CON 8300: Joint Contingency Contracting Course

Module 1: Legal and Regulatory Framework for Contingency Contracting: FAR, DFARS, and Policy

• Identify the legal authorities and statutory provisions governing contingency contracting operations.
• Explain how FAR Part 18, DFARS, and agency supplements apply in contingency environments.
• Distinguish between peacetime acquisition regulations and contingency-specific regulatory flexibilities.
• Recognize how DCMA guidance supports contract oversight in deployed environments.

Module 2: Organizational Structure: Joint Contracting Support in Contingency Operations

• Describe the organizational relationships among contracting elements in a joint contingency operation.
• Identify the roles of the Head of Contracting Activity, Principal Assistant Responsible for Contracting, and supporting contracting offices.
• Explain how contracting support is integrated into the joint task force command structure.
• Recognize interagency coordination requirements and contracting support responsibilities.

Module 3: Pre-Deployment Preparation: Readiness, Theater Business Clearance, and Planning

• Identify individual and organizational readiness requirements for contracting personnel deploying to contingency locations.
• Explain theater business clearance requirements and procedures for deploying contractors.
• Apply pre-deployment planning considerations to contingency contracting support operations.
• Prepare contracting support plans aligned with operational requirements and timelines.

Module 4: Emergency Acquisition Flexibilities and Contingency Contracting Authorities

• Identify emergency acquisition flexibilities available under FAR Part 18 and applicable statutes.
• Explain the conditions and limitations applicable to contingency contracting authority.
• Apply increased simplified acquisition thresholds and other emergency flexibilities appropriately.
• Recognize when Head of Contracting Activity approvals are required to exercise special authorities.

Module 5: Market Research and Vendor Vetting in Austere Environments

• Conduct market research using sources and methods appropriate to austere and denied-access environments.
• Apply vendor vetting procedures to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse risks in contingency contracting.
• Identify host nation vendor sources and assess their suitability for contingency requirements.
• Document market research findings in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Module 6: Simplified Acquisition and Micro-Purchase Procedures in Contingency Settings

• Apply simplified acquisition procedures and elevated contingency thresholds to expedite procurements.
• Execute micro-purchase procedures using government purchase cards and other authorized methods.
• Recognize documentation and accountability requirements for simplified acquisitions in contingency environments.
• Maintain competition and transparency requirements when applying contingency acquisition flexibilities.

Module 7: Contract Types and Award Instruments for Contingency Requirements

• Select contract types appropriate for contingency requirements and operational conditions.
• Apply indefinite-delivery contract vehicles, task and delivery orders, and basic ordering agreements in contingency contexts.
• Understand the use of undefinitized contract actions and their regulatory requirements and limitations.
• Document contract type selection decisions in accordance with applicable policy.

Module 8: Head of Contracting Activity (HCA) Waivers and Deviations

• Explain the conditions under which HCA waivers and deviations may be authorized in contingency operations.
• Identify the documentation and approval process for requesting and granting HCA waivers.
• Apply appropriate internal controls when utilizing approved deviations from standard acquisition procedures.
• Recognize the limitations and risks associated with HCA waiver authority in high-tempo environments.

Module 9: Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) and Theater Support Contracts

• Explain the purpose, structure, and management of the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program.
• Identify theater support contract vehicles and their appropriate applications in contingency environments.
• Coordinate with LOGCAP task order managers and contracting officer representatives to support operational requirements.
• Recognize the performance oversight and accountability requirements associated with large-scale theater support contracts.

Module 10: Contractor Personnel Authorized to Accompany the Force (CAAF): Policy and Management

• Identify the regulatory and policy framework governing contractor personnel authorized to accompany the force.
• Explain accountability tracking and support requirements for CAAF in deployed locations.
• Apply CAAF management procedures including theater business clearance and deployment processing.
• Recognize contractor responsibilities and government obligations under CAAF policy.

Module 11: Finance, Legal, and Logistics Coordination in Contingency Contracting

• Coordinate with finance personnel to establish funding documents, obligations, and payment mechanisms in contingency settings.
• Identify legal review requirements applicable to contingency contract actions and sensitive acquisitions.
• Integrate logistics requirements and supply chain considerations into contingency contract planning.
• Resolve coordination challenges among contracting, finance, legal, and logistics functions in the field.

Module 12: Performance-Based Work Statements and Quality Assurance in the Field

• Develop performance-based work statements appropriate for contingency requirements.
• Apply quality assurance surveillance plans and inspection procedures in deployed environments.
• Conduct contractor performance assessments and document findings in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Address contractor performance deficiencies using remedies appropriate to the contingency environment.

Module 13: Contract Administration in Contingency Environments

• Identify contract administration responsibilities and oversight requirements in deployed contracting offices.
• Apply contract administration techniques appropriate to high-tempo, resource-constrained contingency environments.
• Manage contract modifications, changes, and disputes arising during contingency operations.
• Maintain required documentation for contract administration activities in compliance with applicable regulations.

Module 14: Fraud, Waste, and Abuse: Detection and Prevention in Contingency Operations

• Identify fraud, waste, and abuse risks unique to contingency contracting environments.
• Apply internal controls and oversight procedures to deter and detect fraudulent activity.
• Recognize indicators of corruption, bribery, and conflict of interest in vendor relationships.
• Report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse through appropriate channels in accordance with applicable policy.

Module 15: Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Contracting

• Explain the legal and policy framework governing contracting in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
• Identify acquisition authorities and funding mechanisms applicable to HADR missions.
• Apply contingency acquisition procedures to rapidly procure goods and services for disaster relief operations.
• Coordinate with interagency partners and host nation authorities in HADR contracting environments.

Module 16: Interagency Contracting and Host Nation Contracting Considerations

• Explain the regulatory framework governing interagency contracting and assisted acquisitions in contingency environments.
• Identify available interagency contract vehicles and the conditions under which they may be used.
• Apply host nation contracting procedures and Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) considerations.
• Recognize oversight and accountability requirements for interagency and host nation contract actions.

Module 17: Transition from Contingency to Steady-State Contracting Operations

• Identify the planning and execution considerations for transitioning contracting operations from contingency to steady-state.
• Apply contract novation, close-out, and handover procedures appropriate to theater drawdown operations.
• Coordinate with successor organizations to ensure continuity of contracting support during transition.
• Document transition activities and lessons learned in accordance with applicable guidance.

Module 18: Lessons Learned from Recent Contingency Operations

• Analyze contracting challenges and successes documented from recent contingency operations.
• Apply lessons learned to improve pre-deployment planning and in-theater contracting execution.
• Identify systemic contracting issues that have recurred across multiple contingency environments.
• Integrate lessons learned into individual professional development and unit readiness planning.

Module 19: Joint Contingency Contracting Simulation Exercise

• Apply contingency contracting authorities, procedures, and decision-making skills in a realistic operational scenario.
• Execute market research, solicitation, evaluation, and award tasks under simulated time and resource constraints.
• Coordinate with simulated operational, finance, and legal stakeholders to support mission requirements.
• Demonstrate sound acquisition judgment and documentation practices in a joint contingency environment.

Module 20: Capstone After-Action Review and Course Integration

• Review and synthesize key acquisition principles and regulatory requirements covered throughout the course.
• Conduct a structured after-action review of the simulation exercise to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Connect course content to individual professional development goals and unit mission readiness.
• Identify resources and continuing education opportunities to support ongoing professional growth in contingency contracting.