News for the Acquisition Workforce

FAI currently has seats available in the following FAC certification courses:

FCR 201 - Contracting Officer's Representative Level 2 (Dec. 2-6)

FCR 400 - Advanced Contracting Officer's Representative (Dec. 2-6)

CON 1100V - Contract Foundational Skills (Dec. 2-11, Dec. 4-13)

CON 1200V - Contract Pre-Award (Dec. 4-13)

CON 1300V - Contract Award (Dec. 2-11)

FAI is excited to launch the CFEN 001 AI Prompt Engineering Credential to equip the federal acquisition workforce with vital AI skills. As AI reshapes federal operations, mastering prompt engineering is essential for optimizing tools like ChatGPT. This credential aligns with federal AI directives and includes two Coursera courses—Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT and Advanced Prompt Engineering for Everyone—totaling 28 hours of online training via FAI's CSOD platform. Participants will learn AI fundamentals, effective prompt crafting, and ethical AI use. Designed for federal employees in diverse roles, this program enhances decision-making and innovation while ensuring compliance. Enroll today!

Register today for the Oct. 10, 2024 GSA Office of Professional Services and Human Capital (PSHC) Categories Office Hours. This month's topic is "FAR 8.4 and FAR 15: Roles of Each in Acquisition Strategy." The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provides the regulatory foundation for buying products and services on behalf of the federal government. FAR 8.4 provides ordering procedures for GSA Schedules and FAR 15 addresses contracting by negotiation. Which method should you use? What are the advantages of each method? What are the restrictions? Join them this month for an insightful overview comparing GSA Schedules and FAR 15. Register now. Earn one CLP!

Come learn how the IT category can help you! In partnership with ACT-IAC, GSA is hosting the first annual Government-Wide IT Category Forum on Oct. 17, 2024 at the Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center in Reston, Virginia. Registration closes soon.

The Commercial Platforms program is excited to announce a new round of virtual “Meet the Platform” training demos. Sessions cycle through the program’s awardees: Amazon Business, e-Procurement Services, Fisher Scientific, G-Commerce, Grainger, NOBLE, Pacific Ink, and Staples, highlighting new tools and features followed by a live Q&A with platform representatives. Federal purchase cardholders can see which platforms are available to them by checking with their agency's point of contact before registering. Registration links are on the Commercial Platforms website. These sessions are for government only and are not intended for industry.

A new version of 18F’s De-risking Guide is available online. Federal, state, and local agencies face similar challenges when delivering technology projects. This guide is a tool for agency staff involved in planning, procurement, or delivery of software solutions. Topics include when and why to use a commercial product or invest in building custom software, and how to contract and work with a vendor development team to deliver human-centered software to target users quickly. Contact via 18F@gsa.gov 

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.

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!

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