# FAR Basics Course Canonical URL: ## Overview This three-day course is intended to assist new as well as existing acquisition personnel in gaining a working knowledge of the federal acquisition process and its underlying core document, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The FAR is the primary regulation for use by all federal executive agencies, unless exempted, in their acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds. Course participants will gain a functional understanding of the FAR system and basics, as well as become familiar with the structure and content of the FAR. Learning will be accomplished via lectures, visual presentations, group discussions, instructor-facilitated individual and group hands-on problem-solving exercises, and daily "knowledge check" exercises. ## What you'll learn - Explain the origins of the FAR and its layout. - Describe its application to federal procurement. - Identify the basic framework of the federal acquisition environment. - Gain the ability to locate, cite, and interpret information in the FAR. - Maintain a working copy of the FAR. - Apply the FAR in the current federal acquisition environment. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Introduction to the FAR - Understand the purpose and structure of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) - Learn how to access and navigate the FAR - Identify the three phases of the acquisition process - Review FAR supplements and agency-specific regulations - Examine the Christian Doctrine and its implications in contract law #### Module 2: FAR Subchapter A: General - Discuss roles and responsibilities in the federal acquisition process - Understand ethical principles and standards of conduct - Review definitions and administrative structure within the FAR - Explore improper business practices and conflicts of interest - Learn about contract files, storage, and administrative matters #### Module 3: FAR Subchapter B: Competition and Acquisition Planning - Understand competition requirements and exceptions - Explore the acquisition planning process and required documentation - Review required sources of supply and services - Study procedures for market research and publicizing contract actions - Learn methods for describing agency needs and acquiring commercial items #### Module 4: FAR Subchapter C: Contracting Methods and Contract Types - Examine simplified acquisition, sealed bidding, and negotiation methods - Understand contract types (fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, T&M) - Review special contracting methods like BPAs and letter contracts - Compare solicitation, evaluation, and source selection techniques #### Module 5: FAR Subchapter D: Socioeconomic Programs - Understand small business and socioeconomic contracting programs - Review set-asides, subcontracting plans, and SBA coordination - Study labor laws: Service Contract Act, Davis-Bacon Act, EEO requirements - Explore environmental, energy, and sustainability acquisition policies #### Module 6: FAR Subchapter E: General Contracting Requirements - Learn about contract financing and progress payments - Understand contract cost principles and accounting standards (CAS) - Review taxes, insurance, bonding, and intellectual property considerations - Study protest, dispute, and claim resolution procedures #### Module 7: FAR Subchapter F: Special Categories of Contracting - Explore major systems acquisition and earned value management - Review research and development (R&D) contracting methods - Understand personal vs. non-personal services and ADA implications - Learn about service contracts and performance-based acquisition #### Module 8: FAR Subchapter G: Contract Management - Identify roles in contract administration and post-award orientation - Understand contract modification types (unilateral, bilateral) - Review contract quality assurance, surveillance plans, and performance info - Explore novation agreements and change-of-name procedures #### Module 9: FAR Volume II – Subchapter H: Clauses and Forms - Differentiate between provisions and clauses - Learn how to apply clauses appropriately in solicitations and contracts - Review essential standard forms (e.g., SF1402, SF120) used in acquisitions - Use clause/provision matrices to identify required contract language ## Schedule - Jul 8, 2026 – Jul 10, 2026 — Washington, DC - Sep 1, 2026 – Sep 3, 2026 — Washington, DC - Nov 3, 2026 – Nov 5, 2026 — 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:** $1200