As I was preparing to retire from federal service, I found myself reflecting on just how meaningful my time at the Federal Acquisition Institute has been—and that’s entirely because of you: the acquisition workforce community and the many friends and partners I’ve had the privilege of working with. It has been an absolute joy and privilege to serve this community.

I hope you know how much your work matters. You’re often the ones quietly driving the government’s most important missions forward, even when no one’s watching.

I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together at FAI. We implemented our first-ever FAI Strategic Plan, moved from FAITAS to our new FAI CSOD platform, expanded learning opportunities for the workforce, and reimagined how we engage with our stakeholders—just to name a few highlights. Behind all of it was one simple goal: providing acquisition professionals like you with the tools and opportunities to develop new skills and competencies so you can keep delivering successful acquisition outcomes. None of this would have been possible without the incredible FAI team or the partnerships of our acquisition career managers, small agency representatives, and so many others across this community. Thank you for showing up and for your unwavering dedication.

As I depart, I want to leave you with two thoughts I’ve come to believe deeply: always assume positive intent, and never underestimate the value of building and nurturing relationships. Both have been key to my career success, and I believe they’ll be key to yours, too.

I leave FAI in wonderful hands. Polly Hall is stepping in as the Acting FAI Director until the position is filled permanently. Keep an eye out for a future edition of Acquisition Today to learn more about the new FAI Director.

Thank you for your partnership and your dedication to public service. It’s truly been an honor to serve alongside you.

Jeff Birch

Director

Federal Acquisition Institute

FAI and WarU launched ACQ 1440 – Fixed-Price Contracting to support implementation of Executive Order 14402, Promoting Efficiency, Accountability, and Performance in Federal Contracting. The course helps acquisition professionals determine when fixed-price contracting is appropriate, apply performance-based principles, and assess when they may convert an existing non-fixed-price contract to a fixed-price contract. ACQ 1440 provides two CLPs.

Acquisition workforce members now have access to Skillsoft Percipio, a powerful third-party learning platform with more than 52,000 learning assets available through FAI CSOD. Explore courses, videos, books, audiobooks, practice labs, certification preparation, leadership development, business skills, technology training, and more. Whether you’re building acquisition expertise, developing leadership capabilities, preparing for a certification, or expanding your technical skills, Skillsoft Percipio offers flexible, on-demand learning opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career.

Looking to build your acquisition knowledge or meet professional development goals? The following FAI courses still have seats available, and we encourage you to register before enrollment closes.

Upcoming courses with low enrollment:

FCR 201 - Contracting Officer's Representative Level 2, Oct. 19–23

FCN 3920 - Contracting DAWIA/FAC-C Certification Preparation Course, Oct. 19–23

CON 1400V - Contract Post-Award, Oct. 19–27

SBP 2020V - Intermediate Small Business Programs, Part B, Oct. 19–27

FCR 400 - Advanced Contracting Officer's Representative, Oct. 26–30

FLD 246 - Managing Contracting Organizations, Oct. 26–30

FCN 170 - Procurement Innovation - FAR Flexibility (2-Day), Nov. 2–3

FPM 155 - Project Management Essentials for Non-Project Managers,  Nov. 2–3

CON 2420V - Architect-Engineer Indirect Rates, Nov. 2–5

SBP 2100V - Subcontracting,  Nov. 2–6

Need to take a course that's fully booked? Catch it next time! Use FAI CSOD's "Notify Me of New Sessions" feature to receive an email as soon as a new session opens up.

1. Open FAI CSOD.

2. Search for and select your desired course.

3. Click the white arrow next to "Select a Session."

4. Choose "Notify Me of New Sessions" in the dropdown menu. 

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 Sept. 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET. If you have questions, please contact: shawn.sandi@fai.gov.

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.

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

Strengthen your category management knowledge with the CACQ 007 Category Management Credential. This introductory credential helps acquisition professionals understand category management concepts, principles, terminology, governance, processes and regulatory structures. It targets workforce members who develop and execute category management strategies and assumes little or no prior experience. Learners complete five online training requirements, including business intelligence, category intelligence, market research, category management and a capstone exercise. The credential takes approximately nine hours to complete and remains valid for five years.

Join the OASIS+ team Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. ET for an office hours webinar highlighting five expanded domains within the OASIS+ program. GSA experts will provide an overview of OASIS+ and explain how contracting professionals can align complex mission requirements with the Business Administration, Financial Services, Human Capital, Social Services, and Marketing and Public Relations service domains. Participants can earn one CLP. Register now.