CON1200: Contract Pre-Award
IDCON1200
This course is designed to help participants develop effective acquisition strategies and prepare competitive solicitations.
This course is designed to help participants develop effective acquisition strategies and prepare competitive solicitations.
In this course, participants learn how to shape and define government requirements in collaboration with program offices, conduct thorough market research, and develop effective acquisition strategies. The curriculum covers key pre-award processes such as acquisition planning, crafting performance-based work statements or statements of work, and developing solicitations (e.g., Requests for Proposals) that attract best-value offers while adhering to federal regulations.
Uniquely, the course provides both the government and industry perspectives on pre-award activities. Participants not only study the federal procedures for soliciting and selecting contractors, but also gain insight into how industry approaches opportunities through business development and capture management. This dual perspective includes understanding how contractors formulate proposals in response to solicitations. By the end of the course, contracting professionals will have a strong foundation in pre-award competencies.
Participants should have completed introductory contracting training (Contract Foundational Skills CON1100) or possess fundamental contracting knowledge.
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
Instructor
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.