# Government Contract Law Course Canonical URL: ## Overview Understand the legal issues related to government contracts, the rules that apply, and how the facts determine the outcome of the case. Read and discuss actual cases that illustrate the contract issues covered. Consider the legal issues related to appropriations, authority, the Christian Doctrine, intellectual property, sealed bidding, simplified acquisitions, competitive negotiation, late bids or proposals, responsibility, unfair competitive advantage, conflicts of interest, the set aside Rule of Two, the Severin Doctrine, constructive changes, terminations, suspensions of work, differing site conditions, contract fraud, ethical considerations and unfair competitive advantage. ## What you'll learn - Explain the legal and regulatory framework of government contracting. - Identify the legal requirements of sealed bidding, simplified acquisitions, and negotiation in the contract award process. - Explain protest and dispute legal remedies and the roles of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and the Civilian and Armed Services Boards of Contract Appeals. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: The Uniqueness of the Government as a Contractor - Explains how government contracting differs from private-sector contracting - Outlines sovereign powers, public policy requirements, and statutory mandates - Describes the role of public interest in shaping contract law #### Module 2: Contract Formation Principles - Defines the legal elements of contract formation - Explains offer, acceptance, and consideration in the federal context - Identifies essential elements required for enforceable agreements #### Module 3: Authority of Government Agents - Clarifies who can legally bind the government in contract matters - Defines actual vs. apparent authority in acquisition - Discusses consequences of unauthorized commitments #### Module 4: The Statutory and Regulatory Framework - Introduces foundational acquisition statutes and regulations - Explains the roles of FAR, DFARS, and agency supplements - Outlines statutory limitations on contracting authority #### Module 5: Miscellaneous Acquisition Procedures - Describes simplified acquisition and commercial item procedures - Explains purchase cards and micropurchase thresholds - Introduces interagency agreements and special acquisitions #### Module 6: Sealed Bidding and Common Acquisition Issues - Explains the sealed bidding process under the FAR - Details bid submission, evaluation, and award - Covers bid mistakes, protests, and rejection rules #### Module 7: Responsibility, Suspension, Debarment - Defines contractor responsibility and pre-award clearance - Outlines grounds for suspension and debarment - Discusses impact of exclusions on procurement eligibility #### Module 8: Competitive Proposals and Negotiation - Explores negotiated procurement and source selection - Explains evaluation factors and best-value tradeoffs - Describes discussions, revisions, and final award decisions #### Module 9: Types of Contracts - Introduces fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and other contract types - Outlines risk allocation and appropriate use of each type - Explains contract selection considerations under the FAR #### Module 10: Socioeconomic Considerations - Discusses statutory programs supporting small and disadvantaged businesses - Explains set-aside policies and socioeconomic evaluation factors - Highlights legal obligations for inclusion and compliance #### Module 11: Subcontracting - Outlines rules for prime-subcontractor relationships - Explains flow-down clauses and responsibility tracking - Describes subcontracting plans and reporting requirements #### Module 12: Contract Administration - Details post-award roles and responsibilities - Explains contract performance oversight and modifications - Describes invoice review, acceptance, and payment issues #### Module 13: Disputes and Remedies - Explores the Contract Disputes Act and claims process - Details remedies for breach, nonperformance, and default - Covers appeal rights, boards of contract appeals, and litigation ## Schedule - Aug 17, 2026 – Aug 21, 2026 — Live Online - Sep 14, 2026 – Sep 18, 2026 — Live Online - Dec 7, 2026 – Dec 11, 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:** $1650