Combating Cost Overruns
 An Acquisition Workforce Training Series™ Workshop

March 29-30, 2007

Government*Horizons Training Center
4301 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1003 (10th Floor)
Arlington, VA

This course…“Definitely changed how I will do projects in the future.”  Wendi Brown, Deputy Director,  Law Enforcement Support Office, Defense Logistics Agency

Registration: 8:00 AM (Day One Only)
Program Starts: 8:30 AM
Wrap-up: 4:30 PM


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

This workshop is recommended for 18 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) toward DAWIA/FAC-C 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, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/procurement/policy_letters/05-01_041505.html

About This Workshop

Program cost overruns can lead to program delays, recompetes, and additional start up costs with the follow-on contractor should contracts be terminated. Penalties are now proposed for contractors who experience overruns on major projects. Many causes of overruns are preventable: the key is identification and mitigation at the each phase of the project. Government*Horizons invites contractors, contracting officers and program managers to come together to examine the aspects of cost overruns and study strategies to combat them at this 2-day symposium. You’ll get strategies to:

• Identify and mitigate programmatic red flags
• Understand contractor rate structures
• Write realistic performance milestones
• Develop accurate cost estimates
• Correctly assess and manage project scope
• Implement adequate contractor oversight

This course is recommended for 18 CLPs and is designed to fulfill a DAWIA/FAC-C Level I elective. Students will receive a Government*Horizons certificate of completion.

Continuing Education

This workshop:
• is recommended for 18 Continuous Learning Points to maintain DAWIA/FAC-C certification and as a Level II elective
• provides 18 hours government-related CPE required for all auditors doing at least 20% work under the Generally Accepted Government Accounting Standards.
• Strengthens the Core Competencies required by the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program (JFMIP), now the Financial Systems Integration Office, for financial managers.


Attendees will be issued a Government*Horizons Certificate of Completion for 18 learning hours in the field of Government Contract Financial Management.

Who Should Attend

• Agency and Contractor Contract Managers
• Financial Managers
• Accountants/Auditors
• Cost Estimating Personnel
• Business Improvement Specialists
• Contracting Officers/COTRs
• Program Management Teams
• Project Officers
• Technical Evaluation personnel
• Source Selection personnel
• Subcontract Managers 

Previous Attendees Include:

• Defense Logistics Agency, Deputy Director, LESO

• Tessada & Associates, Inc., COO

• U.S. Air Force, Budget Analyst

• U.S. Coast Guard, Contracting Officer

• U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, Contracting Officer

Course Syllabus

DAY 1  

8:00 –  8:30  --  Registration 

8:30 – 9:30 – Program Management for Cost Control 

·        Project definition and approval 

·        Effective budgeting 

·        Cost overrun vs. cost control 

·        EVMS 

·        Contractor Oversight 

·        Compliance-based vs. Performance-based

10:00 – 12:00 Tutorial workshop: Controlling Contract Scope (Part I)

·        Getting all parties involved 

·        Writing clear statements of work  

·        Scope abuse  

12:00 – 1:00 -- Lunch on your own   

1:00 – 2:00  Controlling Contract Scope (Part II) 

·        How does scope relate to cost issues 

·        Impact of rework on cost 

2:15 – 4:00 Lessons Learned – Spotting and controlling cost overrun red flags:

·        Choose the correct contact type. 

·        Ensure project managers are qualified, objective, and have the technical proficiency, for the project type.

·        Look for conflicts of interest in the “independent review” cycle. 

·        Clear roles, responsibilities, lines of command. 

·        Organization must empower field managers to implement changes/controls. 

·        Alter what is required on progress reports if they don’t paint an accurate picture. 

·        Link successes and failures to impact on future milestones, budget, and schedule; not just current objectives. 

·        If cost overruns occur, ensure they are covered by the appropriate obligation. 

Day 2  

8:30 – 11:30 - Understanding Contractor Rate Structures 

12:30 – 3:30 - Developing Accurate Cost Estimates 

For general information about this workshop and registration information, please email Katie Smith or call (703) 807-2758

Registration Fee

©2007 Government*Horizons