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Botchwey named associate dean in Professional Education

Georgia Tech Professional Education (GTPE) has named Nisha Botchwey, associate professor of city and regional planning in the College of Design and an adjunct professor in Emory University’s School of Public Health, its new associate dean of academic programs.
Nisha Botchwey has been named associate dean for Academic Programs in Georgia Tech Professional Education.

Botchwey was selected following a national search and will begin her new role on March 9.

She holds a master’s and Ph.D. in urban planning from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in public health from the University of Virginia. Throughout her career, Botchwey’s research has focused on health and the built environment, with an emphasis on youth engagement, health equity, and data dashboards for evidence-based planning and practice.

She has earned many distinctions, including an NSF ADVANCE Woman of Excellence Faculty Award, a Hesburgh Award Teaching Fellowship from Georgia Tech, the Georgia Power Professor of Excellence Award, a Rockefeller-Penn Fellowship from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing, and a Nominated Changemaker by the Obama White House’s Council on Women and Girls.

“GTPE has embarked on a transformational journey to strategically align our academic offerings with the needs of a rapidly changing workforce. Nisha Botchwey’s experience with strategic planning, team management, and community engagement will enhance our growth plan and elevate the quality of offerings for an ever-increasing, diverse population of learners,” said Nelson Baker, dean of Georgia Tech Professional Education. “We are thrilled to have such expertise on our team.”

GTPE serves the fastest growing learner population in higher education: working adults aged over 25.

In this new position, Botchwey will support the development of new demand-driven programs, such as additional at-scale online master’s degrees, a new Fintech Academy, and pioneer contemporary educational products including alternative credentials and enhanced career services for adult learners. She will have curricular oversight and management of all new and existing online degrees and professional development programs and foster a learner-centric environment in service to the adult learners across GTPE programs.

Botchwey will maintain a joint appointment in the College of Design, where she will continue her research and teaching, advise students, and remain involved in the intellectual life of the college.

“This is an era of change and adaptation across institutions,” said Botchwey. “I look forward to working with this amazing team of faculty, staff, learners, and industry partners as we continue to create innovative educational pathways and solidify GTPE’s role as the lifelong learning home for Georgia Tech, here and across the globe.”

A search committee consisting of faculty and leadership across the Institute reviewed over 130 applications. Members included Daniel Castro, chair and professor in the School of Building Construction; Lizanne DeStefano, executive director for the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC); Larry Jacobs, associate dean of the College of Engineering; and Sri Narasimhan, professor and business analytics center co-director in the Scheller College of Business.

“The applicant pool was extremely competitive,” said Jacobs. “Alongside her experience and relevant technical skills, it was Botchwey’s enthusiasm, clear preparation, and strong people skills that stood out.”

Georgia Tech has been at the forefront of creating cutting-edge educational offerings that are accessible to career-minded individuals and provide real-world knowledge. As the global campus and lifetime learning arm of the Institute, GTPE serves more than 42,000 working professionals each year through more than 400 professional development courses and boot camps, 50 professional certificates, and 13 industry-specific online degrees.

Source: https://www.news.gatech.edu/2020/03/04/botchwey-named-associate-dean-professional-education

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How much do you want to become a ‘FAR master’?

Whether you are a government contracting official or a government contractor, your success hinges on your mastery of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) — the rules that must be followed in acquiring goods and services.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn all about the FAR — side-by-side with your peers.
The FAR’s rules are voluminous — 2,000 pages in all, plus hundreds of supplemental rules tailored to individual agencies throughout the federal government.  How can you be expected to find these rules, grasp their meaning and, most importantly, apply them properly?
Fortunately for you, Georgia Tech has the courses that will teach you all you need to know.  And, best of all, our instruction is based on practical application, so you will return to your job equipped with the skills and knowledge to confidently navigate all aspects of contract planning, contract formation, and contract administration.
Our FAR coursework is based on training originally developed by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU).  It’s been enhanced by Georgia Tech to provide the know-how actually needed by acquisition professionals like you.  And, best of all, our comprehensive coursework is broken-up into modules so that you can learn conveniently, based on your priorities and at your own pace.
The Contracting Education Academy at Georgia Tech (The Academy) offers its comprehensive FAR course in four, one-week classes.  Each “module” focuses on a different aspect of the FAR and, best of all, the modules may be taken in any order.  This means you have multiple opportunities throughout the year to complete the entire course without the challenge of being away from your job or home for an entire month.
The Academy’s foundational course focuses on four distinctly different aspects of the FAR:
  • Contracting Overview of the FAR (CON 090-1) introduces the FAR and how to navigate all of the acquisition regulations.  This four-day course answers the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the FAR.  This module is considered the most challenging lesson in the course, as it provide hands-on training on the FAR’s structure, meaning, and proper application.
  • Contract Planning in the FAR (CON 090-2) presents information on the policies and procedures for the acquisition of supplies and services from required or preferred sources. Key topics in this lesson include the use of required sources, use of existing contracts, and required participation by small businesses.
  • Contract Formation in the FAR (CON 090-3) goes deep into different methods of contracting by: 1) comparing and contrasting the solicitation and evaluation of offers in sealed bidding and competitive negotiation, 2) exploring the procedural requirements of making a contract award, and 3) explaining simplified acquisition procedures as well as the policies and procedures for handling bid and size status protests.
  • Contract Administration in the FAR (CON 090-4) covers the basic principles of contract management, including making contract modifications, administration of selected terms and conditions, handling delays, quality assurance procedures, making payments, addressing disputes and appeals, and contract terminations and closeouts.
Students are exposed to realistic case studies and get a chance to work in groups to tackle real-life problem-solving exercises. 
Click on any of the course titles listed above to see course schedules and pricing.  And see our exclusive Student Resources page for a detailed outline of the content covered in each of our four FAR course modules.
Benefits of attendance include expert instruction, a printed Student Guide to be used back on the job, valuable handouts, and exclusive electronic resources.  In addition, a complimentary breakfast is served each morning, along with snacks throughout each day.  Plus, you’ll earn Continuous Education Units from Georgia Tech as well as credit toward Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA)  and Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Program (FAC-C) training requirements.
All courses are conducted in Georgia Tech’s world-class Global Learning Center, conveniently located in Midtown Atlanta.  Interested in us bringing our coursework to you?  Simply contact us at info@ContractingAcademy.gatech.edu — we will be happy to speak with you about scheduling and quantity discounts.
Georgia Tech is an official equivalency training provider for the Defense Acquisition University and the Federal Acquisition Institute.

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Here’s how to invest an extra-long February in your professional development

It’s Leap Year!  Will you squander the extra time, or will you invest it in yourself?
Keeping pace with changes in your job is always a challenge.  Pursuing new knowledge is the key.
Georgia Tech’s Contracting Education Academy is offering two terrific courses in February.  They could be just the thing you need to update your skills and qualify you for advancement in your job.
Featured are:
  • Contract Planning in the FAR (CON 090-2) – February 3-7, 2020 – Covers how government agencies conduct market research and rely on businesses to provide information, how the government’s buying needs must be described, and the government’s preference for commercial and non-developmental items.
  • Architect and Engineering Services Contracting (CON 243) – Feb. 10-14, 2020 – Focuses on acquisition planning for A&E services, the slate and selection process, proposal analysis, contract award, the review of government estimates, liability, Title II services, modifications, contract management, and the contracting officer representative’s responsibilities.
(Click on the course titles above to see registration and pricing details.)

 

Discover the Georgia Tech Difference!
Benefits of attendance include expert instruction, a printed Student Guide to be used back on the job, valuable handouts, and exclusive electronic resources.
In addition, a complimentary breakfast is served each morning, along with snacks throughout each day.  For groups of 10 or more, Georgia Tech offers discounts.
Plus, you’ll earn Continuous Education Units from Georgia Tech as well as credit toward Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA)  and Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Program (FAC-C) training requirements.

 

Georgia Tech is an official equivalency training provider for the Defense Acquisition University and the Federal Acquisition Institute.

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Take a look at our course line-up!

If you’re in the hunt for high-quality acquisition training at a reasonable price, look no further than Georgia Tech.

The courses we offer are in high demand among contracting professionals — both within government and in the private sector.  And all are approved by the Defense Acquisition University and the Federal Acquisition Institute.

Plus, all of our courses are offered in our world-class Global Learning Center on the Georgia Tech campus in midtown Atlanta.  All courses also offer resources and amenities found nowhere else.

Take a look at what’s coming up in just the next few months:

  • Contract Planning in the FAR (CON 090-2) – February 3-7, 2020 – Covers how government agencies conduct market research and rely on businesses to provide information, how the government’s buying needs must be described, and the government’s preference for commercial and non-developmental items.
  • Architect and Engineering Services Contracting (CON 243) – Feb. 10-14, 2020 – Focuses on acquisition planning for A&E services, the slate and selection process, proposal analysis, contract award, the review of government estimates, liability, Title II services, modifications, contract management, and the contracting officer’s technical representative’s responsibilities.
  • Contract Formation in the FAR (CON 090-3) – Mar. 16-20, 2020 – Covers policies and procedures for simplified acquisitions, sealed bidding as well as negotiated acquisitions, cost accounting standards, special contracting methods and emergency acquisitions, and the filing and handling of protests.
  • Construction Contracting (CON 244) – May 4-8, 2020 – Focuses on contracting issues unique to construction, including acquisition planning, contract performance management, funding, environmental concerns, construction contract language, construction contracting in a commercial setting, the Construction Wage Rate Requirements statute, design/build methodology, basic schedule delay analysis, constructive changes, acceleration, construction contract quality management, and more.
Click on the course titles above for complete pricing and registration details.

 

Students attending Georgia Tech’s classes work in teams to tackle real-life contracting problems.
Discover the Georgia Tech Difference!

Benefits of attendance include expert instruction, a printed Student Guide to be used back on the job, valuable handouts, and exclusive electronic resources.  In addition, a complimentary breakfast is served each morning, along with snacks throughout each day.  For groups of 10 or more, Georgia Tech offers discounts.

Explanation of Certification Programs

Each Academy course title that contains the designation “CON” or “COR” is DAU-equivalent and satisfies both the FAC-C and DAWIA certification programs.  Coursework with the “FCN” designation is approved by the Federal Acquisition Institute and satisfies the latest FAC-C certification requirements.  In addition, continuing education units (CEUs) are granted for these courses by the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Courses Available at Your Location

All Academy courses and workshops are available for instructor-led engagements at your location. To discuss arrangements for your group, please contact us at info@ContractingAcademy.gatech.edu.  We’ll be happy to provide you with details.

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Make plans now for your professional development in 2020

By attending Georgia Tech’s hands-on, practical training, you will gain new expertise you can apply the day you return from class.

Staying up-to-date in the field of government acquisition is a challenge.  You can make a positive impact on your career by planning to attend courses now scheduled at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s world-class Global Learning Center in the coming year.  Course registration for 2020 is now open.

Featured courses include:

(Click on course titles for dates and registration details.)

  • Students attending Georgia Tech’s classes work in teams to tackle real-life contracting problems.

    FCN 190: FAR Fundamentals – Designed for both GS-1102 contracting personnel as well as aspiring government contractors, this 10-day course conveys basic knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), including how to apply the rules in order to make appropriate decisions at each step of the contracting process.  Curriculum supports the latest revisions to the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Program.

  • CON 090-1: Contracting Overview of the FAR – Covers the identification of the basic principles of federal government contracting, including the structure and content of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency supplements.  Students learn how to locate, cite, and interpret regulations.
  • CON 090-2: Contract Planning in the FAR – Covers acquisition planning, market research, describing agency needs, the preference for commercial and non-developmental items, contract types, special contracting techniques, socioeconomic programs, special terms and conditions, contractor qualifications, and advertising requirements.
  • Our instructors are experienced acquisition professionals who share practical advice.

    CON 090-3: Contract Formation in the FAR – Covers policies and procedures for simplified acquisitions, sealed bidding as well as negotiated acquisitions, cost accounting standards, special contracting methods and emergency acquisitions, and the filing and handling of protests.

  • CON 090-4: Contract Administration in the FAR – Covers the fundamental concepts of contract administration including the handling of untimely or non-compliant performance, interpretation of clauses, contract modifications, payments, contract disputes and appeals, and complete or partial contract terminations.
  • CON 170: Fundamentals of Cost & Price Analysis – Conveys fundamental quantitative pricing skills, including seller pricing strategies, the Truth in Negotiations Act and how it mitigates government risk, application of Cost Accounting Standards Board (CASB) rules to negotiated contracts and subcontracts, and contract cost principles and procedures.  Covers cost-volume-profit analysis, contribution margin estimates, and cost estimating relationships.
  • Our students tell us our courses go far beyond check-the-box requirements.

    CON 243: Architect-Engineer Contracting – Focuses on contracting for architectural-engineering services, including acquisition planning, source selection, proposal analysis, contract award and work, and contract management. Specific topics and practical exercises convey knowledge of the Selection of Architects and Engineers statue, SF-330, the slate and selection process, the review of government estimates, liability, Title II services, modifications, and contracting officer’s technical representative responsibilities. 

  • CON 244: Construction Contracting – Focuses on contracting issues unique to construction, including acquisition planning, contract performance management, funding, environmental concerns, construction contract language, construction contracting in a commercial setting, the Construction Wage Rate Requirements statute, design/build methodology, basic schedule delay analysis, constructive changes, acceleration, construction contract quality management, and more.
  • Government contracting officials and business executives sit side-by-side to learn acquisition practices.

    COR 206/222: Contracting Officer Representative and the Contingency Contracting Environment – Covers the role and responsibilities of the COR in contract administration, including contract planning support, contract awards, contract changes and modifications, monitoring performance, expenditures and schedules, and ethical situations and cultural differences a COR may experience while deployed in a contingency operation. 

Explanation of Certification Programs

Each Academy course title that contains the designation “CON” or “COR” is DAU-equivalent and satisfies both the FAC-C and DAWIA certification programs.  Coursework with the “FCN” designation is approved by the Federal Acquisition Institute and satisfies the latest FAC-C certification requirements. In addition, continuing education units (CEUs) are granted for these courses by the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Courses Available at Your Location

All Academy courses and workshops are available for instructor-led on-site engagements at your location. To discuss arrangements for your group, please email us at info@ContractingAcademy.gatech.edu.  We’ll be happy to provide you with details.

Contracting Academy Logo
75 Fifth Street, NW, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30308
info@ContractingAcademy.gatech.edu
Phone: 404-894-6109
Fax: 404-410-6885

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