FAC-COTR Certification Kim Doherty , 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 Introduction to EVM (1 CLP)

COTR Competencies Competencies General BusinessTechnical Oral CommunicationUnderstanding COTR duties, responsibilities, and obligations Decision-MakingEffective Communication of Contract Requirements TeamworkEffective Performance Management Problem SolvingStrategic Planning Attention to DetailDetailed Evaluation Skills ReasoningDefining Business Relationships FlexibilityUnderstanding the Marketplace Interpersonal SkillsEffective Communication Self-Management/InitiativeDefining Gov’t Requirements in Commercial/Non- Commercial Terms Integrity/HonestyEffective Negotiation Skills and Effective Analytical Skills Planning and Evaluating Note: A definition of each competency is provided at 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 Then send to Kim Doherty, 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 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