1. Hot Topic Research Assignment
October 2017

2. Assignment
You and your team will research your assigned Research Topic and prepare a briefing for the class
During this time you will research and discuss your team’s issue and then prepare to present a 5 – 10 minute Powerpoint presentation of the assigned issue to the entire class
You will present your assigned issue as though you were teaching us (the rest of the class)
Please reference your team’s assignment and the rubric for specific requirements
Please feel free to ask questions of the class regarding what you covered as learning objectives
Be prepared to answer questions from your class and faculty coaches

3. Well Below Expectations 1-2
7/22/2018
CON 360 Hot Topic Rubric
Hot Topics Team Presentation
Well Below Expectations 1-2
Meets Expectations 3-4
Exceeds Expectations 5
SCORE
Synthesis : Presentation is relevant and meaningful to the audience. It is clear that the team has researched the topic and has demonstrated an understanding of the topic.
Failed to research topic and demonstrate an understanding of the topic. Students were unable to synthesize information into a articulate and accurate presentation.
Adequately researched topic and demonstrated an understanding of the topic. Generally synthesized information into a articulate and accurate presentation.
Thoroughly researched topic and demonstrated an understanding of the topic. Synthesized information into an articulate and accurate presentation.
Faculty Comments
Impact on Workforce: Thoroughly analyzed and addressed impact of issue on the contracting workforce.
Student presentation failed to thoroughly address the impact of policy, court case, law, etc on the contracting workforce.
Student presentation adequately addressed the impact of policy, court case, law, etc on the contracting workforce.
Student presentation thoroughly addressed the impact of policy, court case, law, etc on the contracting workforce.
Other Comments:
TOTAL SCORE
Max. = 10 points
Min. = 0 points

4. Research Topics
Team 1: What’s hot on the Hill? Look at the proposed House version of the FY18 NDAA HR 2810 Section VIII “Acquisition Policy and Management, and pick the three most significant sections of the proposed legislation and clearly summarize them. In addition, on the DPAP website, review the Open DFARS cases and determine if the FY 17 or 16 NDAAs resulted in any open DFARS cases then give us 2 examples. Tell us how you think the sections of legislation you chose from the FY 18 NDAA and the Open DFARS cases will impact the contracting workforce.
Team 2: Review the 2016 Guidebook for Acquiring Engineering Technical Services (ETS) – Best Practices and Lessons Learned. Describe the purpose of the report and then select three lessons learned or best practices from the report and describe them in detail. Then address the value of this report and what if any benefit it may have for the contracting workforce.
Team 3: Review the Innovative Contracting Case Studies published 21 Aug 2014 by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) as a resource to leverage innovative procurement practices. Select two types of innovations from the report and describe them with sufficient detail for us to understand what is innovative and the results or case studies to date. Discuss the potential promoting and inhibiting forces of implementing such innovations within DoD and how you think these innovations could impact contracting.
Team 4: Review the Draft DoD Guidebook for Acquiring Commercial Items, Part B: Pricing Commercial Items dated 24 February, Detail its purpose and explain at least 3 concepts that are described in the book. Assess the overall value of this guidebook and what if any benefit it may have for the contracting workforce.
Team 5: Review the June 2017, SIGAR SP report on camouflaged uniforms. Summarize the facts and circumstances of the report. In addition, review the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit case “Metcalf Construction Company Inc. v. United States.” Summarize the case, the findings and conclusion of the court. What are the lessons learned for the contracting workforce from these two readings?