Government*Horizons Inc. Training Series™

Introduction to FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulations Overview

October 15-17, 2008
Arlington, VA

This workshop is recommended for 24 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) toward DAWIA, FAC-C and FAC-COTR requirements. A Government*Horizons Certificate of Completion will be provided to all attendees upon conclusion of the workshop. For information on fulfilling core, elective and continuous learning requirements, click here.

“Mr. Higgins is an excellent presenter he reflects a wide variety of experience".  - Mr. Harry H. Abe PACAF Engineering & Technical Services Contract Manager, U.S. Air Force

“I have been to several trainings, this one is by far the best”. - Sara McCown, Quality Assurance Budget Manager, ICMA

“Joe has a vast knowledge base and plenty of experience with subject matter. These facts accompanied by his straightforward and simple delivery renders the course as very useful. I would recommend this course for any federal contractor.” - Wendell Lacky, Legal Councel- Alstom

Registration: 8:00 AM (Day One Only)
Program Starts: 8:30 AM
Wrap-up: 3:30 PM

Course materials, continental breakfast (coffee and pastries), refreshments included.

About This Workshop:

Introduction to FAR is intended for students interested in gaining a basic understanding of how to most effectively use the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Although the FAR is a very detailed and complex regulation, contracting parties in the federal Government marketplace must know the terms and conditions of the contracts they enter into. This course will improve the ability of students to select the right clauses, identify the correct procedures and improve their bargaining position during negotiations. In addition, students will learn how to keep up with changes to the FAR so they can always be sure that they have the latest and most relevant information. Rather than using a text book about the FAR, each student will receive a personal copy of the FAR which will be used as the course manual. This approach ensures that students will become familiar with the source document, which will enable them to immediately apply the knowledge they gain through this informative three-day session.

The course is taught by knowledgeable, highly skilled instructors who have a wealth of practical experience and know how to present complex material in an easily understandable manner. The key points in the class will be emphasized with practical exercises to reinforce the lessons learned and to provide the students with opportunities to apply the FAR to realistic scenarios. This approach ensures that every student will return to work with improved skills and the confidence to apply them to virtually any acquisition situation.

*A new government report recommends contract training to achieve better federal contracting results.  Click here to download the Managing the Government’s Technical Experts to Achieve Positive Contract Outcomes report by the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board dated December 2005.

Who Should Attend:

What Previous Attendees Had to Say About the Course:

“Joe was not only able to present the FAR, he was able to provide background and some insight into the why’s of different requirements. That understanding will help as I work with different sections of the FAR”. - Gene DuCom, Senior Logistician, Logistic Support Inc.

"Course is extremely good and I would recommend to other associates. Joe is a subject matter expert. Excellent reference material." - Victoria Williamson, Sr. Vice President, Logistic Support Inc.

“Great instructor—engaging and entertaining. Joe makes a dry subject fun.” - Laurie Fosner, Neugenesis

Previous Attendees Include:

Accenture, Contract Specialist
Aracata Associates Inc./NASA, Logistics Supervisor
Army Publishing Directorate, Electronic Publishing Specialist
Art Technology Group, Inc., Corporate Counsel
Battelle, Program Analyst
Booz Allen Hamilton, Consultant
CAPE, Buyer
CISCO Systems, Program Manager
Colorado State University, Associate Legal Council
Cybercore Technologies, Director of Operations
Defense Logistics Agency, Programs Manager
Department of Education, Administrative Officer
Department of Education, Budget Analyst
Department of Education, Management & Program Analyst
Department of Energy, Program Manager
Department of Homeland Security, Program Analyst
Department of Homeland Security - Office of the Inspector General, Administrative Officer
Department of Labor, Office of Small Business Programs
Dynetics, Inc., Senior Logistician
EPA
Florida Department of Management Services
Gelman, Rosenberg & Feedman, Client Services Manager
Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman, Client Services Senior Accountant
General Dynamics OTS, Staff Accountant II
HDR, Inc., Senior Accountant
Joint Information Operations Center, Lead Information Warfare Engineer
Kittelson & Associates, Inc., Financial Accounting Manager
Logistics Support, Inc., Vice President
Northrop Grumman, Program Manager
Management & Training Corp, Director, Procurement
Meridian Consulting & Associates, Health Care Consultant
NASA, Budget Analyst
NASA Glenn Research Center, Contracting Officer
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Contract Administrator
National Drug Intelligence Center, Contract Specialist
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Electronics Engineering Technician
Parsons Brinckerhoff
Primacy Relocation, Director, Government Business Development
Quality Partners of Rhode Island, Contract Administrator
Rain for Rent, Project Manager
SAIC, Acquisition Manager
SAIC-Frederick, Inc./NIAID, Operational Manager
Scott AFB, HQ AMC, Contract Specialist
Siemens, Market Analyst
Siemens Building Technologies, Director Construction Operations
State Education Office, Staff Assistant
STG, Inc.
Synergy Systems, Inc., Engineering Manager
System Planning Corporation
TerreStar Networks Inc., Contracts Manager
TerreStar Networks Inc., Director of Contractors
Transportation Security Administration, Supervisory Attorney Advisor
TSA, Analyst
Turner Construction Company, Vice President
United States Air Force, Engineering & Technical Services Contract Manager
United States Marine Corps, Contracting Officer
United States Marine Corps, Investigator
University of Washington, Administrator
US Customs and Border Protection, Attorney
US Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Branch Chief
US Dept. of Labor, Chief, Qualification & Certification Unit
US Department of Treasury, Information Technology Specialist
US GAO, Assistant Director
Unisys, Business Analyst
Vanguard Contractors, Accounts Receivable/Payable Supervisor
Wyle Laboratories, Contracts Manager

Course Syllabus:

Course Overview
- Organization of the FAR
- How to Find the FAR
- How to Learn About Updates

General Sections
- Part 1-Federal Acquisition Regulations System
- Part 2-Definitions of Words and Terms
- Part 3-Improper Business Practices and Personal Conflicts of Interest
- Part 4-Administrative Matters

Competition and Acquisition Planning
- Part 5-Publicizing Contract Actions
- Part 6-Competition Requirements
- Part 7-Acquisition Planning
- Part 8-Required Sources of Supplies and Services
- Part 9-Contractor Qualifications
- Part 10-Market Research
- Part 11-Describing Agency Needs
- Part 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items

Contracting Methods and Contract Types
- Part 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures
- Part 14-Sealed Bidding
- Part 15-Contracting by Negotiation
- Part 16-Types of Contracts
- Part 17-Special Contracting Methods

Socioeconomic Programs
- Part 19-Small Business Programs
- Part 22-Application of Labor Laws to Government Acquisitions
- Part 23-Environment, energy and water efficiency, renewable energy technologies, occupational safety, and Drug-Free Workplace
- Part 24-Protection of Privacy and Freedom of Information
- Part 25-Foreign Acquisition
- Part 26-Other Socioeconomic Programs

General Contracting Requirements
- Part 27-Patents, Data, and Copyrights
- Part 28-Bonds and Insurance
- Part 29-Taxes
- Part 30-Cost Accounting Standards Administration
- Part 31-Contract Cost Principles and Procedures
- Part 32-Contract Financing
- Part 33-Protests, Disputes, and Appeals

Subchapter F-Special Categories of Contracting
- Part 34-Major System Acquisition
- Part 35-Research and Development Contracting
- Part 36-Construction and Architect-Engineer Contracts
- Part 37-Service Contracting
- Part 38-Federal Supply Schedule Contracting
- Part 39-Acquisition of Information Technology
- Part 41-Acquisition of Utility Services

Subchapter G-Contract Management
- Part 42-Contract Administration and Audit Services
- Part 43-Contract Modifications
- Part 44-Subcontracting Policies and Procedures
- Part 45-Government Property
- Part 46-Quality Assurance
- Part 47-Transportation
- Part 48-Value Engineering
- Part 49-Termination of Contracts
- Part 50-Extraordinary Contractual Actions
- Part 51-Use of Government Sources by Contractors

Subchapter H-Clauses and Forms
- Part 52-Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses
- Part 53-Forms

Additional Resources:

Bernan and Government*Horizons International have partnered to offer you competitive government pricing and outstanding service for all your CFR needs. To browse or order your CFRs, please click here.

About Your Instructor:

Joseph T. Higgins

Joe has extensive financial management experience in government contracting, specifically in the development and implementation of cost allocation systems to ensure cost recovery on government contracts. He has assisted clients with completion of CASB Disclosure Statements and related issues with compliance with the Cost Accounting Standards. Mr. Higgins has expertise in all required government contracting management systems, including cost estimating and earned value management systems (EVMS). He has extensive knowledge in the areas of contract claims, particularly claims in connection with terminations for the convenience of the government.

Joe brings a diversity of experience to the classroom, having worked 15 years as a Vice President Finance/Chief Financial Officer with A&D companies and slightly more time performing auditing and consulting work within the federal government as well as the private sector. Joe has a current operating-level perspective on the challenges that face today’s government contractor. Not only does he have the technical competence to deal with the regulatory/compliance aspects of an issue, he also has the practical insight to appreciate the business and organizational implications that may be involved. Having worked at various levels in the Defense Contract Audit Agency, Joe has the background necessary to bring clarity to potentially volatile audit situations. And his experience as a consultant and auditor with major international accounting firms gives him additional qualification and perspective.

Joe teaches other courses for Government*Horizons, specifically “FAR Overview”, a three-day guided tour of this important document and “Defective Pricing”, a two-day study of this critical and controversial government contracting topic.

Contact Us:

• For registration and billing information, please email Customer Service or call 703-412-9283 x222

Registration Fee:

• Government attendees: $1,099 per person
• Small Business (less than 100 employees): $1,199 per person
• Industry (includes government contractors): $1,299 per person

*Registration fees include a copy of the most recently published Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) – an $85 value!

Registration Options:

[1]  Online with your credit card using our online booking form
[2]  Fax our downloadable registration form (requires Acrobat Reader) to 703-412-9286
[3]  Phone Customer Service at 703-412-9283 x222
[4]  E-mail Customer Service
[5]  Mail our downloadable registration form to:

Government*Horizons
1421 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 710
Arlington, VA 22202

Registration form requires Acrobat Reader.