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Contracting Officer Warranting Program Model


GoGoldPA

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As I was reading the WIFCON home page this evening I came across the subject OSD memorandum dtd 10 Feb 2012. I don't know how to embed a link....if anyone knows how please help a novice out....and if you'd be so kind please share the process with me.

Anyhoo.....

There have been many discussions on WIFCON with regards to how to better identify competent Contracting Officers and I wondered if this "model" was responsive to any of the recommendations, suggestions, comments, thoughts that have been discussed before. The one thing I noticed is that the model is for the discretionary use for agencies as they develop of improve their process for the selection of Contracting Officers. In my opinion the Army gives out warrants like candy. I never chased a warrant. Not because I was afraid or didn't want to get promoted. I chose not to because I recognized I needed more time to learn everything I could about our field and patience. In my efforts to become better I took Vern's recommended reading list and began my self improvement journey. (Thanks Vern!) I decided to purchase the full set of Cibinic and Nash books and based on recommendations made here in this Forum I read a chapter based on the acquisition I was working on and others as needed. I read Business Week and the Wall Street Journal as often as I can. Now that I have my Nook I can download an issue when I can't make it to the library. I also try to remind myself that I don't know everything and that's okay! I seek out more experienced professionals and try to remain flexible.

I don't know that this proposed model is the answer everyone has been seeking, (to include myself), however, it looks a heck of a lot better that what we've had so far.

Any thoughts?

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Link to the memo provided by bob7947

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GoGoldPA – I suspect if folks warm up to your post this thread will become very long. I read the memo and the following thoughts were the first that came to my mind….

An old idea coming back around. In my early years with the Federal government the methods of tests and boards were used. Funding/staffing, other emphasis on contract specialist/CO training, etc. saw them go by the wayside. I do know of one civilian agency that currently uses a training/test/board process for certifying construction COTR’s that includes an element of FAR contract administration along with technical application of specifications regarding all elements of construction – example asphalt testing.

Testing – Having agencies develop and apply could help but the concern is the development of adequate tests to achieve the intent of the memo. I fear if left to the devices of individual agencies some will help and others will be basically useless if created. On one hand doesn’t the testing required of current CON classes and the requirement to take such classes to achieve CO certification already do this? After all DAU is accredited. I do understand that certification and warranting are different and use of a board process could help in identifying those with certification Levels I/II/III as capable of applying knowledge, skills and abilities as a CO.

More ideas that muddle the picture rather than solve the perceived problem. With the current emphasis on certification levels and required training and CLP’s it seems the memo might be creating just another layer of bureaucratic process rather than presenting a true fix for the CO dilemma.

My two bits for what it is worth.

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