In our latest Catalyst Conversations session, we dove deep into the rapidly changing landscape of government contracting. Hosted by Michelle Warren and featuring Erv Koehler, Principal at KERV Services LLC and a former GSA senior leader, the meeting provided critical updates for furniture manufacturers and public-sector specialists navigating Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) shifts.
In our latest Catalyst Conversations, Michelle Warren sat down with Simon Jalali, President of A to Z Management Consulting and an expert with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and compliance auditing, to discuss the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and its looming impact on the furniture industry. As the Department of Defense (DoD) tightens its security protocols, manufacturers must understand that compliance is no longer optional—it is a requirement for staying in the federal supply chain.
Navigating the Cliff: Higher Education's New Reality In a recent Catalyst Conversations,, Michelle Warren and Dan Conaty of Catalyst Consulting Group sat down with Kelsey White, Director of National Accounts for OMNIA Partners, to discuss the seismic shifts currently reshaping higher education. As institutions prepare for the "enrollment cliff," the furniture industry must adapt to a landscape where flexibility, "vibe," and strategic procurement are no longer optional—they are essential for survival.
Welcome to Catalyst Conversations! In our latest session, Michelle Warren sat down with Chris Arndt of the Gormley Group to unpack the whirlwind of changes hitting GSA contractors today. From the permanent removal of EPA price caps to the encroaching cybersecurity requirements of CMMC, the discussion provided a roadmap for contractors trying to maintain compliance in a shifting market. Chris, a veteran in GSA contract management, noted that while some changes offer relief, others introduce new administrative hurdles.