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 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!
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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.
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