# Advanced COR Workshop Course Canonical URL: ## Overview Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs) play a critical role in ensuring that acquisitions are planned, executed, and monitored to support their organization's mission-critical functions. Learn how to apply key technical and general business competencies and aligned skills identified by the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) to successfully perform your assignments. Apply key project management tools and techniques necessary to track acquisition progress and help ensure successful acquisition outcomes. ## What you'll learn - Plan acquisitions. - Conduct market research. - Define the government's needs. - Conduct pre-and post-award communications. - Evaluate technical proposals and participate in negotiations. - Effectively manage contracts and measure performance. - Describe the federal procurement standards of conduct. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Overview of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) - Module 1 Learning Outcomes - Purpose of the FAR - Structure of the FAR - Key Terms and Definitions #### Module 2: Federal Acquisition Regulation System - Module 2 Learning Outcomes - Relationship of the FAR to Other Acquisition Regulations - FAR System Hierarchy - How to Use and Navigate the FAR #### Module 3: Acquisition Planning - Module 3 Learning Outcomes - Overview of Acquisition Planning - Acquisition Planning Requirements - Acquisition Strategy Development - Market Research #### Module 4: Contracting Methods and Types - Module 4 Learning Outcomes - Contracting Methods - Types of Contracts - Contract Incentives #### Module 5: Socioeconomic Programs - Module 5 Learning Outcomes - Small Business Programs - Labor Standards - Environmental and Sustainability Considerations #### Module 6: Contract Administration - Module 6 Learning Outcomes - Responsibilities of the Contracting Officer - Contract Modifications - Monitoring Contractor Performance - Disputes and Terminations #### Module 7: Contract Closeout - Module 7 Learning Outcomes - Closeout Procedures - Final Payments - Records Retention ## Schedule - Jul 20, 2026 – Jul 24, 2026 — Live Online - Sep 14, 2026 – Sep 18, 2026 — Live Online - Dec 14, 2026 – Dec 18, 2026 — Live Online ## 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:** $1900