Government Contracting Fundamentals

The Government Contracting Fundamentals course is a comprehensive overview and discussion of the federal government contracting process, including applicable procurement laws, regulations, and practical requirements.

Learn more about GMU CPE Government Contracting Fundamentals

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

This course provides a strong overview of the fundamental government contracting process. Course participants will:

• Understand the major differences between government and commercial contracting.
• Understand the principle laws and regulations that affect the federal procurement environment.
• Become familiar with the major components of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
• Understand the government’s legal environment and the players on the government’s contracting team.
• Understand the different contract types, and their associated opportunities and risks.
• Understand competition alternatives, including full and open competition, set-asides, and sole-source procurements.
• Explore various procurement methods and discuss the processes affiliated with each, including competitive negotiations, sealed bidding, simplified acquisition, and federal supply schedules.
• Identify multiple types of compliance requirements, audits, and reviews, and the associated penalties for non-compliance.
• Recognize the components of a typical government contract and discuss the use and applicability of specific contract clauses, including inspections, changes, terminations, delays, and disputes

To Learn more or Sign Up for Fundamentals, please click here!

Fundamentals of Government Contracting with George Mason University Continuing and Professional Education Dates 2025

• February 10-13, 2025, 10:00am-3:30pm ET
• May 5-8, 2025, 10:00am-3:30pm ET

Government Contracting Essentials

The Public Contracting Institute teaches the Essentials of Doing Business with the Federal Government every other year in partnership with GMU CPE.  Join Tim Sullivan as he walk you through the core compliance requirements of a government contract.