# Government Contract Law Course (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/government-contract-law-course-self-paced>

## Overview

Understand the legal issues related to government contracts, the rules that apply, and how the facts determine the outcome of the case. Read and discuss actual cases that illustrate the contract issues covered. Consider the legal issues related to appropriations, authority, the Christian Doctrine, intellectual property, sealed bidding, simplified acquisitions, competitive negotiation, late bids or proposals, responsibility, unfair competitive advantage, conflicts of interest, the set aside Rule of Two, the Severin Doctrine, constructive changes, terminations, suspensions of work, differing site conditions, contract fraud, and ethical considerations.

## What you'll learn

- Explain the legal and regulatory framework of government contracting.
- Identify the legal requirements of sealed bidding, simplified acquisitions, and negotiation in the contract award process.
- Explain protest and dispute legal remedies and the roles of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and the Civilian and Armed Services Boards of Contract Appeals.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: The Uniqueness of the Government as a Contractor

- Explains how government contracting differs from private-sector contracting
- Outlines sovereign powers, public policy requirements, and statutory mandates
- Describes the role of public interest in shaping contract law

#### Module 2: Contract Formation Principles

- Defines the legal elements of contract formation
- Explains offer, acceptance, and consideration in the federal context
- Identifies essential elements required for enforceable agreements

#### Module 3: Authority of Government Agents

- Clarifies who can legally bind the government in contract matters
- Defines actual vs. apparent authority in acquisition
- Discusses consequences of unauthorized commitments

#### Module 4: The Statutory and Regulatory Framework

- Introduces foundational acquisition statutes and regulations
- Explains the roles of FAR, DFARS, and agency supplements
- Outlines statutory limitations on contracting authority

#### Module 5: Miscellaneous Acquisition Procedures

- Describes simplified acquisition and commercial item procedures
- Explains purchase cards and micropurchase thresholds
- Introduces interagency agreements and special acquisitions

#### Module 6: Sealed Bidding and Common Acquisition Issues

- Explains the sealed bidding process under the FAR
- Details bid submission, evaluation, and award
- Covers bid mistakes, protests, and rejection rules

#### Module 7: Responsibility, Suspension, Debarment

- Defines contractor responsibility and pre-award clearance
- Outlines grounds for suspension and debarment
- Discusses impact of exclusions on procurement eligibility

#### Module 8: Competitive Proposals and Negotiation

- Explores negotiated procurement and source selection
- Explains evaluation factors and best-value tradeoffs
- Describes discussions, revisions, and final award decisions

#### Module 9: Types of Contracts

- Introduces fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and other contract types
- Outlines risk allocation and appropriate use of each type
- Explains contract selection considerations under the FAR

#### Module 10: Socioeconomic Considerations

- Discusses statutory programs supporting small and disadvantaged businesses
- Explains set-aside policies and socioeconomic evaluation factors
- Highlights legal obligations for inclusion and compliance

#### Module 11: Subcontracting

- Outlines rules for prime-subcontractor relationships
- Explains flow-down clauses and responsibility tracking
- Describes subcontracting plans and reporting requirements

#### Module 12: Contract Administration

- Details post-award roles and responsibilities
- Explains contract performance oversight and modifications
- Describes invoice review, acceptance, and payment issues

#### Module 13: Disputes and Remedies

- Explores the Contract Disputes Act and claims process
- Details remedies for breach, nonperformance, and default
- Covers appeal rights, boards of contract appeals, and litigation

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1650