CON1300: Contract Award
IDCON1300
Master the evaluation, negotiation, and award processes that finalize federal contracts.
Master the evaluation, negotiation, and award processes that finalize federal contracts.
This course provides an in-depth look at how the government evaluates offers and makes award decisions, while also considering the contractor’s viewpoint during negotiations and award. Participants will learn how to conduct cost or price analyses of proposals, assess contractor responsibility and risk, and apply source selection techniques to determine the best value for the government. The curriculum addresses the preparation for and conduct of contract negotiations – including developing negotiation objectives and strategies – and the proper documentation of the award decision.
A key component of CON1300 is understanding how to manage and resolve issues that can arise during source selection, such as clarifications, communications, and protests. Students will explore the procedures for handling bid protests or disagreements from both the government and industry perspectives, learning what steps contracting officers must take if a protest is lodged. By the end of this course, contracting professionals will be equipped with the competencies to evaluate offers, negotiate with offerors, and finalize contract awards in accordance with federal regulations and ethical standards.
CON1200: Contract Pre-Award (or an equivalent course covering acquisition planning and solicitation) is required
Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.
Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.
The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student
Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.
Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.
Attend this course Live Online. Engage with expert instructors, ask questions, and get feedback on your exercises and projects.
At Graduate School USA, you’ll learn in small groups and receive personalized attention.
Get the same interactivity and access to the instructor as in-person students. There are no extra fees and we’ll work with you to ensure your remote setup is perfect.
Our instructors are industry experts and experienced educators, driven to help you succeed.
Instructor
Instructor
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Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!
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Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.
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The first installment is due one week before the first class. Subsequent installments are spread out evenly across the duration of the course.
Installments | |
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10% non-refundable deposit | |
$1,995.00 | Total You Pay |
See the Installment plan FAQ for more information.
Instructor
Ms. Garcia-Durr is a highly respected acquisition expert and retired U.S. Army officer with over 35 years of combined military and federal civilian service in logistics, contingency operations, and acquisition leadership. A former Contingency Contracting Officer, Anna brings operational insight from combat zones, austere environments, and disaster response operations directly into the training environment.
She held senior leadership roles across the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives—managing multi-billion dollar portfolios and overseeing mission-critical procurement in domestic and international settings. She is also a seasoned instructor and mentor, having trained hundreds of acquisition professionals, CORs, and program teams to exceed performance and compliance goals. She equips today’s acquisition professionals with the insight, precision, and mission-driven mindset needed to confidently lead and execute procurements in any acquisition environment.
Anna holds a Juris Master in Corporate Compliance and Contracts and graduate certificates in Contract Management and Program/Project Management. Her certifications include Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM), DAWIA Level III (Contracting), and FAC-C / FAC-COR Level III.
Instructor
Jeff Hysen has been with GSUSA since 2020, teaches numerous classes, and has received several awards for his work. Before joining Graduate School USA, Jeff was an Assistant Regional Counsel with the General Services Administration for 31 years. At GSUSA, Jeff served as the lead counsel on Ethics issues for the National Capital Region and worked on numerous projects across various fields. In addition to his work with GSUSA, Jeff is a podcast host and stand-up comedian.
Instructor
Melanie Dooley is a seasoned expert in federal acquisition and contracting with more than three decades of experience spanning government, industry, and education. She has built a distinguished career as both a practitioner and educator, serving as a Vice President of Acquisition Policy for SAIC, a managing editor for the Federal Contracts Report at Bloomberg BNA, and an instructor and curriculum developer for Graduate School USA. Her background includes deep knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes, the federal budget and appropriations cycle, and the intricacies of acquisition policy. She has also cultivated an exceptional ability to translate complex policy and contracting issues into practical guidance, having trained members of the defense and civilian acquisition workforce at all levels.
In addition to her leadership roles, Melanie brings corporate strategy experience, extensive editorial expertise from her years in the trade press, and a strong record of shaping acquisition policy within a major defense contractor. She is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and a Fellow of the National Contract Management Association, where she has held leadership roles including VP of Programs and Fellows Chair. With an MBA from Georgetown University and a reputation for clarity, rigor, and real-world insight, Melanie has become a trusted resource to federal professionals, corporate leaders, and students alike.