# CON1100: Contract Foundational Skills Canonical URL: ## Overview This course provides an overview of the federal acquisition process, introduces the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency supplements, and teaches how to research and interpret these regulations. Participants gain a broad understanding of the contracting lifecycle from planning through closeout, while also learning foundational professional skills (such as communication, ethics, and teamwork) that are critical for success in any contracting role. Throughout this course, students become familiar with the key elements of government contracts and the guiding principles of federal procurement. They will explore how solicitations and contracts are structured, learn basic contracting terminology, and understand the roles of various acquisition team members. The program ensures new contracting professionals are well-prepared to progress to more advanced topics in pre-award and post-award contract management, forming the necessary base of knowledge required for subsequent courses in the certification program. This course is equivalent to [Warfighting Acquisition University (WARU), formerly Defense Acquisition University (DAU), course CON 1100](https://icatalog.waru.edu/EquivalentProduct), from which materials are adapted. This course is one of the four core training courses required by the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) for the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) (Professional) certification. ## What you'll learn - Outline the stages of the federal contracting lifecycle and identify the essential elements and legal framework of a government contracts. - Research and navigate the FAR and agency-specific FAR supplements effectively, and interpret regulations to ensure procurement actions comply with applicable rules. - Apply fundamental market research techniques and understand competition requirements to support fair and reasonable pricing decisions in acquisitions. - Identify the components of solicitations and contracts (including the Uniform Contract Format) and understand how requirements are translated into clear contract documents. - Demonstrate awareness of ethical standards and professional integrity in contracting, and recognize the importance of effective communication and teamwork in the acquisition process. ## Curriculum #### Overview of Federal Acquisition - Laws, regulations, and the purpose of the Federal Acquisition System - Introduction to procurement ethics and integrity #### Contracting Lifecycle Stages - Orientation to the pre-award, award, and post-award phases of contracting - Emphasis on how each phase interrelates #### Regulatory Framework (FAR) - Structure of the FAR and agency supplements - How to locate, read, and interpret regulations and guidance relevant to solicitations and contracts #### Solicitation and Contract Structure - Understanding the Uniform Contract Format and the key sections of solicitations/contracts - Basic elements such as Statements of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), clauses, and provisions #### Acquisition Team Roles & Soft Skills - Roles of contracting officers, contract specialists, CORs, and program officials - Fundamentals of communication, documentation, and ethical conduct in the contracting profession ## Schedule - Jun 22, 2026 – Jul 1, 2026 — Live Online - Aug 10, 2026 – Aug 19, 2026 — Live Online - Sep 14, 2026 – Sep 23, 2026 — Live Online - Oct 5, 2026 – Oct 16, 2026 — Live Online ## Instructors ### Jeff Hysen — 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. ### Melanie Dooley — 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. ### Alan McCain — Curriculum Program Manager Alan McCain is a retired combat veteran who served as both an Air Force enlisted member and a Navy officer. He brings over 30 years of experience spanning federal and commercial budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, global logistics support, supply chain and inventory management, as well as major IT acquisition. He possesses extensive, hands-on budget and audit experience across Federal, State, and Local government operations, including work within the Executive Office of the President and the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, as well as the Office of the Mayor of Washington, D.C., among others. Alan’s consulting background includes strategic planning and business development with the District of Columbia government, multiple federal agencies, Lockheed Martin, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a Certified Government/Defense Financial Manager (CGFM/DFM), holds a Teaching Certification from Harvard University’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and earned an Executive MBA in International Business from The George Washington University. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $1995