News for the Acquisition Workforce

The Chief Acquisition Officers Council (CAOC) is still seeking nominations for the 2024 Acquisition Excellence Awards and has extended the deadline to Aug. 20. If you haven’t submitted a nomination yet, there’s still time. The process is quick and easy. The CAOC greatly appreciates your participation and looks forward to learning about your agency’s award-worthy efforts in the following four areas:

• Acquisition Excellence (one award will be given to an individual and one award will be given to a team)
• Lisa Wilusz Program Management Excellence (one award will be given to either an individual or a team)
• Small Business and Procurement Equity Excellence (one award will be given to an individual and one award will be given to a team)
• Sustainable Acquisition Excellence (one award will be given to either an individual or a team)

Submit your entries here and learn more about last year's winners. 

FAI is excited to bring you NEW fiscal year 2025 FAC-C, FAC-COR, FAC-P/PM, credential, and continuous learning virtual instructor-led training in FAI CSOD through January 2025! View the complete list of new course offerings on FAI.gov. Seats will be first-come, first-served, and, as always, there will be no tuition cost to students or their agencies. Do not delay; seats fill fast!

The Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals (LEAP) program develops GS-12 to GS-14 federal employees into better leaders. The program focuses on self-awareness, engaging others, leading change, and achieving results. Participants will make values-based decisions, build strong partnerships, drive positive impacts, and enhance leadership attributes. Experienced instructors teach proven leadership techniques, facilitate discussions, and guide activities. Participants work in teams of four to seven, providing and receiving peer coaching and feedback. Earn up to 90 CPUs. Plan to spend three to five hours per week on group activities.

Enhance your procurement knowledge with GSA's comprehensive Alliant 2 DPA Training. This session covers the features and benefits of the Alliant 2 Government-wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC), equipping you with the tools and insights to streamline your acquisition process. Learn how to obtain a Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) and leverage the contract for best-value IT solutions. Earn continuous learning points by attending. Click here to register. 

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.

Join GSA on Aug. 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. ET for an in-depth session on the 8(a) STARS III GWAC. This training is essential for federal users, including contracting officers and program managers, seeking to leverage the 8(a) STARS III contract for IT services from highly qualified 8(a) small businesses. Learn about the benefits of the 8(a) STARS III contract, streamlined ordering procedures, and how to obtain your Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA). Maximize your procurement efficiency and achieve your socioeconomic goals. Attendees earn continuous learning points. Don't miss this opportunity! Sign up now!

Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2024-06 was published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2024. The list of documents included in this FAC are as follows:

• Introduction; 
• FAR Case 2015-038, Reverse Auction Guidance, Final Rule, Effective: Aug. 29, 2024;
• FAR Case 2021-009, Protests of Orders Set Aside for Small Business, Final Rule, Effective: Aug. 29, 2024;
• FAR Case 2023-007, Limitation of Authority Regarding Extraordinary Contractual Actions, Final Rule, Effective: Aug. 29, 2024;
• Technical Amendment, Final Rule, Effective: Aug. 29, 2024;  
• Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG).