Government Contracting Fundamentals: Contract Types

The popular 3-day Fundamentals training is now available virtually with live instruction over the course of 8 weeks/sessions. You can attend in person at PCI in Washington, DC or virtually from any computer.

The course provides an overview and discussion of the federal government contracting process, including the procurement laws, regulations, and practical requirements applicable to it. For those who are new, relatively inexperienced, or require a supervisory understanding of government contracting, this course will provide an overview that will thoroughly familiarize them with the federal contracting process, provide a strong foundation on which to build greater subject-matter expertise, and dispel common myths and misunderstandings. For those with some experience, the course will refresh understanding, heighten knowledge, provide context, sharpen issue awareness, and improve the ability to operate successfully in this highly complex and competitive field.

Who Should Attend:

This “fundamentals” course is designed to benefit both government and contractor personnel, including contracting officers; contract and subcontract administrators; contract, program, and item managers; finance and accounting personnel; engineers; attorneys (in-house, outside, government); and a wide variety of other professionals.

1. October 1 (2:00-4:00pm ET) Landscape, Players, Statutes and Regulations
   • Basic Legal Framework
   • Players
   • Structure of the FAR
   • Standard contract format
   • Market Research
   • Acquisition Planning
2. October 3 (2:00-4:00pm ET) Contract Types
   • Fixed Price
   • Cost Reimbursement
   • Incentive and Award Fee
   • Time and Materials, Labor Hours
   • Definite vs. Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity
3. October 8 (2:00-4:00pm ET) Procurement Process
   • Sealed Bidding
   • Negotiated Procurements
     • Assembling the Solicitation
     • Evaluation of Proposals
     • Discussions
     • Award Decisions
     • Debriefings
   • Simplified Acquisition Process
4. October 10 (2:00-4:00pm ET) Bid Protest & Compliance Issues
   • Grounds for Protest
   • Pre-award vs. Post- Award
   • The Protest Process
     • Agency-Level Protests
     • U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
     • Court of Federal Claims (COFC)
   • Gifts, Gratuities, and Kickbacks
   • Procurement integrity

Part 2 – Administration

1. October 15 (2:00-4:00pm ET) Contract Administration
   • Changes
   • Constructive Changes
   • Delays
   • Equitable adjustments and Claims
   • Inspection and Acceptance
2. October 17 (2:00-4:00pm ET) Termination & Contract Closeout
   • Terminations for convenience
   • Termination for default
   • How to avoid defaults
   • Closeout
3. October 22 (2:00-4:00pm ET) Compliance and Ethics
   • Recruiting/Hiring Government Employees
   • Personal and Organizational Conflicts of Interest
   • Certificates and Representations
   • Truth in Negotiations Act
   • Drug Free Workplace
   • Lobbying Act Certification and Disclosure
4. ​ October 24 (2:00-4:00pm ET)  Claims and Disputes
   • Claims and Disputes
   • Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs)
   • Claims
   • Litigation
   • Choosing the Right Forum
     • Court of Federal Claims
     • Boards of Contract Appeals
     • Arbitration
     • Alternative Dispute Resolution

Instructor: Lou Chiarella, Crowell
Tim Sullivan, Senior Government Contracts Attorney