Ridgefield, Connecticut — World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) have announced the release of the Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) Fourth Edition, marking a historic milestone for the global contract management profession.
The CMS™ Fourth Edition is the result of a multi-year, international collaboration involving thousands of contract management professionals. Contributors from the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions provided input through job task analysis, expert drafting, peer review, and a global public comment period.
This new edition is more than just an update, it is the first truly global iteration of the standard. It delivers a unified, harmonized framework designed to serve as a common reference point for contract management practices worldwide. It integrates international terminology and offers guidance applicable to today’s legal, commercial, and technological environments.Tim Cummins, Founder and President of World Commerce & Contracting, said:
“The CMS™ Fourth Edition represents the collective effort of practitioners from every continent. Their contributions have produced a global standard that can help improve consistency, reduce complexity, and support better contracting outcomes.”
The CMS™ Fourth Edition is voluntary but offers organizations and professionals a structured reference to enhance contract formation, negotiation, performance management, and risk mitigation. It has been designed for use across industries and sectors, including public procurement, supply chain management, and commercial transactions.
Sally Guyer, CEO of World Commerce & Contracting, said:
“Thousands of professionals contributed their time and knowledge to shape this edition. The result is a comprehensive resource that reflects global best practices and provides a consistent framework for organizations managing contracts across borders.”
The CMS™ Fourth Edition also reinforces the role of the Commerce & Contract Management Institute (CCM Institute), established by WorldCC and NCMA, as a platform for promoting best practices and driving the adoption of recognized global standards.
The Fourth Edition is intended to assist organizations seeking to strengthen governance of their commercial relationships, address growing complexity, and align practices with emerging regulatory and ethical requirements.
To access the CMS™ Fourth Edition and learn more about its content, visit www.ccm.institute.
About World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC)
World Commerce & Contracting is a global, not-for-profit association advancing commercial and contract management practices. With more than 80,000 members in over 180 countries, WorldCC provides standards, certifications, research, and education to help organizations and professionals achieve better commercial outcomes.About the National Contract Management Association (NCMA)
NCMA is a global community of more than 100,000 contract management professionals serving both the public and private sectors. NCMA fosters the growth and advancement of contract management through research, certification, events, and education.
About the Commerce & Contract Management Institute (CCM Institute)
The CCM Institute, established by WorldCC and NCMA, promotes higher global standards in buying and selling. The Institute provides research, publications, and tools designed to help organizations and professionals improve contract management practices and outcomes.
Media Contacts:
Kate Hodgins, Head of Marketing, WorldCC: [email protected]
Holly DeHesa, Director of Marketing and Communications, NCMA: [email protected]
