News for the Acquisition Workforce

Acquisition workforce professionals holding a FAC-C (Professional), FAC-COR, or FAC-P/PM certification have a remaining 41 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.

The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, and the government is at the forefront of its utilization. The federal acquisition workforce must understand AI's capabilities and its role in government procurement. FAI curated a learning playlist with articles, videos, and courses. This playlist covers AI concepts, applications in government, and procurement processes. Learn how AI streamlines tasks, improves decision-making, and fosters innovation in government contracting. Gain an edge in acquiring the latest technologies for the public sector with our playlist, "Demystifying AI: A Learning Playlist for Federal Acquisition."

FAI is excited to offer NEW FAC-P/PM virtual instructor-led training in FAI CSOD through December 2024! Check out the full list of new course offerings. Seats will be first come, first serve, and there will be no tuition cost to students or their agencies. Seats fill fast; do not delay!

Congress passed the AI Training Act in 2021, mandating the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to offer artificial intelligence (AI) training to members of the federal workforce. OMB collaborated with the Stanford University Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Department to fulfill this mandate. The course FAC 100 - "AI Overview," consists of six modules and covers fundamental aspects of AI technology. It provides learners with insights into the underlying principles and workings of AI. Participants will understand the mechanisms behind AI systems, including machine learning algorithms and neural networks. Additionally, various sectors and industries explore the diverse applications of AI in the curriculum. FAI CSOD now offers FAC 100, which earns seven CLPs.

ACQ 265 - Mission-Focused Services Acquisition (April 22–April 25)

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

CON 2420V - Architect-Engineer Indirect Rates (April 29–May 2)

CON 1400V - Contract Post-Award (April 29–May 7)

CON 1300V - Contract Award (April 29–May 8 or May 1–May 10)

FPM 121 - Acquisition Fundamentals of Project and Program Management II (May 6–May 10)

SBP 202V - Intermediate Small Business Programs, Part B (May 6–May 10)

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.