Full Course Catalog

The Federal Contracting Institute® can customize any of these courses to your specifications for delivery on your site. Contact us for further details.

• General Acquisition and Contracting
• Government Contracting Curriculum (FAC-C, FAC-COR/COTR, FAC-P/PM)
• Certified Schedules Contracts Manager (CSCM)
• Program and Project Management
• Leadership, Human Capital, Change Management, and NSPS
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Audio Seminar Series
• Online Courses

General Acquisition and Contracting

Course #	Name and Description
FC06	Advanced GWAC and Schedule Issues This advanced part workshop, part lecture course will teach you everything you need to know about GWACs, MACs, and GSA Schedule contracts. You will learn how to place and respond to orders, draft and respond to performance-based statements of work, and handle unique issues as they arise. The second day of this course is a full workshop which will provide an opportunity to apply these topics to real world contracting experiences.
FC09	Annual Review —Hot Issues in Federal Contracting One of our most popular courses, Annual Review provides everything you need to stay current in the ever-changing field of government contracts. Use this as a refresher on the developments in contracting over the past year and as an opportunity to network with others. Hear Centre Principals Jim and Barbara's predictions for 2009. Gain a solid understanding of recent events and changes in the contracting world—a great way to start the New Year!
FC07	Best Value Contracting What does best value really mean? What makes a winner in best-value source selection? This course teaches you the critical steps of this source selection process. Learn how federal agencies buy goods and services. Understand the regulatory underpinnings of the competitive process. You will gain a complete understanding of the entire best-value source selection process from acquisition strategy, through best-value tradeoffs, to debriefings and protests.
FC01	Boot Camp™ for GSA & VA Contracting GSA Schedule contracting is one of the federal government's preferred procurement methods. However, recent well-publicized abuses of GSA schedules have shined the spotlight on the need for greater oversight, and the government is responding. Do you have the skills necessary to navigate the growing regulations while profiting from these vehicles? This intensive two-day course will provide the skills you need to understand and negotiate your own GSA and VA Schedules and modifications. Learn how best-value is determined under task orders and why the basis-of-award concept is critical. Gain a thorough understanding of the cutting-edge issues in the dynamic Schedules market. You will also learn about the current developments and hot topics in GSA Federal Supply Schedule, MAC and IDIQ contracting.
FC03	Ethics, Organizational/Personal Conflicts of Interest, and Compliance in Federal Contracting This course includes updated material on the latest Congressional compliance initiatives. The courseware will be an excellent reference tool for years to come. Course topics cover compliance with all Procurement Integrity Act issues, as well as general ethics issues that arise under federal contracts. Attendees will learn to identify and mitigate audit risk areas and organizational conflicts of interests, and learn the basics of developing an effective compliance program.
FC13	Export Control Basics All companies engaged in international activities, whether through the export of products or technology, the hiring of foreign national employees, international affiliations, or the exchange of technical information with overseas counterparts and clients, must understand the requirements of U.S. export control laws and regulations. In recent years, Congress and the executive branch have increasingly focused on compliance issues relating to these activities. Reflecting this concern, legislation continues to expand and reinforce compliance demands on exporters, and penalties for violations have become increasingly severe and more commonplace. This course provides you with a strong foundation for understanding U.S. export control laws and regulations and strategies you need to successfully implement and monitor such a program.
FC14	FAR "Less Complicated" The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and its supplements are the source documents when contracting with both federal defense and civilian agencies. A close and detailed working knowledge of the FAR is mandatory for government, contractor, and subcontractor personnel. This course offers critical information that will help both contracting and technical personnel understand how to negotiate superior contracts and maintain compliance. The instructor will demonstrate how to access, search and update the FAR.
FC16	Federal Contract Law for Non-Lawyers Don't miss this advanced course for those interested in learning about federal contract law. This course covers the rules, regulations, and laws governing federal acquisition, and delves behind the "what" with the why, strengthening participants' understanding of the framework in which they function. Case studies, workshops, and a detailed textbook bring this the law to life for course attendees.
FC02	Federal Contracting Basics Gain an in-depth understanding of the basic framework and core principles governing federal procurements, from the issuance of the solicitation to contract closeout. This course is specifically tailored for procurement professionals who desire both a strong overview of federal contracts, including GSA Schedules, and a current and in-depth understanding of the legal, policy, and performance issues associated with government contracts. You will also gain the important ability to recognize and respond to the full range of issues that typically arise in federal contracting.
FC10	Federal Government Sales Learn how to break into federal government contracting and turn leads into sales. If your GSA schedule is in place, are you maximizing its potential? Understand how to take full advantage of a GSA Schedule. Maximize your contracting potential with a marketing plan designed to get results fast. Start contributing to increasing your company's sales now. Lead instructor, Kevin Riley, has successfully won over $500 million in federal contracts.
FC17	Fundamentals of Interagency Contracting Interagency contracting can create savings in time and money for government agencies. It is one of the fastest growing areas of government acquisitions, allowing for streamlined ordering procedures and increased purchasing volume. For industry, it births must-play contracts utilized government-wide for supplies and services, and raises unique compliance and sales issues.
FC11	GSA & VA Schedule Audit Issues Are you up-to-date with all the changes in GSA Schedule contracting? Is your company complying with the Price Reductions Clause? GSA contracts have traditionally been subject to less government oversight than traditional government contracts, but this is changing. In the wake of recent contracting abuses under GSA contracts, GSA has made it clear that it will do more pre- and postcontract audits and compliance reviews of GSA contractors. GSA contractors must anticipate that they will be subject to one or more audits or compliance reviews under their GSA contracts. Through this course you will learn how and why GSA or other federal agencies exercise their audit rights and how you can effectively prepare for and respond to those audits and compliance reviews.
FC04	How to Manage Federal Contracts This course provides project managers useful tools and techniques to ensure performance-based contracts are well written and managed through monitoring, tracking, and reporting. The fundamentals of project management are provided as a baseline for federal contract management. Federal contract managers will be able to solve complex contracting issues dealing with types and forms of contracts, comparisons between contract vehicles, contract administration, contract modifications, compliance, subcontracting, price estimating and adjustments, financing and payment, procurement integrity, reporting to management, and managing difficult situations. Enhance your skills with our hands-on workshop.
FC08	Intellectual Property Rights in Federal Contracts Interpret and understand the complex rules and regulations governing intellectual property. When the federal government is involved, numerous complex laws, regulations and policy considerations arise. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the issues impacting IP under federal contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. Learn about the legal issues affecting inventions, trade secrets, copyrights, proprietary data, and computer software. Gain practical skills to draft solid agreements.
FC19	Should You Sell to the Federal Government? Deciding whether or not to tap into this lucrative market should be a priority for business owners, board members, business development managers, sales and marketing professionals, and anyone else evaluating entry into the federal market. We’ll give you an honest assessment before you start, so you won’t waste your time and money.
FC12	Subcontracting Under the FAR Gain the skills necessary to understand every key issue in subcontracting today. This course covers the complex relationships between the federal government, prime contractors and subcontractors. This course is a must for negotiating subcontracts and managing subcontractors whether you are a buyer, seller or government official. After completing this course you will understand contract flow-down clauses, consent clauses, make or buy plans, privity, sponsorship, and subcontracting plans.
FC15	Subcontracting Issues Workshop—Taking Basic Concepts to the Next Level Take an advanced look at the complex relationships, critical issues, and keys to success needed to meet the demands of today's subcontracting environment. Subcontracts are more prevalent than ever and are often at the core of a program's success. This course is a must for reaching the next level, and mastering the complex nature of today's subcontracts.
FC18	Task/Delivery Order Contracting, with Workshop Task and delivery order contracts provide government agencies with flexible arrangements for acquiring a wide variety of supplies and services. This can present agencies and contractors with as many problems and complexities as it does benefits and flexibility. This course will cover the legal and practical aspects of task and delivery order contracting. Participants will understand these flexible arrangements and how to avoid problems that can arise when they are used. Learn about the new competition rules on task order contracting, and the possible evolution on the horizon of this contract type.

Government Contracting Curriculum (FAC-C, FAC-COTR, FAC-P/PM)

Course #	Name and Description
GV02	CON 100: Shaping Smart Business Arrangements This seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to the environment, responsibilities, and skills required of government contracting professionals. This wide-ranging course covers everything from how to work in teams, to the various DOD mission areas, to the regulatory framework governing acquisitions. Jumpstart your career with this exciting, expansive course, and be an integral player in fulfilling your agency's mission.
GV04	CON 120: Contracting for Mission Support CON 120 is the level I capstone course for federal contracting students. Using an integrated case study approach, this seminar engages the students in the entire acquisition process, from meeting with the customer to completing the contract closeout process. Students will learn how to apply leadership, problem-solving, and negotiation skills to the contracting process.
GV03	COR/COTR Essentials The roles of the contracting officer’s technical representative (COTR) and contracting officer's representative (COR) fuse subject-matter expertise with business management and contracting know-how. COTR Essentials provides an in-depth study of project management skills, procurement regulations, and each step in the contracting life cycle. Utilizing workshops, lectures, and instructor-led discussion, this seminar lays the foundation for your successful management of government contracts. You will develop the skills you need to succeed through workshops.
GV01	Performance-Based Services Acquisition Service contracting has grown dramatically in recent years. The federal government spends billions of dollars annually on mandated performance-based contracting for information technology, technical, clerical, and professional services. This course provides government and industry personnel with the necessary analytical skills to analyze and implement successful performance-based acquisition strategies.

Certified Schedules Contracts Manager (CSCM)

Course #	Name and Description
FC09	Annual Review — Hot Issues in Federal Contracting One of our most popular courses, Annual Review provides everything you need to stay current in the ever-changing field of government contracts. Use this as a refresher on the developments in contracting over the past year and as an opportunity to network with others. Hear Centre Principals Jim and Barbara's predictions for 2009. Gain a solid understanding of recent events and changes in the contracting world—a great way to start the New Year!
FC01	Boot Camp™ for GSA & VA Contracting GSA Schedule contracting is one of the federal government's preferred procurement methods. However, recent well-publicized abuses of GSA schedules have shined the spotlight on the need for greater oversight, and the government is responding. Do you have the skills necessary to navigate the growing regulations while profiting from these vehicles? This intensive two-day course will provide the skills you need to understand and negotiate your own GSA and VA Schedules and modifications. Learn how best-value is determined under task orders and why the basis-of-award concept is critical. Gain a thorough understanding of the cutting-edge issues in the dynamic Schedules market. You will also learn about the current developments and hot topics in GSA Federal Supply Schedule, MAC and IDIQ contracting.
FC02	Federal Contracting Basics Gain an in-depth understanding of the basic framework and core principles governing federal procurements, from the issuance of the solicitation to contract closeout. This course is specifically tailored for procurement professionals who desire both a strong overview of federal contracts, including GSA Schedules, and a current and in-depth understanding of the legal, policy, and performance issues associated with government contracts. You will also gain the important ability to recognize and respond to the full range of issues that typically arise in federal contracting.
FC16	Federal Contract Law for Non-Lawyers Don't miss this advanced course for those interested in learning about federal contract law. This course covers the rules, regulations, and laws governing federal acquisition, and delves behind the "what" with the why, strengthening participants' understanding of the framework in which they function. Case studies, workshops, and a detailed textbook bring this the law to life for course attendees.
FC17	Fundamentals of Interagency Contracting Interagency contracting can create savings in time and money for government agencies. It is one of the fastest growing areas of government acquisitions, allowing for streamlined ordering procedures and increased purchasing volume. For industry, it births must-play contracts utilized government-wide for supplies and services, and raises unique compliance and sales issues.
FC11	GSA & VA Schedule Audit Issues Are you up-to-date with all the changes in GSA Schedule contracting? Is your company complying with the Price Reductions Clause? GSA contracts have traditionally been subject to less government oversight than traditional government contracts, but this is changing. In the wake of recent contracting abuses under GSA contracts, GSA has made it clear that it will do more pre- and postcontract audits and compliance reviews of GSA contractors. GSA contractors must anticipate that they will be subject to one or more audits or compliance reviews under their GSA contracts. Through this course you will learn how and why GSA or other federal agencies exercise their audit rights and how you can effectively prepare for and respond to those audits and compliance reviews.
FC04	How to Manage Federal Contracts This course provides project managers useful tools and techniques to ensure performance-based contracts are well written and managed through monitoring, tracking, and reporting. The fundamentals of project management are provided as a baseline for federal contract management. Federal contract managers will be able to solve complex contracting issues dealing with types and forms of contracts, comparisons between contract vehicles, contract administration, contract modifications, compliance, subcontracting, price estimating and adjustments, financing and payment, procurement integrity, reporting to management, and managing difficult situations. Enhance your skills with our hands-on workshop.
GV01	Performance-Based Services Acquisition Service contracting has grown dramatically in recent years. The federal government spends billions of dollars annually on mandated performance-based contracting for information technology, technical, clerical, and professional services. This course provides government and industry personnel with the necessary analytical skills to analyze and implement successful performance-based acquisition strategies.
FC18	Task/Delivery Order Contracting, with Workshop Task and delivery order contracts provide government agencies with flexible arrangements for acquiring a wide variety of supplies and services. This can present agencies and contractors with as many problems and complexities as it does benefits and flexibility. This course will cover the legal and practical aspects of task and delivery order contracting. Participants will understand these flexible arrangements and how to avoid problems that can arise when they are used. Learn about the new competition rules on task order contracting, and the possible evolution on the horizon of this contract type.

Program and Project Management

Course #	Name and Description
PM04	Basic Acquisitions This three-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to government acquisitions, including both governmentwide and agency-specific rules, regulations, and procedures. Attendees gain an understanding of the factors that influence cost, schedule, performance, and the use of market research to define acquisition strategies, including requirements development.
PM17	Life-Cycle Management This three-day course provides an understanding of how to align the specific project lifecycle with the project management lifecycle. Attendees will develop a basic understanding of the tools, processes, and techniques involved in the project life-cycle.
PM03	Project Management Level I Project Management I provides foundational knowledge of the skills, tools, and techniques required to successfully satisfy project requirements. This comprehensive course introduces the five project management processes and nine project management knowledge areas, ensuring participants can successfully track and manage projects to budget and schedule. Participants can apply the concepts taught in this course to projects large and small, from IT to construction to administrative. Additional topics include performance-based requirements and outcomes; Total Ownership Cost and Life Cycle Cost; risk management and control, automated information systems life cycle management, and performance-based logistics.
PM01	Foundations of Effective Leadership Proper project management is critical to the success of your contract. This course will help you manage your contracts and risk more effectively. Learn how to maximize team performance, navigate the legal processes and other techniques which will facilitate contracting success.
PM05	Government Specific I This three-day course covers the government-specific component of federal projects, including the roles and integration of the acquisition team, acquisition planning, developing project specifications, formulating a formal source selection plan, contract administrative actions, and Management’s Responsibility for Internal Control (OMB Circular A-123) and Capital Asset Planning (OMB Exhibit 300).
PM06	Earned Value Management (EVM) and Cost Estimates I Cost tracking techniques are an important part of managing projects. This three-day course enables the professional to describe EVM policies, techniques, methodologies, and software for performance measurements. We focus on areas such as the Integrated Baseline Review process, allocation of funds within appropriation categories, and financial management reporting.
PM07	Project Management Level II This three-day course builds on an attendee’s existing project management skills, and enables the professional to develop and document an integrated master schedule, determine total ownership cost, and develop a life cycle plan. Additional skills taught include managing to the performance-based work plan and balancing the triple constraint.
PM08	Building and Managing Dynamic Teams This three-day course is targeted at more experienced project managers, who understand the basics of team dynamics, but are looking to further their understanding of team dynamics, management styles, and conflict resolution.
PM09	Government Specific II In this three-day course, attendees learn how to develop an overall strategy for managing an acquisition, including coordination and development of its strategy taking into account such factors as socioeconomic status. This course covers risk analysis in developing the source selection criteria, contract performance tracking and administrative actions, and financial planning.
PM10	Earned Value Management (EVM) and Cost Estimates II Earned value management requires sophisticated IT tools. This three-day course teaches how to utilize such tools, conduct EVM analysis and implement changes based on that analysis, re-engineer processes for continuous improvement, and analyze resource needs.
PM11	Advanced Acquisition Management This three-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to government acquisitions, including both governmentwide and agency-specific rules, regulations, and procedures. Attendees gain an understanding of the factors that influence cost, schedule, performance, and the use of market research to define acquisition strategies, including requirements development.
PM12	Advanced Program Management Project Management III builds on the skills, tools, and techniques taught in earlier project management courses. This three-day course further helps participants to manage the development of program goals and to define project scope. Students learn the intricacies of total life cycle management, including the creation of an integrated master plan that addresses inputs, outputs, and deliverables for each phase of a project’s life cycle and ensures effective linkages to the Work Breakdown Structure and Earned Value Management. By honing test and evaluation, estimating, risk management, and decision analysis skills, attendees become capable of managing entire programs and the largest, most complicated projects..
PM13	Leadership and Management Skills for Supervisors Establishing correct and effective leadership and interpersonal skills requires applied skills in communications management and a strong understanding of team project, the focus of this three-day course.
PM14	Government Specific III Government Specific III integrates government-unique competencies into program and project management tools. This three-day course teaches students how to work effectively with the contracting officers throughout a project’s life cycle, from preaward through closeout, building on knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and concepts gained from earlier courses. This course is the capstone for the senior-level FAC-P/PM certification; graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage FAC-P/PM on behalf of the federal government and the U.S. taxpayer.
PM15	Earned Value Management (EVM) and Cost Estimates III Earned Value Management and Cost Estimates III is the final course in the EVM series. This three-day course teaches students to direct and manage EVM across an entire program, utilizing advanced program management skills, to effectively plan resource needs and manage projects to plan.
PM16	Project Management Applications Project Management Application converts project management knowledge into project management experience through in-depth simulation. This course addresses finance, acquisition, and interpersonal issues through case study and exercises that mirror the real-world challenges of successfully managing resources, budgets, and stakeholders’ expectations. Participants should come to this course with a comprehensive understanding of project management concepts, tools, and techniques.

Leadership, Human Capital, Change Management, and NSPS

Course #	Name and Description
PM01	Foundations of Effective Leadership Proper project management is critical to the success of your contract. This course will help you manage your contracts and risk more effectively. Learn how to maximize team performance, navigate the legal processes and other techniques which will facilitate contracting success.
PM08	Building and Managing Dynamic Teams This three-day course is targeted at more experienced project managers, who understand the basics of team dynamics, but are looking to further their understanding of team dynamics, management styles, and conflict resolution.
PM13	Leadership and Management Skills for Supervisors Establishing correct and effective leadership and interpersonal skills requires applied skills in communications management and a strong understanding of team project, the focus of this three-day course.

AUDIO SEMINARS

Course #	Name and Description
AU01	Surviving the New GSA Report Card Prepare for the new GSA Report Card for assessing the compliance of schedule contractors. GSA will be evaluating new areas such as systems and processes to monitor the “basis of award” pricing and the use of electronic contracting tools. In the new Report Card, there are nine areas determined to be critical. Failure in any of the nine areas causes a rating of “serious concerns exist”. This new rating system will be used by contracting officers in deciding on whether or not to renew options. Are you prepared for these new audits? Prepare now so you are not surprised later.
AU02	Bid Protests Update The General Accounting Office (GAO) recently announced that the number of bid protests filed in 2008 represented a ten year high in terms of protest frequency. And although the rate of successful or sustained protests dipped slightly in 2008, more than 20% of all protest filed in 2008 were sustained, resulting in a range of remedies from new procurements to re-opened award decisions. Learn the essential issues driving and affecting protests in today’s environment.
AU03	Non-GSA Vehicles Multiple-award indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracting has exploded since the passage of the 1994 Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act and Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. While these contracts allow for streamlined acquisitions of supplies and services, they bring unique award, contract administration, and compliance issues. FCI’s Non-GSA Vehicles Audio Seminar covers these and more, transforming participants to leaders in this specialized subject area.
AU04	Essential GSA/VA Contract Management Survival Skills The Federal Supply Schedules managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are unique contract instruments that pose special challenges to contract managers and administrators. The inability to effectively manage these unique requirements will cause your Schedule contracts to lose their profitability and can lead to extremely unpleasant consequences in the event of GSA/VA audits are conducted. Learn the essential skills your company must possess in order to survive and thrive under GSA/VA Schedule contracts.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Course #	Name and Description
ADR	ADR Series Gain an overview of the ADR process, how to participate in effective mediations, the necessary skills to mediate disputes, and the hands-on skills necessary to serve as an ADR neutral with this comprehensive series of alternative dispute resolution training.

 

Online Courses

Course #

Name and Description

FC17

Fundamentals of Interagency Contracting Interagency contracting can create savings in time and money for government agencies. It is one of the fastest growing areas of government acquisitions, allowing for streamlined ordering procedures and increased purchasing volume. For industry, it births must-play contracts utilized government-wide for supplies and services, and raises unique compliance and sales issues.