Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (VAAA)
Supply Chain Management Professional Level I Courses
The Supply Chain Management School Course Categories
Penn State Supply Chain Certificates
Course Description: This is a 7-hour virtual, self-paced course. This introduction to the government acquisition process is to serve as an overview for non-procurement personnel. The intent is to familiarize and better prepare these individuals for work in government procurements, and to acknowledge the importance of their role as members of the procurement team.
This course is available online through the VA Talent Management System (TMS); visit tms.va.gov for information on this course.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 7 |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 7 |
| Delivery Method: | Virtual, Self-Paced (WBT) – TMS ID: VAAA 001 |
Course Description: This is a 2-hour virtual self-paced course. This course is designed to address topics for Accountable Officers and their responsibilities. The intent is to provide an overview of the responsibilities for the facility level Accountable Officer. The responsibilities of every Accountable Officer are vast, and this training covers major areas such as classification of property, the Supply Fund, Equipment Management Program, and Report of Survey program.
This course is available online through the VA Talent Management System (TMS); visit tms.va.gov for information on this course.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: Any person assigned the duties of Accountable Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 2 |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 2 |
| Delivery Method: | Virtual, Self-Paced (WBT) – TMS ID: FLG 010 |
Course Description: This is a 2-hour virtual, self-paced course. This course is designed to address topics for Custodial Officers and their responsibilities for nonexpendable property. The intent is to provide an overview of the accountability and responsibilities of the Custodial Official related to the Nonexpendable equipment, and the inventory process.
This course is available online through the VA Talent Management System (TMS); visit tms.va.gov for information on this course.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: Any person assigned the duties of Custodial Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 2 |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 2 |
| Delivery Method: | Virtual, Self-Paced (WBT) – TMS ID: FLG 015 |
Course Description: This is a 32-hour instructor-led course. This course is designed to provide supply chain management staff a basic understanding of the principles of inventory management. Students learn about operations management and explore their relationship to VHA operations. They are taught how the issues, functions, and consequences of inventory management align with VA directives and policies. Students examine the difference between basic inventory management and how the VHA manages inventory. They focus on inventory-related financial decisions and learn about process improvement with an emphasis on Lean philosophy and methods. Students have the opportunity to explore the process and policies aligned with purchasing of inventory. Students learn about the concept of quality management and will be introduced to common quality management tools.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 32 [4 Class Days] |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 32 |
| Delivery Method: | Face to Face (FTF) |
Course Description: This is a 40-hour instructor-led course. This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the IFCAP and GIP systems and how Level I Supply Chain Professionals utilize the systems in their assigned duties. Participants learn about the item requisition process within IFCAP. Students are taught the roles and responsibilities of IFCAP users and the relevance of each of these roles to their job. Students learn about management reporting mechanisms within IFCAP to assist with management of commodities and suppliers. Students also learn the different types of GIP inventory and GIP stock levels. Students have the opportunity to experience setting inventory points, removing items from inventory, and creating a picking ticket in the GIP system through interactive exercises and simulations. Students are also provided an overview of GIP reporting to illustrate how daily tasks integrate into the overarching inventory process.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 40 [5 Class Days] |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 40 |
| Delivery Method: | Face-to-Face (FTF) |
Course Description: This is a 24-hour instructor-led course. This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the IFCAP and AEMS/ MERS systems and how Level I Supply Chain Professionals utilize the systems in their assigned duties. Participants learn about the item requisition process within IFCAP. Students are taught the roles and responsibilities of IFCAP users and the relevance of each of these roles to their job. Students learn about management reporting mechanisms within IFCAP to assist with management of commodities and suppliers. Supply Chain Professionals learn how the AEMS/MERS system is used to manage non-expendable property and equipment. Students learn the roles, responsibilities, and skills required to perform daily property and equipment management tasks. Students also learn the concepts of complete and accurate data entry and AEMS/MERS record keeping through class education and exercises.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 24 [3 Class Days] |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 24 |
| Delivery Method: | Face-to-Face (FTF) |
Course Description: This is a 32-hour instructor-led course. This course is an instructor-led training intended to be an introduction to materials management and operation competencies. This course is designed to provide students with a solid background in demand planning, qualitative and quantitative forecasting techniques for inventory analysis and decision making, supply planning, computer-based and manual inventory management processes, and materials handling of both expendable (EX) supplies and non-expendable (NX) equipment. This course includes a foundation in safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction regarding supply chain management at VHA.
Please note: GS 7 and above, WG 7 and above, and all WS, WL are exempt from the prerequisite requirement.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades
| Prerequisite[s]: | FLG 102 or FLG 103 |
| Instruction Hours: | 32 [4 Class Days] |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 32 |
| Delivery Method: | Face-to-Face (FTF) |
Course Description: This is an 11 hour virtual self-paced course.This course provides an understanding of strategic programs as they relate to supply chain management and the assigned duties of the VA logistician. The VA is striving towards transforming into a 21st century organization, and its strategic plan outlines how the organization will work to accomplish this over the next five years. Students become familiar with VA standardization, the Federal Green Purchasing Program, prime vendor programs, and emergency/disaster planning. Students are also introduced to the basic concepts of developing and submitting a budget.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 11 |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 11 |
| Delivery Method: | Virtual Self-Paced (WBT) |
Course Description: This is a 10 hour virtual self-paced course. This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the general principles and fundamentals of Supply Chain Management. This course explores key roles and responsibilities, regulations and polices that govern stewardship, and guides students in the interpretation of metrics to evaluate performance.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 10 |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 10 |
| Delivery Method: | Virtual Self-Paced (WBT) |
Course Description: This is a 5-hour virtual, self-paced course. This course is available online through the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). The U.S. Department of Defense, like the rest of the Federal Government, is discovering how Strategic Sourcing can be a key enabler for achieving improved quality and cost related to the purchase of goods and services. This course provides an overview of Strategic Sourcing concepts and techniques for helping organizations make the shift from tactical to strategic purchasing.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 5 |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 5 |
| Delivery Method: | Virtual, Self-Paced (WBT) |
Course Description: This is a blended course with 4 hours of virtual, self-paced training and 20 hours of virtual instructor led training. This course introduces the importance of expressing information effectively verbally and in writing, to individuals and groups, considering the audience, usefulness of the information to the audience, and nature of the information. Students learn how to prepare written documents with clarity and accuracy as well as developing clear and convincing presentations. Students are introduced to different communication styles, understand how to differentiate between communication styles, listen to others, and identify nonverbal cues.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 24 |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 24 |
| Delivery Method: | Virtual Instructor Led (DBILT) and Self-Paced (WBT) |
Course Description: This is an 11 hour virtual self-paced course. This course introduces the technical and management activities associated with total lifecycle logistics support focused on the costs associated with maintenance operations, production and support and deployment planning. Topics include strategies for achieving required performance capabilities while minimizing support costs, understanding the logistics footprint and providing the user with the resources to sustain the system.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course.**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades.
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 11 |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 11 |
| Delivery Method: | Virtual Self-Paced (WBT) |
Course Description: This is a 16-hour instructor-led training. This course provides trainees with forklift truck specific topics such as its basic controls, purpose of operations, limitations, safe operation, vehicle stability, vehicle inspection, maintenance, refueling, recharging and proper parking. Trainees will also learn workplace specific subjects on pedestrian safety, assessing danger in the workplace, risk analysis, work coordination, warning and signage precautions, driving on different surfaces, stability of materials transported, stacking and de-stacking, working in restricted and tight areas, performing work at hazardous location, working in different weather conditions, and working in different work environments. The course will contain OSHA requirements, standards and forklift operation. These important subjects are critical for successful completion of the forklift certification course.
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course.**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades
| Prerequisite[s]: | None |
| Instruction Hours: | 16 [2 Class Days] |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 16 |
| Delivery Method: | Face to Face (FTF) |
Complete 3 of 5 courses for Professional Certificate
Course Description: This is a 15-hour instructor-led course. This program offers a primary understanding of end-to-end fulfillment operations within firms, from forecast development to successful customer delivery. Basic terminology and underlying processes will be identified and explained, and best practices will be integrated to highlight effective fulfillment management. Quantitative techniques will be introduced to identify the financial or cost implications of fulfillment decisions.
Please note: Other Government Agency students are exempt from prerequisites courses
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course.**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades.
| Prerequisite[s]: | 3 of the 4 following SCMS courses must be completed: FLG 100 and FLG 105, and FLG 102 or FLG 103. |
| Instruction Hours: | 15 [2 Class Days] |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 15 |
| Delivery Method: | Face-to-Face (FTF) |
Course Description: This is a 15-hour instructor-led course. This program in the Supply Chain Operations Certificate sequence will provide you with an understanding of key areas of logistics and supply chain management where relevant data analysis may be needed. The approach will focus on several key supply chain functions and provide hands-on learning for how to best understand and analyze data that may be available for the supply chain. This program highlights the use of Excel-based approaches for managing, understanding, and deriving value from actual supply chain databases. Additionally, the course will provide an understanding of the functional analytics to better understand the extent to which logistics and supply chain objectives are being achieved.
Please note: Other Government Agency students are exempt from prerequisites courses
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course.**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades.
| Prerequisite[s]: | 3 of the 4 following SCMS courses must be completed: FLG 100 and FLG 105, and FLG 102 or FLG 103 |
| Instruction Hours: | 15 [2 Class Days] |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 15 |
| Delivery Method: | Face-to-Face (FTF) |
Course Description: This is a 15-hour instructor-led course. This course will provide participants with practical techniques to generate more accurate forecasts and desired inventory level, as well as to monitor and improve forecasting and inventory management performance over time. This course also discusses which informational sources can be used to improve forecast and inventory management performance. In addition, the program investigates the critical financial impacts that overinflated inventory levels may cause.
Please note: Other Government Agency students are exempt from prerequisites courses
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course.**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades.
| Prerequisite[s]: | 3 of the 4 following SCMS courses must be taken: FLG 100 and FLG 105, and FLG 102 or FLG 103 |
| Instruction Hours: | 15 [2 Class Days] |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 15 |
| Delivery Method: | Face-to-Face (FTF) |
Course Description: This is a 15-hour instructor-led course. This program provides the foundational understanding to manage and optimize transportation operations. Participants learn common terminology as well as methods to effectively manage transportation operations, source carriers, and third-party providers to reduce transportation cost and maintain or increase service levels.
Please note: Other Government Agency students are exempt from prerequisites courses
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course.**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades.
| Prerequisite[s]: | 3 of the 4 following SCMS courses must be taken: FLG 100 and FLG 105, and FLG 102 or FLG 103 |
| Instruction Hours: | 15 [2 Class Days] |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 15 |
| Delivery Method: | Face-to-Face (FTF) |
Course Description: This is a 15-hour instructor-led course. This program provides the foundational understanding to manage and optimize procurement and purchasing. Participants learn common terminology and will develop a working knowledge of basic principles in purchasing, as well as an understanding of how the purchasing function contributes to competitiveness. At the end of this course, you will be able to discuss the importance of purchasing in the supply chain-often the largest expense for a company (cost of goods sold), and more!
Please note: Other Government Agency students are exempt from prerequisites courses
**All students are required to complete the administered exam(s) during the course.**
Target Audience: GS 1-6; WG 6 and below. However, this course is open to all grades.
| Prerequisite[s]: | 3 of the 4 following SCMS courses must be taken: FLG 100 and FLG 105, and FLG 102 or FLG 103 |
| Instruction Hours: | 15 [2 Class Days] |
| Continuous Learning Points: | 15 |
| Delivery Method: | Face-to-Face (FTF) |
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