News for the Acquisition Workforce

How will the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act and FAR Case 2020-011 affect how you do business? Learn more and enroll in the NEW FAI CSOD course, FCS 103 - Security Exclusions and Prohibitions! You will gain essential skills and knowledge for robust cyber-supply chain risk management, which will be valuable for your professional development and contribute to the protection and mitigation of national security threats. This course is part of FAI's series of cyber-supply chain risk management courses. Completion of this course will earn you one CLP, and it is open to all federal employees. Enroll today!

SBP 210V - Subcontracting (March 11–March 14)

ACQ 265 - Mission-Focused Services Acquisition (March 18–March 21)

FQN 070 - Cost and Price Analysis (March 18–March 22)

SBP 202V - Intermediate Small Business Programs, Part B (March 18–March 22)

FPM 121 - Acquisition Fundamentals of Project and Program Management II (March 25–March 29)

FQN 200 - Administration of Cost-Reimbursement Contracts (March 25–March 29)

SBP 102V - Introduction to Small Business Programs, Part B (April 1–April 4)

CON 2430V - Architect-Engineer Contracting (April 1–April 5)

The CSBP 001 Small Business Professional Credential from the Defense Acquisition University equips acquisition professionals with essential knowledge in business processes, tools, legislation/policies, and procedures. This credential covers small business decision-making, Small Business Administration contributions, outreach strategies, special programs, subcontracting, small business participation, source selection evaluation processes, and post-award issues. It comprises two online training courses, three virtual instructor-led training courses, and a capstone assessment. The CSBP 001 Credential is designed to take approximately 97 hours to earn. FAI is offering federal courses to support this credential, with the first offerings scheduled for March 2024. Registration links for the virtual instructor-led training courses can be found on FAI-CSOD:

SBP 102V, Introduction to Small Business Programs, Part B

SBP 202V, Intermediate Small Business Programs, Part B

SBP 210V, Subcontracting

Sign up today!

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy is urging government agencies to enhance small business participation in contracts as spending on governmentwide acquisition contracts hit a record high in FY23. A new OMB memo directs agencies to implement measures like on-ramps, adherence to the "rule of two," and avoidance of "best-in-class" contracts if they negatively impact small businesses. This guidance aims to diversify acquisition strategies and increase contracting opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses. SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman emphasizes the importance of these strategies in fostering a more inclusive federal supplier base.

Successful completion of the Digital IT Acquisition Professional (DITAP) training program earns students a DITAP training certificate, 80 CLPs, and the ability to apply for the Digital Services Credential (DITAP) (formerly FAC-C-DS) through FAI's credential program. FAC-C (Professional) holders with at least two years of experience and assigned to acquisitions consisting primarily of digital services over FAR 13.500(c) thresholds are required to attend the DITAP training program. FAC-COR Level II/III and FAC-P/PM Level II/III holders with at least two years of experience and assigned to acquisitions consisting primarily of digital services over FAR 13.500(c) thresholds are encouraged to attend DITAP training to create a cohesive team that fully understands how to buy digital services. There are several vendors who provide the training: Management Concepts, EAGLES, ICF, CivicActions, Graduate School USA, and Skylight. Learn more about DITAP by visiting the TechFAR Hub.

The Federal Program and Project Management Community of Practice (FedPM CoP) is the first and only government-wide community of practice to combine the energy and expertise of thought leaders in the area of program and project management from all agencies across the federal government. The mission of the FedPM CoP is to facilitate a government-wide improvement of program and project management practices and execution by connecting federal employees to a wide array of program and project management resources. To accomplish our mission, the FedPM CoP provides a relaxed and fun peer-to-peer networking environment where community members can exchange best practices and lessons learned, engage in mentoring partnerships, leverage training resources, and develop their careers. For more information, please contact Kristen Davis, the FedPM CoP program coordinator, at kdavis@ntia.gov.

Elevate your agency's IT procurement strategy by attending the 8(a) STARS III GWAC DPA training. This session is essential for federal contracting officers seeking to leverage the 8(a) STARS III GWAC, a dedicated contract for innovative IT solutions from 8(a) small disadvantaged businesses. Enhance your understanding of this powerful procurement tool to support diverse businesses and meet your agency's IT needs. Reserve your spot today at 8(a) STARS III DPA Training.

Did you miss the live deep dive into the Better Contracting Initiative? Don't miss out on these valuable tips and insights! The recorded webinar is now available here. Hear from administration officials and agency leaders as they take a deep dive into the initiative's strategies that support the President's Management Agenda. Discover expert tips to:

• get procurement requirements right the first time;
• leverage acquisition data for better decision-making; and
• ensure value in sole source and other high-risk contracts.

Watch the webinar at your convenience by clicking here. Stay informed, empowered, and ready to make a positive impact!