News for the Acquisition Workforce

The Office of Personnel Management offers a free government-wide Gov2Gov learning series for all federal employees, focusing on artificial intelligence and mindfulness in hybrid environments. This series, created by federal employees for federal employees, addresses needs highlighted in the 2023 Thriving in a Hybrid Environment training. The AI learning series, “Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals,” equips participants with foundational AI knowledge, covering federal guidance, types of AI, benefits, challenges, and its impact. Virtual sessions will be held this fall, requiring registration with a .gov or .mil email. Full details and registration links are available below: 

Sept. 5 at 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. ET

Sept. 5 at 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. ET

Sept. 12 at 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. ET

Sept. 17 at 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. ET

Sept. 17 at 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. ET

The session link will be provided prior to your registered session.

GSA’s Commercial Platforms program provides federal agencies with access to online platforms that modernize routine product purchases, helping buyers meet mission needs, save time, and improve spending visibility. Platforms include Amazon Business, e-procurement services, Fisher Scientific, G-Commerce, Grainger, NOBLE, Pacific Ink, and Staples. These platforms follow best practices and align with government priorities like supporting AbilityOne, managing supply chain risks, and promoting sustainability. Learn how the program fits into FAR priority sources of supply and explore more benefits.

Acquisition workforce members from across the federal government are making amazing contributions to the acquisition community every day, and FAI wants you to know about them! Check out this quarter’s spotlight featuring Ryan Williams from the Federal Aviation Administration. Learn more about Ryan and his work!

FCR 404 - COR Refresher, Sept. 16–20, Oct. 7–11, Oct. 21–25

ACQ 265 - Mission-Focused Services Acquisition, Oct. 21–24

SBP 102V - Introduction to Small Business Programs, Part B, Oct. 21–24

CON 2450V - Construction Modification Proposal Analysis, Oct. 21–25

FCR 400 - Advanced Contracting Officer's Representative, Oct. 21–25

FPM 121 - Acquisition Fundamentals of Project and Program Management II, Oct. 21–25

ACQ 315 - Understanding Industry (Business Acumen), Oct. 21–25

CON 1100V - Contract Foundational Skills, Oct. 21–30

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.

Listen to the "Red Hot Contract Papers" perform their number one hit, "The Modification!" This parody of the Red Hot Chili Peppers walks through a source selection process where the award is made to the lowest-priced offeror, who then makes up the costs through modifications. Don't miss this entertaining take on LPTA and modifications! **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.