FAI Bulletin Board


FY09 Shutdown & FY10 Roll Out

September 25th, 1700 hours, East Coast Time- Rolling admission web courses will be removed from the FY09 Course drop-down list in the Training Application Systems. This is the list users see when they are applying for training. Supervisors will still be able to review and approve applications for FY09 DL, as well as the Acquisition Training Offices will be able to approve FY09 DL applications thru 30 September. If Supervisors wait until late on the 29 or 30 September to concur with their subordinates DL application(s) and the Acquisition Training Office doesn't get the opportunity to approve them, those users will have to reapply when the FY10 schedule is released.

Continuous Learning Modules- Training Application System users will be able to continue to apply for DAU/FAI FY09 Continuous Learning modules thru 1700 hours (East Coast Time)on September 29th.

October 1st- The FY10 schedule for DAU Rolling Admission Web and Continuous Learning Modules will be available on the Training Application Systems for users to apply for.

Radio Interview with Cecelia Davis

Listen to FAI Acting Director Cecelia Davis talk about the results of the 2008 Workforce Competency Survey on Federal News Radio.

Congratulations to the 2008 CAOC Award Winners

(Individual)
Ms. Alvera Reichert
U.S. Department of International Development—(Other-Iraq Reconstruction)

Ms. Alvera Reichert distinguished herself in her performance and outstanding service as the Senior Contracting Officer at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to Iraq. In this role, Ms. Reichert transformed the mission’s contracting operations by building an acquisition and assistance (A&A) team from the ground up. Her actions served her nation and made history in two dynamic arenas: advancing U.S. national interests through the delivery of vitally needed development programs and representing the best of the American people through her personal and sustained commitment to improving the lives of the Iraqi people. For nearly two years, Ms. Reichert served as the senior contracting officer and director of A&A operations and established a fully functioning Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) office in Baghdad while directly managing two construction contracts worth over $3 billion. The distinctive accomplishments of Ms. Reichert reflect great credit upon herself, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the acquisition workforce.

(Group Award)
Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (VAAA)
Department of Veterans Affairs (Acquisition Workforce)

The Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (VAAA) Team distinguished themselves in their performance and outstanding service within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VAAA Intern School differs from most traditional acquisition intern programs because of its holistic approach and emphasis on leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills development and the camaraderie created by team activities built into the program. Additionally, the VAAA Intern School has received recognition from other agencies and industries as a “model of innovation.” Contracting offices within the agency have recognized the accelerated learning curve of the school’s interns during their job rotations.

SMEs Wanted for Training Development Assistance

The Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) is seeking Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the acquisition workforce to collaborate with instructional designers for development of training courses and performance tools. FAI has an immediate requirement for SMEs in the areas of COR/COTR and green procurement/contracting, but is also interested in other areas of expertise for future initiatives.

SME Criteria: A Subject Matter Expert has the knowledge, skills, and experience that designate him or her as a technical expert in a particular subject or task area. The SME must be able to distinguish critical information from information that is simply “nice to know.” The ideal SMEs:

  • Can communicate effectively
  • Have the operational skills, knowledge, and abilities required to do the job well
  • Are well-rounded for their level and have appropriate experience: 1-3 years of experience for new entrants, 5-7 years at mid-level, and 7+ years for senior/expert in their field
  • Can discuss what is required for superior performance
  • Have at least 6 months’ experience in their current position

SME Participation: Potential activities that SMEs may be asked to perform include:

  • Helping to establish training needs and objectives
  • Providing important context for key requirements and tasks
  • Providing insight into how professionals use resources to do their jobs
  • Directing training developers to good information sources
  • Providing and prioritizing information on processes, procedures, and context
  • Describing realistic job scenarios
  • Providing good realistic examples to use in training
  • Reviewing interim and draft training materials
  • Participating in pilot sessions

SMEs may participate in these activities through group or individual meetings, phone consultation, and individual document review. Virtual participation is possible, and welcomed.

Participation Benefit: In exchange for serving as a SME, participants will receive continuous learning points (CLPs) based on the expected level of participation, reporting, and follow-up.

FAI is currently revitalizing and revamping the SME program, to include full information on needs, formalized recruitment, and guidelines for participation.

If you are interested in receiving more information about participating in the FAI SME Program, please complete the recruitment form(Download the free viewer) and send to Otis Langford at Otis.Langford@fai.gov.

Special Edition GSA Expo Newsletter

We hope you have a chance to stop by our booth at GSA Expo June 9-11. To learn about the latest FAI news, read our Special Edition GSA Expo Newsletter (front, back).

ACMIS

New ACMIS database and reporting (Informatica) training is now being offered to all ACMs and System Administrators. There are 8 courses being held in Washington, D.C. starting June 23 running through January 2010. Each course is worth 6.5 Continuous Learning Points.

This training is in a train-the-trainer format and targeted toward new hires and existing users as a refresher course. For more information about specific topics being covered, dates of classes and enrollment, go to the Federal Acquisition Institute Continuous Learning System at: https://www.atrrs.army.mil/channels/faicl/