Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (VAAA)

Course Description:This 13-day course focuses on understanding contract formation and management principles, as well as regulatory fundamentals and their application. It provides fundamental knowledge and practical application that can be applied immediately in the workplace across the broad spectrum of contracting organizations. The first week develops critical skills necessary to locate, interpret, and apply regulatory guidance in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Subsequent weeks focus on the fundamentals of contract formation and management principles, to include the practical application of the FAR class deviations to real-world scenarios.

Course Description:This course is a FAC-C Level I certification training course. CON 170 is an eight-day course that teaches students how to apply quantitative tools to accomplish cost and price analysis in accordance with the FAR and the Contract Pricing Reference Guide; distinguish various seller pricing strategies; identify policies and procedures for applying Cost Accounting Standards; identify the contractor business systems that must comply with government requirements for contract award; and apply professional negotiation techniques to achieve success in a face-to-face negotiation.

NOTE: VA students should register at the same time for FCL-VA-0170, Contract Pricing Determinations Workshop, to be taken after CON 170.

Course Description: This recorded presentation by the Government-wide Category Management Program Management Office gives an abbreviated overview of category management to Federal buyers. By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define category management
• Explain why the government is adopting category management

Students will learn fundamental category management concepts as well as the government’s specific approach, how category management will affect them, and about tools they can use to better utilize category management concepts.

Target Audience: The course targets members of the Federal acquisition workforce, especially those seeking FAC-C level 1.

Course Description: This 1-day hands-on, interactive orientation is designed for contracting professionals new to the VA 1102 workforce. Students will gain an understanding of VA, the acquisition workforce, customer service, certification and professional development training, and available resources. This will assist in a smooth transition into the acquisition workforce, increased efficiency, and effectiveness as trusted business partners. This class is a VA specific offering required for FAC-C students enrolled in CON 091 and will be taken consecutively with the CON 091 offering.

Course Description: Students will complete this self-paced course in Blackboard. Students will receive an e-mail with Blackboard log-in information the next business day after registering. This self-paced course provides training on the Veterans First Contracting Program. Students will be provided a brief overview of the program as well as an in-depth review of its applicability to each phase of the procurement cycle - market research, procurement strategy, solicitation, evaluation, award, and post-award. Implementation challenges will also be addressed, including file documentation, mandatory sources, Buy American Act requirements, fair and reasonable price determinations, and monitoring subcontractor compliance. This course is intended for all VA acquisition professionals.

Course Description: This workshop will provide VA students an opportunity to apply the knowledge learned in CON 170 (FED). This application-based class provides a detailed understanding of how to make a determination of fair and reasonable pricing prior to contract award. Students will practice various pricing techniques by using case studies to review requirements and evaluate pricing for reasonableness. Contract pricing techniques are covered in-depth, including relevant VA policy, regulation, and example language. Dedicated time is set-a-side to discuss application of the Vets First Contracting Program. The VA Acquisition Academy will offer this 2-day course consecutively following an 8-day CON 170 offering. This course is to be taken in conjunction with completing CON 170 (FED).

NOTE: VA students should register for CON 170 and the consecutive offering of this course at the same time.