News for the Acquisition Workforce

The deadline for the 2024 Acquisition, Program Management, Small Business and Procurement Equity, and Sustainable Acquisition Excellence Awards is fast approaching, but there is still time to submit an entry! Submit your nomination(s) before July 31, 2024. You can read more about the award categories and the judging process here. We hope to see your nominations!

Try an innovative technique in your next acquisition! To learn how, contact your Acquisition Innovation Advocate or visit the Acquisition Innovation Hub and the Periodic Table of Acquisition Innovations. The report on Acquisition Innovation and Small Business Participation in Federal Procurement also compiles resources and practices across the federal acquisition enterprise!

Have you subscribed to a playlist in FAI CSOD? If not, it's highly recommended! Playlists are curated lists that contain formal or informal learning events from FAI CSOD and other sources like TedTalk, YouTube, and articles, meant to bridge gaps between formal training curriculum and the unique needs of any organization. CLPs are earned by most playlist assets, but some informal and microlearning assets may be too small to earn a CLP by themselves. FAI has prepared several playlists for you to follow: Next Generation Acquisition Leadership, Program Manager Excellence Playlist, Demystifying AI: A Learning Playlist for Federal Acquisition, and the COR Continuous Learning Playlist.

FQN 475 - Advanced Simplified Acquisition Procedures (five-day) (June 24–June 28)

SBP 202V - Intermediate Small Business Programs, Part B (June 24–June 28)

CON 2450V - Construction Modification Proposal Analysis (July 8–July 12)

CON 1400V - Contract Post-Award (July 11–July 19) 

FCR 404 - COR Refresher (July 15–July 19 & July 22–July 26)

CON 2420V - Architect-Engineer Indirect Rates (July 15–July 18 & July 22–July 25) 

CON 1300V - Contract Award (July 22–July 31)

SBP 102V - Introduction to Small Business Programs, Part B (July 22–July 25)

The newest technique in the Periodic Table of Acquisition Innovations (PTAI) benefits both government and small businesses. The Repositioning for Resilience technique gives contracting officers the flexibility to change the status of small business vendors as they gain experience or grow in size, allowing them to continue to support the contract. This technique allows contracting officers to reposition a vendor without repeating the entire formal competitive process. Come check out this technique and explore the many other resources tailored for small businesses on the PTAI. Do you have any innovative techniques you've implemented? Share them here!

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

How do you determine the price of gold from a mountain that people are afraid to name, where prospectors risk their lives mining? There is no price history, no adequate competition, no other price data, and no independent government price estimate. Parametric estimates don't apply. Tune into ASI Education's latest video. See how you can even price Bear Gold using Federal Acquisition Regulation fair and reasonable price analysis techniques. **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. 

Register now for today's (June 5 at 1:00 p.m. E.T.) training on GSA's new OASIS+ contract program. This training will cover the contract structure, scope, features, ordering overview, comparison to other GSA contract programs, and available resources. OASIS+ is a government-wide program that meets agencies' service requirements across disciplines and ancillary services. The program includes six distinct IDIQ contracts under small business set-aside programs, including an unrestricted contract. Earn one continuous learning point by attending.

GSA's Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories will host two Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) training sessions for the new OASIS+ contract program. Earn 1.5 continuous learning points! June 12, 2024, and June 25, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. E.T. Register using the provided links. The DPA training grants procurement staff access to OASIS+ contracts and teaches best practices for task order issuance. Only warranted OCOs are eligible for an OASIS+ DPA. All staff posting OASIS+ solicitations must undergo DPA training. Register today to comply with requirements.

Join GSA on June 13 at 1:00 p.m. E.T. to learn more about the CALC+ Pricing Suite, part of GSA's efforts to enhance buying decisions. The Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories has developed unique CALC+ tools on buy.gsa.gov to support government acquisition professionals. Discover how the CALC+ tool works, its data sources, and how it differs from legacy CALC and PET tools. See a demo of the latest CALC+ Quick Rate Tool updates and improve your acquisitions. Register now to earn one continuous learning point.

From DJing her own meetings to creating the Innovation Incubator (I²), Nicole Stevenson has redefined acquisition at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Ms. Stevenson’s ‘unorthodox’ leadership style and mindful risk-taking approach offers valuable lessons for the acquisition workforce. Hear from her and her team about the innovations they have implemented to support NRC’s mission in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible! Read the full story on the Performance.gov blog.