FAC-COTR Certification

Kim Doherty 301 496-7092,

dohertyk2@mail.nih.gov

NIH Acting Acquisition Career Manager

New Handbook

• New policy issued January, 2009

• Recent Handbook issued August, 2010

• FAC-COTR certification in place

• Currently over 1,750 approved FAC-COTRs within NIH

POs and COTRs

• Project Officer before award

• COTR after award

• COTR must be FAC-COTR certified

• COTR must be designated in writing

Three ways to Certification

• Take COTR training within 2 years

• Supplement old COTR/PO training with 40 CLPs of training that maps to COTR Competencies

• Apply via “fulfillment”, claiming that your experience or alternative training qualifies you to serve.

COTR Training

• Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative Training

• Online COTR Training

• Basic Project Officer Training

• The COTR Training Program

• Comprehensive COTR Workshop

Online COTR Training - FAI

– CLC106 – COR with a Mission Focus (8 CLPs) – CLC004 – Market Research (3 CLPs) – CLC007 – Contract Source Selection (2 CLP) – CLM003 – Ethics Training for Acquisition Technology

and Logistics (2 CLPs) – CLM024 – Contracting Overview (8 CLPs) – CLM031 – Improved Statement of Work (4 CLP) – CLC013 – Performance-Based Services (6 CLPs) – CLM016 – Cost Estimating (8 CLPs) – CLB 016 -  Introduction to EVM (1 CLP) https://www.atrrs.army.mil/channels/faitas/student/logon.aspx?caller=1

COTR Competencies

CompetenciesGeneral Business Technical

Oral Communication Understanding COTR duties, responsibilities, and obligations

Decision-Making Effective Communication of Contract Requirements

Teamwork Effective Performance Management

Problem Solving Strategic Planning

Attention to Detail Detailed Evaluation Skills

Reasoning Defining Business Relationships

Flexibility Understanding the Marketplace

Interpersonal Skills Effective Communication

Self-Management/Initiative Defining Gov’t Requirements in Commercial/Non-Commercial Terms

Integrity/Honesty Effective Negotiation Skills and Effective Analytical Skills

Planning and Evaluating

Note:A definition of each competency is provided at

http://www.fai.gov/acm/cotrcomp.asp

Influencing/Negotiating

Writing

Project Management

Fulfillment

The process by which an employee can demonstrate attainment of the required competencies for certification through alternative training, experience, education, certification by another recognized organization or other developmental activities.

Fulfillment

• 4 page request form

• Addresses each competency

• “You may attach other documents that demonstrate proficiency in the competencies.”

Recertification

• COTRs must take 40 CLPS every two years, 32 that map to COTR competencies plus 8 more that may address technical skills

Green Purchasing

• Required to take every two years.

• Available online as described at http://oamp.od.nih.gov/Division/acp

• Then send e-mail to Kim Doherty, dohertyk2@mail.nih.gov with a cc to your supervisor.

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How to Apply

• All three ways to get certified go through online application.

• Follow directions at http://oamp.od.nih.gov/Division/acp/POTraining/FACCOTR/COTR-FAC-CERT.asp

• We need confirmation that you completed the required training.

• Record may be in our files – online system.

FAC-PPM

• Federal Acquisition Certificate for Program and Project Managers

• Initially it will only apply to IT and Construction managers

• Three levels of certification

• Required within a year (or 2 years) of assignment

Entry/Apprentice (Level I) Mid-level/Journeyman (Level II)

Senior/Expert (Level III)

Experience: At least 1 year of project management experience within the last 5 years. The experience should include: constructing a work breakdown structure; preparing project analysis documents;tailoring acquisition documents to ensure that quality, effective, efficient systems or products are delivered;analyzing and/or developing requirements; monitoring performance; assisting with quality assurance; and budget development.

Experience: At least 2 years of program or project management experience within the last 5 years that includes experience at the Entry/Apprentice level. The experience should include: performing market research; developing documents for risk and opportunity management; developing and applying technical processes and technical management processes;performing or participating in source selection; preparing acquisition strategies; managing performance-based service agreements;developing and managing a project budget;writing a business case; and strategic planning.

Experience: At least 4 years of program and project management experience on federal projects within the last 5 years. The experience should include:experience managing and evaluating agency acquisition investment performance; developing and managing a program budget; building and presenting a successful business case; reporting program results; strategic planning; and high-level communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Core Training:24 hours - Basic Acquisition 24 hours - Basic Project Management 16 hours - Leadership and Interpersonal Skills 24 hours - Government-specific 24 hours - Earned Value Management and Cost Estimating

Minimum Core Training:24 hours - Intermediate Project Management 16 hours - Leadership and Interpersonal Skills 24 hours - Government- specific 24 hours - Earned Value Management and Cost Estimating

Minimum Core Training:24 hours - Advanced Acquisition Management 24 hours - Advanced Program/Project Management 16 hours - Leadership and Interpersonal Skills 24 hours - Government- specific 24 hours - Earned Value Management and Cost Estimating