# Digital IT Acquisition Professional (DITAP) Certification Training Authorized Provider. Open enrollment and private training. Canonical URL: ## Overview 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. This training and development program teaches federal government acquisition professionals to design innovative and flexible procurements for IT/Digital Services, and how to become change ambassadors. Once completed, all students earn 60 to 80 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) and a DITAP Training Certificate, which can be used to apply for the Digital Services Credential (DITAP) through the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) Credential Program. ## What you'll learn - Execute digital service procurements and act as a qualified business advisor. - Work directly within an agency digital services team or acquisition innovation lab to serve as a business advisor to the team, its customers, and its stakeholders. - Lead agency training workshops and consult on ways to expand digital service procurement expertise throughout the federal government. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Digital Services in the 21st Century Government - Define digital services and their purpose in solving problems - Identify roles and professionals within the digital services ecosystem - Understand modern design, development, and delivery methodologies - Explore public and private digital service providers and organizations - Understand your role as a digital service acquisition professional #### Module 2: Digital Service Market Intelligence & Stakeholder Analysis - Analyze internal stakeholders and assess agency readiness for change - Determine appropriate market segments for digital service needs - Learn techniques for open vendor communication and outcome-focused buying - Conduct effective market research for digital services #### Module 3: How Do You Buy? - Develop an acquisition strategy using FAR flexibilities - Explore phased approaches and evaluation strategies - Create acquisition packages with requirements and source selection methods - Understand cybersecurity, 508 compliance, and ATO integration #### Module 4: Awarding & Administering Digital Service Contracts - Form effective technical evaluation teams and negotiate tradeoffs - Manage post-award activities such as kickoff and baselining - Define and apply project health metrics and course correction strategies #### Module 5: Leading Change as a Digital IT Acquisition Professional - Identify spheres of influence and stakeholder challenges - Plan and conduct influence conversations to promote innovation - Create and execute a change ambassador action plan - Champion digital acquisition within your agency #### Module 6: Application of Skills - Engage stakeholders through interviews and collaborative efforts - Complete a live digital assignment with a small team - Participate in shadowing and optional rotational assignments - Earn applied skill badges for participation beyond core activities ## Schedule - Jul 14, 2026 – Nov 17, 2026 — Live Online - Sep 9, 2026 12:00am–12:00am — 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:** $6995