News for the Acquisition Workforce

Join the Office of Management and Budget, Department of Labor, and the General Services Administration for the virtual Tri-Agency Partnership 2024 Project Labor Agreements (PLA) Session, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. E.T. This session will cover key PLA topics and the impact of Executive Order 14063, which mandates PLAs on federal construction projects over $35 million. Federal construction professionals and contractors can gain valuable insights into these new requirements. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed about the latest federal PLA policies and their implementation. Please register on Zoom using this link .

Explore FAI’s media library for a new collection of micro-learning videos covering key acquisition topics, including Contract Innovation and Risk Management, Contract Types, Category Management, and more. These brief, easily digestible videos are perfect for busy acquisition professionals looking to enhance their knowledge in just a few minutes. Dive into FAI’s media library today to stay informed and sharpen your skills with these valuable learning assets!

Want more information on how the IT Category can help you? In partnership with ACT-IAC, the IT Category is hosting its first annual Government-Wide IT Category Forum on Oct. 17, 2024 at the Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center in Reston, Virginia. Sign up today!

Register now for a Procurement Innovation Lab (PIL) Boot Camp class this fall to learn 10 of the most used innovative procurement techniques at this interactive four-hour class! This class is suitable for contracting professionals, program managers, technical evaluators, source selection officials, or procurement attorneys. (Class includes: oral presentations, product demonstrations, confidence ratings, down-selects, comparative evaluations, streamlined documentation, on-the-spot consensus, select best-suited, then negotiate, discovery, and group oral debriefings). To learn more about the DHS PIL, visit the site!

FCL-A-9071: (Oct. 16, 2024, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. E.T.) (Register by Oct. 9)

FCL-A-9053: (Oct. 30, 2024, 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. E.T.) (Register by Oct. 23)

CON 1200V - Contract Pre-Award  (Nov. 13–22)

CON 1100V - Contract Foundational Skills (Nov. 12–21) & (Nov. 13–22)

FCN 605 - Intermediate Agile Techniques for Contracting Professionals (two-day) (Nov. 13–14)

FCN 550 - Cybersecurity - Supply Chain Risk Management (two-day) (Nov. 14–15)

FCR 404 - COR Refresher (Nov. 18–22)

FQN 415 - Performance-Based Acquisition (five-day) (Nov. 18–22)

SBP 202V - Intermediate Small Business Programs, Part B (Nov. 18–22)

The U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, partnering with Verité, presents the Responsible Sourcing Tool (RST). The website aims to help prospective bidders and federal contractors establish robust due diligence systems to prevent human trafficking, including forced labor, in supply chains. It offers policies, performance standards, and processes to assess, address, and monitor human trafficking risks. COs and CORs will also find it useful to share the Compliance Plan template to encourage adherence to FAR 52.222-50.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently produced a four-minute “Biobased Products Purchase Card Holder Training” video. Watching the video assists purchase card holders in meeting their biobased training required by Executive Order 14081. Purchasing biobased products is not only good for environmental and human health, it also opens up new markets for America’s farmers and domestic industry. So please do your part and watch the four-minute video! To learn more about USDA’s BioPreferred Program, please visit: biopreferred.gov.

FAI restructured and updated FAC 046, the comprehensive course on Construction Wage Rate Requirements
Statute and Other Labor Standards for Contracts Involving Construction, to reflect the latest changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation. We divided the course into five standalone micro-learning classes, making it easier to access up-to-date information. These classes are ideal for contracting officers and specialists, whether you're new to the topics or refreshing your knowledge.

Here’s a quick overview of the new offerings:

FAC 130 - Construction Labor Standards and Related Acts (0.5 CLP):
Get a broad understanding of the labor requirements for construction contracts, along with other related labor acts that may apply.

FAC 131 - Wage Rate Requirements for Construction (0.5 CLP):
Learn the ins and outs of WRRC, including when they apply and the roles of the contracting officer, contractor, and Department of Labor in enforcing these requirements.

FAC 132 - Construction Wage Determination (1 CLP):
Delve into construction wage determinations—both general and project-specific—and learn how to select and incorporate them into your construction contracts.

FAC 133 - Construction Payroll Documentation (1 CLP):
Master the nuances of prevailing wages, including hourly rates and fringe benefits, and understand the contractor’s obligations to submit weekly certified payrolls. A hands-on exercise will solidify your learning.

FAC 134 - Construction Labor Compliance Checks and Enforcement (0.5 CLP):
Explore the responsibilities of the contracting officer and Department of Labor in labor compliance reviews and enforcement actions, including common violations and the appeals process.

The Next Generation Acquisition Leadership Playlist equips acquisition professionals with essential skills for success. Each course focuses on strategic thinking, leadership, and innovation, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Whether you're a contracting officer or part of the broader acquisition workforce, these courses will enhance your capabilities and drive successful federal acquisitions. Stay updated as this playlist evolves.

The Foreign Acquisitions/Buy American Playlist provides critical insights into the Buy American Act, helping you navigate its complexities to ensure compliance in federal contracting. Key courses cover trade agreements and construction-specific guidelines.

The ITAWG C-SCRM in Acquisition Credential Playlist strengthens your expertise in Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management. Explore zero trust principles, regulatory frameworks, and case studies to secure federal supply chains against cyber risks.

Don't miss out—sign up now!

GSA’s Office of Government-wide Policy is hosting the Emerging Trends and Policy Symposium on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. E.T. This event brings together federal, industry, and academic leaders to discuss AI adoption strategies, generative AI architecture, and more. Don’t miss the fireside chats with top experts on how AI is transforming the government landscape.

Register here: https://gsa.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_oySkVOReT8aprYXHEoCPig#/registration 

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