The Space Coast provides a unique acquisition environment supporting civil, national security, and commercial space missions. In an industry where acquisition decisions, supplier performance, and supply-chain resilience can have significant financial and mission consequences, contracting professionals benefit greatly from opportunities to collaborate and learn from one another.
I want NCMA Space Coast to serve as a neutral meeting ground where government and industry professionals can exchange ideas, discuss common challenges, share lessons learned, and build professional relationships. Increasing participation from government contracting professionals, while strengthening our relationships with large and small businesses, will be an important part of that effort.
We also want to invest in the next generation of contracting professionals by partnering with local colleges and universities to introduce students to contracting and acquisition career opportunities. At the same time, we want experienced members to mentor newer professionals and share the knowledge and lessons learned throughout their careers.
Professional development will remain central to our mission. We plan to address emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, acquisition reform, cybersecurity, supply-chain challenges, and innovative contracting approaches. We will also encourage students and professionals to pursue NCMA certifications, including the CCMA, CFCM, CCCM, and CPCM, as appropriate to their career goals.
Ultimately, our success depends upon participation. I encourage you to attend an event, bring a colleague, volunteer, mentor a young professional, recommend a speaker, or suggest a topic. Our goal is not simply to increase membership, but to build an active community of contracting professionals who learn from one another, develop professionally, and strengthen acquisition across the Space Coast.
I look forward to working with you to make 2026–2027 a year of greater participation, professional development, collaboration, and growth.
Let's bring great ideas together—and put them to work for our Space Coast contracting community.
Let’s have a great year!
Todd Tolson, CPCM
President
NCMA Space Coast Chapter