News for the Acquisition Workforce

New additions to the Periodic Table of Acquisition Innovations (PTAI) showcase how agencies can use cutting-edge methods (e.g., advanced analytics, robotics process automation and machine learning) to (I) automate review of FAR-based solicitations and contracts for missing information required by law or regulation, (II) automate notifications and reminders to both contracting officials and contractors regarding upcoming reporting requirements, (III) support contracting officials in making more efficient and informed determinations of contractor responsibility, and (IV) support more robust market research. Each use case discusses benefits (e.g., increased speed, improved accuracy, reduced administrative cost, lower risk), how to obtain the code, and useful artifacts. Click the Acquisition Automations tab on the PTAI today!

Acquisition professionals, limited seats are available in the exciting courses listed below. Sign up soon!

FCN 605 - Intermediate Agile Techniques for Contracting Professionals (2-Day), beginning April 6. 

FCN 170 - Procurement Innovation - FAR Flexibility (2-Day), beginning April 17. 

FQN 432 - Information Technology Acquisition (3-Day), beginning April 17. 

FCN 400 - Emergency Contracting Basics (2-Day), beginning April 20.

A Civilian Services Acquisition Workshop (CSAW) is a highly structured, facilitated workshop built around a specific acquisition and its multi-functional integrated project team (IPT). The workshop walks the complete team through the performance-based acquisition process from beginning to end. The primary focus of the CSAW is to get all members of the acquisition team or IPT contributing and working together to accomplish the necessary work. Join GSA this month for an overview of CSAWs, how they can benefit your acquisition teams, and ways you can get involved with this valuable service offering. Register now and earn one CLP!

A FAC-C-Digital Services (DS) Credential is required prior to being assigned requirements for digital service acquisitions over $7.5 million (or $15 million for acquisitions described in FAR Part 13.500(c)). FAC-C level II or III holders can earn a FAC-C-DS Credential and CLPs via the Digital IT Acquisition Professional (DITAP) program. Additionally, level II or III FAC-COR and FAC-P/PM holders can earn a completion certificate and CLPs through successful completion of the DITAP program. There are several vendors who provide the training: Management Concepts, ICF, CivicActions, EAGLES, Skylight and Graduate School USA.

The Partnership for Public Service is now accepting applications for the Mission Support Leadership Program, formally LEAP. It is designed for GS-12 to GS-14 federal employees in the acquisition field and prepares mission-critical federal professionals to become more effective leaders. By the end of the course, participants are able to make values-based decisions, use their roles to build strong partnerships, identify how to drive positive impact within their organizations and demonstrate enhanced leadership attributes.

Join GSA to learn how to use their multiple award schedule industrial products and services to get: lawn and garden equipment, machinery and implements, and product and appliance rental and leasing. There is no charge for this training, which is open to all federal agency personnel. Register today and earn one CLP.

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Join GSA for the Federal Acquisition Service Training event, “Acquiring Professional Services to Build a Future-Ready Workforce,” on Feb. 22, 1:00 p.m. E.T. Four panels of human capital experts, including government-wide Office of Personnel Management experts, will engage in a lively discussion around the trends that are challenging the way agencies attract, equip, develop, and retain highly skilled professionals. Earn three CLPs at this no-cost training. Register to join the event! See the upcoming schedule of events at gsa.gov/fast.