I began in the contracting profession in 1985. A lot of OJT was provided as "training". Not all bad, there were some awesome CO's back then. Then the civilian agency I was working for put together their own contract courses. Many were taught or facilitated by Government contract attorneys who were able to give an incredible background to the FAR and how it impacted what we were doing. We were all smarter back then! We wrote papers, held evening long discussions, etc. for those who chose to participate after class. We are, after all, writing working legal documents.
I would like to see that type and style of instruction/teaching come back. I can't see colleges offering anything like that. And these "canned" courses are barely worth the time it takes to complete one. Plus, as it's been pointed out, when an individual changes agencies, offices, etc., will the training they've had serve in the new environment? It would if it was legal-based training.
I find having to learn what the military does in contracting has very little correlation to what civilian agencies do. All the CON courses are built around military contract scenarios. Doesn't apply to what and how I contract in civilian agencies. The concepts are similar, but not close enough to really get or have the best training possible.
Of course it would help if they quit changing the FAR every 2 weeks. (joking!!)
.gif)
Should Training Classes Be Required?
in Don Mansfield's Blog
A blog by Don Mansfield in General
Posted
I began in the contracting profession in 1985. A lot of OJT was provided as "training". Not all bad, there were some awesome CO's back then. Then the civilian agency I was working for put together their own contract courses. Many were taught or facilitated by Government contract attorneys who were able to give an incredible background to the FAR and how it impacted what we were doing. We were all smarter back then! We wrote papers, held evening long discussions, etc. for those who chose to participate after class. We are, after all, writing working legal documents.
I would like to see that type and style of instruction/teaching come back. I can't see colleges offering anything like that. And these "canned" courses are barely worth the time it takes to complete one. Plus, as it's been pointed out, when an individual changes agencies, offices, etc., will the training they've had serve in the new environment? It would if it was legal-based training.
I find having to learn what the military does in contracting has very little correlation to what civilian agencies do. All the CON courses are built around military contract scenarios. Doesn't apply to what and how I contract in civilian agencies. The concepts are similar, but not close enough to really get or have the best training possible.
Of course it would help if they quit changing the FAR every 2 weeks. (joking!!)