Overview
This course offers a comprehensive guide to the entire project procurement and contracting lifecycle, from crafting acquisition strategies to final contract closeout. Through real-world case studies and best practices, you will gain the critical skills needed to manage complex projects, mitigate risks, and drive successful, high-value outcomes.
Course Structure
The course will be completed over four weeks. Each week will consist of a reading, a scenario-based online activity, and a live two-hour session with the instructor. During the live sessions, the instructor will prepare a short presentation based on that week’s learning material, followed by an open discussion with all participants.
- Develop a comprehensive acquisition strategy by analyzing project requirements, market conditions, and organizational objectives to select the most appropriate contract types and procurement methods.
- Evaluate contract proposals using Best Value methodologies by assessing key factors such as technical approach, past performance, management plan, and cost realism.
- Manage the post-award contract lifecycle by applying best practices for quality assurance, schedule and cost control, risk mitigation, and subcontractor oversight.
- Implement a structured change control process and apply a multi-tiered approach to resolve conflicts, ensuring project integrity and preserving stakeholder relationships.
- Analyze the distinct roles and cultural differences between Project Managers and Contracting Officers to foster effective collaboration across all phases of the integrated project and contracting lifecycles.
How It Works
Course Access
45 days
Effort
8 hours per week
Delivery
Online
Instruction
Instructor-led
Cost
$750
- Project, Contract, and Subcontract Managers who are directly responsible for the day-to-day execution, administration, and oversight of complex procurement lifecycles.
- Supporting cross-functional team members, including technical leads, engineers, and financial or legal professionals, who contribute to defining requirements, evaluating proposals, and ensuring compliance throughout the contract.
- Executive leaders and aspiring professionals seeking to understand the strategic impact of procurement on mission success or aiming to build a career in managing high-stakes projects.
Christopher C. Sanders, MS, PMP
Chris Sanders is an Aerospace Program Management Professional and holds certifications in the US Federal Government as well as Commercial Acquisition fields for both Project Management, Procurement Management, and Contracting. He is a certified Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute, a US Federal Government Level II Acquisition Professional, and a Level I Contracting Professional.
He currently supports Business and Programmatic aspects of an international collaborative program: a Deep Space Satellite Experiment Mission to Mars for the United Arab Emirates and the University of Colorado at Boulder, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.
Chris served 34 years in the US Air Force in various leadership positions. His last assignment involved managing innovative rapid prototyping efforts in Fighter and Bomber Aircraft as well as Space-Based Intelligence programs.
He is an adjunct guest lecturer in Program and Procurement Management for The University of California at Irvine and the National Defense and Aerospace Program, Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee.
Course FAQs
Is this an instructor-led course?
This course is coached by an instructor and includes weekly virtual discussions to ensure you understand the content.
How much time will I need to spend?
This course requires approximately 8 hours of study per week plus the live sessions with the instructor.
Do I have to be online at a certain time of day?
You can complete the coursework at the times and places that fit your schedule. However, you must be online for the coached session which will be posted in the course environment.
How long will I have access to the course?
You will have 45 days access to the course.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for courses. Refunds may be considered under exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please contact powered@athabascau.ca for more information.
What are the computer requirements for this course?
You should have access to a Mac, PC, or tablet with an Internet connection, with Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox as a browser. Here is a link that outlines browser support:
https://documentation.brightspace.com/EN/brightspace/requirements/all/browser_support.htm
For virtual sessions:
- Speakers/headphones
- Web camera and microphone
Learners that want to use their smart phone to access the courses can also download the D2L Pulse App for free to access the course available on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.d2l.brightspace.student.android&hl=en_CA
Or the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/brightspace-pulse/id1001688546
Does this course have prerequisites?
This course does not have a required prerequisite.
Who do I contact if I need help?
You can contact powered@athabascau.ca for assistance with any questions you may have. We are here to help!