# Basic Contract Administration Course Canonical URL: ## Overview You have just signed a contract, but the process does not end there. In fact, it is really just beginning. This course, which complies with the Contract Specialist (CS) Training Blueprint published by the Federal Acquisition Institute, provides guidance needed to ensure that the contract is managed correctly. You identify issues that require action by contracting personnel to ensure that the government receives what it pays for. ## What you'll learn - Plan the administration of a contract. - Conduct a post-award orientation. - Monitor a contractor's performance. - Resolve problems that may arise. - Apply remedies under the contract. - Prepare contract modifications. - Process a dispute, claim, or termination. - Authorize payments under a contract. - Close out a completed contract. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Overview of Government Contracting - Defines the key elements and legal foundation of a contract - Outlines the three phases of acquisition: presolicitation, solicitation and award, postaward - Identifies the roles and responsibilities of contracting personnel and stakeholders - Explains contract types, acquisition planning, and the concept of contract scope #### Module 2: Planning for Contract Administration - Explains how to understand the contract, team members, and contractor - Introduces the Contract Administration Plan (CAP) and how to set one up - Details contract file setup, required contents, and best practices for organization - Outlines the use of checklists and milestones for tracking contract activities #### Module 3: Post Award Orientation Conference (PAOC) - Defines the purpose and goals of a PAOC - Identifies participants, roles, and agenda topics - Covers planning, conducting, and documenting the PAOC - Outlines contractor communication protocols and documentation responsibilities #### Module 4: Monitoring Contractor Performance - Explains performance monitoring methods (surveillance, inspections, trend analysis) - Differentiates between monitoring and inspection duties - Describes contractor quality control and government surveillance plans (QASP) - Details how to document and respond to contractor performance issues #### Module 5: Modifying the Contract and Exercising Contract Options - Identifies types of contract modifications (administrative, unilateral, bilateral) - Explains scope of contract and how to determine if changes are within scope - Outlines procedures for equitable adjustments and release of claims - Explains option clauses and how to evaluate and exercise contract options #### Module 6: Paying the Contractor - Reviews types of payments: advance, progress, and delivery payments - Explains how to process proper invoices and comply with the Prompt Payment Act - Details contractor financing, assignment of claims, and EFT procedures - Provides guidance on allowable costs, discounts, and overpayment recovery #### Module 7: Financial Management of Cost-Reimbursement Contracts and Price Adjustments - Explains limitations of cost and contractor notification requirements - Covers price and fee adjustments, including incentive and award fee mechanisms - Outlines procedures for invoice review and audit considerations - Describes how to deobligate funds and handle defective pricing claims #### Module 8: Evaluating Contractor Performance - Outlines requirements for past performance evaluations (interim and final) - Describes performance factors such as quality, timeliness, cost control, and subcontracting - Explains CPARS system, rating scales, and contractor responses - Discusses the importance of documentation and relevance in future source selections #### Module 9: Resolving Contractual Issues - Defines contract remedies: reperformance, rejection, warranty, damages, termination - Explains the Disputes clause and handling of contract claims - Outlines termination for convenience and termination for default/cause - Introduces Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods and FAPIIS reporting #### Module 10: Contract Closeout - Defines closeout process and steps: verifying completion, audits, deobligation - Explains responsibilities of CORs, contract specialists, and other personnel - Covers required documents and procedures for physical and administrative closure - Introduces electronic recordkeeping and continuity of services clauses ## Schedule - Aug 3, 2026 – Aug 5, 2026 — Live Online - Oct 5, 2026 – Oct 7, 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:** $1429