News for the Acquisition Workforce

The Chief Acquisition Officers Council presented the 2025 Acquisition & Program Management Excellence Awards at the February NCMA NEXUS Conference. These awards recognize acquisition and program management professionals whose leadership and results deliver measurable impact across the federal government.

Congratulations to the 2025 award winners!

Read more about their achievements on FAI.gov.

Acquisition Excellence Individual Award

Brian McCormick, Supervisory Contracting Officer/Team Lead
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice

Acquisition Excellence Individual Award

Amy Petersen, Director of Business Operations
18th Contracting Squadron, Kadena Air Base, U.S. Air Force

Acquisition Excellence Team Award

Ashley Chaves and Team
Gary Johnson, Audrey Montgomery, Shamim Rahman, Rebekah Anchonco, Adam Baker, Michael Boggs, Noah Shamburger, Gregory Bond, Warnecke Miller
Johnson Space Center Office of Procurement, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Lisa Wilusz Program Management Excellence Award

NEXRAD Radar Operations Center Team
Terrance Clark and team members from the NEXRAD Radar Operations Center, Daniel Hoffman, National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

If you are not attending FAR Forward Office Hours, you may be missing practical tools and insights that your peers are already putting to use.

Nearly 90% of post-session survey respondents reported learning new tools or concepts they had not previously considered. These sessions provide timely updates, implementation guidance, and live Q&A to help the workforce navigate the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul with clarity and confidence.

Join an upcoming session:

• March 9, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET (1 CLP)
• April 13, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET (1 CLP)
• May 11, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET (1 CLP)
• June 8, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET (1 CLP)

Can’t attend live? Recordings from prior FAR Forward Office Hours remain available and are still eligible for CLPs.

A one-day (six-hour), virtual instructor-led training is now available on the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) and the new FAR framework. This immersive session covers three core areas: an overview of the RFO and its structure, a deep dive into RFO updates to acquisition planning (including market research), and updates to commercial buying procedures under FAR Parts 8, 12, and 16.

This foundational course is the first in a planned series of RFO High-Intensity Immersive Training (HIIT) offerings and is designed to build a shared, government-wide understanding of how RFO changes affect acquisition practice. Participants will learn from RFO acquisition experts and apply the framework through hands-on exercises focused on real-world acquisitions.

Register for RFO WS 101 in FAI CSOD using this link, and select one of the following session dates that has availability:

April 27, 2026

May 6, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 20, 2026

June 9, 2026

FAI is offering two NEW virtual instructor-led courses designed to build analytical capability while helping you earn significant CLPs. Recommended for: acquisition professionals who are already proficient in Microsoft Excel and want to strengthen their analytical capabilities.

FFM 300 – Data Analysis and Modeling Techniques (32 CLPs)

Learn core techniques to interpret and model complex data into clear, actionable information. Through hands-on Microsoft Excel demonstrations and application-based exercises, participants gain practical skills they can immediately apply to organizational challenges. 

FFM 301 – Analytics Boot Camp (40 CLPs)

Develop deeper analytical proficiency to support sound business strategy and mission-critical decision-making. This course strengthens skills in data preparation, integration, statistical analysis, and presentation through collaborative, real-world Excel-based scenarios.

Register for one of the following courses now to secure your spot and CLPs before the end of the common period.

FQN 160 — Acquisition of Agile Services (3-Day), April 6-8

FCR 400 — Advanced Contracting Officer's Representative, April 6-10 or April 13-17

FCR 404 — COR Refresher, April 6-10 or April 13-17

FQN 070 — Cost and Price Analysis, April 6-10

CON 2420V — Architect-Engineer Indirect Rates, April 13-16

ACQ 315 — Understanding Industry (Business Acumen), April 13-17

FFM 301 — Analytics Boot Camp, April 13-17

SBP 2020V — Intermediate Small Business Programs, Part B, April 13-21

FFM 300 — Data Analysis and Modeling Techniques, April 20-23

FLD 246 — Managing Contracting Organization, April 20-24

FQN 180 — Cost Analysis, April 20-24

Strong services acquisition starts with strong requirements—and ACQ 265 – Mission-Focused Services Acquisition helps acquisition professionals get them right. This hands-on course teaches participants how to apply performance-based acquisition principles, develop effective service requirements, and align acquisition strategies with mission outcomes. Built around the seven-step Services Acquisition Process, ACQ 265 emphasizes real-world application and practical tools participants can use immediately. Enroll in ACQ 265 through FAI CSOD and strengthen your services acquisition expertise.

Prepare with the FCN 3930 Contracting Exam Study Challenge, a live, interactive study session from the Federal Acquisition Institute. Typically held monthly on the third Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET, this session offers expert insights, engaging gameplay and a chance to tackle challenging questions. Register through FAI CSOD, join the competition and earn one CLP while sharpening your contracting knowledge. If you are eligible to take the exam, you can register for FCN 3930 in FAI CSOD.

The next session is March 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET. If you have questions, contact shawn.sandi@fai.gov.

Note: The March and April sessions will occur on Wednesday, March 18, and Wednesday, April 22, respectively. Both sessions will still begin at 2 p.m. ET.

Save the date for the 2026 ITVMO Annual Summit, hosted by the Information Technology Vendor Management Office on May 6, 2026. Federal agencies will learn how to use enterprise buying, data-driven insights, and modern acquisition strategies to support mission needs and maximize value. Industry partners will engage with federal acquisition leaders, gain insight into government priorities, and align solutions with secure, outcome-focused buying models. Register to attend this informational summit.

The GSA Commercial Platforms Program launches a new round of “Meet the Platform” virtual demos and live Q&A sessions beginning Tuesday, March 10. Each session spotlights one awarded platform: Amazon Business, e-Procurement Services, Fisher Scientific, G-Commerce, Grainger, NOBLE, Pacific Ink or Staples and demonstrates tools that streamline micro-purchasing and strengthen compliance. Register on the CPP website. All registrants receive session materials, even if they cannot attend live. Open to government personnel only. Questions? Email CommercialPlatforms@gsa.gov.

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.