Simplified Acquisition Procedures Course
- IDACQI7506
- Weekdays only
- 5 Days
- Open to beginners
Learn how to execute streamlined procurement actions within federal simplified acquisition thresholds, including micro‑purchases and GSA schedules.
Our courses are designed to strengthen the acquisition competencies of federal acquisition and contract management professionals, including managers, supervisors, and administrative personnel.
Learn how to execute streamlined procurement actions within federal simplified acquisition thresholds, including micro‑purchases and GSA schedules.
Sharpen your understanding of business, finance, and budgeting as a federal contracts or COR professional. Learn key competencies to communicate and collaborate effectively with financial and budget personnel.
Learn how to execute streamlined procurement actions within federal simplified acquisition thresholds, including micro‑purchases and GSA schedules.
Gain foundational knowledge in supply chain management tailored for contracting professionals. Learn key principles of procurement, supplier management, logistics, and risk mitigation in the contracting context.
Sharpen your understanding of business, finance, and budgeting as a federal contracts or COR professional. Learn key competencies to communicate and collaborate effectively with financial and budget personnel.
Understand procurement ethics laws, conflict-of-interest rules, whistleblower standards, and enforcement mechanisms essential to federal contracts.
Learn how to write effective performance-based statements of work (PWS) and quality assurance plans to ensure contract clarity, compliance, and performance accountability.
Gain foundational project and program management abilities aligned with PMI and FAC P/PM Level I competencies.
Learn the legal foundations of government contracting through analysis of key laws, regulations, and case examples related to procurement, performance, and disputes.
Explore federal acquisition from pre-solicitation through post-award administration. Understand how to shape competitive and ethical business arrangements aligned with FAR and DFARS.
Master the essentials of managing contracts post‑award, including monitoring performance, resolving issues, and ensuring compliance.
These courses are designed for both DoD and Non-DoD students aiming to fulfill their Continued Learning Requirements. For DoD personnel, it meets the requirement of 80 hours of Continuous Learning (CL) every two years, as outlined in DoDI 5000.66. For Non-DoD students, the requirement is 80 credits from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2024, and 100 credits starting May 1, 2024.
This comprehensive program encompasses all of the core training requirements for federal Contracting Officer certification under both the civilian FAC-C (Professional) program and the Department of Defense DAWIA Contracting certification. It is a structured learning pathway that guides participants through the entire acquisition lifecycle, from foundational concepts and pre-award planning to contract award, administration, and closeout, aligning with the competencies outlined in the DAU/FAI Contracting Training Model. Over a series of courses and practical exercises, participants build the knowledge and skills needed to manage government contracts.
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.
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.
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.
This course provides both government and industry perspectives on contract administration and performance management. Students will build a toolkit of essential skills for ensuring that contractors deliver products and services in accordance with contract requirements, and for taking appropriate action when performance issues or changes occur. Key topics include conducting post-award orientations, monitoring contractor performance and quality, handling contract modifications (both within scope changes and supplemental agreements), and managing government-furnished property and payments.
The FAC-C/DAWIA Contracting Certification Preparation Course is designed to help participants strengthen their readiness for the closed-book Contracting Certification exam. Through a structured blend of pre-assessment, targeted content review, discussions, and practice quizzes, you’ll build familiarity with exam topics while identifying areas that need additional focus. The course concludes with a post-assessment that mirrors the format and rigor of the actual exam, providing valuable insight into your preparedness.
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.
Traditional federal government training and procurement practices often inhibit agencies’ ability to effectively acquire and implement modern IT and digital services because they lag behind the rapidly changing technology and markets. Timely, relevant, and continuous training for acquisition professionals is the key to keeping pace. In recognition of this urgent need, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) — in cooperation with US Digital Services (USDS) — established an immersive six-month training and development program called the Digital IT Acquisition Program (DITAP).
Traditional federal government training and procurement practices often inhibit agencies’ ability to effectively acquire and implement modern IT and digital services because they lag behind the rapidly changing technology and markets. Timely, relevant, and continuous training for acquisition professionals is the key to keeping pace. In recognition of this urgent need, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) — in cooperation with US Digital Services (USDS) — established an immersive five-month training and development program called the Digital IT Acquisition Program (DITAP).
Gain foundational knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) effectively.
Develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively perform the responsibilities of a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
Enhance your skills as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) by mastering acquisition planning, contract management, and performance evaluation.
Get up to speed on federal contracting procedures, responsibilities, and supervisory roles as a COR or project official.
Gain a foundational understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and its application in federal procurement processes.
Understand how to obligate and manage appropriated funds in compliance with FAR and the GAO’s “Red Book,” with a focus on acquisition contexts.
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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Our alumni consistently commend the expertise of our instructors and the real-world relevance of our programs. Their feedback highlights how Graduate School USA training has advanced their skills, supported their agencies’ missions, and fostered long-term professional growth.
Instructor was great. Very willing to explain and help throughout the course.
Jefferey S.
I felt it was an excellent course and enables me to better understand the back end of information I feel I need to effectively translate my user's needs and language for their issues they submit.
Patricia H.
Completing the Simplified Acquisition Procedures course with Graduate School USA has been an invaluable experience. This course has strengthened my foundation in procurement and increased my confidence as I grow in this career field. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to build or refine their knowledge of federal acquisition procedures.
Genine Washington
Great Class and great instructor. You never know who will be teaching a class when you sign up, so it is is a little nerve-wracking when you log in on the first day (especially for a 5 day class). It was so good to have an instructor who made the days go by so quickly and you felt like you actually learned something each day. I highly the class. And hopefully Robin will be your instructor.
Charles Hardy
The instructor provided clear clarification of the course's information and delivered with a fair amount of valuable information which made the subjects easier to understand. Her assurance of our gained understanding was highly appreciated. Overall experience was very satisfying.
Tina H.
Jeffrey presented the information in digestible sizes. He encouraged and engaged with students and consistently provided ample opportunities to question and discuss. Instructor/student ratio was great. Student engagement was the best. Student experiences were the most beneficial across the board.
Robert M.
Instructor made a dry topic interesting, helped relate textbox info to our Agency. Great refresher course on what CORs do so I can better help them with issues in our accounting system.
Ann K.
Great Class and great instructor. You never know who will be teaching a class when you sign up, so it is is a little nerve-wracking when you log in on the first day (especially for a 5 day class). It was so good to have an instructor who made the days go by so quickly and you felt like you actually learned something each day. I highly the class. And hopefully Robin will be your instructor.
Charles Hardy
Instructor had good presentations and kept us focused. Good to have this information in one readable source.
Raymon T.
Thank you so much to Mr. Hysen. I will take any class that he teaches.
Katrina Foster
Very go to know and learn. Found the instructor very good at his job. Had fun learning.
Frank P.
The instructor was engaging and energetic. Good mix of course material with practical, real-life experience. Good use of three days.
Andrew S.
Great intro to the basics of government contracting. This course was very helpful to me as a financial manager. The instructor had extensive knowledge, engaged the entire class, and solicited input from everyone. Overall, a good facility that was a relaxed environment for a challenging course.
Jason B.
This 3-day course was great! Very helpful. Content was informational and will be useful when applying to a specific job. My instructor, Melanie, was very thorough and informative.
Julia N.
I truly found this course to be informative and the instructor was amazing. I enjoyed the experience and look forward to another course with Graduate School.
Veronica Bustamante
Our Federal Acquisition & Contracting Training are rated 4.9 stars by 23 students
This 3-day course was great! Very helpful. Content was informational and will be useful when applying to a specific job. My instructor, Melanie, was very thorough and informative.
I truly found this course to be informative and the instructor was amazing. I enjoyed the experience and look forward to another course with Graduate School.
The instructor was engaging and energetic. Good mix of course material with practical, real-life experience. Good use of three days.
Great intro to the basics of government contracting. This course was very helpful to me as a financial manager. The instructor had extensive knowledge, engaged the entire class, and solicited input from everyone. Overall, a good facility that was a relaxed environment for a challenging course.
Instructor had good presentations and kept us focused. Good to have this information in one readable source.
Instructor made a dry topic interesting, helped relate textbox info to our Agency. Great refresher course on what CORs do so I can better help them with issues in our accounting system.
Jeffrey presented the information in digestible sizes. He encouraged and engaged with students and consistently provided ample opportunities to question and discuss. Instructor/student ratio was great. Student engagement was the best. Student experiences were the most beneficial across the board.
Very go to know and learn. Found the instructor very good at his job. Had fun learning.
Thank you so much to Mr. Hysen. I will take any class that he teaches.
Great Class and great instructor. You never know who will be teaching a class when you sign up, so it is is a little nerve-wracking when you log in on the first day (especially for a 5 day class). It was so good to have an instructor who made the days go by so quickly and you felt like you actually learned something each day. I highly the class. And hopefully Robin will be your instructor.
The instructor provided clear clarification of the course's information and delivered with a fair amount of valuable information which made the subjects easier to understand. Her assurance of our gained understanding was highly appreciated. Overall experience was very satisfying.
Great Class and great instructor. You never know who will be teaching a class when you sign up, so it is is a little nerve-wracking when you log in on the first day (especially for a 5 day class). It was so good to have an instructor who made the days go by so quickly and you felt like you actually learned something each day. I highly the class. And hopefully Robin will be your instructor.
Completing the Simplified Acquisition Procedures course with Graduate School USA has been an invaluable experience. This course has strengthened my foundation in procurement and increased my confidence as I grow in this career field. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to build or refine their knowledge of federal acquisition procedures.
I felt it was an excellent course and enables me to better understand the back end of information I feel I need to effectively translate my user's needs and language for their issues they submit.
Instructor was great. Very willing to explain and help throughout the course.
Showing 15 of 15 reviews
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Get face-to-face interaction with an instructor and other students when you learn at our DC campus. Courses are hands-on with a computer and software provided.
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All times are listed in Eastern Time unless otherwise specified.
September 2025 | |||
---|---|---|---|
September 19
Friday
9–5pm
|
$900
1 Day
|
Gain foundational knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) effectively. |
|
September 22–26
Monday to Friday
9–5pm
|
$1,650
5 Days
|
Learn the legal foundations of government contracting through analysis of key laws, regulations, and case examples related to procurement, performance, and disputes. |
|
September 22–24
Monday to Wednesday
9–5pm
|
$1,429
3 Days
|
Master the essentials of managing contracts post‑award, including monitoring performance, resolving issues, and ensuring compliance. |
|
September 22–November 6
Weekdays
9–5pm
|
$6,599
17 Days
|
Sharpen your understanding of business, finance, and budgeting as a federal contracts or COR professional. Learn key competencies to communicate and collaborate effectively with financial and budget personnel. |
|
September 29–30
Monday to Tuesday
9–5pm
|
$1,050
2 Days
|
Understand how to obligate and manage appropriated funds in compliance with FAR and the GAO’s “Red Book,” with a focus on acquisition contexts. |
|
Showing 5 of 41 courses
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