News for the Acquisition Workforce

Acquisition workforce professionals holding a FAC-C (Professional), FAC-COR, or FAC-P/PM certification have a remaining 55 days (until April 30, 2024) to obtain the required continuous learning (CL) points to maintain their current certifications. 

FAC certification holders should: 

• Log into FAI CSOD to view your current CL progress on your Continuous Learning Individual Progress (CLIP) dashboard.
• Not sure how to log into FAI CSOD? Contact the DAU help desk for FAI CSOD login assistance.
• Forgot your FAI CSOD password? Follow these instructions.
• Need additional CLPs? Browse and/or search for current CL training opportunities available, highlighted in today's newsletter and in FAI CSOD.
• Check your CLIP dashboard to ensure all completed activities are reflected accurately. If you identify discrepancies, check with your agency representative or the DAU help desk.
• Enter your external training requests; don't wait!
• Develop a training plan with your supervisor.

Your agency will continue to communicate additional CL opportunities, including experiential and other types of CL activities, as well as agency-specific guidance related to CL requirements for agency FAC learning and agency-specific certification programs.

For more information on CL requirements, visit FAI.gov.

If you need further assistance, please contact your agency acquisition career manager and/or small agency representative.

Exciting news! FAI proudly supports the Defense Acquisition University credential, CIND 001 - Industrial Contract Property Management Credential. Understanding government contract property management is essential for explaining government and contractor roles and responsibilities. Participants gain invaluable insights for effective property management from the comprehensive framework of government property regulations and their practical application.

The credential includes three dynamic online training assets complemented by an immersive virtual instructor-led (vILT) course culminating in a capstone assessment. FAI is currently funding this vILT course for the federal acquisition workforce to foster an enriching learning experience.

Mark your calendars:

• Register by May 8, 2024, for the upcoming May 13, 2024, offering of FAI: IND 105V-2024-V01.
• Secure your spot by May 29, 2024, for the immersive June 3, 2024, offering of FAI: IND 105V-2024-V02.

Don't miss the chance to learn about government contract property management. Enroll today to start your professional development!

FAI is pleased to announce that it has posted the fiscal year 2023 Q4 quarterly workforce metrics, which provide acquisition workforce updates across two critical occupational series, GS-1101 and GS-1102. The Office of Personnel Management FedScope database directly sources the data illustrated in the tables and charts contained within the workbook. Visit FAI's Human Capital Planning webpage to access the metrics.

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: EAGLES, ICF, CivicActions, Graduate School USA, Skylight, and Management Concepts. Learn more about DITAP by visiting the TechFAR Hub.

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy is seeking your input to identify acquisition cost-saving strategies in support of the Biden-Harris Better Contracting Initiative. You’re invited to participate in the AcqCelerate Savings Challenge, where your innovative ideas can make a real difference. Share proven methods for cutting costs and maximizing efficiency in federal acquisition. We can shape the future of procurement and drive positive change together. Support the President's Management Agenda by participating in the challenge today! To participate in this challenge, log in if you already have an account, or select request access to create an account.

Ask your boss to put your whole team on the Protest a Day Diet! ASI Education’s Will Roberts tells you exactly how to make reading a protest every work day a healthy habit and explains why you should. Plus, he shows you where to find tons of protests by issue area, date, and even FAR parts. Set your alarm and start tomorrow! For more entertaining acquisition training videos, subscribe here. **Disclaimer:** GSA/FAI shares this video for informational purposes only. The inclusion of this content does not imply endorsement of the company, its services, or any opinions expressed within the video. 

GSA offers several contracts that can meet any professional services requirement regardless of complexity and scope, including the professional services under the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)—Professional Services, the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS), and the soon-to-come Multi-Agency Contract (OASIS+). Join them on March 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. E.T. for our monthly office hours to learn more about these contracts and how to find the best fit to support your professional services requirements and agency mission. One CLP can be earned.

Attend the HCaTS Delegation of Procurement Authority training on March 13 at 1:00 p.m. ET. The HCaTS program comprises three IDIQ government-wide contract vehicles—HCaTS U, SB, and 8(a). These vehicles provide reliable, flexible, fast, and efficient, best-value, customized human capital management and training solutions. Before issuing HCaTS task orders, federal contracting officers must undergo training and be delegated procurement authority. Training covers HCaTS contract basics, scope, ordering process, roles and responsibilities, and resources. Get one CLP by registering now.

FCN 605 - Intermediate Agile Techniques for Contracting Professionals (two-day) (April 3–April 12 & April 22–April 25)

ACQ 265 - Mission-Focused Services Acquisition (April 8–April 11)

FPM 121 - Acquisition Fundamentals of Project and Program Management II (April 8–April 12)

FQN 070 - Cost and Price Analysis (April 8–April 12)

CON 2420V - Architect-Engineer Indirect Rates (April 15–April 18)

FQN 475 - Advanced Simplified Acquisition Procedures (five-day) (April 15–April 19)

FQN 200 - Administration of Cost-Reimbursement Contracts (April 15–April 19)

ACQ 315 - Understanding Industry (Business Acumen) (April 8–April 19)

SBP 202V - Intermediate Small Business Programs, Part B (April 8–April 19)

CON 2450V - Construction Modification Proposal Analysis (April 22–April 26)

The Professional Services event kicks off the 2024 Federal Acquisition Service Training (FAST) Virtual Conference Series in March. GSA and experts will discuss the most innovative and effective professional services acquisition solutions and tools. Real-world examples and user stories teach: the advantages of OASIS+, the next-generation service-based multi-agency contracts; policies and trends affecting professional services and how to stay ahead; and how EPA and NASA use GSA professional services for acquisition issues and more! Three CLPs are available at this free event. Secure your spot!

Over 40 million commercial products and services are available on schedule with over 18,000 schedule contractors. You will gain a better understanding of the tool and hardware solutions available within the Multiple Award Schedule MAS and how to use the schedule’s Home Improvement Center. Additionally, GSA will introduce training participants to the equipment rental section and how to order appliances for either domestic use or export to an OCONUS location. Join this virtual meeting and earn one CLP. 

Tune in to our latest video on our YouTube page, where Christine Harada, Senior Advisor for the Office of Federal Procurement Policy at the Office of Management and Budget, discusses the Better Contracting Initiative, a four-pronged initiative to ensure that the federal government is getting better terms and prices when purchasing goods and services, as well as a few resources to help make your job easier.