# Shaping Smart Business Arrangements Course (Self-Paced) Canonical URL: ## Overview Explore the highly complex federal acquisition process, including the functions of pre-solicitation, solicitation, and award, and post-award administration; the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches in federal acquisition; and standards of conduct for members of the acquisition team. Learn to minimize risks, maximize competition, maintain integrity, and assure delivery according to the contract terms and conditions. This course is equivalent to Defense Acquisition University (DAU) course CON1100, [Shaping Smart Business Arrangements](/courses/shaping-smart-business-arrangements). To earn a Certificate of Completion, participants must attend all class sessions and achieve a score of 80% across all coursework, assessments, and participation in case studies. Participants who do not meet this standard must re-enroll at their own expense. ## What you'll learn - Identify both the past and present acquisition environment to be able to understand the evolution of contracting so that smart business decisions can be made by an informed workforce. - Identify the various mission areas of the military departments and defense agencies and the contracting support that these mission areas require, so that you will be able to support the development of business strategies. - Identify the benefits and principles of building and sustaining successful teams so that you will be able to use business knowledge, analysis, and strategies efficiently as an active participant on the Acquisition Team. - Define problem solving, describe the problem-solving process, and apply problem-solving techniques. - Define leadership and identify characteristics of effective change agents. - Correctly identify information contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). - Identify the critical need for all parties involved in procurement business to reflect the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior. - Determine the relationship between the financial and acquisition communities and how fundamental financial principles and requirements are important factors to consider so that you will be able to develop a smart business arrangement. - Identify basic laws and legal processes that govern federal contracting so that smart business decisions can be made by an informed workforce. - Identify how e-business initiatives facilitate the efficiency of the acquisition process. - Understand the requirements of market research in identifying the best business arrangement to meet mission requirements. - Determine the appropriate business alternative so the customer’s need is met, considering the customer’s definition of value. - Identify the best business advice to provide to the Acquisition Team to best address the customers’ concerns and mission needs when considering the contracting process. - Identify the interaction and interdependence of the contractor, the government, and the taxpayer while efficiently managing taxpayers’ dollars and developing smart business arrangements. - Identify various career opportunities available for contracting professionals. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Goals of the Federal Acquisition System - Defines the primary objectives of the Federal Acquisition System (FAS) - Explains the importance of delivering best value products and services - Explores acquisition goals including efficiency, competition, and transparency - Introduces guiding principles of the FAR and strategic procurement #### Module 2: Roles and Responsibilities: the Federal Branches and the Private Sector - Outlines the roles of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches in acquisitions - Discusses the responsibilities of acquisition personnel and stakeholders - Explores industry partnerships and contractor responsibilities - Illustrates how collaboration shapes acquisition success #### Module 3: Basic Statutes, Regulations, and the Legislative History of Acquisitions - Explains foundational acquisition statutes (e.g., FAR, Competition in Contracting Act) - Describes how statutes and regulations impact acquisition practices - Highlights the evolution of federal procurement laws - Introduces key legislative milestones shaping modern acquisition #### Module 4: Building Successful Acquisition Teams - Defines characteristics of high-performing acquisition teams - Explores communication, leadership, and collaboration skills - Outlines team roles and decision-making frameworks - Provides strategies for aligning teams with project goals #### Module 5: Problem Solving Techniques - Introduces structured approaches to solving acquisition challenges - Discusses critical thinking and decision analysis models - Explores brainstorming and consensus-building techniques - Emphasizes root cause analysis and continuous improvement #### Module 6: Leadership - Highlights the role of leadership in the acquisition environment - Introduces leadership styles and their impact on teams - Explores ethical decision-making and accountability - Discusses strategies for motivating and influencing others #### Module 7: Introduction to the Federal Acquisition Process - Provides an overview of the acquisition life cycle - Identifies major phases from planning to closeout - Explains key decisions and documentation at each stage - Introduces acquisition planning and market research #### Module 8: Presolicitation Phase - Details tasks involved in defining requirements and market research - Explains development of acquisition strategies - Outlines pre-solicitation notices and approvals - Describes roles of program and contracting personnel #### Module 9: Solicitation and Award Phase - Explores methods of solicitation and evaluation criteria - Explains proposal review and competitive range determination - Details contract award procedures and documentation - Covers communications with offerors and protest considerations #### Module 10: Postaward Administration Phase - Covers contract performance monitoring and modifications - Explains invoicing, payments, and reporting requirements - Details contractor communication and issue resolution - Outlines contract closeout responsibilities #### Module 11: Special Contract Administration Matters - Examines contract modifications, terminations, and related clauses - Describes bond requirements and administration - Covers handling of claims and equitable adjustments - Outlines remedies for noncompliance and default #### Module 12: Standards of Conduct - Explores ethical responsibilities of acquisition professionals - Introduces conflict of interest regulations and reporting - Outlines gift acceptance policies and anti-corruption laws - Emphasizes integrity in government procurement #### Module 13: Acquisition Career Fields - Introduces career paths in acquisition, including contracting and program management - Explains required certifications and training programs - Details professional development resources and opportunities - Highlights competencies for long-term success in the acquisition workforce ## Pricing **Tuition:** $1650