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Commercial Activities (CA) Program Overview:
| This interactive workshop is designed to prepare bench-level workers
for a CA study. Attendees learn more about their roles as part of
the study process, the type of information they will be asked to supply,
and the critical rationale for providing accurate and complete cost
data and operating statistics. Additionally, concepts for improving
their organization will be discussed. |
Performance Work Statement (PWS) Development
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This workshop is designed to provide participants with a detailed
process on how to develop and write a PWS for CA cost comparisons.
Topics include:
- Acquisition Planning: Identifies the steps involved in
developing the acquisition strategy for CA procurement, presents
contract types, and discusses role of the PWS.
- PWS Background, Methodology, and Lessons Learned. Describes
historical problems with PWS development, and its evolution as
a performance-based technical specification. Identifies major
lessons learned in previous procurements to avoid pitfalls and
achieve success.
- Job Analysis. Discusses techniques used to perform job
analysis, define contract tasks and workload, determine required
resources, and establish performance standards.
- PWS Preparation. Provides insight on proper writing techniques
and PWS format. Includes a step-by-step discussion of each PWS
section and accompanying technical exhibits.
NOTE: All PWS topics covered and skills learned are applicable
and directly transferable to the development of Performance Requirements
Documents (PRD).
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Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)
Development
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This workshop is designed to provide participants with the required
tools and knowledge to effectively design QASPs and monitor CA performance
according to the PWS. Topics covered include:
- basic terminology and quality concepts
- overview of the QASP in the CA process
- design of surveillance plans and samples
- taking corrective action
- documenting surveillance results.
In addition, we introduce training material on the ISO 9000 series
standards for quality auditing and management, and present a hands-on
review of Audit Agency Reports.
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Agency Tender/Most Efficient Organization (MEO) Development
This workshop is designed to assist CA study leaders and analysts perform
a management study and develop a rational and justifiable Agency Tender/MEO.
The Agency Tender/MEO is a written document of the organizational structure
and resources that best meet the requirements presented in the PWS. The
course of instruction focuses on teaching study personnel their specific
duties in developing the Agency Tender/MEO and include:
- Developing the Agency Tender/MEO Study Plan. Reviews its format,
contents, and critical considerations in completing each section of
the plan.
- Applying Data Collection Tools and Methods. Covers the advantages/disadvantages
of various work measurement techniques in compiling and organizing management
information.
- Analyzing and Streamlining Processes. Includes benchmarking,
eliminating non-value added activities, and minimizing process control/review
levels.
- Optimizing Technology Usage. Suggests ways to introduce automation,
thereby reducing process costs and cycle times.
- Designing Organizational Structures. Discusses consolidation
approaches, staffing options, and position management to include cross-training;
also describes common organizational problems and causes.
- Writing the Management, Quality Control, Phase-in, and Technical
Performance Plans (TPP). Provides tips on how to ensure steady progress
is made throughout the study period and map planning elements to the
PWS.
- Developing the Agency Cost Estimate (ACE). Provides tips and instruction
on developing the IHCE, using the Compare software. Our instructors
are intimately familiar with OMB costing rules and A-76 philosophy.
This is evidenced by the fact that the Assistant Director for Competitive
Sourcing for the Department of Defense (DoD) called on Abacus Technology
to perform a detailed review of the DoD Costing Manual, as well as to
test new versions of the COMPARE software prior to release.
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Post MEO Review (PMEOR) Training
This interactive workshop is designed to discuss and inform participants
about the PMEOR process. The PMEOR is performed to determine if
the MEO is operating within the requirements of the PWS and their
cost proposal. In this workshop we will ensure participants have
a thorough understanding of the entire PMEOR process, what to look
for when conducting the review, implementation objectives, and how
to conduct the review. We will discuss the regulations that govern
the review, the required steps to be taken, and the step-by-step
methodology for preparing the required report. This learning block
is based on the PMEOR process as prescribed in Attachment B, Section
E of OMB Circular A-76 (revised as of 29 May 2003).
In addition, we share lessons learned from our experience in conducting
independent reviews.
For further information about
our A-76 Support Services, please contact
Scott Rawls, Director
of CS&P Services,
at 800-488-7654
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