Yalepharma also offers elective courses for contracting functions that are not covered in the core curriculum, including contracting for architect and engineering services, contracting for information technology, contracting for research and development, construction contracting, sealed bidding, and simplified acquisition.

Elective Acquisition Processes

Sealed Bidding

Course Description:
Sealed bidding is a method of contracting used by the Federal Government for purchases exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. It employs competitive bidding, public opening of bids, and awards. Other methods of contracting are used only when sealed bidding is determined not to be appropriate. This course is designed for students who are involved in procurements exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. The course addresses the statutory requirements for sealed bidding contained in 10 U.S.C. and 41 U.S.C. The policies and procedures covered in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 14 are also covered extensively.

This course provides entry-level contracting (GS-1102 and equivalent) personnel with opportunities to develop skill at awarding contracts through sealed bidding. Quizzes and practical exercises supplement the lecture portion of the course.

ACE Credit Recommendation:
In the lower division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Business Administration, Federal Acquisition, Public Administration, Procurement Management, or Purchasing.

Prerequisites:
* Acquisition Planning I
* Lessons and Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives:
1. Acquisition Planning Review
* State the four requirements for the use of sealed bidding.
* Describe the elements of acquisition planning (e.g., purchase requests, market research, requirements documents, set aside decisions, solicitation mailing lists, and determination of the method of procurement).
2. IFB Preparation
Given the purchase request, acquisition planning decisions, and a determination to award through sealed bidding:
* Select provisions and clauses for the Invitation For Bids (IFB) and assemble the IFB.
3. Publicizing the IFB and Preaward Inquiries
Given a proposed solicitation:
* Select and implement a method or methods of publicizing the proposed procurement.
* Given a written or oral inquiry on a solicitation, copies of bids and proposals received in response to the solicitation, and a copy of the solicitation:
* Respond to inquiries concerning solicitations.

Contracting for Information Technology

Course Description:
The Information Technology Management Reform Act (ITMRA) made sweeping changes in the world of IT acquisition. This course provides the most recent guidance in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and OMB circulars.
In addition to learning about recent changes in laws and regulations, students will learn to determine if the items and/or services they are purchasing are "information technology" and gain an understanding of the unique issues surrounding this dynamic field. This course also teaches students the process involved in soliciting and negotiating IT contracts.

Case studies will provide a hands-on learning environment for students. Lectures will also enhance understanding of IT-specific issues.

ACE Credit Recommendation:
In the lower division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Business Administration, Federal Acquisition, Public Administration, Procurement Management, or Purchasing.

Prerequisites:
None

Learning Objectives:
* List changes to the IT acquisition process that resulted from ITMRA.
* Define categories of information technology.
* Describe specification development for equipment, software and services.
* Recognize the different types of specifications for IT resources.
* Perform market research for IT.
* Know different types of intellectual property.
* Explain warranties.
* Solicit and negotiate IT contracts.
* Identify important issues in IT protests.
* Describe unique issues in IT contract administration

Basic Simplified Acquisition

Course Description:
This entry-level course provides participants with a working knowledge of purchase cards and other procedures for acquiring supplies and services under the micropurchase threshold; of simplified acquisition procedures for acquiring non-commercial supplies and services up to $100,000; and the procedures and policies of both FAR Parts 12 and 13 when acquiring commercial supplies and services up to $5,000,000.

Prerequisites:
None

Learning Objectives:
* Make micro-purchases.
* Evaluate purchase requests.
* Conduct oral or written solicitations for commercial and non-commercial items.
* Issue purchase orders.
* Apply acquisition-related sections of the Small Business Act.
* Manage purchase and delivery orders.

Advanced Simplified Acquisition

Course Description:
This special course is a must for industry and government professionals who have purchasing requirements over $25,000 for equipment and services. The course focuses on the importance of market research in planning and preparing for the buy. It explores the dimensions of best value methodology as it applies to simplified acquisition and builds confidence in making successful purchasing decisions on every requisition.

Prerequisites:
Basic Simplified Acquisition

Learning Objectives:
* Determine when you have adequate competition.
* Describe strategies and techniques for improving accomplishment of socio-economic requirements.
* Implement effective planning techniques.
* Use evaluation factors and negotiation techniques to achieve best value.
* Discuss how the evaluation process is a key component in the best value decision.
* Recognize and deal with fraud.
* Identify relevant quality assurance issues.
* Describe the steps involved in payment and closeout.
* Use appropriate monitoring techniques

  Advanced Contract Law

Course Description:
Sometimes monitoring contracts involves complex issues. Many contracting professionals find they are unprepared or lack confidence in dealing with these issues. This course will explore topics such as: approving and following up on prime contractors' subcontracting plans under P.L. 95-507, approving subcontracts, approving a prime's purchasing system, approving the use of Government Furnished Property, dealing with delays, contemplating termination, handling disputes, and dealing with constructive change.
This is the perfect course for those who need an in-depth review and understanding of complex Federal contract administration issues. More importantly, it will teach you to anticipate problems and resolve them quickly and efficiently. Real cases will be used to supplement lecture and discussion.

Prerequisites:
Government Contract Law

Learning Objectives:
* Determine the best way to plan for improved contract monitoring.
* Know how to make the post-award orientation conference work for you.
* Determine when it is appropriate to approve the prime's subcontracts.
* Make P.L. 95-507 work on your contract.
* Review and approve contractor purchasing systems.
* Discuss the challenge of monitoring services.
* Make quality assurance work for you.
* Identify alternative remedies when the contract is breached.
* Describe the procedures to follow in the event of contract termination.
* Deal with changes and constructive changes -especially reaching the all-important equitable adjustment.
* Settle claims and handle disputes.
* Avoid overruns on cost reimbursement contracts.