EDUCATION AND TRAINING :: The complex and ever-changing nature of big-budget contracting in the government sector requires contractors and government officials alike to keep abreast of the issues through education and training programs.  Listed here are education and training resources for your assistance.  Organizational descriptions are derived from the linked web sites.  Some of the resources come at no charge, while others require registration or subscription fees.
 

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o	SBA Online Courses.  These no-charge courses are the result of collaboration between the SBA and several co-sponsors including Cisco Systems, Harvard Business School Publishing, and Office.com.
o	Federal Acquisition Institute.  This web site functions as an "online university."   Any government official may attend to obtain the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform acquisition-related assignments.  It addresses issues applicable to entry-level as well as experienced procurement personnel.  Currently also open to the general public, this site is a great resource for learning about government contract principles from the point of view of a government acquisition professional.
o	National Contract Management Association.  Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia.  NCMA is a membership organization serving contract management and procurement professionals.  In addition to offering training for the Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and Certified Associate Contracts Manager (CACM) certification programs, NCMA offers educational courses on a range of government contracts topics.  Fee-based.
o	Federal Publications Seminars, LLC.  Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia.  Provides training in all areas of Government Contracting, Construction Law, Immigration Law, Personnel & Employment Law, International Law, and Commercial Contracts & Practices.  Fee-based.
o	CIO University.  "The CIO University is a virtual consortium of universities which offers graduate level programs that directly address the executive core competencies adopted by the Federal Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council. The purpose of the CIO University is to improve government by enhancing the skills of its top executives."
o	Defense Acquisition University. "The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) provides mandatory, assignment-specific, and continuing education courses for military and civilian acquisition personnel. Its mission is to provide the acquisition community with the right learning products and services to make smart business decisions."
o	Air Force Institute of Technology.  "The mission of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is to provide defense- focused graduate and continuing education, research, and consultation to improve Air Force and Department of Defense (DoD). The Institute provides two closely related services: graduate-level education and professional continuing education."
o	National Association of Purchasing Management.  NAPM provides "national and international leadership in purchasing and materials management, particularly in the areas of education, research and standards of excellence."  Offers Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) and Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP) training and testing programs.
o	National Property Management Association.  A professional association serving the professional asset management sector.  Offers a range of courses in asset management, including training for certification under the following: Certified Professional Property Specialist (CPPS), Certified Professional Property Administrator (CPPA), and Certified Professional Property Manager (CPPM).
o	Small Business Advancement National Center.  Located on the scenic University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway, Arkansas, SBANC is a a multi-faceted small business counseling and electronic resource information center.  SBANC's web site offers lots of valuable information to assist already established businesses as well as those just beginning.
o	USDA Graduate School.  Established in 1921 by the secretary of agriculture, the USDA Graduate School’s mission is to improve the performance of government and to provide opportunities for individual lifelong learning through education, training and related services. The Graduate School offers career-related and continuing education courses to professionals and federal, state and local employees throughout the country. The School annually enrolls 200,000 students in nearly 1000 courses, which are available in a variety of subjects and convenient formats including: 1) daytime, evening and weekend classes; 2) correspondence, self-study and online courses; 3) leadership development programs; and 4) certificate programs.
o	Acquisition Solutions.  This company focuses on  assisting federal agencies in identifying and implementing acquisition reform and successful acquisition practices. Although this company's information, consulting, training and assessment services targeted at government agencies.  You will find resources on this website that provide leading edge insight into government agency developments in acquisition reform.
o	Management Concepts.  This company provides a range of open enrollment and customize training courses that cover the government contracts and commercial markets.  Examples of courses offered include "Acquisition and Contracting," "Project Management," and "Financial Management.  Courses are offered at scheduled intervals in nearly 30 cities around the country.