Introduction to the Federal Procurement Process
Topics include: How to register as a federal government contractor; how to conduct market research and develop a marketing plan; understanding Federal Government procurement regulations including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); reviewing small business programs, contract types, and contracting vehicles; understanding the proposal process including the Uniform Contract Format, Business and Technical proposals, and past performance. A Capability Statement, the marketing document for the federal sector, will be developed.
Developing and Reviewing Responsive Government Proposals
Learn to review request for quotes and request for proposals to develop a responsive proposal and demonstrate responsibility as a federal government contractor. Learn the requirements of the business and technical proposals. Develop your past performance summary and determine what is required to demonstrate past performance. Initial proposal review to include contract type and pricing implications. Final proposal response review to include analysis of business and technical proposals for compliance with solicitation, cost and price reasonableness, allowability, and allocability of costs; and negotiation strategies based upon experience as contracting official within the federal workforce.
Contract Administration/ Audits
Topics include: Pricing and negotiating contract modifications; invoicing; progress reports; contract deliverables; contract termination if necessary for Convenience or Contractor Default; contractor audits; and keeping proper contract files. Receive an overview of cost and price, accounting best practices, and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits; and identifying helpful websites.
Low Hanging Fruit – Learn How to Gain Business through Federal Government Simplified Acquisition Procedures
Examine the use of simplified acquisition procedures including task and delivery order contracts, in particular multiple award contracts, as authorized by the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA). Discuss the use of the purchase cards, oral solicitations, and other simplified acquisition procedures as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures.
Federal Acquisitions Acquisition Planning, Market Research and Source Selection
The Federal Government is required to conduct market research, develop an acquisition and plan, and to develop a source selection plan if applicable. This course will explore elements included in the Federal Government’s market research report, acquisition plan and the source selection plan.
How to Become an Effective Contract Negotiator
This course provides practical, experience-based guidance in planning and conducting a successful negotiation and identifies on an individual basis the key competencies and skills required to emerge on the winning side. Key terms, negotiation formats, negotiation styles, and preparation strategies will be discussed and reinforced through exercises and role playing. Other topics include how the Federal Government develops the contractors’ final rating including evaluating strengths and weaknesses.
Source Selection: The Best Value Bootcamp
How does the Federal government pick the winner? Government personnel and contractors will gain a wealth of insight into the federal government source selection process to develop effective, winning proposals. One of the most critical steps facing agencies and contractors in government contracting is source selection - the process agencies follow to choose among competing proposals. In response to demands for improvements in the quality of supplies and services, federal agencies are increasingly using best-value criteria to award contracts. Through lectures and comprehensive case studies, this hands-on course will provide students with a number of major benefits, including a solid understanding of what the rules mean and skill training on the principles and processes of sound business decision analysis and decision making.
