Classroom Courses

The Statement of Work (SOW) can make or break an acquisition. Writing an effective SOW is essential to achieving best value. Not only will you practice writing each part of the SOW through a hands-on…

The Statement of Work (SOW) can make or break an acquisition. Writing an effective SOW is essential to achieving best value. Not only will you practice writing each part of the SOW through a hands-on workshop, but you will also examine a SOW from a contractor’s perspective. You will learn best practices, analyze legal cases, and recognize the impact your work has on cost, schedule, and quality. You will leave equipped with the ability to write a SOW that reflects actual requirements, elicits competitive proposals, and guides contractor performance.

This three-day course provides personnel who award and administer construction contracts a comprehensive review of the overall construction contracting process. Coverage includes contract formation,…

This three-day course provides personnel who award and administer construction contracts a comprehensive review of the overall construction contracting process. Coverage includes contract formation, solicitation, award, and administration. Exercises and case studies will allow participants to practice the skills they learn in the course.

Over the years, a number of agencies have received statutory authority to conduct acquisitions using Other Transactions (OTs). This beginning level course introduces and explains how these Other…

Over the years, a number of agencies have received statutory authority to conduct acquisitions using Other Transactions (OTs). This beginning level course introduces and explains how these Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) may be leveraged to streamline the acquisition process and can be used as an alternative to grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. Learn what makes Other Transactions so underutilized today and get ready to leave the FAR behind!

Managers of contracting organizations face challenges when it comes to their unique responsibilities. This workshop marries the distinct responsibilities of being a team lead, or supervising…

Managers of contracting organizations face challenges when it comes to their unique responsibilities. This workshop marries the distinct responsibilities of being a team lead, or supervising contracting officer, and overseeing contract management. Through self-assessments, case studies, individual and group activities, and action planning, you will identify ways to improve your personal management effectiveness and leave class with an action plan to optimize your acquisition outcomes.

Knowledge of the source selection process means understanding the legal basis behind the process, the development of evaluation factors and standards, and the interconnected relationship among all of…

Knowledge of the source selection process means understanding the legal basis behind the process, the development of evaluation factors and standards, and the interconnected relationship among all of the various aspects of the process. You will learn the nuances of the source selection process by participating in discussion, role-playing, and applying learned skills and techniques to case-study-based exercises. You will practice preparing effective proposal instructions, conducting communications and debriefs among stakeholders, and more.

Contracting professionals must know how to properly use Federally-appropriated funds to be compliant with Federal appropriations law. Guided by GAO’s Principles of Federal Appropriations Law (the Red…

Contracting professionals must know how to properly use Federally-appropriated funds to be compliant with Federal appropriations law. Guided by GAO’s Principles of Federal Appropriations Law (the Red Book), you will learn to comply with relevant laws and regulations, gain a deeper understanding of contracting and procurement activities, and reinforce understanding through scenario-based exercises. You obtain the crucial background, tools, and techniques to make sound decisions concerning appropriated funds back on the job.

Sound business strategy requires robust data. However, raw data can only go so far without effective interpretation and analysis to inform decision-making. You will apply a data-driven process to…

Sound business strategy requires robust data. However, raw data can only go so far without effective interpretation and analysis to inform decision-making. You will apply a data-driven process to decision-making while considering both the larger business context around risk and uncertainty and the organizational factors that influence stakeholder acceptance of data-driven conclusions. Relevant examples will help you learn to arrive at decisions individually, as a team, or as an organization—while maintaining a strategic lens that supports overarching goals.

Understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the document that governs the Federal acquisition process, is critical to the success of Federal contracting personnel. You will learn to…

Understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the document that governs the Federal acquisition process, is critical to the success of Federal contracting personnel. You will learn to navigate the FAR, gain familiarity with the structure and content, and understand the FAR system and its underlying basis.

Agencies need to tell contractors what to do, not how to do it. This is the guidance according to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 37, which requires agencies to maximize the use of…

Agencies need to tell contractors what to do, not how to do it. This is the guidance according to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 37, which requires agencies to maximize the use of performance-based methods when contracting. You will determine requirements by developing high-level objectives, tasks, and performance standards through this workshop. You will develop a performance work statement and quality assurance surveillance plan using the Acquisition Requirements Roadmap Tool (ARRT), and apply your learning to intensive exercises and activities. Virtual participants must ensure that Microsoft® Access is installed on their laptop/computer and that they have current PKI Security certificates installed. Both of these items are needed for ARRT to run successfully.

Incentive contracts should be used to motivate contractors to earn more by achieving better performance and controlling costs. When you build a foundation in incentive contracts, you will be able to…

Incentive contracts should be used to motivate contractors to earn more by achieving better performance and controlling costs. When you build a foundation in incentive contracts, you will be able to better drive performance and cost efficiency. You will study the basic principles of profit incentives, considerations in contract type selection, elements of incentive contracts, and the relationship between incentive contracts and government pricing policies.

Cost-reimbursement contracts for services, supplies, and research and development come with a set of unique demands and requirements. Contracting personnel are tasked with understanding the various…

Cost-reimbursement contracts for services, supplies, and research and development come with a set of unique demands and requirements. Contracting personnel are tasked with understanding the various types of cost-reimbursement contracts, how to administer them, and best practices for managing modifications or terminations. You will learn how to effectively administer these complex contracts, while understanding the associated benefits and challenges. Prior to enrolling in this course, you should know basic Federal contracting principles and procedures.

Government contracting personnel must understand the statutes and case laws that provide context to manage complex acquisitions. You will gain hands-on experience resolving complex acquisition issues…

Government contracting personnel must understand the statutes and case laws that provide context to manage complex acquisitions. You will gain hands-on experience resolving complex acquisition issues like data and copyright policies, government furnished property, and contractor debt issues. You will leave class with an in-depth background to better perform your role after examining case studies.

Note: If you are a Federal contract specialist in the GS-1102 occupational series, you may be required to take CON 216: Legal Considerations in Contracting instead of this course.

The streamlined process for acquiring commercial products and commercial services can save your project time and money, but it requires a nuanced understanding of FAR Part 12 to be effective. You will…

The streamlined process for acquiring commercial products and commercial services can save your project time and money, but it requires a nuanced understanding of FAR Part 12 to be effective. You will learn how to determine what is a commercial product or commercial service and follow a more efficient and cost-effective acquisition strategy. You will also identify the difference in the process for noncommercial acquisitions—from requirements definition to contract award. You will leave class with the ability to take advantage of this acquisition approach through analysis of relevant case studies.

The high potential for numerous issues to arise during construction contracts means it is vital to be able to address and mitigate those issues in their most common form: claims. You will gain a…

The high potential for numerous issues to arise during construction contracts means it is vital to be able to address and mitigate those issues in their most common form: claims. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of recognizing a potential claim, pricing considerations, terminations, and the role of the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals and the courts.

Contracting and program personnel must understand the legal and practical implications of government contract claims. By examining case studies, you will gain an understanding of the different…

Contracting and program personnel must understand the legal and practical implications of government contract claims. By examining case studies, you will gain an understanding of the different elements of a claim, and best practices for how to avoid claims.

Successful contract management requires successful closeout. Many agencies struggle with this step in the contract lifecycle because personnel infrequently face this task and some consider this less…

Successful contract management requires successful closeout. Many agencies struggle with this step in the contract lifecycle because personnel infrequently face this task and some consider this less important than other tasks. Closing out a contract can be as critical a task as awarding the contract. You will gain the skills to effectively deal with contractors and other stakeholders to ensure that contracts are closed according to the terms laid out and to handle problems or issues that may arise.

The acquisition of goods and services with Federal money requires diligence and business acumen. You will be able to conduct acquisitions for your organization with confidence with a better…

The acquisition of goods and services with Federal money requires diligence and business acumen. You will be able to conduct acquisitions for your organization with confidence with a better understanding of price and cost analyses in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This course is designed for those with a good understanding of the Federal contracting process.

Agencies make millions of transactions each year using micro-purchase procedures; the personnel with micro-purchase authority are tasked with protecting the interests of the agency and the taxpayer…

Agencies make millions of transactions each year using micro-purchase procedures; the personnel with micro-purchase authority are tasked with protecting the interests of the agency and the taxpayer throughout this process. You will learn the fundamental guidance on making purchases using micro-purchase procedures, explain the rules that apply, and examine the laws and regulations that govern such purchases. You will leave class with the expertise to carry out your job reliably and effectively after completing immersive exercises and supplemental readings.

Understanding the legal framework behind the FAR is essential for acquisition team members’ professional competence and growth. You will walk through the full range of legal issues that frequently…

Understanding the legal framework behind the FAR is essential for acquisition team members’ professional competence and growth. You will walk through the full range of legal issues that frequently arise in Federal contracting by reading and evaluating actual cases from the Comptroller General, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, and the courts.

Note: If you are a Federal contract specialist in the GS-1102 occupational series, you may be required to take CON 216: Legal Considerations in Contracting instead of this training course.

New Federal acquisition personnel are faced with the daunting responsibility of thoroughly understanding the Federal acquisition process and the various statutes and regulations that govern it. What…

New Federal acquisition personnel are faced with the daunting responsibility of thoroughly understanding the Federal acquisition process and the various statutes and regulations that govern it. What does the process entail? What are the key roles and responsibilities? How do you navigate the various phases? You will gain an overview of the process and laws of the Federal acquisition system, and you will practice applying your knowledge through role-playing and exercises.