Acquisition Today - News for the Acquisition Workforce - FAI

News for the Federal Acquisition Workforce

Federal Acquisition Institute sent this bulletin at 04/21/2021 12:49 PM EDT

April 21, 2021

Government-wide Acquisition Workforce Key Initiatives

FAI CSOD is Almost Ready! Are You?

This June, Federal Acquisition Workforce members will gain access to one of the world’s leading cloud-based people development platforms, Cornerstone OnDemand (CSOD). FAI and its partners are taking the final steps to make sure the FAI CSOD is ready for you. You may also have a few steps to ensure a successful transition for yourself. You have, at most, three weeks remaining* to complete the following actions in FAITAS: 1. Verify the accuracy of your FAITAS profile information. 2. Complete all workflows in FAITAS, including certification, specialization, and warrant applications.* 3. Complete Online Training (OLT) Courses in FAITAS or you will lose your progress.*

*Note: To ensure adequate time for review and completion, earlier deadlines may be imposed by individual agencies and training providers. To learn more about FAI CSOD and the transition from FAITAS, continue to read Acquisition Today, follow messages from FAI and your Acquisition Career Manager, and visit the FAI CSOD FAQ Page.

OFPP Seeks EPIC Ideas!

Help shape plans that support the Administration’s government-wide acquisition priorities and initiatives by participating in OFPP’s inaugural Engaging Procurement Ideas to Crowdsource (EPIC) campaign. Join the OFPP Innovates online crowdsourcing community to participate in the EPIC campaign. After joining OFPP Innovates, log into the online community to view the campaign, instructions, and ways you can participate.

Managing the Government-Contractor Relationship Training Course

FAI is proud to announce the release of a new course “Managing the Government-Contractor Relationship”. This online course explains the general restrictions of nonpersonal service contracts and provides guidelines for government and contractor interactions. Search by course name or ID number FCL-A-0039 to register in FAITAS. Earn 0.5 CLPs for course completion.

Registration is LIVE for Acquisition Training for the Real World

Acquisition Training for the Real World is a virtual, two-week program that focuses on the Acquisition Gateway and latest information on Federal Marketplace initiatives. The training occurs daily from April 26 to May 7 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET, and it is open exclusively to federal agency personnel. Register today and earn up to 11 CLPs!

GSA Now Offers Social Distancing Furniture NSNs

GSA Global Supply has launched a line of Privacy Furniture National Stock Numbers (NSNS) meant for work environments where divided space and privacy are essential. No contract is needed. Order quickly with your purchase card or your Activity Access Code (AAC/DoDAAC).

Professional Services Office Hours - May 13

The government-wide Professional Services Category continues to embark on a robust supplier engagement journey. They have hosted webinars, Industry Exchange Forums, and one-on-one interviews. What have they learned through this proactive collaboration? Register and join Supplier Relationship Manager Bounce Quarry for lessons learned that are relevant to federal acquisition professionals. Earn 1 CLP!

Professional Services Spotlight Webinar - May 18

This Spotlight session will focus on the GSA SmartPay® Government-wide Charge Card and Related Payment Service Program. Supporting agency missions for over twenty years, this program streamlines government purchases and payments, while reducing costs. This session will cover spending trends, using cards for contract payments, sharing innovations, and increasing program refunds to further support your organization’s mission. Register for May 18 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET. Earn 1 CLP!

Welcome and Goodbye to FAI Staff Members

FAI is excited to announce that LaShanka Bennett has joined FAI as the new Acquisition Program Manager for FAC-Program/Project Management (P/PM). LaShanka began her federal career as a Student Intern with the Army Corps of Engineers. She later secured a position as a PALACE Acquire Intern with the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Robins AFB, GA. She has worked for the Army, Air Force, and Navy. LaShanka has also served as the Headquarters Air Force Logistics Career Field Manager. She holds DAWIA certification in Life Cycle Logistics, Program Management, and Engineering. Please join FAI in welcoming LaShanka! Jane Sang is retiring as FAI's Business Operations Specialist and Acquisition Today Editor. FAI appreciates her contributions to the team and sends her warm wishes in retirement!

Cost Avoidance and Category Management Seminar

On April 29 at 1 p.m. ET, the Office of Management and Budget and the Government-wide Category Management Program Management Office (CM PMO) will host an educational seminar on cost avoidance in the best-in-class (BIC) program. Register online and earn 1.5 CLPs!

Acquisition Workforce Spotlight with Jonathan Higgins

Acquisition workforce members from across the federal government are making amazing contributions to the acquisition community every day, and FAI wants you to know about them! Check out this quarter’s spotlight featuring Jonathan Higgins, an Associate Acquisition Career Manager from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Go to FAI.gov to learn more about Jonathan and his acquisition work with the VA!

Acquisition Today is published the first and third Wednesday of each month. If you have information that you would like to share with the federal acquisition workforce community via Acquisition Today, you may submit your article for consideration by completing this form. If you have feedback that you would like to share with FAI, please email us at contact@fai.gov.

Any reference to, or information discussing, a specific commercial training organization, or its products, processes, or services within this Acquisition Today newsletter does not constitute or imply an endorsement by FAI, GSA, or the United States Government of the commercial training organization, or its products, processes, services, producers, or providers. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document, website, linked information, or any other information, contained in the newsletter regarding a commercial training organization do not necessarily state or reflect those of FAI, GSA, or the United States Government. All references to commercial training organizations are for information purposes only. Neither the FAI, GSA, or the United States Government, nor any of their employees, assumes any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information from a commercial training organization's referenced information, linked information, services, products, producers, or providers.

Stay Connected with FAI:

Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe from all | Help