KeithB18 Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 My small (13 person) contracting shop at a civilian Department of Transportation agency does a monthly internal training session. We have a range of grades, GS-09 through GS-14, that attend. We've been sort of scheduling topics on an ad hoc basis but for FY15, I'd like to take a more structured approach. Some pertinent facts: We have 40 minutes per month. The two GS-14s are generally responsible for either presenting or assigning a presenter. We'd like to have the more junior grades involved more. Some sample topics we've covered over the past year: Changes clauses, FAR part 8, GSA E-Buy, lessons learned on a recent large solicitation, the difference between sole source, limited sources and exception to fair opportunity and acquisition planning requirements. So, I guess what I'm asking for is two fold: What topics can be covered appropriately in that time? Is there a logical order you suggest that those topics be covered?(We buy 75% commercial items ans 25% research and development) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cajuncharlie Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 The best answer would be whatever the person in charge, or your two GS-14s, have observed as areas needing attention. From an outside perspective, however, not knowing your mission or people, I would suggest going back to basics, starting with the two fundamental things every file should be clear on, regardless of whether you're in the Government or purely private sector: Why did you pick this source, and why is the price OK? Source selection and price reasonableness can have many facets and nuances, and your in-house training can focus on whichever aspects meet your needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Vern Edwards Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 The importance of official and common definitions in statutes, regulations, and contracts. See the article, "Defining Definitions" in the February 2011 issue of NCMA's Contract Management magazine. If you want the article and can't get it, contact me through Wifcon and I'll send it to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BZMANINTEXAS Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 What is your local NCMA chapter doing on a monthly basis? If they are giving training and your whole office is not going or does not belong to NCMA, then you could potentially get valuable materials from them to present. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
policyguy Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 Does your Agency HQ review your procurement office? If so are there findings that you could use as areas for the training? Have you reviewed your Agency OIG audits for findings related to procurement? These are sources that may give you specific areas for your Agency that you need to provide procurement related training in your office. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeithB18 Posted September 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 Does your Agency HQ review your procurement office? If so are there findings that you could use as areas for the training? Have you reviewed your Agency OIG audits for findings related to procurement? These are sources that may give you specific areas for your Agency that you need to provide procurement related training in your office. I covered the findings this FY, but it may be worth covering them again. Thanks all, this has been helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baierle Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 At our agency, they have purchased "Fun with the FAR" series and we get together and go" in depth" each week, one or two parts of the FAR. You can set something up like this w/o having to incur the expenses--- if the funds are not available. Just take the FAR (and your supplements), chapter by chapter, 1 or 2 per week (or per session). Delegate some of the assignments or presentations to teams, assign different teams different parts for presentation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
napolik Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 1. Contract Formation 2. How To Prepare A Solicitation 3. Small Business Issues 4. Compare and Contrast FAR 8, 12, 13, 15 & 16 5. Evaluation factors 6. The Relationship of Sections C, L and M (and non-UCF equivalents) 7. Evaluation of Quotes / Proposals: Non-Price Factors 8. Evaluation of Quotes / Proposals: Price Factors 9. Discussions 10. Source Selection 11. File Documentation 12. Debriefings The training cannot be merely a review of FAR policies, procedures, provisions, clauses and usage instructions. It must also address the interpretation of the FAR's words provided in GAO and COFC decisions. While necessary, the "formal training" is only a complement to OJT. Supervisory review, correction and discussion of the contract specialists' products is the most effective training. It applies the concepts, polices and procedures addressed in the formal training. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
policyguy Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 I recall an exercise that Vern Edwards developed for new people that you may be able to use for your junior grades who may have not much time/experience in the position. Here is the link: http://www.wifcon.com/discussion/index.php?/blog/2/entry-1111-a-simple-training-exercise/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeithB18 Posted September 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2014 I recall an exercise that Vern Edwards developed for new people that you may be able to use for your junior grades who may have not much time/experience in the position. Here is the link: http://www.wifcon.com/discussion/index.php?/blog/2/entry-1111-a-simple-training-exercise/ I'm glad you mentioned that because I took our two most junior people through it about five months ago. One took to it; the other did not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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