AcquisitionCatalyst

In today's rapidly evolving federal acquisition landscape, agencies face the critical challenge of developing and empowering their mid-level acquisition professionals to effectively lead and manage the entire acquisition lifecycle. To meet this need, there is a pressing demand for a comprehensive training program that equips these professionals with the necessary leadership and management skills. The Acquisition Boost Leadership Development training program fills this gap by providing agencies with a structured and immersive learning experience, specifically tailored to address the unique complexities of federal acquisition. By participating in this program, agencies can ensure that their acquisition professionals are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to navigate the intricacies of the acquisition process, drive successful outcomes, and contribute to the mission success of their organizations. The Acquisition Boost Leadership Development training program is the solution agencies need to cultivate a highly skilled and effective acquisition workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of today's federal acquisition environment.

 

Program Structure:

 

The Acquisition Boost Leadership Development training program follows a cohort-based learning approach, bringing together cohorts of 24-36 government acquisition professionals. Led by expert acquisition executives serving as ambassadors, the program provides a dynamic and immersive learning experience over the course of one year.

 

The program's core component consists of four in-person quarterly sessions held at the Acquisition Catalyst Training Academy in Washington, DC. These sessions serve as intensive learning opportunities, allowing participants to engage with subject matter experts, collaborate with their peers, and delve into the intricacies of federal acquisition. Between each quarterly session, participants have a quarterly break to reflect on the program content, apply lessons learned on the job, and identify real-life challenges to be addressed in future work assignments.

 

To ensure continuous engagement and support, the program also includes three virtual sessions held between the quarterly in-person sessions. These one-hour check-ins provide an opportunity for participants to discuss their progress, share experiences, and stay connected with the cohort. The virtual sessions help maintain momentum and reinforce learning objectives throughout the program.

 

To kick-start the program, a comprehensive 2-hour virtual orientation session is conducted in late September, prior to the first in-person session in October. This session familiarizes participants with the program structure, expectations, and resources available, setting the stage for a successful learning journey.

 

Overall, the cohort-based structure, supported by in-person and virtual sessions, allows participants to benefit from the expertise of their peers, engage in robust discussions, and gain valuable insights from seasoned acquisition professionals. By blending in-person intensives with virtual check-ins, the program maximizes learning opportunities while accommodating the demanding schedules of government acquisition professionals.

 

Program Components:

 

Boost Mock Project:

The Acquisition Boost Leadership Development training program incorporates a hands-on learning experience through the Boost Mock project. This project, the Acquisition Leadership Simulation—A Complex Project Management Exercise is developed in alignment with each module. It is a team project that aims to provide participants with hands-on experience in leadership and project management within a federal acquisition context. The project involves procuring an innovative software solution to enhance the agency's data analysis capabilities. The team must navigate the complexities of the federal acquisition process, manage relationships with stakeholders, and ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget. Participants will collaborate to plan, execute, and deliver a mock acquisition project, emphasizing leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The project enables participants to tackle challenges, make strategic decisions, and develop practical solutions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the acquisition process.

 

Case Studies:

The program utilizes case studies to explore real-life acquisition scenarios, presenting participants with practical challenges and dilemmas. These case studies encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and best practices of federal acquisition.

 

Facilitated Discussions:

Facilitated discussions create an interactive learning environment where participants can engage with their peers and subject matter experts. These discussions encourage the sharing of insights, experiences, and diverse perspectives, enhancing participants' understanding of different approaches to acquisition challenges.

 

Readings and Videos:

The program includes curated readings and videos that provide participants with additional resources and perspectives. These materials supplement the coursework and further enrich participants' knowledge and understanding of acquisition concepts and best practices.

 

Hands-On Activities:

The program incorporates hands-on activities, allowing participants to practice skills, develop competencies, and apply theoretical concepts in practical situations. These activities enhance participants' ability to translate classroom learning into real-world scenarios.

 

Quality Assurance:

To ensure the highest quality experience, the program follows a rigorous quality assurance process. This includes expert facilitators who are seasoned acquisition professionals and subject matter experts. The program design undergoes regular evaluation and updates to reflect the latest industry trends, regulations, and best practices.

 

Learning Objectives:

Each module's lessons are designed to reflect the most up-to-date knowledge and best practices in federal acquisition. The program focuses on equipping participants with practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a deep understanding of the acquisition lifecycle. Each module is supported by experienced Module Ambassadors who serve as subject matter experts and provide guidance, mentorship, and real-world insights. These Ambassadors enhance the learning experience by connecting participants with industry experts and facilitating discussions and networking opportunities.

 

Site Visits:

The program includes site visits to government agencies, industry partners, or other relevant organizations. These visits provide participants with the opportunity to observe and learn from real-world acquisition processes, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge.

 

Projects:

Throughout the program, participants will work on projects that enable them to connect classroom lessons to real-world situations. These projects allow participants to apply their learning, solve complex problems, and gain hands-on experience in managing acquisition-related challenges.

 

Networking Opportunities:

The program facilitates networking among participants from various federal agencies, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and relationship-building. Networking throughout the program helps participants build a professional network and leverage the collective expertise and resources of their peers.

 

By incorporating these program components, the Acquisition Boost Leadership Development training program provides a comprehensive and immersive learning experience that prepares participants to excel in the federal acquisition field, enhances their knowledge of best practices, and enables them to establish valuable connections with peers across government.