# COR Essentials Course Canonical URL: ## Overview This course is intended for two audiences: beginners seeking to qualify for a Level I Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) Certification and those needing a refresher course. Regardless of your situation, this course will familiarize you with the key concepts and processes to enable you to perform the tasks required of a COR. (See below for an explanation of COR training requirements.) Government contracting is extremely broad and complex. In this introductory-level course, we will concentrate on the “big picture,” not the details. In government contracting, as in all specialized bodies of knowledge, there are exceptions to every rule. For this course, we will focus on the rules, not the exceptions. Thus, you will see “typically,” “usually,” and “in general” used throughout the Participant Guide. This course will familiarize you with the most important laws concerning government contracting. For better comprehension, it explains the laws in context, rather than simply listing them. The Participant Guide is designed to facilitate your critical thinking, understanding, and problem-solving. It poses discussion questions for you to answer. It also contains a Contract Monitoring exercise and a post-test. Those seeking their Level I COR Certification must complete the test to successfully complete this course. Those taking this course as a refresher may opt out of taking the test. ## What you'll learn - Explain the roles, responsibilities, and authority of a COR in each phase of the acquisition process. - Analyze the key laws, regulations, standards of conduct, and personal conflicts of interest governing the acquisition process. - Implement appropriate methods to engage the contractor, monitor contractor performance, and ensure contract compliance. - Apply contract modifications, key contract remedies, and the steps involved in contract closeout. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Overview of the Federal Acquisition Process - Define key acquisition concepts, principles, and terms. - Describe the Federal Acquisition Regulations System. - Identify the three phases of the acquisition process. - Name three contracting methods and identify when each should be used. - Explain the two fundamental contract types. - Specify the key standards of conduct and Procurement Integrity Act. #### Module 2: Roles and Responsibilities – Who Does What? - Describe the contracting lines of authority. - Explain the meaning of an unauthorized commitment and ratification. - Define the COR’s role and responsibilities. - Identify the role of others involved in the acquisition process. #### Module 3: Postaward Phase – Engagement, Monitoring, and Compliance - Identify the information that should be included in the COR’s file. - Participate in a kickoff meeting and postaward orientation conference. - Select the appropriate method(s) for monitoring a contract. - Describe what is involved in performing inspection and acceptance. - Explain how to handle contract payments. #### Module 4: Postaward Phase – Modifications, Remedies and Closeout - Explain contract modifications and options. - Define your role (COR) during a contract dispute. - Distinguish between terminations for convenience and for default. - Explain how and when contractor performance is evaluated. - Describe the contract closeout process. ## Schedule - Jun 1, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Washington, DC - Aug 3, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Washington, DC - Sep 25, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Washington, DC - Oct 15, 2026 9:00am–5:00pm — Washington, DC ## 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:** $900