Fundamentals of Contracting and Acquisition

Catalog description

This course provides an in-depth examination of federal acquisition practices, policies and procedures, to acquaint managers and non-contracting personnel with the acquisition process and compliance issues. Contracting and acquisition fundamentals reviews contract planning, contract execution, and contract management as part of the acquisition process. They will learn basic mission support planning strategies, how to research the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS); additionally, students will learn how effective market research and socioeconomic programs support the FAR and DFARS acquisition planning process as well as its implementation. They will examine the process, problems and issues of solicitation and contract award. Instruction will also include: benefits of early industry involvement in shaping requirements; basic procedures for acquisition of commercial and noncommercial requirements; basic competitive acquisitions; awards processing; management of contract award protests; contractor performance metrics; contract changes procedures; disputes; and close out procedures of completed contracts. This course is designed for personnel new to the contracting career field or non-contracting personnel who play a role in the acquisition process.