Syllabus for Roster(s):
- 15Sp PC 4010-701 (SCPS)
Course Description (for SIS)
This course introduces the procurement and contracting processes, and explores fundamental principles and techniques in detail. The course emphasizes government contracting but also discusses private sector contracting.
This survey course encompasses the entire contracting process from receipt of a purchase request through contract closeout. Students use the National Contract Management Association Contract Management Body of Knowledge and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to make business related decisions. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
1. Understand the contract business environment and act as business advisers
2. Understand the essentials of acquisition planning including analysis of contracting requirements and planning for competition and source selection
3. Know the fundamentals of contract formation including the drafting of solicitations, evaluation of quotes and offers, and awarding of contracts
4. Understand the fundamentals of contract administration including planning for successful contract administration, monitoring of contract quality, administration of payments, as well as modification, termination and close out of contracts
Full Syllabus
THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
CONTINUING EDUCATION
NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER
Course Syllabus
Spring 2015
Course Title: Introduction to Federal Procurement (PC 4010)
Credits: 3 credits
Course Objectives:
This course encompasses the entire federal acquisition lifecycle (from the time an agency’s need is identified through contract closeout) and the challenges that arises throughout the process. It will provide an understanding of the functions within all phases of the acquisition lifecycle including: pre-award/pre-solicitation, solicitation & award, and post-award management.
The term of acquisition has moved beyond procurement and contracting; it’s no longer just about the contract office as the broader definition of acquisition now focuses on other major and integral roles especially those dealing with the program office such as requirements definition, budgets/funding, contract office performance, and vendor performance. Acquisition also comprises other major roles: IT Office, Finance Office, Contractors and Vendors.
Student Performance Evaluation Criteria:
Evaluation of student performance will result from individual required responses, group participation in the topic driven discussion boards, mid-term exam and a final examination. The grading system will include the use of grades A, B, C, D, and F, including the use of plus (+) and minus (-) for each grade. Final grades will be based upon the following evaluation criteria: (see Appendix B of this syllabus regarding the detailed grading guidelines)
Timely completion of all course requirements in accordance with the due dates specified in Appendix A of the syllabus is essential for maximizing your learning experience.
Because this course is highly interactive, each late assignment carries a deduction of 1 point. Many of the assignment are threaded discussions and therefore make for effective dialogue when students’ post timely responses.
Active participation in the Threaded Discussion feature (Discussion Board) and the final exam will be based on the following:
Grading Criteria & Guidelines: See Appendices for detailed grading guideline
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Course Requirement |
Total points available |
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Discussion Forums |
300 |
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Quizzes |
600 |
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Mid-term Exam |
140 |
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FINAL Exam |
160 |
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Total Points for Grade Calculations |
1200 |
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Grading Scale:
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Points |
Percentage |
Letter Grade |
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1200 |
100% |
A+ |
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1140 – 1199 |
95%--99% |
A |
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1080 – 1139 |
90%--94% |
A- |
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1044 – 1079 |
87%--89% |
B+ |
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996 – 1043 |
83%--86% |
B |
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960 – 995 |
80%--82% |
B- |
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924 – 959 |
77%--79% |
C+ |
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876 – 923 |
73%--76% |
C |
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840 – 875 |
70%--72% |
C- |
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804 – 839 |
67%--69% |
D+ |
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756 – 803 |
63%--66% |
D |
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720 – 755 |
60%--62% |
D- |
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719 – 0 |
Below 60% |
F |
Course Schedule & Due Dates: See Appendix A of the syllabus
Textbook:
Contract Management Body of Knowledge, Fourth Edition
By: NCMA, Updated by Margaret G. Rumbaugh, CPCM, Fellow
ISBN- 978-0-9700897-7-9 PRICE: $50 (NCMA member)/$60 (nonmember) Purchase
Required Readings: refer to each specific lesson for links to supplemental course materials.
Assignments: refer to each specific lesson
Availability:
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Office Hours: |
Online 24/7 |
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Phone Number
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I am also available via cellular phone at 703-407-1721 between the hours of 10AM – 10PM ET |
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Email Address |
Pease use the Communication Tools/Email feature to send me an email any time and/or send directly to uvaronf@aol.com I make every attempt to respond to student emails within 24 hours (Mon-Fri) and within 48 hours (Sat-Sun) |
Course Expectations:
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Student responsibilities |
See Appendix B to the syllabus
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Instructor responsibilities |
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Honor Code |
See below |
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University of Virginia Purpose Statement |
The central purpose of the University of Virginia is to enrich the mind by stimulating and sustaining a spirit of free inquiry directed to understanding the nature of the universe and the role of mankind in it. Activities designed to quicken, discipline, and enlarge the intellectual and creative capacities, as well as the aesthetic and ethical awareness, of the members of the University and to record, preserve, and disseminate the results of intellectual discovery and creative endeavor serve this purpose. In fulfilling it, the University places the highest priority on achieving eminence as a center of higher learning. |
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Content and Discourse Statement |
Students are expected to discuss issues respectfully and to honor differing points of view. The University and its School of Continuing and Professional Studies do not discriminate in any of their programs, procedures, or practices against any person on the basis of age, citizenship, color, handicap, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. The University operates equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for faculty, staff, and students. The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Any applicant for admission or employment, or any student who feels discriminated against should contact the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity Programs (EOP) at Poe Alley, West Lawn, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903. |
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Accommodations for Students With Disabilities
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It is the policy of the University of Virginia to accommodate students with disabilities in accordance with federal and state laws. Any SCPS student with a disability who needs accommodation (e.g., in arrangements for seating, extended time for examinations, or note-taking, etc.), should contact the Learning Needs and Evaluation Center (LNEC) and provide them with appropriate medical or psychological documentation of his/her condition. Once accommodations are approved, it is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the instructor about logistics and implementation of accommodations. If students have difficulty accessing any part of the course materials or activities for this class, they should contact the instructor immediately. Accommodations for test-taking should be arranged at least 14 business days in advance of the date of the test(s). A student’s academic dean is also available to assist with accommodations, particularly for temporary or emergency situation. Please email SCPSaccomodation@virginia.edu Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the LNEC: 434-243-5180/Voice, 434-465-6579/Video Phone, 434-243-5188/Fax. Web: http://www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/lnec.html |
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THE HONOR CODE at UVA:
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Founded in 1842, the Honor System is one of the University's most cherished institutions. Based on the principle that University students want to be trusted, the Honor System helps create and strengthen a school-wide community of trust. Students at the University make a commitment not to lie, cheat or steal within Charlottesville, Albemarle County, or where they represent themselves as University students in order to gain the trust of others. Because they have made this commitment, students are trusted by peers, faculty members, administrators, and community residents alike. Students conduct themselves with integrity and are presumed honorable until proven otherwise. Students are recruited and trained by the Honor Committee to serve as advisors and to provide counsel. Students investigate Honor allegations, assist and support accused students through the Honor process, and work with accused students in their defense at trial. Honor jury panels are similarly comprised entirely of students. While anyone may initiate Honor proceedings, the process is administered entirely by students. The vitality of the Honor System depends upon the willingness of students to uphold the high standards set by their peers. When a student is formally accused of an Honor offense following investigation, that student may elect to either (1) leave the University, without requesting a trial (in which case that student will be deemed to have admitted guilt, whether or not such an admission is expressly made), or (2) request an Honor trial. Any student found guilty of an Honor offense, or deemed to have admitted guilt after having left without requesting a trial, will be permanently dismissed from the University. The notation "enrollment discontinued" will be placed on the student's transcript, without specific reference to the Honor proceedings. In the case of a student found guilty of an Honor offense following graduation, or deemed to have admitted guilt without requesting a trial after graduation, the General Faculty of the University may undertake proceedings to revoke that student's degree. The rules of the Honor System apply to any person who was a University student at the time an alleged Honor offense was committed, so long as a case is initiated within two years thereafter. Students who enroll at the University benefit from the freedom and security provided by the Honor System; every student must agree to live by and support the spirit of honor. Applicants who are not prepared to embrace this freedom and accept this responsibility should not apply for admission. This is intended as a brief summary of some important aspects of the University's Honor System. For more information, visit the Honor Committee Web page: www.student.virginia.edu/~honor. If you have further questions, please call the Committee at (434) 924-7602. The Honor Committee, June 2002 |
Syllabus: Appendix A -- Due Dates
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APPENDIX A PC4010 Syllabus Schedule – Spring 2015 |
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Contract Management Body of Knowledge Reading Assignment |
Federal Acquisition Regulation Reading Assignment (note 1) |
Discussion Board Due Dates (note 2) |
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Week 1 Orientation
01/20/2015 |
Read orientation materials before starting course
Also Chapter 1 & 2 of CMBOK: Chapter 1: CMBOK What is a contract? What is Contract Management?
Chapter 2 CMBOK Overview
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Post your introduction no later than 01/22/2015 Respond to 2 other students’ posts by 01/24/2015 |
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1.0 Pre-Award Competencies |
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Week 2
Lesson 1
01/27/2015
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Chapter 3: CMBOK Competencies 1.1 Laws and Regulations 1.2 Contract Principles |
FAR 1.1 Purpose, Authority, Issuance FAR 1.602-3 Ratification FAR 4.1 Contract Execution |
Answer question by 01/29/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 01/31/2015 |
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Week 3
Lesson 2
02/03/2015 |
Chapter 3: CMBOK Competencies 1.3 Standards of Conduct 1.4 Socioeconomic Programs 1.5 Contract Types |
FAR 3 Improper Business Practices FAR 19.2 Small Business policies FAR 16 Contract Types |
Answer question by 02/05/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 02/07/2015 |
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Week 4
Lesson 3
02/10/2015 |
Chapter 3: CMBOK Competencies 1.6 Contracting Methods 1.7 Contract Financing 1.8 Intellectual Property |
FAR 13 Simplified Acquisition FAR 14 Sealed Bid FAR 15 Negotiated |
Answer question by 02/12/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 02/14/2015 |
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2.0 Acquisition Planning/Strategy |
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Week 5
Lesson 4
02/17/2015 |
Chapter 3: CMBOK Competencies 2.1 Acquisition Planning, Market Research, & Marketing 2.2 Drafting Solicitations |
FAR 6 Competition Requirements FAR 7 Acquisition Planning FAR 10 Market Research FAR 11 Describing Agency Needs |
Answer question by 02/19/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 02/21/2015 |
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Week 6
Lesson 5
02/24/2015 |
Chapter 3: CMBOK Competencies 2.3 Responding to Solicitations 2.4 Cost and Price Analysis |
FAR 15.4 Contract Pricing |
Answer question by 02/26/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 02/28/2015 |
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Week 7
Lesson 6
03/03/2015 |
Chapter 3: CMBOK Competencies 2.5 Negotiation 2.6 Source Selection and Contract Award 2.7 Protests |
FAR 15 Negotiated |
Answer question by 03/05/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 03/07/2015 |
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Week 8
Lesson 7 -- Midterm
03/10/2015 |
Midterm |
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Must be completed by 03/16/2015 |
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Week 9
Lesson 8
03/17/2015 |
3.1 Contract Management 3.2 Contract Performance & QA |
FAR 42.3 Contract Administration FAR 46.2 Quality Assurance FAR 52.246 Inspection clauses |
Answer question by 03/19/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 03/21/2015 |
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Week 10
Lesson 9
03/24/2015 |
3.3 Subcontract Management 3.4 Contract Changes and Modifications |
FAR 43 Contract Modifications FAR 44 Subcontracts |
Answer question by 03/26/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 03/28/2015 |
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Week 11
Lesson 10
03/31/2015 |
3.5 Transportation 3.6 Contract Interpretation and Disputes |
FAR 47 Transportation FAR 33.2 Disputes |
Answer question by 04/02/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 04/04/2015 |
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Week 12
Lesson 11
04/07/2015 |
3.7 Contract Closeout 3.8 Contract Termination and Excusable Delay |
FAR 4.804-5 Closeout FAR 49 Termination FAR 52.249-14 Excusable Delay |
Answer question by 04/07/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 04/09/2015 |
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4.0 Specialized Knowledge Area |
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Week 13
Lesson 12
04/14/2015 |
4.1 Research and Development 4.2 Architect-Engineer Services and Construction 4.3 Information Technology 4.4 Major Systems 4.5 Service Contracts |
FAR 35 R&D FAR 36 Construction A&E FAR 27.4 Rights in Data FAR 39 Information Technology FAR 34 Major Systems FAR 37 Service Contracts |
Answer question by 04/16/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 04/18/2015 |
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Week 14
Lesson 13
04/21/2015 |
4.6 International Contracting 4.7 State and Local Government 4.8 Supply Chain Management 4.9 Government Property 4.10 Other Specialized Areas |
FAR 25 Foreign Acquisition FAR 45 Government Property FAR 23 Environmental |
Answer question by 04/23/2015 Reply to 2 other posts by 04/25/2015 |
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Week 15
Lesson 14
04/28/2015 |
Final Exam |
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Must be completed by 05/03/2015 |
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Note 1: It is not necessary to read the entire FAR Part, but students are expected to skim the reading assignment to be familiar with the content. This will give you valuable experience in looking up FAR citations. The FAR link is provided in the course
Note 2: There are two due dates for each discussion forum: the first due date is the deadline by which your first posting must appear. The second due date is the deadline by which you must reply to two other student's posts. To meet the deadline the post must be done on or before the required date at 11:00PM.