George Mason University’s School of Business has established the nation’s first academic center addressing issues in government contracting, according to the school.
GMU’s Center for Government Contracting aims to be “research, education, training, and collaboration nexus” for government, industry and academia.
“Elevating the university’s Government Contracting Initiative to full center status brings resources to bear that will drive engagement and support strategies for student success, and drive increased faculty engagement with government, industry, alumni, and other stakeholders,” said School of Business Dean Maury Peiperl. “It also will support the creation of new assets for the entire GovCon community and fuel thought leadership in the field of government contracting at George Mason University.”
GMU said it’s the perfect fit for the center, in part because of the composition of its faculty and staff and the campus’ geographic proximity to both Washington, D.C., and the headquarters of scores of government contractors.
School officials said the center will conduct a series of programs, courses and activities that will position the school as a driver of the conversation and a leader in building government contracting competencies for Mason students, the industry and government.
“We are also developing exciting sets of partnerships with government and industry,” said Jerry McGinn, executive director of the Center for Government Contracting. “And we have launched research efforts to help explore important business issues facing the government contracting community.”
Related: John McGinn Named Executive Director of George Mason Government Contracting Initiative