Optimal Solutions Group CEO Dr. Mark Turner to Speak at NIB/NAEPB 2026 Conference & Expo

Events

Date: February 20, 2026

Optimal’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mark Turner, will participate as a panelist at the NIB/NAEPB 2026 Conference & Expo, taking place February 24–28, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC.

Dr. Turner will join industry and government leaders for the panel discussion “Subcontracting: Opening New Gateways for Growth” on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. The session will explore how prime contractors and Nonprofit Agencies (NPAs) can collaborate to expand opportunities beyond the Procurement List, strengthen commercial partnerships, and position agencies for sustainable, market-ready growth.

Optimal Solutions Group has been collaborating with National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and selected NPAs on procurement opportunities focused on ADA Title II audits and remediation, particularly for state, county, and municipal governments, as well as institutions of higher education. These efforts support public entities as they prepare for and implement Title II compliance in practical, scalable ways.

Drawing on more than 25 years of leading Optimal Solutions Group, decades of research on government procurement, and his work at Revelo Software, a technology company spun off from Optimal, Dr. Turner will share insights on how data, accessibility, and emerging technologies can strengthen subcontracting strategies. At Revelo, he leads the development of AcquisitionAI, a Generative AI–enabled platform designed to assess vendor readiness and deliver targeted training and technical assistance to expand participation and performance in procurement markets.

“Subcontracting can serve as a powerful pathway to innovation, inclusion, and growth when organizations invest in readiness and partnerships,” said Dr. Turner. “This discussion is an opportunity to share lessons learned from evaluating procurement systems, collaborating with NPAs, and applying AI to help agencies and vendors succeed beyond traditional models.”

Panel Details
Session: Subcontracting: Opening New Gateways for Growth
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Location: Marriott Marquis, Washington, DC

Panelists:

  • Sasha Dudis, Deloitte , https://www.linkedin.com/in/sashadudis/
  • Lisa Jackson, GDIT , https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisajacksonjacksonconsultingservices/
  • Molly Gimmel, D2D , https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollygimmel/
  • Dr. Mark Turner, Optimal Solutions Group , https://www.linkedin.com/in/markturneratoptimal/

Moderator:

About Optimal Solutions Group
Optimal Solutions Group is a data analytics, program evaluation, and digital solutions firm specializing in accessibility, compliance, procurement analytics, and evidence-based decision support for public and private sector clients. Based in the University of Maryland’s Discovery District, Optimal partners with governments and organizations nationwide to improve outcomes, transparency, and equity.

About National Industries for the Blind (NIB)
National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is a leading nonprofit organization that creates and sustains employment opportunities for people who are blind through meaningful, competitive jobs. NIB works with affiliated agencies and industry partners to expand inclusive procurement opportunities, strengthen workforce development, and promote economic independence. Learn more at https://nib.org/.