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 or as self-paced training. Engage with expert instructors, ask questions, and get feedback on your exercises and projects.
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.
Learn at your own pace with pre-recorded video lessons and hands-on exercises. Work through the material on your schedule with access to course content and resources.
Our instructors are industry experts and experienced educators, driven to help you succeed.
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!
Shareable on
We offer a single free retake of the class within a year.
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.
Complete this form and we’ll get back to you within 1 business hour.