Class Changes

The Defense Acquisition University is overhauling its contracting curriculum, "the most significant" effort in that area "in nearly two decades," according to a DAU blog post issued last week. It involves Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act of 1990 levels I through III. Specifically:

The effort will involve restructure of existing course assets and development of new learning assets. While a strategic goal of DAU is to "provide an integrated, interactive learning environment that helps acquisition workforce members, teams, and organizations improve acquisition outcomes," the restructure is driven in large measure by direction provided in a memorandum by Dr. Ashton Carter, USD (AT&L), entitled "Better Buying Power: Guidance for Obtaining Greater Efficiency and Productivity in Defense Spending" dated September 14, 2010. The memorandum identified 23 initiatives for reducing inefficiencies and improving cost performance. These initiatives were mapped across the multi-functional portfolio of DAU DAWIA courses. Thirty seven courses have been linked to at least one of the "Carter initiatives." Nine contracting courses were identified. The restructure will provide greater detail of topics in the CON curriculum and identify opportunities for increased rigor and depth of instruction in contracting and contract pricing. Case studies and simulations are anticipated as relevant data becomes available. Course launches are scheduled to begin in Oct 2011 and continue into the start of the 2nd Qtr of FY 2012.

From 31 Aug - 3 Sep 2010, DAU Contracting leaders, course managers, and a representative from Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (DPAP) met at DAU Headquarters in Ft Belvoir, VA. Their task was to review the entire CON certification curricula with specific focus on Pricing Weighted Guidelines (WGL), Small Business, Services, Industrial Property, Source Selection, Competition, Contract Types (Incentives), and Should (Will) Cost. The restructure will align CON Levels I-III with CON competencies, and leverage continuous learning modules to reinforce the classroom experience.

Click here to view a summary of projected changes.