CON 3900: Contracting Certification Exam Prep Course (Self-Paced)
IDACQI8500

Module 1: Legal and Regulatory Framework for Contingency Contracting

• Identify the statutory and regulatory authorities governing contingency contracting, including FAR, DFARS, and applicable DoD policy guidance.
• Describe how the regulatory framework adapts to contingency, humanitarian, and disaster relief environments.
• Recognize key definitions, thresholds, and compliance expectations applicable in contingency settings.
• Apply regulatory knowledge to support legally sound acquisition decisions in high-tempo operations.

Module 2: Organizational Structure: Joint Contracting Support in Contingency Operations

• Describe the organizational structure of contracting support within joint contingency operations.
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of contracting offices, supporting commands, and interagency partners.
• Explain how contracting integrates within the joint force structure to support mission requirements.
• Recognize command relationships and reporting chains relevant to contingency contracting operations.

Module 3: Pre-Deployment Preparation: Readiness, Theater Business Clearance, and Planning

• Identify pre-deployment preparation requirements for contracting personnel assigned to contingency environments.
• Explain theater business clearance requirements and the process for obtaining approval.
• Apply acquisition planning principles to develop contracting support plans for contingency operations.
• Recognize readiness standards and training requirements applicable to deploying contracting professionals.

Module 4: Emergency Acquisition Flexibilities and Contingency Contracting Authorities

• Identify emergency acquisition flexibilities available under FAR, DFARS, and applicable agency guidance.
• Explain contingency contracting authorities and the conditions under which they may be applied.
• Apply appropriate acquisition flexibilities to support urgent and compelling mission requirements.
• Recognize the limitations and oversight obligations associated with emergency acquisition use.

Module 5: Market Research and Vendor Vetting in Austere Environments

• Apply market research techniques adapted to austere and denied-access operating environments.
• Identify sources of supply, local vendors, and host nation contracting opportunities in contingency settings.
• Conduct vendor vetting to assess contractor responsibility under constrained field conditions.
• Document market research findings in accordance with applicable regulatory and command requirements.

Module 6: Simplified Acquisition and Micro-Purchase Procedures in Contingency Settings

• Apply simplified acquisition procedures and micro-purchase authorities in contingency environments.
• Explain threshold adjustments and expanded authorities applicable during declared contingencies.
• Develop and issue requests for quotations appropriate to field acquisition conditions.
• Recognize documentation requirements and internal controls for simplified acquisitions in the field.

Module 7: Contract Types and Award Instruments for Contingency Requirements

• Identify contract types and award instruments appropriate for contingency acquisition requirements.
• Apply selection criteria to choose the most appropriate contract vehicle given the operational environment.
• Recognize the risk and administrative implications of contract type selection in contingency settings.
• Explain the use of indefinite delivery vehicles, task orders, and other flexible contract instruments.

Module 8: Head of Contracting Activity (HCA) Waivers and Deviations

• Identify circumstances that may require HCA waivers or deviations from standard acquisition procedures.
• Explain the process for requesting, documenting, and obtaining approval for waivers and deviations.
• Apply appropriate judgment when recommending deviation requests in contingency environments.
• Recognize oversight expectations and accountability associated with waiver and deviation use.

Module 9: Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) and Theater Support Contracts

• Describe the purpose, structure, and scope of LOGCAP and theater support contract vehicles.
• Explain how LOGCAP and similar programs support logistics and sustainment in contingency environments.
• Identify the roles of the contracting officer, requiring activity, and contractor in managing theater support contracts.
• Apply task order procedures and performance management principles to LOGCAP-supported requirements.

Module 10: Contractor Personnel Authorized to Accompany the Force (CAAF): Policy and Management

• Identify the policy framework governing contractor personnel authorized to accompany the force (CAAF).
• Explain requirements for CAAF accountability, tracking, and support in deployed environments.
• Recognize contractor obligations and government responsibilities under CAAF policy.
• Apply management procedures to ensure contractor personnel compliance in contingency operations.

Module 11: Finance, Legal, and Logistics Coordination in Contingency Contracting

• Identify the roles of finance, legal, and logistics functions in supporting contingency contracting operations.
• Explain coordination requirements across functional areas to ensure timely acquisition support.
• Apply interagency and inter-functional communication practices to resolve contingency contracting challenges.
• Recognize financial management authorities and funding limitations applicable in contingency environments.

Module 12: Performance-Based Work Statements and Quality Assurance in the Field

• Develop performance-based work statements appropriate for contingency acquisition requirements.
• Apply quality assurance surveillance principles to monitor contractor performance in field environments.
• Identify surveillance methods and documentation practices suitable for austere operating conditions.
• Recognize the contracting officer representative's (COR) role in contingency contract administration.

Module 13: Contract Administration in Contingency Environments

• Identify contract administration responsibilities unique to contingency acquisition environments.
• Recognize common post-award issues that arise in deployed and high-tempo contracting settings.
• Apply documentation practices that support accountability and contract compliance in the field.
• Resolve post-award concerns using sound acquisition judgment and applicable regulatory guidance.

Module 14: Fraud, Waste, and Abuse: Detection and Prevention in Contingency Operations

• Identify fraud, waste, and abuse risks that are heightened in contingency contracting environments.
• Recognize indicators of fraudulent or improper contractor activity and vendor misconduct.
• Apply preventive controls and oversight measures to reduce vulnerability to waste and abuse.
• Explain reporting obligations and referral procedures when fraud or misconduct is suspected.

Module 15: Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Contracting

• Describe the acquisition authorities and procedures applicable to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
• Identify contracting considerations unique to HADR environments, including speed, local sourcing, and coordination.
• Apply appropriate acquisition methods to support time-sensitive humanitarian mission requirements.
• Recognize interagency roles and coordination requirements in HADR contracting operations.

Module 16: Interagency Contracting and Host Nation Contracting Considerations

• Explain the use of interagency contracting vehicles and their application in contingency environments.
• Identify host nation contracting considerations, including legal, cultural, and logistical factors.
• Apply appropriate contracting strategies when leveraging interagency or host nation sources.
• Recognize compliance obligations and oversight requirements associated with interagency contracting.

Module 17: Transition from Contingency to Steady-State Contracting Operations

• Identify planning requirements for transitioning contracting operations from contingency to steady-state.
• Explain closeout procedures, contract disposition, and documentation requirements for contingency awards.
• Apply transition planning principles to support continuity of acquisition support during drawdown.
• Recognize common challenges and risk mitigation strategies associated with contingency transition.

Module 18: Lessons Learned from Recent Contingency Operations

• Identify key lessons learned from recent contingency contracting operations and their implications for practice.
• Analyze operational case studies to extract actionable insights for improving contingency contracting performance.
• Apply lessons learned to enhance acquisition planning, execution, and oversight in future contingency environments.
• Recognize institutional mechanisms for capturing and disseminating contingency contracting lessons learned.

Module 19: Joint Contingency Contracting Simulation Exercise

• Apply contingency contracting authorities, procedures, and judgment in a realistic operational simulation.
• Demonstrate integration of course concepts across planning, execution, and administration tasks.
• Coordinate with simulated joint force and interagency partners to support mission contracting requirements.
• Evaluate acquisition decisions against applicable regulatory standards and operational constraints.

Module 20: Capstone After-Action Review and Course Integration

• Synthesize course learning across all modules through structured after-action review.
• Identify personal and professional development priorities for continued growth in contingency contracting.
• Reflect on simulation performance and apply feedback to refine acquisition judgment and decision-making.
• Connect course competencies to broader professional development within the federal acquisition workforce.