Classroom Courses

Learn how to write an effective Statement of Work (SOW) to achieve the best value for your organization during an acquisition. In this course, you will practice writing each part of the SOW through a…

Learn how to write an effective Statement of Work (SOW) to achieve the best value for your organization during an acquisition. In this course, you will practice writing each part of the SOW through a hands-on workshop and examine a SOW from a contractor’s perspective. You will explore 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.

Explore how 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…

Explore how 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 (OTs) so underutilized today and why conducting acquisitions using Other Transactions may be an ideal alternative to the FAR in this beginning level course.

Understand the use of long-recognized but underutilized strategies described in the Federal Acquisition Regulation(FAR) as well as new strategies currently being used by federal agencies. Gain the…

Understand the use of long-recognized but underutilized strategies described in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) as well as new strategies currently being used by federal agencies. Gain the confidence and competence to successfully use the flexibility provided in FAR 1.102-4 to apply good judgment to make the best business decisions to support customers and provide innovative solutions to acquisition requirements.

Explore how managers of contracting organizations, or supervising contracting officers, need to address the distinct responsibilities of their roles while effective overseeing contract management.…

Explore how managers of contracting organizations, or supervising contracting officers, need to address the distinct responsibilities of their roles while effective 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.

Understand the source selection process by exploring the legal basis behind it, evaluation factors and standards, and the interconnected relationship among all of the various aspects. Learn the…

Understand the source selection process by exploring the legal basis behind it, evaluation factors and standards, and the interconnected relationship among all of the various aspects. 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.

Discover 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…

Discover 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.

Explore the General Decision Support Model, a framework to guide effective decision-making during the analytics process, which helps ensure a sound business strategy based on facts. You will practice…

Explore the General Decision Support Model, a framework to guide effective decision-making during the analytics process, which helps ensure a sound business strategy based on facts. You will practice developing the questions, understanding stakeholder needs, identifying risks and uncertainties, and analyzing plan components, and will determine how to gather and analyze data to evaluate and communicate alternatives to upper management for decision-making. Examples, relevant discussions, and the use of Microsoft Excel will provide you with value that can be transferred back to the real-world environment.

Dissect challenges inherent in contract administration like contract modification, subcontractor oversight, performance monitoring, quality assurance, and other key phases. You will examine the duties…

Dissect challenges inherent in contract administration like contract modification, subcontractor oversight, performance monitoring, quality assurance, and other key phases. You will examine the duties performed by contracting personnel during the administration phase of the acquisition process and improve your knowledge and skills in overseeing contractor performance. You will gain a deeper understanding of contracts for commercial products and commercial services and those using simplified acquisition procedures.

Gain a crucial, essential understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation(FAR), the document that governs the federal acquisition process. You will learn to navigate the FAR, gain familiarity…

Gain a crucial, essential understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the document that governs the federal acquisition process. You will learn to navigate the FAR, gain familiarity with the structure and content, and understand the FAR system and its underlying basis.

Explore the unique considerations surrounding the employment of performance-based acquisition (PBA) methods as outlined in both the Federal Acquisition Regulation(FAR) and agency policies. From…

Explore the unique considerations surrounding the employment of performance-based acquisition (PBA) methods as outlined in both the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency policies. From standards of quality to methods of surveillance, you will learn the comprehensive process applied to PBA—including analyzing requirements documents and preparing a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)—with a focus on robust case studies, examples, and exhibits.

Fully explore 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…

Fully explore 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.

Explore the many factors to consider when selecting an appropriate contract, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. You will learn the basics of a contract, contract types, and selection…

Explore the many factors to consider when selecting an appropriate contract, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. You will learn the basics of a contract, contract types, and selection criteria. You will delve deeply into each contract category and understand the basic principles and limitations of each using FAR Part 16 as a guide.

Understand the various types of cost-reimbursement contracts, their unique demands and requirements, how to administer them, and best practices for managing modifications or terminations. You will…

Understand the various types of cost-reimbursement contracts, their unique demands and requirements, 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.

Understand the statutes and case laws that provide context to manage complex acquisitions. Gain hands-on experience resolving complex acquisition issues like data and copyright policies, government-…

Understand the statutes and case laws that provide context to manage complex acquisitions. 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.

Discover how to handle inevitable changes on a government contract—changes affecting price, quality, quantity, or delivery. The first step to an effective contractual change is to understand concepts…

Discover how to handle inevitable changes on a government contract—changes affecting price, quality, quantity, or delivery. The first step to an effective contractual change is to understand concepts such as scope, constructive changes, and contract modifications. You will learn to identify and address complex issues related to contract change, to navigate the implications of change, and to recognize the various clauses that allow for change.

Learn to address and mitigate numerous issues that may arise during construction contracts in their most common form: claims. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of recognizing a potential…

Learn to address and mitigate numerous issues that may arise during construction contracts 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.

Discover why successful contract management requires successful closeout and why closing out a contract can be as critical a task as awarding the contract. You will gain the skills to effectively deal…

Discover why successful contract management requires successful closeout and why 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.

Conduct the acquisition of goods and services with federal money with confidence through a better understanding of price and cost analyses in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation(FAR).…

Conduct the acquisition of goods and services with federal money with confidence through 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.

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…

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.

Gain an understanding of the legal framework behind the FAR to avoid potential contracting liabilities and demonstrate professional competence and growth at your agency or organization. You will walk…

Gain an understanding of the legal framework behind the FAR to avoid potential contracting liabilities and demonstrate professional competence and growth at your agency or organization. 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.