# FAC-C/DAWIA Contracting Officer’s Certification Program Canonical URL: ## Overview This comprehensive program encompasses all of the core training requirements for federal Contracting Officer certification under both the civilian FAC-C (Professional) program and the Department of Defense DAWIA Contracting certification. It is a structured learning pathway that guides participants through the entire acquisition lifecycle, from foundational concepts and pre-award planning to contract award, administration, and closeout, aligning with the competencies outlined in the DAU/FAI Contracting Training Model. Over a series of courses and practical exercises, participants build the knowledge and skills needed to manage government contracts. The program’s curriculum is FAC-C/DAWIA-aligned, meaning it covers the required contracting competencies and reflects current federal acquisition policies and best practices. Participants will progress through the four key courses that correspond to the major phases of contracting, often followed by a comprehensive certification exam. By completing this program, individuals demonstrate that they have attained a thorough understanding of federal contracting laws (including the FAR), principles of acquisition planning and source selection, negotiation techniques, contract administration procedures, and the professional standards of conduct expected of contracting officials. ## What you'll learn - **Comprehensive Contracting Knowledge** : Build a strong foundation in acquisition planning, solicitation, award, and contract administration to become a fully qualified contracting professional. - **Regulatory Proficiency** : Develop expertise in the FAR/DFARS and related policies, ensuring compliance at every stage of the contracting process. - **Strategic Acquisition Skills** : Make sound business decisions across the contract lifecycle, from requirements definition and strategy to negotiation and performance management. - **Industry Perspective and Communication** : Understand contractor practices to improve communication, negotiation, and collaboration with stakeholders across government and industry. - **Certification and Career Readiness** : Prepare for the FAC-C/DAWIA certification exam through practical exercises, leaving ready to step into a Contracting Officer role with confidence. ## Curriculum 1. **CON1100: Contract Foundational Skills** 2. **CON1200: Contract Pre-Award** 3. **CON1300: Contract Award** 4. **CON1400: Contract Post-Award** 5. **FAC-C/DAWIA Contracting Certification Preparation Course** ## Instructors ### Anna Garcia-Durr — Instructor Ms. Garcia-Durr is a highly respected acquisition expert and retired U.S. Army officer with over 35 years of combined military and federal civilian service in logistics, contingency operations, and acquisition leadership. A former Contingency Contracting Officer, Anna brings operational insight from combat zones, austere environments, and disaster response operations directly into the training environment. She held senior leadership roles across the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives—managing multi-billion dollar portfolios and overseeing mission-critical procurement in domestic and international settings. She is also a seasoned instructor and mentor, having trained hundreds of acquisition professionals, CORs, and program teams to exceed performance and compliance goals. She equips today’s acquisition professionals with the insight, precision, and mission-driven mindset needed to confidently lead and execute procurements in any acquisition environment. Anna holds a Juris Master in Corporate Compliance and Contracts and graduate certificates in Contract Management and Program/Project Management. Her certifications include Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM), DAWIA Level III (Contracting), and FAC-C / FAC-COR Level III. ### Jeff Hysen — Instructor Jeff Hysen has been with GSUSA since 2020, teaches numerous classes, and has received several awards for his work. Before joining Graduate School USA, Jeff was an Assistant Regional Counsel with the General Services Administration for 31 years. At GSUSA, Jeff served as the lead counsel on Ethics issues for the National Capital Region and worked on numerous projects across various fields. In addition to his work with GSUSA, Jeff is a podcast host and stand-up comedian. ### Melanie Dooley — Instructor Melanie Dooley is a seasoned expert in federal acquisition and contracting with more than three decades of experience spanning government, industry, and education. She has built a distinguished career as both a practitioner and educator, serving as a Vice President of Acquisition Policy for SAIC, a managing editor for the _Federal Contracts Report_ at Bloomberg BNA, and an instructor and curriculum developer for Graduate School USA. Her background includes deep knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes, the federal budget and appropriations cycle, and the intricacies of acquisition policy. She has also cultivated an exceptional ability to translate complex policy and contracting issues into practical guidance, having trained members of the defense and civilian acquisition workforce at all levels. In addition to her leadership roles, Melanie brings corporate strategy experience, extensive editorial expertise from her years in the trade press, and a strong record of shaping acquisition policy within a major defense contractor. She is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and a Fellow of the National Contract Management Association, where she has held leadership roles including VP of Programs and Fellows Chair. With an MBA from Georgetown University and a reputation for clarity, rigor, and real-world insight, Melanie has become a trusted resource to federal professionals, corporate leaders, and students alike. ### Alan McCain — Curriculum Program Manager Alan McCain is a retired combat veteran who served as both an Air Force enlisted member and a Navy officer. He brings over 30 years of experience spanning federal and commercial budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, global logistics support, supply chain and inventory management, as well as major IT acquisition. He possesses extensive, hands-on budget and audit experience across Federal, State, and Local government operations, including work within the Executive Office of the President and the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, as well as the Office of the Mayor of Washington, D.C., among others. Alan’s consulting background includes strategic planning and business development with the District of Columbia government, multiple federal agencies, Lockheed Martin, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a Certified Government/Defense Financial Manager (CGFM/DFM), holds a Teaching Certification from Harvard University’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and earned an Executive MBA in International Business from The George Washington University. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $7995