# FPM 131: Fundamentals of Project and Program Management Course

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/fpm-131-fundamentals-of-project-and-program-management>

## Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to managing federal projects within the acquisition environment. Participants learn how projects align with agency missions and regulations, explore the roles and responsibilities of program and project managers, and gain an understanding of key technical and management disciplines such as requirements development, systems engineering, and test and evaluation. The course emphasizes translating stakeholder needs into measurable requirements and applying life-cycle thinking to ensure systems are effective, sustainable, and compliant with federal standards.

Through interactive lectures and hands-on exercises, students apply course concepts in a simulated project environment, developing practical artifacts such as a Work Breakdown Structure, Integrated Master Schedule, and risk management plan. By course completion, participants will have the foundational knowledge and skills to support federal projects effectively and meet the training requirements for the **FAC-P/PM Entry-Level** certification.

## What you'll learn

- Explain the federal acquisition process and identify the key planning documents used by P/PMs.
- Develop clear, measurable requirements and trace them through the project life cycle.
- Apply core systems engineering concepts to plan technical work and manage interfaces and risks.
- Plan basic test and evaluation activities that verify requirements and inform acquisition decisions.
- Describe life-cycle logistics considerations and integrate sustainment into early planning.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Introduction & Course Overview

- Course Introduction
- Course Objectives
- Certification Path
- Project Management Review

#### Module 2: The Integrated Project Team (IPT)

- Review the role of the Integrated Project Team (IPT).
- Participant in an IPT role-playing exercise.
- Review the importance of project management leadership and planning activities.
- Develop a Team Operating Agreement (IPT Charter).

#### Module 3: Justifying the Solution

- Review major documents, activities, and responsibilities of the Concept Definition Phase.
- Conduct a Business Case Analysis. 
  - Capability gaps
  - High level requirements
  - Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)

- Develop a business case.

#### Module 4: Developing Requirements

- Review major documents, activities, and responsibilities of the Concept Planning Phase.
- Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and a WBS Dictionary entry.
- Write detailed requirements from high-level requirements.

#### Module 5: Planning the Acquisition

- Explain how acquisition planning supports project objectives during the Concept Planning phase.
- Identify the purpose and key components of core acquisition artifacts, including the PWS, Source Selection Plan, IGCE, and QASP.
- Apply project planning outputs (requirements and WBS) to develop acquisition-ready documentation.
- Describe how best-value considerations inform source selection and contract oversight decisions.

#### Module 6: A Systems Engineering Approach

- Explain the role of systems engineering in supporting project and acquisition decision-making.
- Distinguish between system-level and item-level requirements and their implications for design and risk.
- Identify and assess technical risks using a structured risk register.
- Select appropriate risk response strategies and understand their impact on cost, schedule, and performance.
- Describe the purpose of developmental and operational testing in verifying and validating system performance.

#### Module 7: Monitoring and Measuring Performance

- Review the key documents, activities, and responsibilities of the Development and Implementation Phases.
- Review methodologies for monitoring and controlling projects, including development of project management plan and Earned Value Management (EVM).
- Demonstrate that project baseline equals schedule baseline plus cost baseline and scope baseline.

#### Module 8: Course Summary and Post-Test

- Course recap
- Post-test review
- Next steps
- Certification pathways
- Recommendations

## Schedule
- Jul 6, 2026 – Jul 9, 2026 — Live Online
- Sep 22, 2026 – Sep 25, 2026 — Live Online
- Oct 19, 2026 – Oct 22, 2026 — Live Online

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $2479