Government*Horizons Inc. Training Series™

Introduction to FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulations Overview

February 20-22, 2008
Government*Horizons Training Center
4301 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1003 (10th Floor)
Arlington, VA 22203

Registration is now closed for this event. If you would still like to register please bring this form with you to the event.

“Mr. Higgins is an excellent presenter he reflects a wide variety of experience".  - Mr. Harry H. Abe PACAF Engineering & Technical Services Contract Manager, U.S. Air Force

“The course was very helpful.  The instructor was very lively and knowledgeable on all subjects". - Gayle Matheson, Purchasing Agent, Beacon Power Corp

“I have been to several trainings, this one is by far the best”. - Sara McCown, Quality Assurance Budget Manager, ICMA

Registration: 8:00 AM (Day One Only)
Program Starts: 8:30 AM
Wrap-up: 3:30 PM

Course materials, continental breakfast (coffee and pastries), refreshments included.

This workshop is recommended for 24 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) toward DAWIA/FAC-C requirements. A Government*Horizons "Certificate of Completion" will be provided to all attendees upon conclusion of the workshop.

For information on fulfilling core, elective and continuous learning requirements, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/procurement/policy_letters/05-01_041505.html

About This Workshop

Introduction to FAR is intended for students interested in gaining a basic understanding of how to most effectively use the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Although the FAR is a very detailed and complex regulation, contracting parties in the federal Government marketplace must know the terms and conditions of the contracts they enter into. This course will improve the ability of students to select the right clauses, identify the correct procedures and improve their bargaining position during negotiations. In addition, students will learn how to keep up with changes to the FAR so they can always be sure that they have the latest and most relevant information. Rather than using a text book about the FAR, each student will receive a personal copy of the FAR which will be used as the course manual. This approach ensures that students will become familiar with the source document, which will enable them to immediately apply the knowledge they gain through this informative three-day session.

The course is taught by knowledgeable, highly skilled instructors who have a wealth of practical experience and know how to present complex material in an easily understandable manner. The key points in the class will be emphasized with practical exercises to reinforce the lessons learned and to provide the students with opportunities to apply the FAR to realistic scenarios. This approach ensures that every student will return to work with improved skills and the confidence to apply them to virtually any acquisition situation.

A new government report recommends contract training to achieve better federal contracting results.  Click here to download the Managing the Government’s Technical Experts to Achieve Positive Contract Outcomes report by the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board dated December 2005.

Who Should Attend:

What Previous Attendees Had to Say About the Course:

“Joe was not only able to present the FAR, he was able to provide background and some insight into the why’s of different requirements. That understanding will help as I work with different sections of the FAR”. - Gene DuCom, Senior Logistician, Logistic Support Inc.

"Course is extremely good and I would recommend to other associates. Joe is a subject matter expert. Excellent reference material." -Victoria Williamson, Sr. Vice President, Logistic Support Inc.

“Great instructor—engaging and entertaining. Joe makes a dry subject fun.” - Laurie Fosner, Neugenesis

Previous Attendees Include:

Course Syllabus

Course Overview
- Organization of the FAR
- How to Find the FAR
- How to Learn About Updates

General Sections
- Part 1-Federal Acquisition Regulations System
- Part 2-Definitions of Words and Terms
- Part 3-Improper Business Practices and Personal Conflicts of Interest
- Part 4-Administrative Matters

Competition and Acquisition Planning
- Part 5-Publicizing Contract Actions
- Part 6-Competition Requirements
- Part 7-Acquisition Planning
- Part 8-Required Sources of Supplies and Services
- Part 9-Contractor Qualifications
- Part 10-Market Research
- Part 11-Describing Agency Needs
- Part 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items

Contracting Methods and Contract Types
- Part 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures
- Part 14-Sealed Bidding
- Part 15-Contracting by Negotiation
- Part 16-Types of Contracts
- Part 17-Special Contracting Methods

Socioeconomic Programs
- Part 19-Small Business Programs
- Part 22-Application of Labor Laws to Government Acquisitions
- Part 23-Environment, energy and water efficiency, renewable energy technologies, occupational safety, and Drug-Free Workplace
- Part 24-Protection of Privacy and Freedom of Information
- Part 25-Foreign Acquisition
- Part 26-Other Socioeconomic Programs

General Contracting Requirements
- Part 27-Patents, Data, and Copyrights
- Part 28-Bonds and Insurance
- Part 29-Taxes
- Part 30-Cost Accounting Standards Administration
- Part 31-Contract Cost Principles and Procedures
- Part 32-Contract Financing
- Part 33-Protests, Disputes, and Appeals

Subchapter F-Special Categories of Contracting
- Part 34-Major System Acquisition
- Part 35-Research and Development Contracting
- Part 36-Construction and Architect-Engineer Contracts
- Part 37-Service Contracting
- Part 38-Federal Supply Schedule Contracting
- Part 39-Acquisition of Information Technology
- Part 41-Acquisition of Utility Services

Subchapter G-Contract Management
- Part 42-Contract Administration and Audit Services
- Part 43-Contract Modifications
- Part 44-Subcontracting Policies and Procedures
- Part 45-Government Property
- Part 46-Quality Assurance
- Part 47-Transportation
- Part 48-Value Engineering
- Part 49-Termination of Contracts
- Part 50-Extraordinary Contractual Actions
- Part 51-Use of Government Sources by Contractors

Subchapter H-Clauses and Forms
- Part 52-Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses
- Part 53-Forms

Additional Resources:

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About Your Instructor

Joe Higgins

Our course instructor is Mr. Joseph T. Higgins. Joe brings a very diverse background to this task having worked over 30 years in accounting, auditing and consulting in government contracting with concentration in the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry.

Joe has extensive financial management experience in government contracting, specifically in the development and implementation of cost allocation systems to ensure cost recovery on government contracts. He has assisted clients with completion of CASB Disclosure Statements and related issues with compliance with the Cost Accounting Standards. Mr. Higgins has expertise in all required government contracting management systems, including cost estimating and earned value management systems (EVMS). He has extensive knowledge in the areas of contract claims, particularly claims in connection with terminations for the convenience of the government.

Joe brings a diversity of experience to the classroom, having worked 15 years as a Vice President Finance/Chief Financial Officer with A&D companies and slightly more time performing auditing and consulting work within the federal government as well as the private sector. Joe has a current operating-level perspective on the challenges that face today’s government contractor. Not only does he have the technical competence to deal with the regulatory/compliance aspects of an issue, he also has the practical insight to appreciate the business and organizational implications that may be involved. Having worked at various levels in the Defense Contract Audit Agency, Joe has the background necessary to bring clarity to potentially volatile audit situations. And his experience as a consultant and auditor with major international accounting firms gives him additional qualification and perspective.
Joe teaches other courses for Government*Horizons, specifically “FAR Overview”, a three-day guided tour of this important document and “Defective Pricing”, a two-day study of this critical and controversial government contracting topic.

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