re-certification.
Continuing education is equally accessible through NCMA. Both audio seminars and National Education Seminars count as continuing education hours. These seminars are available to both entry-level contract managers and seasoned managers. The audio seminars are 90-minute, live radio programs that take place each month. They address contemporary contract management matters, from global contracting to government subcontracting. The National Education Seminars build on these audio courses by taking place as day-long events at various chapters. These seminars require textbooks and other materials that are included in NCMA's membership fees. NCMA also sponsors on-site training programs, which are led by NCMA-appointed instructors at various members' workplaces. NCMA also arranges training contracts for instructors before they consult at these workplaces.
The NCMA website also contains exhaustive information on contract management. This information includes hundreds of industry articles in an archive, as well as daily updates on contract-management news. The website also operates a separate ''legislative alerts'' section that lists new changes to contract-management legislation. The website further includes yearly salary surveys that list average salaries for various job types and professional levels. Lastly, the website features a job board that is specific to contract managers, containing the latest contract manager openings.
For people new to contract management, they can find all their career-development needs at NCMA. Entry-level managers can first avail themselves of NCMA's detailed job descriptions of contract management jobs. Each job description also lists recommended certification, to help new managers get started on their continuing education process. Contract managers also find that staying plugged into their industry impresses recruiters since this knowledge gives companies a competitive edge over other companies, as well as protection from government prosecution. With all these membership benefits, there can be little doubt that contract managers who join NCMA gain constant professional progress in their contract management field.
