Module A

Course Overview, the FAR, Government vs Commercial Contracting, Job Descriptions, Laws and Competition,  Contracting Types, Ethics

This module introduces the class and identifies each of the topics that will be covered, from initiation of an acquisition to contract closeout. Following this introduction, the Federal Acquisition Regulations System is explained and useful tips for researching the FAR are provided. Key definitions are explained and the differences between Government contracting and commercial contracting are discussed. Next, this module addresses the authority of contracting personnel, the procurement ethics rules and the requirements for acquisition planning and market research. In addition, the key federal appropriations laws are discussed in the context of the contracting process. The module ends with an explanation of the requirements for competition and a description of each contract type and techniques for selecting the most appropriate contract type.

Buy this Module

Module B

Small Business Policies, Buy American Act, Procurement Methods, Commercial Item Procurements and Simplified Acquisitions

This module covers the Government’s small business policies and the requirement to set-aside certain procurements exclusively for small businesses. The requirements of the Buy American Act and the exceptions to the Act are also addressed. The remainder of this module explains the differences between the various procurement methods used by the Government, including commercial item procurements, simplified acquisitions and sealed bidding .

Buy this Module

Module C

Best Value Source Selection, Price Analysis, Protests, Scope Changes, Performance Based Contracting

This module details all of the key steps in the best value source selection process and explains how to select evaluation factors, conduct price and cost analysis, evaluate past performance and set the competitive range. The module also addresses the requirement to conduct meaningful discussions and request proposal revisions, the requirement to notify offerors of the award decision, the content of the notice and the rules applicable to debriefings. Next, the protest process is explained to include discussion of what may be protested, who may protest, when protests must be filed and where protests may be filed. This module also discusses contract changes, in-scope vs. out-of-scope changes and constructive vs. formal changes. The module ends with an explanation of performance-based contracting techniques and the impact of the types of specifications on liability.

Buy this Module

Module D

Equitable Adjustments, Contract Terminations, Claims and Appeals, Contract Closeout

This module explains how to calculate and prove the amount of an equitable adjustment to the contract price or cost and discusses the rights of the parties under the contract’s delay and inspection clauses. The procedures for terminations for convenience and terminations for default, as well as the rights and liabilities of the parties, are also discussed. This module also explains the process for filing and certifying a claim and how the parties may appeal an adverse decision. The module ends with a description of the steps involved in contract closeout.

Buy this Module