Abacus Technology is pleased to present an outline of our A-76 course descriptions and related training services. Understanding that the A-76 process can be a very difficult maze to navigate, we have been conducting both formal classroom and just-in-time A-76 instruction for over ten years.

In addition, during our consultation on past A-76 studies, we provided just-in-time training to more than 300 government CA team members. As a result of conducting over 60 A-76 studies, Abacus Technology brings in wealth of hands-on, in-the-trenches A-76 experience to the training environment. We believe it is this realworld experience vice theory that sets us apart. Our training is provided in the following six subject matter areas:

1. Commercial Activities Overview
2. Preliminary Planning
3. Performance Work Statement Development
4. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan Development
5. Agency Tender/Most Efficient Organization Development
6. Post Competition Accountability/Independent Review Training

Our A-76 Training In-Depth:
Schedule
Course Despcriptions

For further information about our Support Services, please contact
Scott Rawls, Commercial Services Management, at 800-488-7654

Schedule:

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Course Despcriptions:

Commericial 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.

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Preliminary Planning

This workshop is designed to provide participants with a detailed process on how to conduct Preliminary Planning.  Topics include:

- Scope and Grouping:  Introduces the concepts of study scope and proper grouping, with emphasis   on the implications of each and their effect on the A‑76 competition.
- Data Gathering:  Describes the types of data to gather (for costing and PWS writing), the duration of   the data gathering effort, and how to collect data.  Also includes discussion on the pitfalls of   improperly planned data gathering.
- Preliminary Planning Baseline Costing:  Identifies the types of costing information to include, the   period of performance, and how to enter the data into COMPARE.  Note:  This course is not   intended   to provide COMPARE instruction, only COMPARE issues specific to Preliminary Planning.
- Final Report Writing:  Provides insight into the different decisions as a result of Preliminary   Planning   (study, don’t study, divide and study, etc.), as well as proper report format.
- Lessons Learned:  Provides a frank discussion of typical problems and concerns, as well as tricks   and tips to avoid them.

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Performance Work Statement (PWS) Development

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 Survelliance Plan (QASP) Development

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 Quality Control and Phase-in Plans. Provides tips on how to ensure steady progress is   made throughout the study period and ensures a smooth transition to the new organization and   effective quality control for the new organization.
- Developing the Agency Cost Estimate (ACE). Provides tips and instruction on developing the ACE,   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.

Post Competition Accountability/Independent Review Training

This interactive workshop is designed to discuss and inform participants about the Post Competition Accountability/Independent Review process. The Post Competition Accountability/Independent Review 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 Post Competition Accountability/Independent Review 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.

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