education | The Contracting Education Academy

June 5, 2014 By AMK

To improve the contracting workforce, improve training

The need for additional staff resources is the most frequently cited response to improving government contracting. In recent years, considerable resources have been invested in hiring and educating our biggest asset, human capital. This additional staffing and education has so far met with mixed results. This is because people are only as effective as the experience and education they have received.

Contracting executives frequently mention the need to develop judgment, reasoning, and analytical skills, as well as to obtain real-world experience. These goals can be met through exposure to diverse acquisition and operational scenarios. Three years of varied contracting experience (simplified acquisition, major systems, source selection, and acquisition planning) is better than 10 years of doing the same, simplified, repetitive tasks over and over, yet still moving up the career ladder. When that situation occurs, specialists get up to senior levels but with limited experience and knowledge, inhibiting their ability to assume the leadership responsibilities they were intended to.

This occurs because agencies want to fill their positions, even though most applicants did not have the opportunity to obtain the necessary variety of experience, which may require moving from one position to another.

Many smaller agencies cannot offer internships or rotations to round out their experience because of the limited nature of their acquisition mission. In some cases, the agency or firm has the overall resources, but is not organized to manage professional development.

Keep reading this article at: http://www.federaltimes.com/article/20140530/BLG06/305300015/To-improve-contracting-workforce-improve-training

March 23, 2014 By AMK

Academy explains FAR to business counselors at national conference

On March 23rd, The Contracting Education Academy at Georgia Tech conducted a comprehensive workshop on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for 150 counselors from procurement technical assistance centers (PTACs) from across the country.

The workshop was conducted in San Francisco in conjunction with the spring training conference of the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC).

APTAC selected The Academy to create an educational workshop entitled “The Complete FAR Guide for PTAC Counselors.” The workshop provided a focused and comprehensive review of those portions of the FAR that are most pertinent to the work PTAC counselors do to assist their clients.

The workshop instruction was complemented by an 202-page manual produced by The Academy exclusively for APTAC members as well as a special web page where FAR resources are available for download.

Each workshop attendee received a 202-page manual explaining pertinent parts of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

The FAR is the federal rule book governing all acquisitions made by the government. Contracting officers from virtually every federal agency follow the FAR each time they purchase any product or service, ranging from office supplies to major military systems. Understanding these rules is essential not only for those who issue contracts but also for those who are awarded government contracts.

In designing the workshop and the printed Guide, the Academy’s curriculum development team analyzed the 2,000-page FAR and selected those portions most critical to the success of businesses engaging, or hoping to engage, in government contract work. The Academy’s team then developed training modules and materials designed to assist PTAC counselors in their work with those businesses. “The workshop held in San Francisco was an outgrowth of one conducted by the Academy in Atlanta in April of last year,” the Academy’s program manager Donna Bertrand pointed out. “We were very proud to be invited back.”

PTACs are funded, in part, by the Defense Logistics Agency to provide counseling and assistance to businesses seeking to compete successfully in federal, state and local government contracting. More than 95 PTACs — with 300 local offices — form a nationwide network of procurement counselors who provide businesses advice about the government marketplace. More details on PTACs can be found at: http://www.aptac-us.org.

“This workshop conveys not only technical knowledge but also insights into the government’s acquisition process,” commented instructor Kevin Grimes. “Attendees come away with a complete set of tools they need to help their clients compete for and win contracts.”

Reaction to the March 23rd training session was unanimously positive. “The post-workshop evaluations reflect that 100% of the participants feel the workshop met or exceeded their expectations,” said Chuck Schadl, who oversees the Contracting Education Academy as well as Georgia Tech’s PTAC. “In fact, 75% of the participants said that the workshop exceeded their expectations.”

Here is a sampling of what attendees had to say:

“I got tons of really great info to immediately use in helping my clients.”
“What I got was beyond my expectation — I’m so glad for this opportunity!”
“I expected a tedious analysis and explanation of various FAR clauses. Instead, this was a very engaging and informative presentation with lots of information useful to counseling clients.”
“I valued the approach to learning a somewhat difficult topic, and all the solid reference points.”
“This was a fun, informative and relevant workshop. I value the instructor’s knowledge, sense of humor, great presentation style, and Georgia Tech’s amazing resources.”
“This was a good and quick presentation on a huge topic. Very good speaker who kept it moving. A wonderful reference guide.”
“This course needs to be presented every year because the FAR is something that must be repeated multiple times.”
” A lot of good information and resources!”
“A fantastic presentation on the FAR, loaded with great information. Georgia Tech programs are always good.”
“This presentation was presented in a way that was easy to follow.”
“I need more training like this.”
“Awesome seminar and resources!”
“I need this refresher once a year — also need this class for my clients.”
“I like that the presentation was tailored to help us counsel our clients.”
“I need more classes by Georgia Tech!”
“This was an outstanding session. I got an excellent hard copy resource book plus access to exclusive links and websites.”
“The workbook is a great value.”
“Excellent training on the FAR.”
“I received a dynamic and engaging review of the FAR that gave me a ton of tools to take back and better assist my clients.”
“It was a pleasure to sit in this class.”
“This training exceeded my expectations. I really like the way it was laid out. The booklet will be a great tool which I will use a lot.”
“The resources provided will be invaluable to me.”
“I value the professionalism and clarity of the instructor and the course materials.”

At the conclusion of the workshop, each attendee was presented with a certificate of completion and was awarded 0.3 CEUs from Georgia Tech.

Feel free to contact The Academy for help with your next educational workshop. Call 404-894-6109 or email: info@ContractingAcademy.gatech.edu.

April 21, 2013 By AMK

Academy conducts FAR workshop at national PTAC conference

Counselors from procurement technical assistance centers (PTACs) across the country received training on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in a workshop conducted by The Contracting Education Academy at Georgia Tech on Sunday, April 21, 2013.

The procurement counselors are members of the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) who are attending the Association’s four-day spring training conference in Atlanta. Of the more than 300 APTAC members in attendance at the conference, 165 opted to attend the special Sunday afternoon session conducted by the Academy.

PTACs are funded, in part, by the Defense Logistics Agency to provide counseling and assistance to businesses seeking to compete successfully in federal, state and local government contracting. Ninety-three PTACs — with over 300 local offices — form a nationwide network of dedicated procurement professionals working to help local businesses in the government marketplace.

APTAC selected The Academy to create a special four-hour educational workshop. Entitled “The Complete FAR Guide for PTAC Counselors,” the workshop provided a focused and comprehensive review of those portions of the FAR that are most pertinent to the work PTAC counselors perform to assist their clients. The workshop instruction was complemented by an 187-page manual produced by The Academy exclusively for APTAC members as well as a special web page where FAR resources are available for download.

“We were honored to conduct FAR training for the elite corps who advise businesses about government contracting,” stated Donna Bertrand, The Academy’s program manager. “PTAC counselors are on the front lines — providing assistance to businesses, especially small businesses, nationwide.”

“In some respects, today’s workshop followed the train-the-trainer model,” said Chuck Schadl, who serves as Vice President of Education for APTAC. Schadl is in his tenth year of service with the PTAC hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology. He collaborated with The Academy’s team to ensure that the workshop accurately addressed the day-to-day counseling issues faced by PTAC counselors. “Our objective was to provide realistic instruction and helpful tools that can be used in the everyday work performed by PTAC counselors.”

(click on photos above to enlarge images)

The Academy’s FAR workshop covered the entire spectrum of the government’s acquisition cycle — from the planning process, to contract formation, to contract administration. The workshop also provided instruction on the history of the FAR, how it is structured, and how to locate key provisions in it.

“In teaching this class,” commented instructor Kathy Cames, “I wanted the counselors to gain not only knowledge but also insights about how they can help their clients at each step in the acquisition process. For instance, there are many things a business can do to assist the government define its needs. If done correctly, this can improve a business’ opportunity to win a contract and be successful in executing it.”

In all, The Academy presented 22 specific “PTAC Tools” during the workshop — each designed to educate PTAC counselors about a specific aspect of the FAR that is especially important to PTAC clients.

At the conclusion of the workshop, each attendee was presented with a certificate of completion and was awarded 0.3 CEUs from Georgia Tech.

Click on the image below to examine the table of contents of the printed Guide which served as the outline for The Academy’s workshop:

March 18, 2013 By AMK

Georgia Tech’s OSHA program awards certificates to 18 Robins AFB employees

Georgia Tech Professional Education has awarded occupational safety and health certificates to 18 employees at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga., extending Georgia Tech’s relationship with the U.S. Air Force.

The Robins employees completed a series of courses to earn the professional certificates, which were awarded in late February 2013.

Georgia Tech Professional Education partnered with Georgia Tech Research Institute, the university’s applied research arm, to offer the training at Robins. For more than 30 years, Georgia Tech’s occupational safety and health program has helped keep workers safe, growing to offer 43 short courses, eight professional certificates and customized training.

“We are proud to offer our depth of experience and knowledge of OSHA regulations in this partnership with Robins Air Force Base. By learning onsite, the employees have received certificates from a major engineering school recognized nationally and internationally,” said Daniel J. Ortiz, M.P.H., C.S.P., manager of GTRI’s Occupational Safety and Health Program Office.

The training program saved the base $237,000 in travel and other costs and resulted in new safety programs implemented across the facility, according to David Decker with the 78th Air Base Wing Safety Office at Robins. The 78th Air Base Wing, OSHA and the American Federation of Government Employees Local 987 were essential to Georgia Tech Professional Education’s ability to provide the training.

“This is a critical partnership,” said Brig. Gen. Cedric George, commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex. “I know it wasn’t easy. Georgia Tech doesn’t do easy.”

In 2011, Robins reached out to GTRI professionals, who are Georgia Tech Professional Education instructors, for assistance with occupational safety and health. Safety is a priority at the installation, which has more than 20,000 civilian and military personnel in a variety of careers.

Georgia Tech Professional Education instructors worked with senior leadership from the 78th Air Base wing and from the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC), which provides depot level maintenance for USAF aircraft and systems.

Beginning with two courses in occupational safety and health, Georgia Tech Professional Education and GTRI formed a relationship with Robins around the need to develop and implement a safety management system. An additional nine courses, including the OSHA Guide to Industrial Hygiene and Machinery and Machine Guarding Standards, were taught on base, helping employees earn the certificates.

The courses included classroom lectures and hands-on training. The instructors incorporated challenges Robins employees faced into the class material.

“We were able to use examples based on our experience at Robins,” said James B. Howry, senior research associate at GTRI’s Electronic Systems Laboratory. “We integrated our subject matter expertise as we understood their challenges.”

The savings to the taxpayer was “tremendous,” said Roger Hayes, chief of WR-ALC Safety, who leads a team of 30 safety professionals overseeing over 16,000 workers. He estimates he was able to spend about $4,000 on one course for 20 employees, instead of paying $1,500 per employee to attend a course away from the base.

“The relationship with Robins Air Force Base is a great example of how Georgia Tech Professional Education can meet an organization’s specific needs and provide affordable training by bringing courses to worksites,” said Myrtle I. Turner, Ph.D., M.P.H., C.E.T., director of Georgia Tech’s OSHA Training Institute Education Center, which is one of four original centers across the U.S.

During the February ceremony at Robins, 17 employees were awarded an Industrial Safety and Health Certificate, and one individual received a Construction Safety and Health Certificate.

“Robins Air Force Base respected and identified with the professional credentials that come with a certificate from Georgia Tech,” Howry added.

The program also offered the opportunity to further strengthen safety education, while continuing to improve work processes and assist employees.

“It’s been awesome,” said Lt. Col. Nate Tart, of the 78th Air Base Wing. “With such a diverse group of people in the course, it helped make it a better experience. Some of us have a flight safety background, and it was good to hear the industrial safety perspective.”

Having the opportunity to earn a professional certificate from a prestigious university shows an employer’s dedication and commitment to safety and the workforce, said Robert Tidwell, 402nd Commodities Maintenance Group aircraft sheet metal mechanic and an American Federation of Government Employees Local 987 safety representative.

“When I’m out in the workforce, I can offer insight and help resolve safety concerns or put out safety issues that will potentially keep people from getting hurt,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is safety for our workforce.”

October 14, 2012 By AMK

Two-week class on federal contracting, beginning Oct. 22nd, appeals to both business and government sectors

“Mission Focused Contracting” — a two-week course that is perhaps the most comprehensive of any of the courses offered by The Contracting Education Academy at Georgia Tech — begins on Oct. 22, 2012. It’s designed to have value for both business people as well as government contracting officials.

From a business perspective, this course is a boot camp that’s designed to provide insights and details about the government’s entire acquisition process. Business people will leave this course better prepared to submit bids for government work, creating a positive impact on business growth and bottom line.
From a government standpoint, this Defense Acquisition University-equivalent course — that satisfies FAC-C and DAWIA certification requirements — educates contracting officers on the entire acquisition process, from initial meetings with internal customers to completing the contract closeout process — and everything in-between.

All participants have the opportunity to learn and apply problem-solving and negotiation skills in a highly-interactive class setting.

Known as CON 120 – Mission Focused Contracting, this course includes a complete review of CON 110, 111 and 112, on-line courses that are normally prerequisites for CON 120. Because a review of CON 110, 111 and 112 is built-in to Georgia Tech’s CON 120 offering, students are not required to complete any prerequisites.

As a part of this course, contracting officers will learn how to:

Complete a market research report
Develop a bid or proposal package
Evaluate proposals and award contracts
Monitor contractor performance, apply remedies, and make proper contract payments
Modify contracts, exercise options, and complete the contract closeout process

As a part of this course, companies will:

Discover business growth opportunities for your company in the government sector
Learn how to develop a bid proposal that will put you ahead of the competition
Gain insight on ways to get your small business subcontracting plan approved
Network with and learn alongside government contracting officials to gain a better understanding of the process, roles, and responsibilities of government contracting
Understand how your company fits in as an important member of the acquisition team

This 10-day course is priced at $2,000 and is next offered Oct.22 through Nov. 2, 2012 in world-class facilities on the Georgia Tech campus in midtown Atlanta. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.pe.gatech.edu/courses/con-120-mission-focused-contracting.

For more information on the Contracting Education Academy at Georgia Tech, click here.

Students from the federal sector will be interested to know that in a March 25, 2011 DoD memorandum, the Procurement and Acquisition Policy Director notified the acquisition workforce of changes to the Contracting Curriculum and DAWIA certification standards, effective October 1, 2011. The memo outlines changes to existing course assets and development of new learning assets. Additionally, the transition plan provides information for the workforce and federal Directors of Career Management to facilitate a smooth transition to the new certification standards. The memo is located in its entirety in the Workforce Policy section of The Academy’s website here.

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