Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (VAAA)
Acquisition Intern Program (AIP) Program Overview
About AIP
This two year track includes formal instruction, our unique experiential learning lab skill-building workshops, business competency development, and on-the-job training (approximately 70 percent of the time) interspersed throughout the entire program. Other elements of the program include field trips, guest speakers to share industry insights, and mission service projects to increase employee engagement, sense of purpose, and connection with the mission. Interns graduating from the program satisfy all training requirements necessary to be eligible for Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Levels I and II.
AIP Training
Contracting interns participate in a rigorous, holistic training program leading to a certification in contracting. For approximately 22 months, interns receive all the training necessary to attain the Office of Federal Procurement Policy mandated Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) 
. Interns rotate between four academy based training (ABT) periods and on the job training (OJT) periods. After each training block, the interns return to their hiring organization more competent and confident and have an immediate positive impact on their organization's workload.
AIP Components
| Contracting Courses (CON) | FAC-C required training focused on Federal Acquisition Policies and Regulations. |
| Professional Courses (PROF) | Training focused on FAI’s professional competencies such as leadership, program management, team building, and interpersonal skills. |
| Contract Writing System Training | Specific training on VA’s electronic contract writing system, processes, and procedures. |
| Skill Building Workshops (SBLD) | Using case studies and simulations of contracting scenarios, interns are given the opportunity to demonstrate and practice a number of competencies such as critical thinking and problem solving by reinforcing knowledge obtained during classroom training. |
| On-the-Job Training (OJT) | Practical, hands-on experience applying knowledge and skills in the acquisition environment. Guided by seasoned professionals, interns are integrated into the day to day operations of a contracting office. |
| Mission Service & Industry Experience | Throughout the program, interns participate in Mission Service events to connect with the VA’s mission and Industry Offsite trips to gain an understanding of industry partners. |
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This page may contain links to pages and/or documents outside the Department of Veterans Affairs Domain. These are annotated as shown below. We hope your visit was informative.
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