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May 6, 2026
FAR Forward Office Hours, May 11: Featuring Judge Marian Blank Horn of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims
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The upcoming May 11 FAR Forward Office Hours offers a truly unique and timely opportunity for the federal acquisition workforce: a moderated conversation featuring Judge Marian Blank Horn of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) necessitates a cultural shift from risk avoidance to strategic risk management. This conversation will explore some implications for acquisition professionals. Judge Horn will provide invaluable, practical insight, directly demystifying the Court of Federal Claims and illuminating the legal standards considered when protests are brought before the court.
The goal of this FAR Forward Office Hours is to empower the workforce to apply sound judgment with greater confidence, and navigate the evolving acquisition environment by both understanding the policy framework guiding federal procurement and understanding judicial perspective on decision-making.
Federal employees with a .gov or .mil email address are invited to register for the session:
- May 11, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET (1 CLP)
Nearly 90% of past participants report learning new tools or concepts they had not previously considered by attending FAR Forward Open Office Hours. We hope to see you there.
Can’t attend live? Recordings from prior FAR Forward Office Hours remain available and are still eligible for CLPs.
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Lifelong Learning Starts with Steady Progress
The new continuous learning common period runs from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2028. To stay on track, periodically review your CLIP dashboard in FAI CSOD, submit external CLP requests on time, and make steady progress throughout the two-year cycle. You can earn CLPs through Practitioner Albums, FAI CSOD courses, FAR Forward Office Hours and recordings, and credentials. Continuous learning does more than help you meet a requirement. It helps you build skills, stay current, and support your long-term career growth. The Federal Acquisition Institute looks forward to supporting you throughout your learning journey.
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Subject Matter Experts Wanted: Shape COR Training and Earn CLPs
Have you ever wanted to improve a course and earn CLPs while doing it? The Federal Acquisition Institute is seeking contracting officer’s representatives (CORs) to serve as subject matter expert reviewers for the redesign of FCR 110 (COR Level I). As courses evolve to reflect the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, we need practitioners to ensure content aligns with current acquisition practice.
Subject matter experts will review course materials for accuracy, currency, and completeness; identify gaps or inconsistencies; and assess whether scenarios reflect real-world conditions. Reviewers will also ensure responsibilities among contracting officers, CORs, and program staff are clearly defined, and that guidance distinguishes what is required, allowed, or prohibited. Finally, subject matter experts will evaluate whether learning objectives are appropriate to the COR Level I role and learner baseline.
Interested? Volunteer to support the next generation of COR training while earning CLPs.
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FAI CSOD Has a New Web Address
FAI CSOD is now available at learn.csodfed.com.
If you access FAI CSOD through FAI.gov, the transition should be seamless. However, if you saved or bookmarked legacy FAI CSOD links, those links will continue to work only through Monday, June 1, 2026.
To help ensure uninterrupted access, please update any saved FAI CSOD bookmarks and use learn.csodfed.com for direct access.
Make Login Easier: Set Up Multiple Security Methods for FAI CSOD
Federal users can access their FAI CSOD account using their PIV card or their username with a security method. Okta Verify is the recommended security method. We highly recommend that all users set up a backup method to authenticate their accounts. You can choose one of these methods: password, email, Google Authenticator, security key, or a biometric authenticator. Don't delay, setting up a backup security methods ensures you can still access your account if one method becomes unavailable; refer to the Security Methods Job Aid for setup instructions. A few steps today can save you time and reduce stress tomorrow.
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Build Early Momentum with FAI Courses
Start the 2026–2028 continuous learning common period strong by enrolling in one of FAI’s upcoming virtual instructor-led courses with available seats.
Current options include:
FQN 415 – Performance-Based Acquisition, May 18–22
ACQ 315 – Understanding Industry (Business Acumen), May 18–22
CON 2420V – Architect-Engineer Indirect Rates, June 1–4
FLD 246 – Managing Contracting Organizations, June 1–4
FCR 201 - Contracting Officer's Representative Level 2, June 8–12
SBP 2020V – Intermediate Small Business Programs, Part B, June 8–16
ACQ 265 - Mission-Focused Services Acquisition, June 22–25
FCR 404 - COR Refresher, June 22–25
FPM 121 - Acquisition Fundamentals of Project and Program Management II, July 6–10
Enrolling early can help you build momentum and make steady progress from the start.
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Are You Studying for the Contracting Exam?
Prepare with the FCN 3930 Contracting Exam Study Challenge, a live, interactive study session from the Federal Acquisition Institute. 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 Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET. Questions? Contact Shawn.Sandi@fai.gov
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Register for Upcoming CPP Buyer and Shopper Demos
GSA’s Commercial Platforms Program helps bring open-market micro-purchase spend under management and is launching a new round of “Meet the Platform” virtual demos and live Q&A sessions beginning Tuesday, May 5. Each session will feature one of CPP’s awarded platforms: Amazon Business, e-Procurement Services, Fisher Scientific, G-Commerce, Grainger, NOBLE, Pacific Ink, or Staples. Platform representatives will highlight tools that streamline purchasing and support compliance. Register on the CPP website. Materials will be shared with all registrants, even if they cannot attend live. This opportunity is open to government personnel only. Questions? Email CommercialPlatforms@gsa.gov.
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Earn Your Digital Services Credential (DITAP) (formerly FAC-C-DS) via the DITAP Training Program!
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.
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GSA AI Symposium: Accelerating Gen AI Adoption: Strategies for Success
The GSA AI Symposium will bring together public-sector professionals for an immersive exploration of the generative AI lifecycle, from foundational concepts to real-world federal implementation. Participants will learn about strategies for accelerating responsible AI adoption and hear insights relevant to government missions, operations, and emerging workforce needs. The virtual symposium will take place Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET. The event is open to federal, state, and local government employees, federal contractors, military personnel, and academia. Participants may earn four CLPs.
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Leap into the Summer Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals program!
The Partnership for Public Service is now accepting applications for the Summer 2026 Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals (LEAP) program. This six-month program builds leadership capability for GS-12 to GS-14 acquisition professionals, focusing on self-awareness, team engagement, change leadership, and results delivery. Participants strengthen data-driven decision-making, navigate evolving environments, and build effective, collaborative partnerships. Learn more and apply here. For questions, contact Jennifer at jbenbow@ourpublicservice.org
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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. |
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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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