# FPM 231: Applications in Project & Program Management Course

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/fpm-231-applications-in-project-program-management>

## Overview

This course provides mid-level federal program and project managers with the advanced skills and strategies needed to manage complex, multi-dimensional projects within the federal environment. It begins by examining the federal acquisition process and the critical planning documents that guide program success. Building on foundational project management knowledge, participants deepen their understanding of requirements development and learn how to effectively manage evolving requirements throughout a project’s life cycle. The course also introduces systems engineering principles and technical management tools that enable program managers to integrate cost, schedule, and performance objectives into a cohesive management approach.

Emphasizing practical application, the course explores test and evaluation as a key decision-making tool to confirm that solutions meet both requirements and performance standards. Participants also examine total life-cycle systems management strategies, including logistics, sustainment, and post-deployment considerations that ensure long-term mission success. Through collaborative discussions, scenario-based exercises, and real-world applications, learners translate theory into actionable insights. By the end of the course, each participant develops a personalized on-the-job action plan to apply newly gained systems management and analytical skills to current or future federal projects.

## What you'll learn

- Identify a program’s position in the acquisition life cycle and select key planning tools.
- Convert stakeholder needs into clear, testable requirements and manage scope changes.
- Use systems thinking to break down problems and anticipate impacts.
- Apply risk-aware methods to reviews and trade studies for sound decisions.
- Plan effective test strategies to verify performance and guide decisions.
- Incorporate sustainment and logistics early to improve cost and availability.
- Integrate acquisition, engineering, testing, and logistics into a unified plan.
- Create an action plan to apply course methods to current projects.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Federal Acquisition Overview

- Map a program to the acquisition life cycle and key decision points.
- Recognize core planning documents and who produces or approves them.
- Distinguish statutory vs. policy drivers that shape program choices.

#### Module 2: Requirements Development & Program Management

- Translate stakeholder needs into verifiable requirements.
- Maintain traceability as scope and priorities evolve.
- Govern changes with impact analysis on cost, schedule, and risks.

#### Module 3: Systems Engineering

- Apply systems thinking to balance performance, risk, and feasibility.
- Use technical reviews and trade studies to inform decisions.
- Plan risk handling and configuration control.

#### Module 4: Test & Evaluation (T&E)

- Tailor T&E strategy to validate requirements and mitigate risk.
- Define measures, data needs, and success criteria.
- Use findings to support go/no-go recommendations.

#### Module 5: Lifecycle Logistics

- Integrate sustainment, supportability, and total ownership cost.
- Plan spares, training, and technical data for long-term availability.
- Build performance-based sustainment metrics.

#### Module 6: Putting It All Together

- Synthesize acquisition, engineering, T&E, and logistics into one plan.
- Conduct an integration exercise and draft an on-the-job (OTJ) action plan.

## Schedule
- Oct 6, 2026 – Oct 9, 2026 — Live Online

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $2479