Introduction

Defense procurement and contracting play a vital role in ensuring national security by enabling governments to acquire the necessary goods, services, and technologies for military operations. The unique nature of defense contracting involves dealing with sensitive materials, advanced technology, complex requirements, and stringent legal and ethical standards. This 5-day training course offers an in-depth examination of the intricacies of defense procurement and defense contracting, providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges associated with contracting in the defense sector. The course covers procurement strategies, contract types, legal frameworks, supplier selection, and best practices for managing and executing defense contracts.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the unique characteristics and complexities of defense procurement.
• Navigate through the legal frameworks and regulatory compliance required for defense contracting.
• Recognize the various types of defense contracts (cost-reimbursement, fixed-price, etc.) and their applications.
• Develop strategies for supplier selection and effectively manage defense contractors.
• Apply best practices in negotiating and administering defense contracts.
• Understand risk management, performance monitoring, and dispute resolution in defense procurement.
• Learn how to ensure compliance with defense procurement laws, including ethical considerations and security protocols.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Procurement professionals involved in defense acquisitions.
• Contract managers and contract administrators working with defense contracts.
• Legal advisors specializing in defense procurement and contracting.
• Government officials involved in public sector defense procurement.
• Project managers in defense-related industries, including defense contractors and suppliers.
• Military officers and defense strategists engaged in procurement and contract management.
• Consultants working with government defense agencies or private contractors.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Defense Procurement and Contracting

• Overview of Defense Procurement:
  • The role of procurement in national defense and security.
  • Key objectives and challenges in defense procurement: cost, time, quality, and security.
  • Types of goods and services procured for defense: weapons, technology, logistics, etc.
• Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in Defense Procurement:
  • International, national, and local defense procurement regulations.
  • Key legislation: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
  • Compliance requirements for procurement professionals.
• Understanding Defense Procurement Processes:
  • Phases of defense procurement: planning, tendering, contracting, performance monitoring, and close-out.
  • Different procurement methods: open tendering, negotiated procurement, and direct procurement.

Day 2: Types of Defense Contracts and Their Management

• Types of Defense Contracts:
  • Fixed-Price Contracts: Characteristics and uses in defense procurement.
  • Cost-Reimbursement Contracts: Overview, applications, and managing cost overruns.
  • Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts: When to use and how to structure.
  • Time and Materials Contracts: Understanding the application in defense projects.
• Performance-Based Contracts:
  • Structuring contracts to ensure performance metrics and deliverables.
  • Risk-sharing and incentives for contractors.
• Contract Clauses and Provisions:
  • Essential clauses for defense contracts, including termination, milestone payments, delivery schedules, and penalties.
  • Understanding force majeure and escalation clauses in defense contracting.
• Modifications and Amendments in Defense Contracts:
  • Managing changes in scope, timelines, and pricing.
  • Procedures for modifying contracts in compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Day 3: Supplier Selection and Risk Management in Defense Procurement

• Supplier Selection in Defense Procurement:
  • Evaluating potential suppliers: prequalification and technical assessments.
  • Criteria for selecting defense contractors: experience, compliance, and security protocols.
  • The role of security clearance and vetting in supplier selection.
• Managing Defense Contractors:
  • Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships in defense procurement.
  • Subcontracting and managing the supply chain in defense contracts.
  • Addressing performance issues and ensuring compliance with contract terms.
• Risk Management in Defense Procurement:
  • Identifying and assessing risks in defense contracting: budget overruns, delays, and performance failures.
  • Implementing risk mitigation strategies and managing unforeseen circumstances.
  • Understanding and addressing security risks and intellectual property concerns.
• Contract Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Tools and techniques for effective contract monitoring and performance tracking.
  • Establishing performance indicators (KPIs) and managing timelines.

Day 4: Legal and Ethical Issues in Defense Procurement

• Ethical Considerations in Defense Procurement:
  • Ensuring transparency and integrity in the procurement process.
  • Addressing conflicts of interest and preventing corruption in defense contracting.
  • Implementing ethical procurement practices and adhering to codes of conduct.
• Security and Compliance in Defense Contracts:
  • Managing sensitive information and classified materials in defense procurement.
  • Ensuring compliance with ITAR, EAR, and data protection laws in international defense contracting.
  • Securing intellectual property and managing cybersecurity risks in defense procurement.
• Dispute Resolution and Claims in Defense Contracts:
  • Managing disputes: mediation, arbitration, and litigation in defense contracting.
  • Handling claims related to performance, payment, and compliance issues.
  • Case studies on major defense contract disputes and lessons learned.

Day 5: Advanced Topics and Future Trends in Defense Procurement

• Innovation and Technology in Defense Procurement:
  • The role of emerging technologies such as AI, drones, and cyber capabilities in defense procurement.
  • Contracting for advanced technology and understanding future procurement needs.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Defense:
  • Overview of PPP models and their applications in defense procurement.
  • Managing the collaboration between government agencies and private contractors.
  • Risk sharing, project financing, and managing joint ventures in defense contracting.
• Future Trends in Global Defense Procurement:
  • The impact of geopolitical shifts, budget constraints, and military modernization on defense procurement.
  • How international defense collaborations and joint procurement initiatives are reshaping the sector.
• Final Case Study and Group Exercise:
  • Real-world case study of a complex defense procurement contract.
  • Participants will work in groups to analyze the case, identify key challenges, and present solutions.

Conclusion

This course provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in defense procurement and contracting. From understanding the complexities of defense contracts to managing risks and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, participants will be prepared to handle procurement challenges in the defense sector.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certified Defense Procurement and Contracting Professional (CDPCP) certification from Learnify® Training.

Certification Benefits:

• In-depth understanding of defense procurement processes and best practices.
• Advanced skills in managing complex defense contracts and negotiating terms.
• A globally recognized certification to enhance your career in defense procurement and contracting.