News for the Acquisition Workforce

Federal Acquisition Institute sent this bulletin at 10/16/2024 09:00 AM EDT

Oct. 16, 2024

OMB Memo: Advancing the Responsible Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence in Government

Federal acquisition professionals are encouraged to read Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-24-18: Advancing the Responsible Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence in Government. This guidance highlights the ethical and transparent integration of AI in federal procurements. It provides important directives on managing risks, working with vendors, and training the workforce. Stay current on these key policies by reviewing the full memorandum.

Looking for Training to Take Before the New Year?

lecture hall view from bottom with wooden chairs sloped upward

We have seats in the following classes:

CON 2420V - Architect-Engineer Indirect Rates (Nov. 4-7)

FQN 181 - Price Analysis (Dec. 2-4)

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

FCN 180 - Emerging Technologies - Robotic Process Automation (Dec. 5)

FCR 404 - COR Refresher (Dec. 9-13)

FQN 180 - Cost Analysis (Dec. 9-13)

Five Government Contracts That Changed Your Life

Video thumbnail titled "5 Things in Government Contracting That Probably Changed Your Life"

Discover how historical government contracts shaped today's world, from Civil War uniforms to Silicon Valley tech, in this video. Learn how Macy's and Sears rose to prominence and explore how the Space Race ignited innovations that continue to influence our lives.

Happening TODAY! Take Flight with the Procurement Co-Pilot: Find a Contract to Meet My Needs

Happening today! Don't miss out! Register for the final session of the Take Flight with the Procurement Co-Pilot webinar series, “Find a Contract to Meet My Needs,” from 2:30-3:30 pm EST. Join host Kevin Patrick for a live demo on the Co-Pilot’s contract search features, earn ⅔ CLP credit, and participate in the Q&A during the inaugural Procurement Co-Pilot Office Hours. With over 100 federal agencies participating, discover how the Co-Pilot revolutionizes market research. Federal employees only—register with your .gov or .mil email to attend. If you missed any of the earlier sessions, watch on-demand from the Procurement Co-Pilot Resources page.

Register for GSA’s Acquisition Training for the Real World’s FallFest!

ARTW FallFest flyer: Register Now Nov. 18-22, Earn up to 10 CLPs, autumn themed background design

Join GSA’s Acquisition Training for the Real World’s FallFest, Nov. 18-22, 2024! Why should you participate? (1) You can earn up to 10 continuous learning points, (2) you'll gain access to free tools, digital resources, and personalized services, and (3) you'll become an expert on finding and acquiring products, services, and solutions. This is a week-long series of virtual training sessions for acquisition professionals. There are five virtual training sessions open to government employees only (federal, military, state, local, tribal). Register now!

Introducing the CFEN 001 AI Prompt Engineering Credential

The word "chatgpt" spelled out in scrabble tiles

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!

Earn Your Digital Services Credential (DITAP) (formerly FAC-C-DS) via the DITAP Training Program!

two women using a laptop computer with one pointing at the screen

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

Acquisition Today is published the first and third Wednesday of each month. If you have information that you would like to share with the federal acquisition workforce community via Acquisition Today, you may submit your article for consideration by completing this form. If you have feedback that you would like to share with FAI, please email us at contact@fai.gov.

Any reference to, or information discussing, a specific commercial training organization, or its products, processes, or services within this Acquisition Today newsletter does not constitute or imply an endorsement by FAI, GSA, or the United States Government of the commercial training organization, or its products, processes, services, producers, or providers. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document, website, linked information, or any other information, contained in the newsletter regarding a commercial training organization do not necessarily state or reflect those of FAI, GSA, or the United States Government. All references to commercial training organizations are for information purposes only. Neither the FAI, GSA, or the United States Government, nor any of their employees, assumes any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information from a commercial training organization's referenced information, linked information, services, products, producers, or providers.

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