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.
The $100,000 Question: How the Micro-Purchase Threshold is About to Change Everything in Federal Contracting
by: Michelle WarrenPublished on: 13/11/2025In a recent discussion, our team—led by Michelle Warren and featuring former GSA Chief of Integrated Marketing Robin Zickgraf and Catalyst's Ryan Hay—dove into the monumental, often-overlooked federal Micro-Purchase Threshold (MPT). The MPT dictates the ceiling for simplified acquisition, allowing government agencies to bypass red tape and make quick, credit card-based purchases. This seemingly small detail has an enormous impact: "There are over 500,000 transactions annually that are done under this micro-purchase threshold”, accounting for "$18 billion in annual federal spending" (Michelle Warren). For the furniture industry alone, Michelle estimates that "$240 million in furniture today" is done under these guidelines, a number poised to grow significantly.
