Our courses are designed to strengthen the acquisition competencies of federal acquisition and contract management professionals, including managers, supervisors, and administrative personnel.
Understand how to analyze and report the costs of federal programs and activities using structured costing methods such as Activity-Based Costing and Earned Value Management.
Explore how federal financial statements are prepared, structured, and used under laws like the CFO Act and FFMIA.
Build a strong foundation in federal accounting by mastering key concepts, financial management practices, and reporting standards.
Learn how the U.S. Government Standard General Ledger supports agency financial reporting and compliance under key federal laws.
Deepen your knowledge of federal accounting standards and funds control in financial reporting and decision support.
Explore federal accounting mandates—including FASB updates and CFO Act requirements—for accurate financial reporting and compliance.
Sharpen your understanding of business, finance, and budgeting as a federal contracts or COR professional. Learn key competencies to communicate and collaborate effectively with financial and budget personnel.
Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.
Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.
The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student
Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.
Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.
These courses are designed for both DoD and Non-DoD students aiming to fulfill their Continued Learning Requirements. For DoD personnel, it meets the requirement of 80 hours of Continuous Learning (CL) every two years, as outlined in DoDI 5000.66. For Non-DoD students, the requirement is 80 credits from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2024, and 100 credits starting May 1, 2024.
This course provides an overview of the federal acquisition process, introduces the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency supplements, and teaches how to research and interpret these regulations. Participants gain a broad understanding of the contracting lifecycle from planning through closeout, while also learning foundational professional skills (such as communication, ethics, and teamwork) that are critical for success in any contracting role.
In this course, participants learn how to shape and define government requirements in collaboration with program offices, conduct thorough market research, and develop effective acquisition strategies. The curriculum covers key pre-award processes such as acquisition planning, crafting performance-based work statements or statements of work, and developing solicitations (e.g., Requests for Proposals) that attract best-value offers while adhering to federal regulations.
This course provides an in-depth look at how the government evaluates offers and makes award decisions, while also considering the contractor’s viewpoint during negotiations and award. Participants will learn how to conduct cost or price analyses of proposals, assess contractor responsibility and risk, and apply source selection techniques to determine the best value for the government. The curriculum addresses the preparation for and conduct of contract negotiations – including developing negotiation objectives and strategies – and the proper documentation of the award decision.
This course provides both government and industry perspectives on contract administration and performance management. Students will build a toolkit of essential skills for ensuring that contractors deliver products and services in accordance with contract requirements, and for taking appropriate action when performance issues or changes occur. Key topics include conducting post-award orientations, monitoring contractor performance and quality, handling contract modifications (both within scope changes and supplemental agreements), and managing government-furnished property and payments.
The FAC-C/DAWIA Contracting Certification Preparation Course is designed to help participants strengthen their readiness for the closed-book Contracting Certification exam. Through a structured blend of pre-assessment, targeted content review, discussions, and practice quizzes, you’ll build familiarity with exam topics while identifying areas that need additional focus. The course concludes with a post-assessment that mirrors the format and rigor of the actual exam, providing valuable insight into your preparedness.
Build expertise in complex federal appropriations law through guided research and case analysis of funding decisions.
Build procedural knowledge to prevent, detect, and report Antideficiency Act violations using real-world legal standards and case-based exercises.
Master the complex rules governing federal interagency transfers, revolving funds, reimbursements, and user fees under GAO principles.
Build expertise in Department of Defense fiscal law by learning how DoD-specific authorities, exceptions, and appropriations law principles guide legal fund usage.
Master the principles of federal appropriations law to ensure the proper use of appropriated funds and compliance with legal requirements.
Get up-to-date on changes to appropriations law, recent GAO decisions, and Antideficiency Act implications.
Students will review current budget execution policy and guidance published in OMB’s Circular A-11; learn about the principles of purpose, time, and amount that govern how federal agencies can properly use appropriated funds, ensuring compliance with legal and budgetary constraints; and the relationship between performance plans/goals and operating budgets.
Learn to create accurate, defensible budgets that align with federal regulations and strategic goals.
Learn how to justify program funding requests effectively using performance data and decision-quality visuals.
Understand the congressional budget process, including budget resolutions, authorizations, appropriations, and reconciliation.
This course provides students with an enhanced working knowledge of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) process to plan and program for its future activities, and then to develop, justify, and execute the department’s portion of the United States government budget.
Learn to conduct performance-based budget analysis and visualization using advanced Excel tools tailored to federal budgeting needs.
Gain a foundational understanding of the federal budget process, including preparation, execution, and financial management.
Learn how the federal budget is created with emphasis on planning, justification, and legal constraints.
Gain a foundational understanding of the federal budget process, including budget preparation, appropriation types, and performance measurement.
Understand how performance measurement connects to strategic planning and budget decision-making under GPRA, GPRAMA, and OMB Circular A‑11.
Gain an understanding of how DoD’s PPBE system integrates planning, resourcing, and execution in the defense budgeting cycle.
Learn how DoD and Army PPBE systems integrate mission planning, acquisition, budgeting, and execution to manage resources across defense organizations.
Learn to audit financial-related functions such as budgeting, procurement, and property control using both systems-procedure and results-outcome methods.
Acquire hands‑on methods and tools to analyze financial data, detect anomalies, and enhance oversight across fiscal operations.
Strengthen your decision-making by applying structured analytics to financial and performance data in government contexts.
Learn the goals, roles, and activities of the Defense Working Capital Funds (DWCF) and how they function in the Federal Government. Utilize a revolving fund concept in designing a business-like enterprise to operate within the Department of Defense (DoD) environment.
Master the processes of audit resolution, follow-up, and implementation to ensure accountability and improve operational performance.
Government agency leaders at all levels need to constantly define the mission direction, performance goals, and policies to reflect changing needs and expectations of the citizens they serve, as well as align functions and policies to efficiently and effectively achieve those objectives. This course provides several tools and approaches, including SWOT analysis, PESTEL analysis, and logic models, to engage stakeholders, assess the changing external environment for policy planning, and performance alignment.
Acquire essential federal financial management knowledge to manage budget, accounting, and stewardship responsibilities confidently as a new manager.
Explore how budgeting, spending controls, and accounting functions interconnect to support effective financial stewardship in federal agencies.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of financial management principles, federal budgeting, and performance measurement.
Most government managers, programs, contract officers and grant managers will be subject to an audit either required by law, requested by stakeholders or selected by an audit oversight organization. Audits are part of the internal control process to ensure accountability in the use of public funds and promote economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of government operations. Prepare for and survive an audit for a positive outcome by understanding how audits work, what auditors do, your role in the audit process in providing necessary records and reports; and in responding to results of the audit. This is a must-have one-day seminar for meeting legal, regulatory, policy and process requirements of audits.
Develop advanced strategies for directing federal funds during tight budgets, year‑end pressures, or continuing resolutions to support mission delivery effectively.
Sharpen your skills in financial and performance analytics to support evidence-based decision-making using structured, defensible analytical methods.
Build a working knowledge of revolving fund operations in civilian federal agencies, including budgeting, cost accounting, and rate stabilization.
Acquire hands‑on methods and tools to analyze financial data, detect anomalies, and enhance oversight across fiscal operations.
Executives and decision makers need to know what projects, processes, activities, and programs cost to make the best use of limited resources in achieving efficient and effective operations while promoting a performance accountability culture. This seminar is an essential overview for understanding and applying activity based costing to data-driven planning and actions.
Master the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves with expert-led training tailored for DoD civilian employees.
Master the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for temporary duty (TDY) travel, including allowances, reimbursements, and compliance for Department of Defense personnel.
Master the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for both temporary duty (TDY) and permanent change of station (PCS) travel in the Department of Defense.
Learn federal travel regulations covering both temporary duty (TDY) and permanent change of station (PCS) travel policies specific to non‑DoD agencies.
Master the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) for temporary duty (TDY) travel, including allowances, reimbursements, and compliance for non-DoD agencies.
Learn federal travel rules governing both temporary duty (TDY) and permanent change of station (PCS) for civilian travel under FTR Chapters 300–304.
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. In recognition of this urgent need, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) — in cooperation with US Digital Services (USDS) — established an immersive six-month training and development program called the Digital IT Acquisition Program (DITAP).
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. In recognition of this urgent need, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) — in cooperation with US Digital Services (USDS) — established an immersive five-month training and development program called the Digital IT Acquisition Program (DITAP).
Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.
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Our alumni consistently commend the expertise of our instructors and the real-world relevance of our programs. Their feedback highlights how Graduate School USA training has advanced their skills, supported their agencies’ missions, and fostered long-term professional growth.
Instructor was great. Very willing to explain and help throughout the course.
Jefferey S.
I felt it was an excellent course and enables me to better understand the back end of information I feel I need to effectively translate my user's needs and language for their issues they submit.
Patricia H.
Completing the Simplified Acquisition Procedures course with Graduate School USA has been an invaluable experience. This course has strengthened my foundation in procurement and increased my confidence as I grow in this career field. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to build or refine their knowledge of federal acquisition procedures.
Genine Washington
Great Class and great instructor. You never know who will be teaching a class when you sign up, so it is is a little nerve-wracking when you log in on the first day (especially for a 5 day class). It was so good to have an instructor who made the days go by so quickly and you felt like you actually learned something each day. I highly the class. And hopefully Robin will be your instructor.
Charles Hardy
The instructor provided clear clarification of the course's information and delivered with a fair amount of valuable information which made the subjects easier to understand. Her assurance of our gained understanding was highly appreciated. Overall experience was very satisfying.
Tina H.
Jeffrey presented the information in digestible sizes. He encouraged and engaged with students and consistently provided ample opportunities to question and discuss. Instructor/student ratio was great. Student engagement was the best. Student experiences were the most beneficial across the board.
Robert M.
Instructor made a dry topic interesting, helped relate textbox info to our Agency. Great refresher course on what CORs do so I can better help them with issues in our accounting system.
Ann K.
Great Class and great instructor. You never know who will be teaching a class when you sign up, so it is is a little nerve-wracking when you log in on the first day (especially for a 5 day class). It was so good to have an instructor who made the days go by so quickly and you felt like you actually learned something each day. I highly the class. And hopefully Robin will be your instructor.
Charles Hardy
Instructor had good presentations and kept us focused. Good to have this information in one readable source.
Raymon T.
Thank you so much to Mr. Hysen. I will take any class that he teaches.
Katrina Foster
Very go to know and learn. Found the instructor very good at his job. Had fun learning.
Frank P.
The instructor was engaging and energetic. Good mix of course material with practical, real-life experience. Good use of three days.
Andrew S.
Great intro to the basics of government contracting. This course was very helpful to me as a financial manager. The instructor had extensive knowledge, engaged the entire class, and solicited input from everyone. Overall, a good facility that was a relaxed environment for a challenging course.
Jason B.
Our Federal Acquisition and Contracting Training are rated 4.8 stars by 48 students
The instructor was engaging and energetic. Good mix of course material with practical, real-life experience. Good use of three days.
Great intro to the basics of government contracting. This course was very helpful to me as a financial manager. The instructor had extensive knowledge, engaged the entire class, and solicited input from everyone. Overall, a good facility that was a relaxed environment for a challenging course.
Instructor had good presentations and kept us focused. Good to have this information in one readable source.
Instructor made a dry topic interesting, helped relate textbox info to our Agency. Great refresher course on what CORs do so I can better help them with issues in our accounting system.
Jeffrey presented the information in digestible sizes. He encouraged and engaged with students and consistently provided ample opportunities to question and discuss. Instructor/student ratio was great. Student engagement was the best. Student experiences were the most beneficial across the board.
Very go to know and learn. Found the instructor very good at his job. Had fun learning.
Thank you so much to Mr. Hysen. I will take any class that he teaches.
Great Class and great instructor. You never know who will be teaching a class when you sign up, so it is is a little nerve-wracking when you log in on the first day (especially for a 5 day class). It was so good to have an instructor who made the days go by so quickly and you felt like you actually learned something each day. I highly the class. And hopefully Robin will be your instructor.
The instructor provided clear clarification of the course's information and delivered with a fair amount of valuable information which made the subjects easier to understand. Her assurance of our gained understanding was highly appreciated. Overall experience was very satisfying.
Great Class and great instructor. You never know who will be teaching a class when you sign up, so it is is a little nerve-wracking when you log in on the first day (especially for a 5 day class). It was so good to have an instructor who made the days go by so quickly and you felt like you actually learned something each day. I highly the class. And hopefully Robin will be your instructor.
Completing the Simplified Acquisition Procedures course with Graduate School USA has been an invaluable experience. This course has strengthened my foundation in procurement and increased my confidence as I grow in this career field. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to build or refine their knowledge of federal acquisition procedures.
I felt it was an excellent course and enables me to better understand the back end of information I feel I need to effectively translate my user's needs and language for their issues they submit.
Instructor was great. Very willing to explain and help throughout the course.
Showing 13 of 13 reviews
Attend courses in-person in Washington, DC or live online. Engage with expert instructors, ask questions, and get feedback on your exercises and projects.
At Graduate School USA, you’ll learn in small groups and receive personalized attention.
Get face-to-face interaction with an instructor and other students when you learn at our DC campus. Courses are hands-on with a computer and software provided.
Get the same interactivity and access to the instructor as in-person students. There are no extra fees and we’ll work with you to ensure your remote setup is perfect.
All times are listed in Eastern Time unless otherwise specified.
| September 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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September 19
Friday
9–5pm
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$900
1 Day
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Gain foundational knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) effectively. |
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September 22–24
Monday to Wednesday
9–5pm
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$1,429
3 Days
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Master the essentials of managing contracts post‑award, including monitoring performance, resolving issues, and ensuring compliance. |
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September 22–26
Monday to Friday
9–5pm
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$1,650
5 Days
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Learn the legal foundations of government contracting through analysis of key laws, regulations, and case examples related to procurement, performance, and disputes. |
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September 22–November 6
Weekdays
9–5pm
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$6,599
17 Days
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Sharpen your understanding of business, finance, and budgeting as a federal contracts or COR professional. Learn key competencies to communicate and collaborate effectively with financial and budget personnel. |
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September 29–30
Monday to Tuesday
9–5pm
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$1,050
2 Days
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Understand how to obligate and manage appropriated funds in compliance with FAR and the GAO’s “Red Book,” with a focus on acquisition contexts. |
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Showing 5 of 39 courses
