CMMC and the Defense Furniture Supply Chain: What Manufacturers Need to Know
by: Michelle WarrenPublished on: 12/03/2026In 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
by: Michelle WarrenPublished on: 19/02/2026Navigating 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.
Navigating the Evolving GSA Landscape with Chris Arndt
by: Michelle WarrenPublished on: 21/01/2026Welcome 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.
FY2025 in Review: Key Takeaways and the Road Ahead for Federal Furniture Sales
by: Michelle WarrenPublished on: 14/12/2025Welcome back to Catalyst Conversations! In our latest session, Michelle Warren, along with Catalyst experts Ryan Hay and Dan Conaty, analyzed the close of Fiscal Year 2025 and looked ahead to the trends and opportunities defining FY2026. The good news? Despite a significant government shutdown, the federal furniture market is poised for stability and new growth, but vendors must adapt their strategies.
