# FPM 332: Progressive Contracting Strategies for Programs Course

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/fpm-332-progressive-contracting-strategies-for-programs-course>

## Overview

This course equips senior-level federal program and project managers with the skills to effectively plan, manage, and oversee complex procurements within government programs. Participants explore the federal contracting environment, learning how to develop comprehensive acquisition plans that align with program objectives, regulatory requirements, and agency policies. Emphasis is placed on integrating contracting strategies with broader program goals to ensure effective resource management and mission success.

Participants will deepen their understanding of the full contracting lifecycle—from pre-award planning and source selection to post-award execution and contractor performance management. Through practical exercises and discussions, they will learn to balance cost, risk, and technical merit while leading contract activities that drive program results. This course supports the competencies required for FAC-P/PM Senior-Level standards.

## What you'll learn

- Assess federal contracting challenges and constraints, including regulatory, ethical, and organizational factors.
- Evaluate and refine acquisition plans to align with strategy, budget, and risk.
- Adapt pre-award and source selection to program objectives, including clear evaluation criteria.
- Lead contract execution, manage performance and changes, and communicate with stakeholders.
- Choose contract types and incentives that support program requirements and lifecycle goals.

## Prerequisites

Participants should have at least four years of program or project management experience, including a minimum of one year managing or supporting federal programs or projects within the past ten years.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Managing the Federal Systems Environment

- Understand the federal acquisition environment and stakeholder roles in program contracting.
- Define program needs through concepts of operation, requirements analysis, and scope planning.
- Develop core planning documents (e.g., Statements of Work, cost estimates, schedules) in compliance with federal standards.

#### Module 2: Orchestrating the Acquisition Plan

- Formulate an acquisition strategy that aligns with program objectives and risk considerations.
- Select appropriate contract types and procurement methods to support the program plan.
- Incorporate risk management and policy requirements into a comprehensive acquisition plan, including drafting effective SOW, PWS, or SOO.

#### Module 3: The Pre‐Award and Source Selection Process

- Prepare solicitation packages and evaluation criteria in accordance with the FAR and agency guidelines.
- Conduct source selection activities: evaluating proposals, determining competitive range, and managing discussions.
- Apply best-value decision-making techniques and documentation to select contractors and award contracts.

#### Module 4: Executing the Contract

- Oversee post-award contract administration and contractor performance against requirements.
- Manage contract modifications, change control, and issue resolution during contract execution.
- Ensure deliverables, quality standards, and stakeholder expectations are met through effective contract oversight and communication.

#### Module 5: Service and IT Contracting Needs

- Adapt acquisition strategies for service contracts and information technology projects.
- Develop performance-based work statements and service level agreements to measure contractor performance.
- Address unique considerations for IT procurement (e.g., technology upgrades, security requirements) and align them with program needs.

#### Module 6: Putting It All Together

- Execute a capstone project that integrates planning, solicitation, and contract management for a complex program scenario.
- Synthesize all contracting concepts into a cohesive procurement approach from initiation to contract closeout.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of contracting strategies in meeting program objectives and regulatory compliance.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $2049