Course Catalog:
Table of Contents:
Advanced COR / COTR Workshop
All-Hazards Regional Evacuation Plans
Best Value Source Selection
Basic Acquisition I for Program Managers and Project Officers
Codes of Conduct and Compliance Plans
CON 100 - Shaping Smart Business Arrangements
Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) in Government Contracts
Construction Best-Value Source Selection
Construction Claims
Construction Quality Management
Contract Administration
COR / COTR Certification / Refresher (40 hours)
Critical Roles and Responsibilities of the COR / COTR
Earned Value Management (EVM)
FAR Part 12: Acquisition of Commercial Items
FAR Part 13: Simplified Acquisition Procedures
Federal Budget Analysis
Federal Contract Disputes and Terminations
Federal Financial Statements
Fiscal and Appropriations Law - An Overview for Managers
Fundamentals of Auditing
GAO's Principles of Federal Appropriations Law
Government Contract Law for Non-Lawyers
Grant Writing Boot Camp
Incentive and Award Fee Workshop
Integrating Enterprise Architecture & Capital Planning
Intelligence Analyst Training
Introduction to Construction Contracting
Introduction to Crisis Management
Introduction to FAR: Federal Acquisition Regulation Overview
Introduction to Federal Government Contracting
Introduction to Operations Security (OPSEC) for Managers
Leadership Development
Managing a Blended Workforce
Managing Workplace Violence
Methods and Process of Obtaining a Facility Clearance and the Roles and Responsibilities of a Facility Security Officer
Negotiation Skills for Contracting and Collaborative Management
Performance-Based Acquisition (PBA)
Program Management Basics
Statements of Federal Financial Accounting Standards
Strategic Sourcing
Teleworking: Challenges and Practical Solutions
Understanding FAC-P/PM: Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers
Writing Performance Work Statements (PWS)
Writing Winning Proposals
On-Site Training / Other Training Topics
Advanced COR / COTR Workshop:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This training course goes above and beyond basic information to focus on current, real-life issues COTRs face under changing procurement rules. The course is organized to give COR/COTRs a direct opportunity to discover better ways of communicating in resolving contractor concerns as well as problems between the program/project offices and the contracts area. Recent contracts will be used to illustrate state-of-the-art topics and concerns presented throughout the course.
All-Hazards Regional Evacuation Plans:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
As an interactive training workshop on developing an All-Hazards Regional Evacuation Plan, this course will walk participants through the regional planning process. Using proven planning methodologies, the course guides participants in creating sound strategies for a variety of catastrophes, both natural and man-made. This best-practice approach to planning provides emergency managers and key officials with detailed data and tools that promote effective decision-making during a catastrophic event. The objective of catastrophic event planning is to maximize the preservation of life, protect property and restore the infrastructure as rapidly as possible. Long-term recovery planning is also a very important component of regional planning, ensuring the economic viability of the region by minimizing business disruption and providing individuals with appropriate levels and types of relief without delay.
This course will provide guidance on how consensus can be developed around a regional vision, and provide creative and innovative solutions in support of the region’s goals and priorities for an evacuation plan. The course will discuss best-practice approaches from the speaker's experiences in regional planning efforts for regions throughout the country including the 10-county Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the National Capital Region, San Francisco, Seattle and the St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS).
Best Value Source Selection:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Efficiently planning and conducting a best value source selection is critical to acquiring the goods and services needed by agencies to meet their mission objectives. Successfully managing the FAR Part 15 process, however, requires in-depth knowledge of the statutes, regulations and best practices that exist to ensure the source selection is fair, credible and that the best value contractor is ultimately selected. From establishing the right evaluation factors to debriefing the unsuccessful offering entities, it is essential that each member of the acquisition team possess the skills and knowledge necessary to actively contribute at each step in the process. For industry, understanding the government’s source selection process will help promote more focused, customer-friendly proposals that better display the key benefits and value of the proposed solution.
Basic Acquisition I for Program Managers and Project Officers:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
This course will provide an understanding for both government and contractor personnel, of the history and structure of federal contracting, the acquisition process, how a determination is made for competitive or non-competitive procurement, market research, the relationship of payment and performance risk to the type of contract chosen, contractor selection and award. Attendees will leave this course with an understanding of the functions of contract administration, including monitoring contractor performance, how delays and interruptions are handled, contract modifications and changes, the contract dispute process, contract terminations and finally contract closeout activities.
Codes of Conduct and Compliance Plans:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
Codes of Conduct and ethics awareness programs, formerly voluntary, are now mandatory for most federal contractors. Written Codes of Conduct and Compliance plans including disclosure procedures, internal controls, and training programs are now required.
Upon contract award, contractors will be required to furnish their employees with a written code of conduct, establish an Ethics Awareness Program and an Internal Control System, provide ethics training, and ensure their subcontractors have similarly done so. While the government does not spell out the components of an acceptable code and compliance program, penalties for non-compliance include suspension or debarment.
This one-day overview explains the changes and the impact of these rules, and provides a solid outline for establishing compliance plans and internal controls.
CON 100 - Shaping Smart Business Arrangements:
4 days | 32 CLPs earned
Acquisition workforce employees who are beginning a level I certification program are required to take CON 100. Employees pursuing Level II or Level III certifications may consider taking CON 100 as an elective. This DAU-equivalent course fulfills this requirement. Upon completion of the course, attendees will be able to recognize the priorities and focus of the Department of Defense senior leadership which includes conducting the business of Government as a member of the acquisition team, in a smart way, on behalf of the taxpayer, consistent with laws and public policy, so that you will be able to make and recommend good business decisions that best support your customers.
Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) in Government Contracts:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Understanding the requirements of cost allowability, allocability, and accounting on federal contracts can save valuable time and resources, ensure you recover all of the costs to which you are entitled, and protect your company from financial mismanagement penalties. For a cost to be allowable (i.e. recoverable) on a Government contract, the cost must be:
- Reasonable
- Allocable
- Not contrary to the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
- Not prohibited by terms of the contract, and
- Not limited by FAR Part 31 Cost Principles
This three-day course gives you the tools you need to understand the requirements and ensure compliance.
Construction Best-Value Source Selection:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
In the construction environment, getting the "right" contractor on contract in a timely, efficient and effective manner is critical to the success of a project. This construction best-value source selection course walks you through the steps and demonstrates the processes and concepts necessary to allow you to select the best contractor for the job while greatly minimizing the chance of a protest.
This two-day course teaches not only the basic principles and techniques of construction best-value source selection but also reinforces them through exercises and GAO case studies.
Construction Claims:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
In this two-day training you will walk through the factors that lead to claims and disputes on construction projects, and discover techniques for claims avoidance and resolution. Highlights include:
Construction Quality Management:
5 days | 40 CLPs earned
This course is designed as an introduction to the Construction Quality Management discipline, based on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers procedures and best practices. After completing this course, the student will understand the objectives of construction quality management, establishing quality requirements, controlling quality during construction, and taking necessary measures to assure quality. The course combines lecture with interactive exercises and knowledge assessment activities.
Contract Administration:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Successful federal government contracting requires that members of the team, both government and contractor, are able to work effectively together. With the increasing pressure on the federal government to make contractors more accountable, a growing response has been to enlist the support of a team of technical and procurement personnel with growing frequency. Acquisition and program management professionals will improve their ability to manage day-to-day contract activities; build an efficient contract management team; ensure adequate contractor oversight, quality and compliance; maximize performance outcomes; combat cost overruns; and employ creative problem solving.
COR / COTR Certification / Refresher (40 hours):
5 days | 40 CLPs earned
This five-day course presents basic training that focuses on current, real-life issues COR/COTRs face under changing procurement rules. The course is organized to give you a direct opportunity to discover better ways of communicating in resolving contractor concerns as well as problems between the program/project offices and the contracts area. The training will "level-up" all participants' understanding and insights to monitor/problem solve in order to successfully meet the current challenges facing the management of contracts and task orders.
Critical Roles and Responsibilities of the COR / COTR:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
In this training, you'll learn the critical roles, responsibilities and best practices for being an effective COR/COTR. The course covers the COR/COTR’s role throughout the government contracting process—from defining initial requirements to effective post-award performance management. You'll learn the importance of early risk assessment and how risk mitigation and control influences the pre and post award management of the contract. You'll also learn the many areas of the acquisition process where COR/COTR participation is essential in helping the contracting officer protect the interests of the government during contract execution. For industry attendees, you will gain keen insight into your government customer and how your company can help support the important role of the COR/COTR.
Earned Value Management (EVM):
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
This three-day course introduces the fundamental business practices of project management utilizing earned value principles and methodologies, the importance of integrated baseline planning for EVM, and processes involved in operating an integrated Earned Value Management project control system. The course is designed to provide an appreciation for the role of EVM within the Federal CPIC Management environment, how it applies to agency processes and people, and its impact on suppliers to the agency programs.
FAR Part 12: Acquisition of Commercial Items:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This course covers the entire acquisition process for commercial items, starting with the planning phase, including market research, source selection, contract administration and wrapping up with contract close-out. It includes focus on the type of products and services covered by the regulatory definition of a commercial item, the procedures used by the Federal Government to acquire those items, the terms and conditions used in solicitations and contracts, and the special price analysis methods used to determine that offered prices are fair and reasonable.
FAR Part 13: Simplified Acquisition Procedures:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This two-day course provides in-depth coverage of the simplified methods of procurement as detailed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13 and the many interrelated FAR requirements that must be considered when procuring under FAR Part 13. Other related parts of the FAR will be covered including FAR Part 6 - Competition Requirements, FAR Part 8 - Required Sources of Supplies and Services, and FAR Part 19 Socioeconomic Programs - Small Business Programs, as well as other relevant topical areas.
Foundation of Federal Budget Analysis:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This course combines lectures, discussions, group exercises, and case studies to familiarize students with formulating, executing and analyzing government budgets. This will enable government agencies to meet government accountability and to improve budget performance. Performance measurement is a key component of performance-based budgeting. Therefore, the course presents basic concepts to building and analyzing budget metrics. In addition, the course will teach students problem solving tools such as trend analysis, ratio analysis, and comparative analysis to diagnosis potential budget problems and devise recommendations to improve budget performance. When students return to their agencies after taking this course, they will have more skills in developing their agencies’ budget, to track budget performance throughout the fiscal year, and to make recommendations to correct budget problems. They will have this ability because the course will provide exercises and case studies that will reinforce lectures and budget concepts. In addition, they will receive a budget template, budget checklist, and analytical tools. What separates this course from other government budgeting courses is budget analysis. Students in other budget courses learn the history of government budgeting and how to develop a budget, but little or no time is spent on tracking and analyzing budget performance. Meanwhile, this course focuses on using budgeting information to improve an agencies’ budget performance, to meet its accountability requirements, and to make it a more effective and efficient organization.
Federal Contract Disputes and Terminations:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
When a government contract is terminated prior to completion, many issues arise calling into question the rights of each party involved and raising questions concerning payment. Federal acquisition regulations, case law, and court rulings outline the procedures and responsibilities that ensure equitable resolution and the courses of action available when problems arise. However, navigating these nuances can be cumbersome and time consuming, and the participants are usually working under time constraints.
This two-day course covers terminations for default, terminations for convenience and disputes in federal contracts. It includes focus on subcontract termination and overseas terminations for convenience such as those that occur in a military theatre when operations draw-down or cease.
Federal Financial Statements:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
Students of this course will learn to read and use actual government financial statements and be able to describe performance based on the linkages between each of the financial statements. Case studies will be used to demonstrate how the financial statements are prepared in accordance with OMB guidance and federal accounting standards. Obligations of the preparers and compliance with various federal requirements and statutes will also be discussed. In addition, students will also learn how audit requirements impact the preparation of the financial statements.
Fiscal and Appropriations Law - An Overview for Managers:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
As the source of Government funding, the Federal Appropriations process profoundly affects any project, contract, grant, or activity that uses Federal funds. Further, the appropriations process and Federal fiscal law requirements not only control what will be authorized and funded, but can direct how the funds will flow and be managed; what fiscal requirements must be complied with; penalties for violations; and more. This specially developed program is a comprehensive treatment of the most important fiscal law principles that managers in private industry and Government must know. In addition to detailed lectures, you will receive a valuable written text of materials-for use during the program and as a guide to the appropriations, budgetary and fiscal law processes.
Fundamentals of Auditing:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
This course will introduce students to the various laws, regulations and other requirements for audits in the government environment. Case studies will encourage application of the major provisions of the audit requirements and will aid students with their understanding of how to develop specific procedures that ensure compliance with the audit requirements. Through the interactive learning environment, students will learn that audits can help ensure the accountability of government operations and how oversight bodies use and interpret audit results. This course will cover Government Auditing Standards (The Yellow Book) and will include a brief comparison of these standards to other auditing frameworks.
GAO's Principles of Federal Appropriations Law:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
The rules governing federal appropriations are complex, extensive and fill four binders. This course, taught by leading experts in government contract law, will provide the student with an overview of the rules, how they are applied, and most importantly, how to maximize funds with budget limits AND within the rules. Learn precisely how the Federal government's budget and spending system works – and how to avoid impasses at each phase in the process, from initial planning through ultimate disbursement. This course will take you through every facet of the budgeting and spending processes. You'll get a thorough analysis of all funding activities, as seen through the eyes of the contracting, certifying, and disbursing officers.
Government Contract Law for Non-Lawyers:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
This course takes you through the purpose, interpretation, applicability, legal and administrative ramifications of the clauses, statutes, executive orders and regulations applicable to Government prime contracts and subcontracts. You'll get a primer in "preventive" contract law to help you avoid legal problems and to handle them swiftly and effectively if they do arise. The major decisions of the Boards of Contract Appeals, the Comptroller General, and the Courts are examined. The rights and responsibilities of the Government and the prime contractor and the specific problems of the prime and subcontractor relationship are explained. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and its relationship to the current agency regulations will be covered in detail.
Grant Writing Boot Camp:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This comprehensive hands-on boot camp covers everything from grants-related terminology, how to conduct funding searches, forming grant writing teams, to actually writing the critical, high point review sections of a sure to win private sector grant proposal. Participants will receive a notebook full of resource and exercise handouts and a Grant Writing for Dummies, Second Edition CD or Third Edition Book.
Topics include: funding sources, pre-planning and research, grant writing teams, grant writing formats, describing your organization, describing your request to the funder, developing a compelling problem statement, writing a program design, developing an evaluation plan, demonstrating sustainability, planning the budget, recommended attachments, finishing touches, and following up.
Incentive and Award Fee Workshop:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
Preventing unjustified award fees is among the Congressional priorities for government contract reform. With increased scrutiny of contract flexibilities and abuse-prone contracts, agencies and contractors need to ensure incentive and award-fee contracts are formulated on a solid, measurable baseline, executed and documented by the book.
The Award Fee Workshop will provide attendees with a better understanding of the rules, roles and principles of Award and Incentive Fee contracts. Interactive coursework provides clear understanding of the application and structure of Award and Incentive Fee contracts. Attendees will strengthen their understanding and gain insight into practical application of the tools and methods used to structure, implement, monitor, and comply with Award and Incentive Fee contracts.
Integrating Enterprise Architecture & Capital Planning:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
By properly integrating these two disciplines, Senior Managers of an organization will have a holistic view of their organization, their personnel, their processes and IT investments. In this training, Enterprise Architects and Capital Planners will learn How EA relates to the Exhibit 300, Common Pitfalls of Integration, and Total Integration with an EA/CP Team.
Intelligence Analyst Training:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This course focuses on analyzing raw data to produce actionable intelligence. Students will learn who the threat is, how they operate, how to analyze data, and how to use the results to protect their employees, stakeholders, and critical assets. This course is an introduction to threat analysis, the intelligence cycle, and basic analytical techniques.
Introduction to Construction Contracting:
4 days | 32 CLPs earned
This 4-day training gives you a comprehensive look at the procedures and best practices unique to construction contracting, from project planning to post-contract administration. Areas of emphasis include:
Introduction to Crisis Management:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This course is designed to provide a practical overview of crisis management concepts and planning as well as a comprehensive understanding of the function, organization, preparation, and implementation of a crisis management team. The course is intended to assist leaders of government and industry to employ procedures that will allow their organization to mitigate the effects of a crisis while continuing essential operations until full recovery.
This course is divided into three modules: "Module 1 - Crisis Management Planning," "Module 2 - Incident Command & Control," and "Module 3 - Case Studies & Practical Exercises." Each module combines operational principles, practical examples, and best-practices into an interactive workshop designed to stimulate discussion and collaboration. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to help your organization effectively plan, prepare, and react to all types of crisis incidents.
Introduction to FAR: Federal Acquisition Regulation Overview:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
This training 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 training 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 workshop 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.
Introduction to Federal Government Contracting:
4 days | 32 CLPs earned
This course covers the key elements of the entire federal government contracting process. This course is designed to provide those new to government contracts (or those looking for a basic refresher) with an understanding of the entire government contracting process. By providing this framework, you will be able to understand how your work relates to the overall process and will be able to more easily move into other areas of responsibility. Starting with a general overview, this course addresses requirements definition, competition requirements, types of contracts, market research, performance-based contracting, acquisition planning and protests. It will also cover the various procurement methods available, including sealed bidding, negotiated procurements, simplified acquisitions and commercial item acquisitions. Finally, various aspects of contract administration will be covered, such as contract changes, cost allowability, inspections, terminations and claims.
Introduction to Operations Security (OPSEC) for Managers:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This course provides supervisors and managers with an overview of the OPSEC process as well as techniques to protect sensitive and critical activities. Operations security (OPSEC) is a process that identifies critical information to determine if friendly actions can be observed by adversary intelligence systems, determines if information obtained by adversaries could be interpreted to be useful to them, and then executes selected measures that eliminate or reduce adversary exploitation of friendly critical information. The focus of this course is the application of the five-step OPSEC process within a government organization or private industry.
After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to understand the OPSEC process, implement an OPSEC program in their organization, identify critical information and understand the threat.
Leadership Development:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
This course is designed to foster the development of leadership skills for students, helping them to take leadership roles within their government agencies or organizations and lead to increased productivity and performance.
This course will introduce models and concepts that provide insights on a wide range of managerial problems. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to address various aspects of leadership within an organization. Major topics include ethics and social responsibility, organizational design, planning and strategy formulation, motivation, communications, and team building.
Students of this course will be able to utilize strategic and tactical planning skills, become familiar with organization designs and be able to facilitate organizational changes. After completing this course, students will be able to utilize leadership dynamics to motivate and inspire co-workers and employees.
Managing a Blended Workforce:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
This course will provide a brief introduction to the fundamental of government-contractor relations in the workplace and offer some best practice tips to employees and junior supervisors working as part of a mixed government-contractor teams. This course is intended to provide an introductory overview service-based contracting and tips for managing government-contractor relations in the workplace. Several key topics will be covered during the one-day block of instruction:
Managing Workplace Violence:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
While 'Zero Tolerance' has been all the rage, in reality it is often a reactive approach to dealing with workplace violence, frequently misunderstood by employees and difficult to implement. This course will teach you to go beyond 'Zero Tolerance' to the more innovative and proactive approach known as 'Zero Incidents' which focuses on preventing injuries before they occur which is the ultimate goal of any effective safety and security program. Students will learn how to implement "Detect, Prevent and Protect" tools and interventions from the NIX Model for Managing Workplace Violence Prevention to create a comprehensive violence prevention program at their company.
This comprehensive course will help you effectively implement a threat management team, create a comprehensive workplace violence prevention policy, identify the manager's role in preventing and addressing hostile behavior, learn how to deal with hostile and aggressive people, domestic violence situations and much more. Students will create a comprehensive workplace violence policy (or review and update their current policy). In addition, students will create an implementation plan to guide them in the development or revision of their workplace violence prevention program.
Methods and Process of Obtaining a Facility Clearance and the Roles and Responsibilities of a Facility Security Officer:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This informative training is designed to provide students with the basic tools and methodologies in navigating through the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) as it relates to government and industry involvement. The course examines and explains the requirements for a Facility Security Clearance (FCL) and provides a profound understanding of the FCL process and how a security expert plays a vital role in protecting classified information and our national interest.
Negotiation Skills for Contracting and Collaborative Management:
3 days | 24 CLPs
Acquisition professionals use negotiation not only in the contracts setting, but in technical management, personnel and internal management, and interpersonal issues. The ability to communicate across organizational lines is a skill that is crucial to successful collaborative management necessary in today's acquisition environment. This three-day training teaches not only the basic principles and techniques of negotiation, but shows participants how to apply these skills to various situations through lecture, case study, role-play, and hands-on exercises.
Performance-Based Acquisition (PBA):
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Performance-Based Acquisition (PBA), formerly Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) is a three-day training which will assist agencies in meeting their performance-based contracting goals. The course provides a step-by-step analysis that will enable you to successfully conduct a performance-based acquisition and minimize the risk of protest. Topics include: development of the work statement and identification of key performance metrics, setting performance standards and acceptable quality levels, developing an effective incentive plan that will achieve results and writing a customized quality assurance plan to verify performance levels achieved.
Program Management Basics:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This 2-day, 16-hour, high-level course is designed to provide individuals a structured introduction to project management using the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) as a basis. The PMBOK is the most widely accepted international paradigm for project management. It identifies, describes and implements processes that are generally recognized as best practices in managing most projects, from basic to complex.
Statements of Federal Financial Accounting Standards:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
This course will enable you to learn of the role of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) in supporting financial accounting and reporting in the federal government. Case studies will demonstrate the application of the federal accounting standards and show how the financial statements are linked and affected by transactions. Actual government financial statements will be analyzed to assist students of this course with their understanding of the principal financial statements, with a focus on the reporting of assets, liabilities, net position, revenues and expenses.
Strategic Sourcing:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Strategic sourcing is the collaborative and structured process of critically analyzing an organization’s spending and using this information to make business decisions about acquiring commodities and services more effectively and efficiently. This process helps agencies optimize performance, minimize price, increase achievement of socio-economic acquisition goals, evaluate total life cycle management costs, improve vendor access to business opportunities, and otherwise increase the value of each dollar spent.
The Office of Management and Budget has mandated the use of strategic sourcing or “bulk buying” where agencies collaborate to leverage the government’s buying power to reduce target commodity program costs. Senior management involvement is key to this effort, on which agencies must submit annual progress reports. This three-day course gives both practitioners and managers the tools they need to comply with OFPP mandates and to leverage buying power and save money.
Teleworking: Challenges and Practical Solutions:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
Today's 21st Century workforce is evolving into one which is mobile, a place where employees can work efficiently and effectively to be the most productive. As directed by §359 of Public Law 106-346, all agencies must be have a telework policy in compliance with legislative mandates. This includes information systems and technology security while managers must also ensure that equipment and telework agreements comply with their policy. The new Administration will focus on improving productivity through enhanced information technology and strategies. This course is designed to help Federal Managers maximize the opportunity the law provides, while achieving compliance and a work environment that is both supportive and effective, to make the telework workplace a reality.
Understanding FAC-P/PM: Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
During the FAC-P/PM: Federal Acquisition Certification for Program & Project Managers course, you will review the requirements for the FAC-P/PM certification and better understand - as a government employee or contractor - what the FAC-P/PM requirement is, how to meet it, and how to integrate it into your career development plan.
Writing Performance Work Statements (PWS):
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
Eliminate the ambiguities that lead to protests, delays, cost overruns, and substandard performance with this two-day interactive Performance-based Statements of Work (PBSOW) training. Based on a series of legislative acts and the changing perspective and emphasis in Congress, trying to achieve stronger performance is not merely "nice to have", but becoming the modus operandi for agency programs. Yet, doing a better job of defining and measuring performance has been an "eternal" challenge in federal activities. Given the mandate to develop and implement the "pieces" for effective performance management, this two-day training will create synergy as proof positive that performance management can work and work better. Program and contracting personnel will walk through the elements of the PWS with a focus on: developing realistic, consistent, non-restrictive requirements; clearly stating objectives; technical writing style – grammar and mechanics; troubleshooting PWS problems before release, and more.
Writing Winning Proposals and the Art of Oral Presentations:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Since the rewrite of FAR Part 15, contract evaluators have been permitted to compare one entity's proposal directly against the other competitors' rather than just comparing each proposal to the evaluation factors. This change, and a new emphasis on the use of oral presentations, has elevated the need for proposal teams to clearly identify and effectively communicate value and winning solutions.
This 3-day course reviews proposal writing fundamentals and delivers strategies to improve outcomes, eliminate mistakes and set your solution apart from the competition. A full day is dedicated to developing oral presentation skills and techniques.
On-Site Training / Other Training Topics:
Have a Large Staff to Train? - Can't Make The Dates? - Tight Travel Budget?
Government Horizons can provide the above training courses wherever and whenever you need, including on-site at your facility. Our staff will cost-effectively implement training customized to your needs. If you have group of attendees (usually 15 or more), we can bring any course to you and help save you time, travel costs, and more!
See our On-Site Training page for more information.
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Government Horizons delivers quality Government Best Practices training for contracting, procurement and acquisition managers and executives. Our highly skilled instructors have a wealth of practical experience and know-how, allowing them to present complex material in an easily understandable manner. This course catalog provides course titles along with a brief description of each of our training courses. Continuous Learning Point (CLP) allocation is designated for each. |
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All courses listed in our catalog below can be trained at request whenever you're ready - simply contact us to get started. We'll work together with you to schedule a customized version of the course to be brought on-site to your facility, anywhere you need. You choose the dates, time and location, saving you time, travel costs, and more. More information about on-site training |
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Table of Contents:
Advanced COR / COTR Workshop
All-Hazards Regional Evacuation Plans
Best Value Source Selection
Basic Acquisition I for Program Managers and Project Officers
Codes of Conduct and Compliance Plans
CON 100 - Shaping Smart Business Arrangements
Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) in Government Contracts
Construction Best-Value Source Selection
Construction Claims
Construction Quality Management
Contract Administration
COR / COTR Certification / Refresher (40 hours)
Critical Roles and Responsibilities of the COR / COTR
Earned Value Management (EVM)
FAR Part 12: Acquisition of Commercial Items
FAR Part 13: Simplified Acquisition Procedures
Federal Budget Analysis
Federal Contract Disputes and Terminations
Federal Financial Statements
Fiscal and Appropriations Law - An Overview for Managers
Fundamentals of Auditing
GAO's Principles of Federal Appropriations Law
Government Contract Law for Non-Lawyers
Grant Writing Boot Camp
Incentive and Award Fee Workshop
Integrating Enterprise Architecture & Capital Planning
Intelligence Analyst Training
Introduction to Construction Contracting
Introduction to Crisis Management
Introduction to FAR: Federal Acquisition Regulation Overview
Introduction to Federal Government Contracting
Introduction to Operations Security (OPSEC) for Managers
Leadership Development
Managing a Blended Workforce
Managing Workplace Violence
Methods and Process of Obtaining a Facility Clearance and the Roles and Responsibilities of a Facility Security Officer
Negotiation Skills for Contracting and Collaborative Management
Performance-Based Acquisition (PBA)
Program Management Basics
Statements of Federal Financial Accounting Standards
Strategic Sourcing
Teleworking: Challenges and Practical Solutions
Understanding FAC-P/PM: Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers
Writing Performance Work Statements (PWS)
Writing Winning Proposals
On-Site Training / Other Training Topics
Advanced COR / COTR Workshop:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This training course goes above and beyond basic information to focus on current, real-life issues COTRs face under changing procurement rules. The course is organized to give COR/COTRs a direct opportunity to discover better ways of communicating in resolving contractor concerns as well as problems between the program/project offices and the contracts area. Recent contracts will be used to illustrate state-of-the-art topics and concerns presented throughout the course.
All-Hazards Regional Evacuation Plans:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
As an interactive training workshop on developing an All-Hazards Regional Evacuation Plan, this course will walk participants through the regional planning process. Using proven planning methodologies, the course guides participants in creating sound strategies for a variety of catastrophes, both natural and man-made. This best-practice approach to planning provides emergency managers and key officials with detailed data and tools that promote effective decision-making during a catastrophic event. The objective of catastrophic event planning is to maximize the preservation of life, protect property and restore the infrastructure as rapidly as possible. Long-term recovery planning is also a very important component of regional planning, ensuring the economic viability of the region by minimizing business disruption and providing individuals with appropriate levels and types of relief without delay.
This course will provide guidance on how consensus can be developed around a regional vision, and provide creative and innovative solutions in support of the region’s goals and priorities for an evacuation plan. The course will discuss best-practice approaches from the speaker's experiences in regional planning efforts for regions throughout the country including the 10-county Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the National Capital Region, San Francisco, Seattle and the St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS).
Best Value Source Selection:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Efficiently planning and conducting a best value source selection is critical to acquiring the goods and services needed by agencies to meet their mission objectives. Successfully managing the FAR Part 15 process, however, requires in-depth knowledge of the statutes, regulations and best practices that exist to ensure the source selection is fair, credible and that the best value contractor is ultimately selected. From establishing the right evaluation factors to debriefing the unsuccessful offering entities, it is essential that each member of the acquisition team possess the skills and knowledge necessary to actively contribute at each step in the process. For industry, understanding the government’s source selection process will help promote more focused, customer-friendly proposals that better display the key benefits and value of the proposed solution.
Basic Acquisition I for Program Managers and Project Officers:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
This course will provide an understanding for both government and contractor personnel, of the history and structure of federal contracting, the acquisition process, how a determination is made for competitive or non-competitive procurement, market research, the relationship of payment and performance risk to the type of contract chosen, contractor selection and award. Attendees will leave this course with an understanding of the functions of contract administration, including monitoring contractor performance, how delays and interruptions are handled, contract modifications and changes, the contract dispute process, contract terminations and finally contract closeout activities.
Codes of Conduct and Compliance Plans:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
Codes of Conduct and ethics awareness programs, formerly voluntary, are now mandatory for most federal contractors. Written Codes of Conduct and Compliance plans including disclosure procedures, internal controls, and training programs are now required.
Upon contract award, contractors will be required to furnish their employees with a written code of conduct, establish an Ethics Awareness Program and an Internal Control System, provide ethics training, and ensure their subcontractors have similarly done so. While the government does not spell out the components of an acceptable code and compliance program, penalties for non-compliance include suspension or debarment.
This one-day overview explains the changes and the impact of these rules, and provides a solid outline for establishing compliance plans and internal controls.
CON 100 - Shaping Smart Business Arrangements:
4 days | 32 CLPs earned
Acquisition workforce employees who are beginning a level I certification program are required to take CON 100. Employees pursuing Level II or Level III certifications may consider taking CON 100 as an elective. This DAU-equivalent course fulfills this requirement. Upon completion of the course, attendees will be able to recognize the priorities and focus of the Department of Defense senior leadership which includes conducting the business of Government as a member of the acquisition team, in a smart way, on behalf of the taxpayer, consistent with laws and public policy, so that you will be able to make and recommend good business decisions that best support your customers.
Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) in Government Contracts:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Understanding the requirements of cost allowability, allocability, and accounting on federal contracts can save valuable time and resources, ensure you recover all of the costs to which you are entitled, and protect your company from financial mismanagement penalties. For a cost to be allowable (i.e. recoverable) on a Government contract, the cost must be:
- Reasonable
- Allocable
- Not contrary to the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
- Not prohibited by terms of the contract, and
- Not limited by FAR Part 31 Cost Principles
This three-day course gives you the tools you need to understand the requirements and ensure compliance.
Construction Best-Value Source Selection:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
In the construction environment, getting the "right" contractor on contract in a timely, efficient and effective manner is critical to the success of a project. This construction best-value source selection course walks you through the steps and demonstrates the processes and concepts necessary to allow you to select the best contractor for the job while greatly minimizing the chance of a protest.
This two-day course teaches not only the basic principles and techniques of construction best-value source selection but also reinforces them through exercises and GAO case studies.
Construction Claims:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
In this two-day training you will walk through the factors that lead to claims and disputes on construction projects, and discover techniques for claims avoidance and resolution. Highlights include:
- Overview of construction changes
- How to effectively use and interpret the appropriate contract clause
- Effective communication
- Accelerations and delays
- Constructive changes
- Differing site conditions
- Pricing contract changes
- Evaluate pricing on changes
- Records and documentation
- Overview of construction claims
- Notice of claims
- Damages
- Recovery of costs
- Dispute resolution
- Negotiating settlements
- Liens and stop notices
Construction Quality Management:
5 days | 40 CLPs earned
This course is designed as an introduction to the Construction Quality Management discipline, based on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers procedures and best practices. After completing this course, the student will understand the objectives of construction quality management, establishing quality requirements, controlling quality during construction, and taking necessary measures to assure quality. The course combines lecture with interactive exercises and knowledge assessment activities.
Contract Administration:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Successful federal government contracting requires that members of the team, both government and contractor, are able to work effectively together. With the increasing pressure on the federal government to make contractors more accountable, a growing response has been to enlist the support of a team of technical and procurement personnel with growing frequency. Acquisition and program management professionals will improve their ability to manage day-to-day contract activities; build an efficient contract management team; ensure adequate contractor oversight, quality and compliance; maximize performance outcomes; combat cost overruns; and employ creative problem solving.
COR / COTR Certification / Refresher (40 hours):
5 days | 40 CLPs earned
This five-day course presents basic training that focuses on current, real-life issues COR/COTRs face under changing procurement rules. The course is organized to give you a direct opportunity to discover better ways of communicating in resolving contractor concerns as well as problems between the program/project offices and the contracts area. The training will "level-up" all participants' understanding and insights to monitor/problem solve in order to successfully meet the current challenges facing the management of contracts and task orders.
Critical Roles and Responsibilities of the COR / COTR:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
In this training, you'll learn the critical roles, responsibilities and best practices for being an effective COR/COTR. The course covers the COR/COTR’s role throughout the government contracting process—from defining initial requirements to effective post-award performance management. You'll learn the importance of early risk assessment and how risk mitigation and control influences the pre and post award management of the contract. You'll also learn the many areas of the acquisition process where COR/COTR participation is essential in helping the contracting officer protect the interests of the government during contract execution. For industry attendees, you will gain keen insight into your government customer and how your company can help support the important role of the COR/COTR.
Earned Value Management (EVM):
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
This three-day course introduces the fundamental business practices of project management utilizing earned value principles and methodologies, the importance of integrated baseline planning for EVM, and processes involved in operating an integrated Earned Value Management project control system. The course is designed to provide an appreciation for the role of EVM within the Federal CPIC Management environment, how it applies to agency processes and people, and its impact on suppliers to the agency programs.
FAR Part 12: Acquisition of Commercial Items:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This course covers the entire acquisition process for commercial items, starting with the planning phase, including market research, source selection, contract administration and wrapping up with contract close-out. It includes focus on the type of products and services covered by the regulatory definition of a commercial item, the procedures used by the Federal Government to acquire those items, the terms and conditions used in solicitations and contracts, and the special price analysis methods used to determine that offered prices are fair and reasonable.
FAR Part 13: Simplified Acquisition Procedures:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This two-day course provides in-depth coverage of the simplified methods of procurement as detailed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13 and the many interrelated FAR requirements that must be considered when procuring under FAR Part 13. Other related parts of the FAR will be covered including FAR Part 6 - Competition Requirements, FAR Part 8 - Required Sources of Supplies and Services, and FAR Part 19 Socioeconomic Programs - Small Business Programs, as well as other relevant topical areas.
Foundation of Federal Budget Analysis:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This course combines lectures, discussions, group exercises, and case studies to familiarize students with formulating, executing and analyzing government budgets. This will enable government agencies to meet government accountability and to improve budget performance. Performance measurement is a key component of performance-based budgeting. Therefore, the course presents basic concepts to building and analyzing budget metrics. In addition, the course will teach students problem solving tools such as trend analysis, ratio analysis, and comparative analysis to diagnosis potential budget problems and devise recommendations to improve budget performance. When students return to their agencies after taking this course, they will have more skills in developing their agencies’ budget, to track budget performance throughout the fiscal year, and to make recommendations to correct budget problems. They will have this ability because the course will provide exercises and case studies that will reinforce lectures and budget concepts. In addition, they will receive a budget template, budget checklist, and analytical tools. What separates this course from other government budgeting courses is budget analysis. Students in other budget courses learn the history of government budgeting and how to develop a budget, but little or no time is spent on tracking and analyzing budget performance. Meanwhile, this course focuses on using budgeting information to improve an agencies’ budget performance, to meet its accountability requirements, and to make it a more effective and efficient organization.
Federal Contract Disputes and Terminations:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
When a government contract is terminated prior to completion, many issues arise calling into question the rights of each party involved and raising questions concerning payment. Federal acquisition regulations, case law, and court rulings outline the procedures and responsibilities that ensure equitable resolution and the courses of action available when problems arise. However, navigating these nuances can be cumbersome and time consuming, and the participants are usually working under time constraints.
This two-day course covers terminations for default, terminations for convenience and disputes in federal contracts. It includes focus on subcontract termination and overseas terminations for convenience such as those that occur in a military theatre when operations draw-down or cease.
Federal Financial Statements:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
Students of this course will learn to read and use actual government financial statements and be able to describe performance based on the linkages between each of the financial statements. Case studies will be used to demonstrate how the financial statements are prepared in accordance with OMB guidance and federal accounting standards. Obligations of the preparers and compliance with various federal requirements and statutes will also be discussed. In addition, students will also learn how audit requirements impact the preparation of the financial statements.
Fiscal and Appropriations Law - An Overview for Managers:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
As the source of Government funding, the Federal Appropriations process profoundly affects any project, contract, grant, or activity that uses Federal funds. Further, the appropriations process and Federal fiscal law requirements not only control what will be authorized and funded, but can direct how the funds will flow and be managed; what fiscal requirements must be complied with; penalties for violations; and more. This specially developed program is a comprehensive treatment of the most important fiscal law principles that managers in private industry and Government must know. In addition to detailed lectures, you will receive a valuable written text of materials-for use during the program and as a guide to the appropriations, budgetary and fiscal law processes.
Fundamentals of Auditing:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
This course will introduce students to the various laws, regulations and other requirements for audits in the government environment. Case studies will encourage application of the major provisions of the audit requirements and will aid students with their understanding of how to develop specific procedures that ensure compliance with the audit requirements. Through the interactive learning environment, students will learn that audits can help ensure the accountability of government operations and how oversight bodies use and interpret audit results. This course will cover Government Auditing Standards (The Yellow Book) and will include a brief comparison of these standards to other auditing frameworks.
GAO's Principles of Federal Appropriations Law:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
The rules governing federal appropriations are complex, extensive and fill four binders. This course, taught by leading experts in government contract law, will provide the student with an overview of the rules, how they are applied, and most importantly, how to maximize funds with budget limits AND within the rules. Learn precisely how the Federal government's budget and spending system works – and how to avoid impasses at each phase in the process, from initial planning through ultimate disbursement. This course will take you through every facet of the budgeting and spending processes. You'll get a thorough analysis of all funding activities, as seen through the eyes of the contracting, certifying, and disbursing officers.
Government Contract Law for Non-Lawyers:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
This course takes you through the purpose, interpretation, applicability, legal and administrative ramifications of the clauses, statutes, executive orders and regulations applicable to Government prime contracts and subcontracts. You'll get a primer in "preventive" contract law to help you avoid legal problems and to handle them swiftly and effectively if they do arise. The major decisions of the Boards of Contract Appeals, the Comptroller General, and the Courts are examined. The rights and responsibilities of the Government and the prime contractor and the specific problems of the prime and subcontractor relationship are explained. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and its relationship to the current agency regulations will be covered in detail.
Grant Writing Boot Camp:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This comprehensive hands-on boot camp covers everything from grants-related terminology, how to conduct funding searches, forming grant writing teams, to actually writing the critical, high point review sections of a sure to win private sector grant proposal. Participants will receive a notebook full of resource and exercise handouts and a Grant Writing for Dummies, Second Edition CD or Third Edition Book.
Topics include: funding sources, pre-planning and research, grant writing teams, grant writing formats, describing your organization, describing your request to the funder, developing a compelling problem statement, writing a program design, developing an evaluation plan, demonstrating sustainability, planning the budget, recommended attachments, finishing touches, and following up.
Incentive and Award Fee Workshop:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
Preventing unjustified award fees is among the Congressional priorities for government contract reform. With increased scrutiny of contract flexibilities and abuse-prone contracts, agencies and contractors need to ensure incentive and award-fee contracts are formulated on a solid, measurable baseline, executed and documented by the book.
The Award Fee Workshop will provide attendees with a better understanding of the rules, roles and principles of Award and Incentive Fee contracts. Interactive coursework provides clear understanding of the application and structure of Award and Incentive Fee contracts. Attendees will strengthen their understanding and gain insight into practical application of the tools and methods used to structure, implement, monitor, and comply with Award and Incentive Fee contracts.
Integrating Enterprise Architecture & Capital Planning:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
By properly integrating these two disciplines, Senior Managers of an organization will have a holistic view of their organization, their personnel, their processes and IT investments. In this training, Enterprise Architects and Capital Planners will learn How EA relates to the Exhibit 300, Common Pitfalls of Integration, and Total Integration with an EA/CP Team.
Intelligence Analyst Training:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This course focuses on analyzing raw data to produce actionable intelligence. Students will learn who the threat is, how they operate, how to analyze data, and how to use the results to protect their employees, stakeholders, and critical assets. This course is an introduction to threat analysis, the intelligence cycle, and basic analytical techniques.
Introduction to Construction Contracting:
4 days | 32 CLPs earned
This 4-day training gives you a comprehensive look at the procedures and best practices unique to construction contracting, from project planning to post-contract administration. Areas of emphasis include:
- Construction contracting overview
- Responsibilities and authority
- Contract laws and regulations
- Project/contract planning
- Project scheduling and budgeting
- Specifications
- Pre-construction Operations
- Construction Operations
- Changes
- Contract Close-out record keeping and reporting
- Solicitation and contract award
- Project administration
- Construction Operations
- Changes
- Contractor payment
- Contract close out
Introduction to Crisis Management:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This course is designed to provide a practical overview of crisis management concepts and planning as well as a comprehensive understanding of the function, organization, preparation, and implementation of a crisis management team. The course is intended to assist leaders of government and industry to employ procedures that will allow their organization to mitigate the effects of a crisis while continuing essential operations until full recovery.
This course is divided into three modules: "Module 1 - Crisis Management Planning," "Module 2 - Incident Command & Control," and "Module 3 - Case Studies & Practical Exercises." Each module combines operational principles, practical examples, and best-practices into an interactive workshop designed to stimulate discussion and collaboration. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to help your organization effectively plan, prepare, and react to all types of crisis incidents.
Introduction to FAR: Federal Acquisition Regulation Overview:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
This training 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 training 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 workshop 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.
Introduction to Federal Government Contracting:
4 days | 32 CLPs earned
This course covers the key elements of the entire federal government contracting process. This course is designed to provide those new to government contracts (or those looking for a basic refresher) with an understanding of the entire government contracting process. By providing this framework, you will be able to understand how your work relates to the overall process and will be able to more easily move into other areas of responsibility. Starting with a general overview, this course addresses requirements definition, competition requirements, types of contracts, market research, performance-based contracting, acquisition planning and protests. It will also cover the various procurement methods available, including sealed bidding, negotiated procurements, simplified acquisitions and commercial item acquisitions. Finally, various aspects of contract administration will be covered, such as contract changes, cost allowability, inspections, terminations and claims.
Introduction to Operations Security (OPSEC) for Managers:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This course provides supervisors and managers with an overview of the OPSEC process as well as techniques to protect sensitive and critical activities. Operations security (OPSEC) is a process that identifies critical information to determine if friendly actions can be observed by adversary intelligence systems, determines if information obtained by adversaries could be interpreted to be useful to them, and then executes selected measures that eliminate or reduce adversary exploitation of friendly critical information. The focus of this course is the application of the five-step OPSEC process within a government organization or private industry.
After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to understand the OPSEC process, implement an OPSEC program in their organization, identify critical information and understand the threat.
Leadership Development:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
This course is designed to foster the development of leadership skills for students, helping them to take leadership roles within their government agencies or organizations and lead to increased productivity and performance.
This course will introduce models and concepts that provide insights on a wide range of managerial problems. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to address various aspects of leadership within an organization. Major topics include ethics and social responsibility, organizational design, planning and strategy formulation, motivation, communications, and team building.
Students of this course will be able to utilize strategic and tactical planning skills, become familiar with organization designs and be able to facilitate organizational changes. After completing this course, students will be able to utilize leadership dynamics to motivate and inspire co-workers and employees.
Managing a Blended Workforce:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
This course will provide a brief introduction to the fundamental of government-contractor relations in the workplace and offer some best practice tips to employees and junior supervisors working as part of a mixed government-contractor teams. This course is intended to provide an introductory overview service-based contracting and tips for managing government-contractor relations in the workplace. Several key topics will be covered during the one-day block of instruction:
- Brief overview of service-based contracting
- Understanding the government-contractor relationship
- Recognizing the differences between government and contractor employees
- Responsibilities, authorities and role of the acquisition team
- Basic familiarity with contracting procedures and understanding the Statement of Work
- Common mistakes and pitfalls of managing contractor employees
- Best practices for getting the most of the government-contractor team
- Tips for evaluating and measuring contractor performance
- Ethics and legal concerns for managing the hybrid workforce
- Security considerations for the contractor workforce
Managing Workplace Violence:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
While 'Zero Tolerance' has been all the rage, in reality it is often a reactive approach to dealing with workplace violence, frequently misunderstood by employees and difficult to implement. This course will teach you to go beyond 'Zero Tolerance' to the more innovative and proactive approach known as 'Zero Incidents' which focuses on preventing injuries before they occur which is the ultimate goal of any effective safety and security program. Students will learn how to implement "Detect, Prevent and Protect" tools and interventions from the NIX Model for Managing Workplace Violence Prevention to create a comprehensive violence prevention program at their company.
This comprehensive course will help you effectively implement a threat management team, create a comprehensive workplace violence prevention policy, identify the manager's role in preventing and addressing hostile behavior, learn how to deal with hostile and aggressive people, domestic violence situations and much more. Students will create a comprehensive workplace violence policy (or review and update their current policy). In addition, students will create an implementation plan to guide them in the development or revision of their workplace violence prevention program.
Methods and Process of Obtaining a Facility Clearance and the Roles and Responsibilities of a Facility Security Officer:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This informative training is designed to provide students with the basic tools and methodologies in navigating through the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) as it relates to government and industry involvement. The course examines and explains the requirements for a Facility Security Clearance (FCL) and provides a profound understanding of the FCL process and how a security expert plays a vital role in protecting classified information and our national interest.
Negotiation Skills for Contracting and Collaborative Management:
3 days | 24 CLPs
Acquisition professionals use negotiation not only in the contracts setting, but in technical management, personnel and internal management, and interpersonal issues. The ability to communicate across organizational lines is a skill that is crucial to successful collaborative management necessary in today's acquisition environment. This three-day training teaches not only the basic principles and techniques of negotiation, but shows participants how to apply these skills to various situations through lecture, case study, role-play, and hands-on exercises.
Performance-Based Acquisition (PBA):
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Performance-Based Acquisition (PBA), formerly Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) is a three-day training which will assist agencies in meeting their performance-based contracting goals. The course provides a step-by-step analysis that will enable you to successfully conduct a performance-based acquisition and minimize the risk of protest. Topics include: development of the work statement and identification of key performance metrics, setting performance standards and acceptable quality levels, developing an effective incentive plan that will achieve results and writing a customized quality assurance plan to verify performance levels achieved.
Program Management Basics:
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
This 2-day, 16-hour, high-level course is designed to provide individuals a structured introduction to project management using the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) as a basis. The PMBOK is the most widely accepted international paradigm for project management. It identifies, describes and implements processes that are generally recognized as best practices in managing most projects, from basic to complex.
Statements of Federal Financial Accounting Standards:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
This course will enable you to learn of the role of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) in supporting financial accounting and reporting in the federal government. Case studies will demonstrate the application of the federal accounting standards and show how the financial statements are linked and affected by transactions. Actual government financial statements will be analyzed to assist students of this course with their understanding of the principal financial statements, with a focus on the reporting of assets, liabilities, net position, revenues and expenses.
Strategic Sourcing:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Strategic sourcing is the collaborative and structured process of critically analyzing an organization’s spending and using this information to make business decisions about acquiring commodities and services more effectively and efficiently. This process helps agencies optimize performance, minimize price, increase achievement of socio-economic acquisition goals, evaluate total life cycle management costs, improve vendor access to business opportunities, and otherwise increase the value of each dollar spent.
The Office of Management and Budget has mandated the use of strategic sourcing or “bulk buying” where agencies collaborate to leverage the government’s buying power to reduce target commodity program costs. Senior management involvement is key to this effort, on which agencies must submit annual progress reports. This three-day course gives both practitioners and managers the tools they need to comply with OFPP mandates and to leverage buying power and save money.
Teleworking: Challenges and Practical Solutions:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
Today's 21st Century workforce is evolving into one which is mobile, a place where employees can work efficiently and effectively to be the most productive. As directed by §359 of Public Law 106-346, all agencies must be have a telework policy in compliance with legislative mandates. This includes information systems and technology security while managers must also ensure that equipment and telework agreements comply with their policy. The new Administration will focus on improving productivity through enhanced information technology and strategies. This course is designed to help Federal Managers maximize the opportunity the law provides, while achieving compliance and a work environment that is both supportive and effective, to make the telework workplace a reality.
Understanding FAC-P/PM: Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers:
1 day | 8 CLPs earned
During the FAC-P/PM: Federal Acquisition Certification for Program & Project Managers course, you will review the requirements for the FAC-P/PM certification and better understand - as a government employee or contractor - what the FAC-P/PM requirement is, how to meet it, and how to integrate it into your career development plan.
Writing Performance Work Statements (PWS):
2 days | 16 CLPs earned
Eliminate the ambiguities that lead to protests, delays, cost overruns, and substandard performance with this two-day interactive Performance-based Statements of Work (PBSOW) training. Based on a series of legislative acts and the changing perspective and emphasis in Congress, trying to achieve stronger performance is not merely "nice to have", but becoming the modus operandi for agency programs. Yet, doing a better job of defining and measuring performance has been an "eternal" challenge in federal activities. Given the mandate to develop and implement the "pieces" for effective performance management, this two-day training will create synergy as proof positive that performance management can work and work better. Program and contracting personnel will walk through the elements of the PWS with a focus on: developing realistic, consistent, non-restrictive requirements; clearly stating objectives; technical writing style – grammar and mechanics; troubleshooting PWS problems before release, and more.
Writing Winning Proposals and the Art of Oral Presentations:
3 days | 24 CLPs earned
Since the rewrite of FAR Part 15, contract evaluators have been permitted to compare one entity's proposal directly against the other competitors' rather than just comparing each proposal to the evaluation factors. This change, and a new emphasis on the use of oral presentations, has elevated the need for proposal teams to clearly identify and effectively communicate value and winning solutions.
This 3-day course reviews proposal writing fundamentals and delivers strategies to improve outcomes, eliminate mistakes and set your solution apart from the competition. A full day is dedicated to developing oral presentation skills and techniques.
On-Site Training / Other Training Topics:
Have a Large Staff to Train? - Can't Make The Dates? - Tight Travel Budget?
Government Horizons can provide the above training courses wherever and whenever you need, including on-site at your facility. Our staff will cost-effectively implement training customized to your needs. If you have group of attendees (usually 15 or more), we can bring any course to you and help save you time, travel costs, and more!
See our On-Site Training page for more information.