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.

Are you a contracting professional who purchases construction? If so, this course is for you! This online course and associated tools will help you determine whether an article, material, or supply is considered construction material, identify the Buy American exceptions for construction, and use the Buy American and Trade Agreements Decision Tools for Construction to prepare solicitations and evaluate foreign offers for construction supplies. Register today in FAI CSOD and earn .75 CLPs.

Successful service acquisitions require precise task and performance definitions. Performance standards are set by determining the necessary execution level to meet requirements. The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) checks whether the contractor meets Performance Work Statement (PWS) standards and quality levels and ensures that the government only pays for the services received. Join GSA and learn how to create standards that clearly communicate contractor outcomes and performance goals. Register now!

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

FCN 400 - Emergency Contracting Basics (two-day) (May 13–14)

FCN 550 - Cybersecurity-Supply Chain Risk Management (two-day) (May 13–14)

FQN 170 - Conducting Acquisitions for Cloud Services (two-day) (May 13–14)

CON 2420V - Architect-Engineer Indirect Rates (May 13–16)

ACQ 265 - Mission-Focused Services Acquisition (May 13–16)

IND 105V - Contract Property Fundamentals (May 13–21)

FCR 400 - Advanced Contracting Officer's Representative (May 20–24)

FCR 404 - COR Refresher (May 20–24)

ACQ 315 - Understanding Industry (Business Acumen) (May 20–24)

GSA's Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories will hold its next monthly office hours on April 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. E.T. This month, GSA is discussing the expansion of GSA's SmartPay for contract payments. The office hours will discuss the GSA SmartPay Government-wide Commercial Charge Card and Related Payment Services Program. This program has helped agencies streamline government purchases and payments and cut costs for nearly 25 years. The monthly office hours webinars answer professional-services acquisition questions and help you solve complex problems. During office hours webinars, GSA experts and federal contracting officers meet in an open-forum session. Register today.

GSA's Security and Protection category offers the right answers for your agency when it requires a Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) solution. MAS contractors can provide the products and services needed to meet today's up-to-date standards. The GSA MAS Security and Protection category enables your federal agency to save time and money by providing access to highly qualified product and service providers. GSA fully complies with FICAM standards in their products, and they provide a range of FIPS 201-2 and legacy PACS solutions that can be customized to meet your agency's specific needs. Please visit https://www.gsa.gov/buy-through-us/products-and-services/gsa-security-and-protection-category for more information.

Have you ever made a non-performing contractor an offer they couldn’t refuse? If you have, you will enjoy ASI Education’s take on terminations, “The FARfather.” And if, like Michael FARleone, you are learning all the ways to handle poor contractor performance, this video is a good refresher—“Godfather” style. Enjoy! For more videos like this one, 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**.