News for the Acquisition Workforce

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy issued Acquisition Flash 22-01 Continuous Learning Requirements, announcing that Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC) Continuous Learning (CL) requirements will resume on May 1, 2022. To learn more, watch this video that will tell you everything you need to know about the new common CL period. Have questions? Watch our video that covers frequently asked questions. We look forward to starting the next CL cycle with you!

The Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov is now the authoritative identifier for federal contractors. The DUNS Number is no longer in use. SAM.gov, eSRS, FSRS, FPDS, FAPIIS, and CPARS, as well as all other GSA systems, now solely use the Unique Entity ID to identify entities. Federal awarding officials can search for an entity in SAM.gov by using the legal business name, CAGE code or Unique Entity ID. Learn more about the Unique Entity ID on the transition webpage.

Performance-based acquisitions (PBAs) are structured around the results to be achieved as opposed to the manner in which work is to be performed. Services are evolving in complexity due to advances in technology, and an acquisition workforce member cannot be an expert in all fields that they touch. Therefore, any contract that is proscriptive in how a service is delivered is likely to result in substandard performance. A successful contract in the current acquisition environment instead speaks to expected results. Register and join GSA this month to explore the many benefits of using PBAs during your procurement planning. Earn 1 CLP!

Cost avoidance is one of the key performance indicators used to measure the impact category management initiatives are having across the federal government. Join GSA for an in-depth review of these methodologies and learn how using an existing governmentwide contract is one cost avoidance measure that leverages administrative efficiency and frees up existing agency resources to focus on mission-critical work. Register and join GSA’s quarterly Spotlight webinar and earn 1 CLP!

It is that time of the year again! Applications for the FY23 CXO Fellows Program Cohort are open. GS09 - GS13 employees in the acquisition, financial management, information technology, data, or human capital fields will benefit from this professional development program. The Fellows meet three times a month for leadership, cross-functional and inter-agency collaboration, and professional development courses. Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on June 10 and contain your contact information, supervisor’s approval, and three short essay responses. Questions? Email: cxofellowship@gsa.gov

The Partnership for Public Service is currently accepting applications for the Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals (LEAP) program, now under the Mission Support Leadership Program for GS12 through GS14. The application deadline is April 22. Find more information about LEAP on their website.

Acquisition, Program Management, and Small Business Excellence Awards 2022

The Chief Acquisition Officer Council (CAOC) is accepting nominations for the Acquisition, Program Management, and Small Business Excellence Awards until June 1, 2022. These awards recognize acquisition professionals who have contributed to improvements in acquisition, particularly for efforts responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards will be presented at Imagine Nation ELC 2022, Oct. 15-23, 2022. To read more or begin the nomination process, visit FAI's website.