The online Government Contract Management certificate program provides students with the knowledge and understanding of government contract acquisition and management. The program is designed for those new to government contracting, as well as current contract administrators and managers responsible for government contracting projects with a desire to advance in their career.

Spring 2024 course: 1/29/24 - 4/7/24
Summer 2024 course: 5/14/24 - 7/14/24
Fall 2024 course: 9/22/24 - 11/24/24

Fundamentals of Government Contracting

Introduction to government contracting, providing information needed to understand procurement from acquisition planning through contract closeout. This course will give you additional basic insight into the requirements to become a Program Manager and covers acquisition team roles and responsibilities.

Small and Minority Owned Businesses & Gov't Contracting

Small and Minority Owned Businesses and Government Contracting – Learn the importance of small and minority-owned businesses in government. You will gain the understanding of how to form a small or minority business, become familiar with the SBA, DOD and other government agency requirements for forming and operating a small or minority business to secure government contracts.

Federal Acquisition Planning and Strategy

Gain an in-depth understanding of contract structure, strategy and analysis of pricing. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the proposal preparation process including the writing and pricing concepts, proposal submission requirements, negotiations and insight into government contract awards and GAO processes for protest of awards.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Analysis

Provides a detailed explanation and analysis of several FAR standards and tests applied to contracting decisions. Students will also gain an understanding of the Department of Defense’s Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and the FAA’s Acquisition Management System (AMS). This session introduces the legal foundations and source of law relevant to the procurement process. You’ll get an analysis of issues that may develop during the various phases of a contract, including subcontracting considerations, protests, inspection and acceptance, fraud and contract termination.

Prerequisites are not required.

Enrollment is open to all students and professionals interested in learning more about government contracting, acquisition, and management.
The curriculum consists of four courses. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are awarded a certificate.

Tuition is $1,000 (there is a 2.85% processing fee for all credit card payments). Students will purchase three books of required reading from an outside source.

REQUIRED READING FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

1. Federal Acquisition – Key Issues and Guidance, Author Paula B. Compton

ISBN 978-1-56726-248-3

2. Government Contracts in a Nutshell – Author Steven W. Feldman, 6th ed.

ISBN 978-1-63459-444-8

3. The Small-Business Guide to Government Contracts-How to comply with the Key Rules and Regulations…and Avoid Terminated Agreements, Fines, or Worse – Author Steven J. Koprince

ISBN 978-0-8144-3972-2

NOTE: To receive a full refund of tuition, students must withdraw before the 3rd week of class.

Dr. April Bennett

Dr. April Bennett holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Theology with a minor in Nonprofit Administration. She has also acquired a Master of Business Administration degree and a Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management degree from Florida Institute of Technology. In addition, Dr. Bennett has acquired a doctoral degree in Strategic Leadership with a concentration in Global Consulting from Regent University. Supplementary to her formal education, Professor Bennett has obtained the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) from the Federal Acquisition Institute.

Dr. Bennett has worked many years managing federal contracts and grants. Currently, she is a Contract Specialist for NASA, having also held the same position for the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. NAVY. She has also held contracting positions with major universities in both North Carolina and Virginia. Professor Bennett strongly believes in training the next generation of contracting professionals and will present the latest acquisition concepts and methodologies to do so.

Melissa Cory, Director: 405-208-5540

Teresa Mitchell: 405-208-5488