Government Contract Law Course

Module 1: The Uniqueness of the Government as a Contractor

• Explains how government contracting differs from private-sector contracting
• Outlines sovereign powers, public policy requirements, and statutory mandates
• Describes the role of public interest in shaping contract law

Module 2: Contract Formation Principles

• Defines the legal elements of contract formation
• Explains offer, acceptance, and consideration in the federal context
• Identifies essential elements required for enforceable agreements

Module 3: Authority of Government Agents

• Clarifies who can legally bind the government in contract matters
• Defines actual vs. apparent authority in acquisition
• Discusses consequences of unauthorized commitments

Module 4: The Statutory and Regulatory Framework

• Introduces foundational acquisition statutes and regulations
• Explains the roles of FAR, DFARS, and agency supplements
• Outlines statutory limitations on contracting authority

Module 5: Miscellaneous Acquisition Procedures

• Describes simplified acquisition and commercial item procedures
• Explains purchase cards and micropurchase thresholds
• Introduces interagency agreements and special acquisitions

Module 6: Sealed Bidding and Common Acquisition Issues

• Explains the sealed bidding process under the FAR
• Details bid submission, evaluation, and award
• Covers bid mistakes, protests, and rejection rules

Module 7: Responsibility, Suspension, Debarment

• Defines contractor responsibility and pre-award clearance
• Outlines grounds for suspension and debarment
• Discusses impact of exclusions on procurement eligibility

Module 8: Competitive Proposals and Negotiation

• Explores negotiated procurement and source selection
• Explains evaluation factors and best-value tradeoffs
• Describes discussions, revisions, and final award decisions

Module 9: Types of Contracts

• Introduces fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and other contract types
• Outlines risk allocation and appropriate use of each type
• Explains contract selection considerations under the FAR

Module 10: Socioeconomic Considerations

• Discusses statutory programs supporting small and disadvantaged businesses
• Explains set-aside policies and socioeconomic evaluation factors
• Highlights legal obligations for inclusion and compliance

Module 11: Subcontracting

• Outlines rules for prime-subcontractor relationships
• Explains flow-down clauses and responsibility tracking
• Describes subcontracting plans and reporting requirements

Module 12: Contract Administration

• Details post-award roles and responsibilities
• Explains contract performance oversight and modifications
• Describes invoice review, acceptance, and payment issues

Module 13: Disputes and Remedies

• Explores the Contract Disputes Act and claims process
• Details remedies for breach, nonperformance, and default
• Covers appeal rights, boards of contract appeals, and litigation