Premier Series and Academies

Government Contracting Training

The Public Contracting Institute (PCI) offers high quality federal procurement training, on a host of topics in public procurement.  PCI also offers high quality free programming teaching you GovCon basics.  Join one of PCI’s high-quality government contracting courses today!

Premier Government Contracts Training Programs

Public Contracting Institute Forum

The PCI Forum is PCI’s affordable topic-specific virtual training program.

GMU Certificate Programs

Certificate Tracks in Contracting with the Federal Government through George Mason University Executive and Professional Education

FUN with the FAR Season 2024

Covering each Part of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and created to make the FAR approachable and thought-provoking for contracting professionals at all levels.  This is some of the most valuable government contracting training you can attend!

May the Clause Be With You℠ 2024

In this bi-weekly program, our experts will select and introduce to you—in a practical way— some of the most important but misused FAR contract clauses over easy-to-digest 60-minute trainings.

Masters Academy - Best Practices in Government Contracting

The Masters Academy is an advanced course focusing on leading practices in key areas of Government contracting.

Masters Academy - Best Practices in International Contracting

The Masters Academy – International is an innovative program designed to help you succeed in the international Government contracting market.

DFUN with the DFARS Returning 2025*

Covering each Part of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement and created to make the DFARS approachable and thought provoking for contracting professionals at all levels.  All sessions will be recorded and accessible as a podcast throughout the year.  

GovCon 101

Join our series of FREE programming covering basic topics in government contracting!  Held on Mondays, this series is your first step into government contracting.

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.

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

This course is run in partnership with George Mason University Continuing and Professional Education.

The Professor's Forum Virtual Class Series

Special Programs
PCI is busier than ever putting together blockbuster programs. Please join us for these fantastic classes.
Navigating SAM.gov July 19 12:00-1:30pm (ET) ($119)
Cost-Plus Contract Management July 19   2:00-4:00pm (ET) ($199)
Save $$$ & Invest In Your Ethics & Compliance Program:  A Look at the Best Practices in Ethics & Compliance July 20 @ 2:00-3:30pm ET ($50)(Bundle)
Travel Cost Deep Dive – FAR 31.205-46 July 25 12:00 – 2:00pm (ET) ($199)
OTAs: Working with Consortia July 25 2:00 – 4:00pm (ET) ($199)
Preparing for a Small Business Review Jul 19 2:00-3:15pm (ET)
Approach to Performing Subcontractor Price Analysis Aug 3 12:00 1:15pm (ET) ($95)
Government Contracts Administration August 2, 9, 16 @ 2:00-3:30pm ET ($399)
Navigating the Panoply of Complex Ethics & Compliance Risks Facing Federal Government Contractors August 10 @ 12:00-1:30pm ET ($50)(Bundle)
Successful Proposals: From Preparation to Award August 22-23 @ 10:00-2:00pm ET ($299)
Best Practices for Managing Subcontractor Flowdowns Aug 24   12:00-1:15pm (ET) ($95)
Finding Opportunities on SAM.gov Sep   7 12:00-1:30pm (ET) ($75)
Multi Session Programs
Federal Infrastructure Contracting Sep 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, 12, 19 2:00-3:30pm (ET) ($895)
Cost and Price Analysis June 26, 27, 28, 29 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (ET) ($699)
Commercial Item Contracting July 11,   13, 18, 20 10:00 am-12:00 pm (ET) ($599)
CAS: The Series 2023 Second and Fourth Thursday of the Month, 2:00 pm -3:30 pm (ET)  12 Sessions, from July to December
Critical GovCon Checklist Series 2023 Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Sep 5 2:00 pm -3:30 pm (ET) ($745)
Preparing for a Federal Audit Aug 1, 8, 15, 22 12:00pm – 2:00pm (ET) ($475)
Government Contracts Administration August 2, 9, 16 @ 2:00-3:30pm ET ($399)
Federal Grants Fundamentals Aug 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 2:00 – 3:30pm (ET) ($895)
Business System Series 2023 Aug 22, 29, Sep 5, 12, 19, 26 2:00-3:30pm (ET) ($895)
A Practical Guide to Intellectual Property in Government Contracts Sep 5, 12, 19, 26 12:00pm – 1:30pm (ET) ($549)

The PCI Forum Seminars & Webinars

The PCI Forum
Special Programs
PCI is busier than ever putting together blockbuster programs. Please join us for these fantastic classes.
Commercial Item Determinations & Price Analysis May 25  12:00-3:30pm ET ($224)
Procurement Integrity, Unfair Competitive Advantages, and OCIs:  The Intersection of Ethics, Compliance, and Business Capture June 6  2:00-3:30pm ET  ($50) Bundle
Primer on Administrative Agreements to Resolve Agency Present Responsibility Concerns under FAR Subpart 9.4 June 27  2:00 – 3:15pm ET  ($99)
CPSR Current Trends June 28  2:00-3:15pm  ET  ($95)
Civil FCA, Criminal, & Debarment Enforcement, Oh My:  A Look at the Current Enforcement Environment Facing Government Contractor June 29  2:00-3:30pm ET  ($50) Bundle
Anatomy of Internal Investigations for Government Contractors, Including Considerations for Mandatory Disclosure and Parallel Proceedings July 11  2:00 – 3:15pm ET  ($99)
Navigating SAM.gov July 19  12:00-1:30pm ET  ($119)
Save $$$ & Invest In Your Ethics & Compliance Program:  A Look at the Best Practices in Ethics & Compliance July 20  2:00-3:30pm ET  ($50) Bundle
Travel Cost Deep Dive – FAR 31.205-46 July 25  12:00 – 2:00pm ET ($199)
OTAs: Working with Consortia July 25  2:00 – 4:00pm ET  ($199)
Preparing for a Small Business Review Jul 19  2:00-3:15pm ET ($95)
Approach to Performing Subcontractor Price Analysis Aug 3  12:00 1:15pm ET  ($95)
Navigating the Panoply of Complex Ethics & Compliance Risks Facing Federal Government Contractors August 10  12:00-1:30pm ET  ($50) Bundle
Best Practices for Managing Subcontractor Flowdowns Aug 24  12:00-1:15pm ET  ($95)
Finding Opportunities on SAM.gov Sep 7 12:00-1:30pm ET  ($75)
Multi Session Programs
Deciphering Government Contracts May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27  10:00-11:30am ET  ($499)
Federal Infrastructure Contracting May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29  2:00-3:30pm ET  ($895)
Cost and Price Analysis May 30, June 1, 6, 8  12:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET  ($699)
Organizational and Personal Conflicts of Interest  June 21-22   12:00-1:30pm ET   ($249)
Commercial Item Contracting July 11, 13, 18, 20  10:00 am-12:00 pm ET ($599)
CAS: The Series 2023 Second and Fourth Thursday of the Month  2:00 pm -3:30 pm (ET)  12 Sessions, from July to December ($999)
Critical GovCon Checklist Series 2023 Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Sep 5  2:00 pm -3:30 pm ET ($745)
Preparing for a Federal Audit Aug 1, 8, 15, 22  12:00pm – 2:00pm ET  ($475)
Government Contracts Administration August 2, 9, 16  2:00-3:30pm ET  ($399)
Business System Series 2023 Aug 22, 29, Sep 5, 12, 19, 26  2:00-3:30pm ET  ($895)
Successful Proposals: From Preparation to Award August 22-23   10:00-2:00pm ET   ($299)
A Practical Guide to Intellectual Property in Government Contracts Sep 5, 12, 19, 26  12:00pm – 1:30pm ET ($549)

Subcontracting Management A-to-Z Virtual Class Series

Every year, the U.S. government awards hundreds of billions of dollars to prime contractors to deliver products and provide needed services. But a significant portion of this funding flows through the prime contractors down to subcontractors and vendors – entities who ultimately have no direct contractual relationship with the federal government, yet still are subject to a host of laws, policies, and regulations governing their performance. Federal law places a significant burden on prime contractors to carefully select subcontracting partners and effectively manage these agreements to ensure the government’s interests are protected.

Join the Sheppard Mullin Supply Chain Management Team as we explore, in this in-depth 9-part series, the complicated world of Federal subcontracting, including the responsibilities both prime and subcontractors have to ensure compliance with lengthy contract and regulatory requirements. Whether you are a prime contractor trying to understand your subcontract oversight responsibilities, or a subcontractor trying to understand your obligations when doing work for federal customers, the Sheppard Mullin Supply Chain Management Team is here to discuss real-life, practical, best practices in subcontract management.

Throughout this series, attendees will learn about:

  • Understanding who is and is not a “subcontractor” under the FAR;
  • Subcontracting policies and procedures in FAR Part 44;
  • Tips in selecting business partners, including small business subcontractors, joint ventures, and teaming agreements;
  • Developing and administering subcontracting plans;
  • Negotiating subcontracts, including terms and conditions and other required flowdowns;
  • Managing pricing issues under government contracts, including commercial item subcontracts; and
  • Best practices for subcontract management and administration.

Second Thursday of the Month, 12:00-1:30pm (ET)
9 Sessions, from January until November

May the Clause Be With You Virtual Class Series

Clauses set forth in FAR PART 52, without doubt, establish a critical foundation in every Federal Government Contract. You might even say they’re the “Force” that binds a contract together! Thus, mastering when, how, and even if certain clauses should be referenced or used is a goal all should try to achieve. But due to the intimidation caused by the complexity of these clauses (especially for the beginner), that goal is often seen as impossibly out-of-reach. PCI and their expert FAR Clause Masters are ready to raise the level of your mindfulness and acumen of the FAR in a unique way.

In this NEW weekly program, our experts will select and introduce to you—in a practical way—some of the most important but often misused FAR contract clauses in an easy-to-digest 15 to 30-minute live Virtual Class. Each week will lead to your understanding the “why” and “how” a selected clause should be used and, for prime contractors, how it should be used in federal subcontracts or adapted to commercial contracts. Clauses that will be addressed throughout the year include the following:

  • 52.204-7, System for Award Management
  • 52.215-1, Instructions to Offerors – Competitive Acquisition
  • 52.232-1, Payments
  • 52.244-2, Subcontracts

A short, live question/answer session will also follow each Virtual Class. This special program will also be available via audio podcast format, so you can increase your knowledge where and how you want it! Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to have fun and raise the level of your FAR Clause knowledge from Padawan to Master. May the Clause be with you, always!

Federal Contracting Trends Virtual Class

It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of federal contracting, but it’s important for both government buyers and industry partners to have a strategic-level understanding of the mechanics and trends of the federal market. We give you a government-wide and industry-wide view of the most important trends in federal contracting. Understanding the broader dynamics at play is crucial to ensuring your organization is not surprised by external developments that could impact your effectiveness.

Financial Forum Webinar Series

A CAN’T MISS LIVE MONTHLY UPDATE AND OPPORTUNITY TO “ASK THE EXPERTS.” Join the professionals from Dentons’ Government Contracts Practice for a webinar series providing practical advice regarding government contracts cost accounting compliance issues, discussing cost and pricing trends and detailing contractor best practices. Both contractor and government practitioners will benefit from this informative and exciting webinar series.

Each registration allows for one person to log in. Your team members can join you in a conference room for no additional cost. Additional logins for those located in other offices, working remotely, or otherwise unable to participate with the registrant can be purchased for $200 each.

Popular Topics Free Webinar Series

Join some of PCI’s most popular instructors for a brief (between 60 and 90 minutes) overview of a topic. If that webinar is useful to you, consider signing up for one of PCI’s more in-depth classes on that topic.

You can view these webinar recordings by clicking for more information!

FREE: Leveraging Emerging Technologies To Create Better Contracting Outcomes
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: Grants Compliance: Understanding Regulations, Risk, and Best Practices
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: Cracking Open An RFP (This One’s On Us)
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: DoD Profit and Weighted Guidelines Webinar
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: Material Management and Accounting Systems (MMAS)
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: Audit Proof your Incurred Cost Submission
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: The New U.S. Export Controls Statute
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: Cyber Incident Reporting and Data Protection in the Supply Chain Webinar
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: DoD Cybersecurity Requirements
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: What is the Difference between Claims and Equitable Adjustments?
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: Federal Procurement Domestic Preferences
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: Contract (Mis)Interpretation
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS)
To view a recording, click here.

FREE: Solving the FAR Puzzle
To view a recording, click here.

Trending Cost & Pricing Issues

Join Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP’s Bill Walter for an interactive discussion on current topics in cost & pricing. Government Contracting Officers are required to “purchase supplies and services from responsible sources at fair and reasonable prices.” How to accomplish this lofty goal is part process and part experience. There are many tools and techniques that are available in the marketplace and many companies and agencies will apply these in different ways. Cost Analysis and Price Analysis are the primary, essential tools used in assessing fairness and reasonableness of proposed prices. The purpose of this virtual class series is to provide insight understanding into the requirements that need to be understood by buyers and sellers in all government contracting situations. The sessions are led in a straight forward, interactive manner with real world experience and current guidance and trends through a thorough discussion of these concepts in practical and actionable terms. Participants will learn not only how things are done but understand why some of the requirements exist. The course objective, simply stated, is to have participants obtain a working level understanding of cost and price analysis and their impact on the procurement process.

Cybersecurity: It Isn’t Just for Techies Anymore! Virtual Class Series

This series, taught by two experts in the field, will walk participants through the most important issues facing government contractors as they navigate the fast-changing issues of cybersecurity. Starting with a survey of the current threats confronting all companies in the cyber world, and ending with a session about how to deal with a breach of your systems, this series will also delve into the new government contracting rules relating to cybersecurity, as well as the new twists on existing technology and privacy laws in light of today’s cyber events.

Augmented by guest lecturers from government and the private sector, this webinar series will combine teaching of the key rules with war stories from the front lines and practical advice from experienced practitioners.

Supply Chain Symposium Webinar Series

PCI and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman will collaborate again in 2018 to present the fourth year of the Supply Chain Symposium, a monthly webinar series that provides insights about latest legal and practical issues that impact the supply chain. Attendees include management from the largest prime contractors and systems integrators to employees of small businesses and the lowest tier of subcontractors. In 2018, the PCI/Pillsbury Supply Chain Symposium will cover the mandatory FAR and DFARS flow-down clauses as of January 1, 2018; best practices in subcontract management and administration; preservation of data rights; monitoring cyber security throughout the supply chain; bid protest issues; cost and pricing issues; and recommended areas of emphasis driven by the current Presidential administration. We hope you will join us.

Each registration allows for one person to log in. Your team members can join you in a conference room for no additional cost. Additional logins for those located in other offices, working remotely, or otherwise unable to participate with the registrant can be purchased for $200 each.

Topics & Dates

All webinars run from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm (ET)

January 17: 2018 Update – Mandatory FAR Flow-Down Clauses and Best Practices
February 21: 2018 Update – Advanced Flow-Downs, Mandatory DFARS Clauses and Best Practices
March 21: Small Business Opportunities, Risks, and Challenges Impacting the Supply Chain
April 18: Cyber Incident Reporting and Data Protection in the Supply Chain
May 16: Best Prime and Sub Practices for Successful Contract Formation and Protests
June 20: 2018 Update – Prime and Sub Cost Allowability and Pricing Issues

Registration

$945, $472.50 Government

Each registration allows for one person to log in. Your team members can join you in a conference room for no additional cost. Additional logins for those located in other offices, working remotely, or otherwise unable to participate with the registrant can be purchased for $200 each.