FAI-DAU Acquisition Learning Seminar

FAI-DAU Acquisition Learning Seminar “Acquisition View: The Road to a Successful Internship Program” www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Acquisition Fellows Program Bridget Gauer www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Our Challenge • Shortage of Experienced Contract Specialists in Substantial Numbers to Meet the Workload • TSA Acquisition Office Identified Entry Level Contract Specialists as Part of the Solution for Succession Planning in Human Capital Plan • Senior Contract Specialists Already Strained with Increased Workload and Current Junior Contract Specialist Mentoring www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Participant Profile • Entry Level: F-Band (GS7/9 Equivalent) • Same Skill Level • Learning as a Cohort • College Graduate or 24 Business Credits (OPM Standard for 1102 Series) • Skill in Verbal and Written Communication, Organization, Multi-Tasking, Problem Solving www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute DHS Fellows Program • Three Year Acquisition Fellows Program includes: • Non-Competitive Career Ladder to I Band (GS-13 equivalent) • Mandatory Contracting Training & Certification • Leadership Training (120 hours) • Developmental Activities • Rotations, Senior Management Interviews, Shadowing Assignments, Field Trips, Senior Project www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute The Boot Camp Program Elements • 8-month Acquisition Learning Program • Blends Training and On-the-Job Learning • Centralizes Mentoring to Ease the Strain on Senior Contract Specialists • Simulated Acquisition Office Experience • Combination of Simulated and Real Work Activities • Small Group/Individual Execution of Work Requirements • Dedicated Mentors at 5 to 1 Ratio • Creates Risk Free Environment • Develops the Business Advisor Thinking • Teaches Both the How and Why www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute The Boot Camp Structure of Program • Some of the Onsite Training • Level I: CON 100, 110, 111, 112, 120 • Acquisition Workshops (ex. IGCE, SOW, Intro to Acquisition) • Commercial Items • Performance Based Contracting • Customer Service Training • Commercial Items • Strategic Business Advisor • GSA Schedules www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute The Boot Camp Learning Program Curriculum Three Areas of Concentration • Acquisition Planning • Contract Formation • Contract Administration • Delivered Through Classroom Instruction, Case Study, Workshops/Forums, Hands on Experiences, Discussions with Subject Matter Experts, and a Variety of Other Learning Methods www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute The Boot Camp Learning Program Curriculum • Learning Subjects are Separated into Modules and Toolbox Topics: • Module 1: Orientation and General Overview • Module 2: Acquisition Planning and Competition • Module 3: Contracting Methods and Contract Vehicles • Module 4: Solicitation Process www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute The Boot Camp Learning Program Curriculum • Module 5: Contracting Toolbox • Toolbox A: Micro-purchase, Simplified Acquisition, GSA Schedules • Toolbox B: Negotiated Procurements • Toolbox C: Commercial Items • Toolbox D: Sealed Bidding • Toolbox E: Interagency Agreements • Module 6: Contract Administration • Module 7: Quality Assurance • Module 8: Payment and Accounting • Module 9: Modifications and Special Terms • Module 10: Other Issues www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute The Boot Camp Structure of Program • Tailored to Mirror Actual Acquisition Experiences • Fast Pace • Multiple Projects • Multiple Priorities • Customer Interaction • Fellows Transition into Operational Division After 8-Month Boot Camp • Built in Times for Real Work in Operational Division, Prior to Official Transition www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Recruitment and Hiring • TSA Vacancy Announcement for Contract Specialist Trainees Posted on USAJOBS • Information About the Program Provided to Universities and Organizations in the DC Area • Over 300 Applications Received www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Expected Outcome • Build Future Workforce • Develop Critical Thinkers and Business Advisors • Prepare Contract Specialist with the Ability to Work on Simple, Non-Complex Requirements with Minimal Assistance www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Acquisition Fellows... The Future of Acquisition www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Department of Interior (DOI) National Business Center Career Intern Programs: A Department of Interior University Perspective Cori Sabet www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Purpose • Succession planning • Workforce planning • Attract and retain a workforce that is talented, motivated, diverse, productive, and highly skilled in key positions • Help meet short and long-term organizational needs of federal agencies • Train interns to be future government business leaders www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Career Intern Programs at DOI University • GovernmentWide Acquisition Management Intern Program -1102 series Contract Specialists • Financial Management Career Intern Program -510 series Accountants -501 series Financial Management Specialists • Office of the Secretary Management Intern Program -301 series Departmental Program Specialists www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Features • Two Years of Paid, Full-time, Professional Training and Work Experience • A Minimum of 240 Hours of Technical Training • A Minimum of 80 Hours of Training in Managerial Competencies • Rotational Assignments in Sponsoring Agencies/Offices • IDP Roadmap • Formal Mentoring Program • Exposure to Leading Professionals in the Field www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Marketing • Two-pronged marketing strategy-agency sponsors and applicants • Professionally developed brochures • Web site with current information • Presentations at conferences and on college campuses • Client meetings for current and potential sponsors • Listserv • Word-of-mouth www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Recruitment and Selection Process • Identify career fairs -Greatest potential -Diverse candidate pool -Public service fairs • Post vacancy announcement • Use FCIP excepted service hiring authority -on-the-spot acceptance of applications • Screening panels -Agency representatives • Interviews • Selections based on number of sponsors www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Agency Partners • Board of Supervising Sponsors • Agency coordinators, mentors, on-site supervisors • DOI Program Manager www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Program Graduates • To date, the program has graduated 64 Contract Specialists • Many of these individuals have risen to positions of high responsibility and authority in the federal government • Program graduates hail from all over the country—from California to Washington, New York to Georgia www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Program Status • Vacancy announcements for all career intern programs are currently available on DOI University’s website, www.doi.gov/training and will be posted through April 16th • To date, over 200 applications have been received for these programs www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Procurement Career Ladder Employee (CLE) Program Jean Lilly www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Program Objective To maximize the performance from our career ladder employees through providing the best opportunities for career development and ensuring that succession planning is done to accommodate us when a large percentage of our senior staff retire in the next few years www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute The Five Guiding Principles • Development of a Procurement-Wide Rotation Schedule • Providing the “right training” at the “right time • The Career Ladder Employees (CLE’s) will be viewed as corporate assets until they graduate from the program • Provide trained and skilled coaches for the employees • Build a sustainable, quality workforce www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Program Status and Overview • Awaiting proposal from NTEU • Anticipate the start of rotations mid May • Rotations will last 6 months • The CLE will have the opportunity to rotate in 6 different office in Procurement • There are 2 major job series involved in the program (1101, 1102) • Coach training and “coaches collaboration group” • Capturing expertise from senior staff for succession planning • CLE Rotation Agreement • Will identify specific tasks to be performed during the rotation • Will identify the Coach • Will identify the Competencies www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Internal Revenue Service (IRS)– Agency-Wide Shared Services Intern Program Pamela Thoren www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Program Objective – • Provide a vehicle for bringing high potential employees into AWSS professions as an integral part of an overall AWSS succession plan. • Develop employees and ultimately leaders who have an understanding of government service, the tax mission of IRS and the obligations of support organizations to the agency’s primary mission. • Foster an atmosphere of growth and opportunity for all employees, striving to become an “employer of choice”. www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Intern Program Overview – • Hired approximately 11 interns using: Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP) • Interns rotate for a total of 19 months: • 3 month rotation throughout various AWSS functions (2 field functions) • 1 rotation outside of AWSS (tax division) • Interns assigned to a division coach/manager. • Interns complete specific assignments during each 3 month rotation www.fai.gov

Federal Acquisition Institute Continued… • Interns and division coach/manager complete progress evaluations to document best practices and apply program improvements. • Interns follow a training plan and attend group meetings to provide feedback. • Permanent placement within an AWSS division will be based on the director’s choice and Intern’s career goals. www.fai.gov

FAI-DAU Acquisition Learning Seminar Q & A Session Thank you for attending our seminar! www.fai.gov

FAI-DAU Acquisition Learning Seminar