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Overview

This course provides a hands-on approach to contracting’s toughest challenges. 

It was once said: “Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad” – Brian O’Driscoll

In federal contracting, putting knowledge into action is extremely important. For decades, the government and contractors have argued over definitions and applications of the law.   Reading, memorizing, and studying the Federal Acquisition Regulations provide knowledge. However, understanding how it applies and how to interpret it for one’s situation is challenging.  

This unique 2-day course immerses you and your colleagues in a series of real-life scenarios by instructors who have lived through these situations as contracting officers, lawyers, and contracts advisors. As in a court of law, every story has two sides. In the classroom environment, we will present two sides of the story in a meaningful but authentic situation, which you and your classmates must work through to find a resolution.   

As a participant, you will witness both sides of the argument and determine an outcome based on your role. Through role-playing and team exercises, you will learn how to deal with every day but difficult situations that may arise during a federal contract's life in an environment that will prepare you for a real-life situation. These scenarios – built from actual situations, focus on the most common challenges in federal contracting today.  

In this two-day class, students pick four from six challenging scenarios most industry professionals face in federal contracting. The class becomes wholly immersed in those challenges, and you and your colleagues emerge with successful outcomes in this very outcome-based course.  

What you will learn:
  • To Develop problem-solving skills beyond just knowledge of the regulations and terminology.
  • How to come to a resolution to challenges existing in federal contracting today
  • How to prepare for similar situations
  • To successfully navigate through the common challenges in federal contracting
 
The Six Scenarios (The class will choose which four of the six they would like to tackle):
  • Source Selection Practical Exercise – Then Prepare an A to Z Level Protest.
  • A Proposal Evaluation
  • A Contract Claim Evaluation
  • Conflicts of Interest -  Ethics FAR 9.105
  • Data Rights 
  • Inspection & Acceptance Issue
Dates/Locations
May 8-9, 2025
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine
La Jolla, CA, United States
Travel Info
Request Group Quote
Fill out this form and someone from FPS will contact you shortly. You can fill out as much or as little information as you would like. Prefer to talk to us? Call 651.666.2030.
Submit
Thank You
You will be contacted shortly.
Jul 31 - Aug 01, 2025
The Westin Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island, SC, United States
Travel Info
Request Group Quote
Fill out this form and someone from FPS will contact you shortly. You can fill out as much or as little information as you would like. Prefer to talk to us? Call 651.666.2030.
Submit
Thank You
You will be contacted shortly.
September 18-19, 2025
Planet Hollywood
Las Vegas, NV, United States
Travel Info
Request Group Quote
Fill out this form and someone from FPS will contact you shortly. You can fill out as much or as little information as you would like. Prefer to talk to us? Call 651.666.2030.
Submit
Thank You
You will be contacted shortly.
Agenda
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
La Jolla, CA
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Hilton Head, SC
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Las Vegas, NV
DAY 1:
  • Introduction
  • Competition Review         
  • J&A Practical Exercise
  • Source Selection Review (Begin)
  • Source Selection Review (Continued)  
  • Best Value Practical Exercise (See assignment sheet)
  • Bid protest Review (Begin)
  • Bid Protest Review (Continued) 
  • Bid Protest Hearing Practical Exercise (see assignment sheet)
  • Bid Protest Hearing Practical Exercise (Continued)

DAY 2: 
  • Introduction
  • Changes & Constructive Changes Review
  • Changes/Constructive Changes Practical Exercises/Discussion
  • Pricing Contract Adjustments Review            
  • Pricing Contract Adjustments Practical Exercise/Discussion
  • Inspection, Acceptance, and Warranty Review
  • Inspection, Acceptance, and Warranty Practical Exercise/Discussion  
  • Read and Prepare Negotiation Exercise: “The House on Elm Street” (30 min.)
  • Conduct Negotiations (30 min.)
  • Debrief Negotiation Exercise (1 hour)
Experts
  • Harold "Hank" Askins III
    Attorney
    Mr. Hank Askins has spent over three decades in Federal Service and has had numerous positions in the Government procurement field. He has supported Federal clients primarily in the southeast, specifically Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. He has extensive experience in acquisition planning, gove...
    See Full Bio
  • Michael Killham
    Experienced Corporate Counsel
    Michael A. Killham is a California attorney specializing in U.S. Government procurement and subcontracting support. He provides legal advice, training, and assistance concerning all aspects of federal and commercial contracting and fiscal law, including but not limited to subjects relating to Contra...
    See Full Bio
  • Jonathan Kosarin
    DoD, IWTSD
    Jonathan H. Kosarin, Associate Counsel, Special Projects Division, is assigned to the Department of Defense Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate. He has over 42 years’ experience in acquisition, government contracting, and fiscal law. Mr. Kosarin previously served as Assistant Gener...
    See Full Bio
Accreditation
See Individual Courses For Available Credits
Certificates of Completion are provided to all seminar participants who attend Federal Publications Seminars courses following the event, upon request.
CPE: Continuing Professional Education
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Delivery Method: Group-Live Classroom
Federal Publications Seminars is affiliated with West Professional Development and is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.
For more information regarding administrative policies such as refunds, cancellations and complaints, please contact Federal Publications Seminars at 888.494.3696.
CPE Hours
This program is eligible for: 13.0 (CPE) hours of credit
Program Level: n/a
Program Prerequisite: n/a
Advance Preparation: n/a
Method: n/a
CLP: Continuous Learning Points
Approved for CLP by Defense Acquisition University
Defense Acquisition Workforce members must acquire 80 Continuous Learning Points (CLP) every two years from the date of entry into the acquisition workforce for as long as the member remains in an acquisition position per DoD Instruction 5000.66. We will provide you with documentation of points awarded for completing the event.
CLP Hours
This program is eligible for: 11.0 (CLP) hours of credit
CLE: Continuing Legal Education
States have widely varying regulations regarding MCLE credit. LegalEdcenter is an approved provider in AL, AK, AR, CA, GA, IL, ME, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, VT, WA, WI, and WV. Credit may be applied for in other jurisdictions on request and in accordance with state MCLE rules.
Please note that because some states are changing their policy on CLE reporting, you will need to fill out the request for credit from Federal Publications Seminars within 10 business days, or we may not be able to issue credits for the program.
CLE Hours
This program is eligible for: 11.0 (60 minutes), (50 minutes)
Travel
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine
3777 La Jolla Village Drive
La Jolla, CA, 92122
8585521234
Hotel & Room Block Info
There is a room block for this location. The rate is $259/night plus taxes. To reserve your room, click here.  Reservations under this room block must be made by April 11, 2025.

If you need additional assistance, please get in touch with the Hyatt at 877.803.7534.

Government Per Diem
There is a government per diem rate for this location. The rate is $194/night plus taxes. To make your reservations, please click here. Reservations under this room block must be made by April 11, 2025.
General Information
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Breakfast and lunch will be served.
Coffee, tea, and water will be served throughout the day.
Planet Hollywood
3667 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV, 89109
8669197472
Hotel & Room Block Info
There is a room block for this location. The rate is $104/night plus taxes. To reserve your room, click here. Reservations must be made by August 11, 2025.

Please note that upon booking your reservation, your credit card will be charged a deposit equal to the first night's room and tax. To avoid forfeiture of deposit, please ensure all changes and cancellations are made at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled arrival date.

General Information
Food & Beverage
Continental breakfast and lunch will be served.
The Westin Hilton Head Island
2 Grasslawn Avenue
Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928
8886278551
Hotel & Room Block Info
The room block rate for The Westin Hilton Head Island is SOLD OUT.  

Special rate available at our preferred hotel—book now:
SpringHill Suites Hilton Head Island
1 Marina Side Dr
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928
Ph: 843-802-8200
Website
The room block rate is $176, click here to book your room by Friday, June 27, 2025.

If the SprinHill Suites is no longer available, please refer to the following list of nearby hotels on the island


NOTE: Federal Publications Seminars does not provide shuttle transportation to/from the host hotel (The Westin) from overflow hotels.

Government Per Diem
The Government Per Diem Rate is now SOLD OUT.
General Information
Food & Beverage
Continental breakfast and lunch will be served.
In-House
Bring Federal Publications Seminars to your location! If you would like to offer this course in-house, please contact us.
Schedule Training
Schedule Training
Fill out this form and someone from FPS will contact you shortly. You can fill out as much or as little information as you would like. Prefer to talk to us? Call 888.865.9082.
Request a Quote
Thank You
You will be contacted shortly.
CMBOK Alignments
Leadership
Character
Collaboration
Competence
Emotional Intelligence
Vision
Management
Business Management
Change Management
Financial Management
Project Management
Risk Management
Supply Chain Management
Guiding Principles
Communication and Documentation
Contract Principles
Regulatory Compliance
Situational Assessment
Skills and Roles
Standards of Conduct
Team Dynamics
Pre-Award
Plan Sales
Plan Solicitation
Prepare Offer
Request Offers
Award
Manage Disagreements
Plan Negotiations
Price or Cost Analysis
Select Source
Post-Award
Administer Contract
Close Out Contract
Ensure Quality
Manage Changes
Manage Subcontracts
Learn
Continuous Learning
Individual Competence
Organizational Capability
Level
  • 100
    Basic or fundamental subject matter is covered. Courses are geared to general knowledge or can be taken as a refresher.
  • 200
    Specific topics or issues within a topic area are covered. Students should be familiar with terms of art and general concepts concerning the course topic.
  • 300
    Workshops and class discussions cover specific subject matter in-depth, and participation is strongly encouraged. Attendees should have at least 2-3 years' experience in the area of study.
  • 400
    Courses build upon students' knowledge and experience, and cover complex issues within the subject matter. Should have 4-5 years' mastery of subject for in-depth analysis.
  • 500
    Masters-level programs designed for professionals with 5+ years' experience. Courses cover in-depth and technical analysis on specific subjects and updates on current issues.