News for the Acquisition Workforce

On March 7, 2022, the FAR council published FAR Rule 2021-008, which included substantial and complex changes to the requirements of the Buy American statute. FAI has created a five-minute micro-learning video to help contracting professionals understand the changes which take effect on Oct. 25, 2022. In addition, GSA has developed decision trees to assist in further understanding the new process. You can also review the Federal Register Notice for the complete details about FAR Case 2021-008.

Learn why and how to conduct market research to get a better understanding of the regulatory nature of FAR Part 10 and how it relates to other decisions. Join GSA on May 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET to hear real-world scenarios and examples from GSA's market research efforts and more! This is a one (1) CLP credit course. Check out GSA’s registration page for more information and to sign up!

On Wednesday, May 18, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, GSA's Federal Acquisition Service Training (FAST) monthly conference series continues. Sign up now! At this event, you will learn about energy efficiency and renewable sources; strategic sourcing and category management solutions for buying maintenance, repair, janitorial and sanitation products; real examples from Kirtland Air Force Base; and how to prioritize cost-effective strategies with a free online tool. Attend this no-cost training and earn up to three (3) CLPs!

Join the GWCM PMO's next dashboard demonstration! This live demonstration will teach you how to use the Executive Summary Dashboard and other dashboard tools to track your performance against specific key performance indicators (KPI). We'll dig into each KPI using the Solution Profile Report for BIC performance, the Top N tab on the Category Management Reporting workbench for SUM, and more. Register here and earn one (1) CLP.

Want to learn more about RFIs and how they can help your business? Join the MRAS team on May 31 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET for their webinar covering professional tips and tactics on how to complete the GSA's RFIs. Check out GSA’s event page for more information and to register!

Now that CLPs are back on the table, consider taking these four co-creation learning courses and get up to 28 CLPs. They are open to any FAI CSOD user interested in what co-creation is and how this method of collaboration works within procurement, as well as in the non-competitive context. Courses are offered in both the eastern time zone and overseas, so choose your course time wisely! Please contact Abdulaziz Yousuf at ayousuf@usaid.gov or Stephanie Fugate at sfugate@usaid.gov if you have any questions!

Professional Services Office Hours June 9

Learn how GSA's professional services labor categories are established under the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract and how to evaluate them for task orders. During this session, you will learn how to set clear expectations in a request for quote (RFQ) and ensure that proposed labor categories meet minimum education and experience requirements. This session will also cover GSA’s pricing methodology and price escalation under MAS contracts and orders. Register and join GSA on June 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET to earn one (1) CLP!

Save the Date! AbilityOne Training

The GSA AbilityOne representative team is offering an opportunity to learn more about the AbilityOne program on Wednesday, June 1, at 11:00 a.m. ET! This session will cover the definition of Essentially the Same (ETS), how to recognize and avoid purchasing ETS items, and the impact on AbilityOne, among other topics. The training is recommended for all GSA/FAS employees involved in contact award and administration. Earn 1.5 CLPs after completing a post-course survey. Register here. 

FAC-P/PM Training is Here!

FAI's FAC-P/PM training sessions are now available for your registration in FAI CSOD. FAC-P/PM levels 1, 2 and 3, and IT Core-Plus specialization sessions are ready and waiting for you. See the entire list of sessions with open seats. Remember, FAI's training for federal employees is free of charge; there is no cost to you or your agency.

Acquisition, Program Management, and Small Business Excellence Awards 2022

The Chief Acquisition Officers 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, October 15–23. To read more or begin the nomination process, visit FAI's website.

Acquisition Workforce Spotlight on Christine Heibeck

Acquisition workforce members across the federal government make amazing contributions to the acquisition community every day, and FAI wants you to know about them! Check out this quarter’s spotlight featuring Christine Heibeck, FAI's learning and development team lead! Go to FAI.gov to learn more about Christine and new acquisition courses!