Defense Pricing and Contracting Announcements

New DAU Credential - Other Transaction Authority (OTA)

Defense Acquisition University (DAU) in collaboration with DPC has deployed a new credential CCON 023, Other Transaction Authority, which provides training for the acquisition workforce and other officials who plan, develop, negotiate, award, and administer requirements that have the potential to be solicited and awarded using Other Transaction Authority. For more information and to register for the credential, you may visit the DAU webpage below.

Update on Implementation of Executive Order 14042

This announcement is to ensure that DoD Components take no action to require covered contractors and subcontractors to come into compliance with previously issued Task Force guidance; or to enforce any contract clauses implementing Executive Order (E.O.) 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, until further notice is provided by DPC.

New Defense Pricing and Contracting Homepage

The DPC homepage now features updated, one-click access to key tools and resources for the Acquisition Community. The Principal Director, DPC, encourages you to review the site and provide feedback via the “Contact Us” link on the website toolbar.

Web Event - Update to DoD Source Selection Procedures (10/4/2022)

On October 4, 2022, from 1300 to 1430 EDT, join DAU-South Contracting Professors Bill Long and Tom Elsesser for an event featuring Mr. Michael Pelkey, Acting Director, Contract Policy, Defense Pricing and Contracting, to discuss the recently updated DoD Source Selection Procedures. This will be a live, web forum for the Defense Acquisition Workforce to hear and ask questions about the newly updated guidance on applicability, Table Definitions, Streamlining Source Selection, and Intellectual Property. In addition, there will be an opportunity to highlight and respond to questions about DAU Mission Support Capabilities and Training which are also referenced in the updated Procedures. For more information and to join the event see the DAU webpage below.

Call for Nominations - Defense Pricing and Contracting FY 2023 Acquisition Exchange Program

DPC announces the next cycle of the career-broadening Acquisition Exchange Program (AEP) opportunities for government employees. The DPC AEP initiative provides a unique career developmental experience for high-caliber individuals in acquisition and acquisition-related career fields. Applications for the FY2023 program will be accepted from August 22, 2022, through September 30, 2022. Planned start date for the program is January 23, 2023, and will last for 9 to 12 months. To view the program details, and the application form, visit the DPC webpage below.

Webinar Series - Striking the Balance - Constructing EPA Clauses (08/23/2022)

On August 23, 2022, from 1300 to 1500 EST, join DAU faculty Dr. Renee Butler for a special edition of the DPC "Striking the Balance" series featuring Ms. Leslie Overturf, Senior Procurement Analyst with DPC, Price, Cost and Finance (PCF). Ms. Overturf will discuss the importance of "Striking the Balance" when mitigating the risk of economic uncertainty between the Government and Industry. The course will cover the basics regarding the impact of abnormal inflation on Government and Industry, how to carefully consider contract type amidst market fluctuation, and creating EPA clauses based on cost indices of labor or material to share risk in a way that is fair to both the Government and Industry to "Strike the Balance"! For more information and to register for this course, see the DAU webpage below.

New DAU Course - CCON 017, Pricing Tools and Techniques

Defense Acquisition University (DAU) in collaboration with DPC has deployed a new credential CCON 017, Pricing Tools and Techniques, which provides the acquisition workforce with a review of software pricing tools and techniques to analyze contractor proposals. For more information and to register for the course, see the DAU webpage below.

Update to Best Practices/Lessons Learned for Competitive Acquisitions

DPC has published an update to the best practices for Contracting Officers conducting competitive negotiations, gleaned through the OSD peer review program. This update, Version 1.1, adds sections on incentives and aggregate (roll-up) ratings, to the helpful insight published in Version 1.0 on February 6, 2022. For more information, see the complete Best Practices document and visit the DPC Competitive Peer Reviews webpage.

New DAU course - Inflation and Economic Price Adjustments

Defense Acquisition University (DAU) recently published a new course, CON 7470 - Inflation and Economic Price Adjustments, to instruct Acquisition Professionals on the impacts of inflation on existing contracts and proper use of economic price adjustment (EPA) clauses to manage the risk of inflation, when appropriate, in the formation of prospective contracts. This course supplements the DPC memorandum “Guidance on Inflation and Economic Price Adjustments,” issued Wednesday, May 25, 2022. For more information and to register for the course, see the DAU webpage below.

Extension Authorization of Humanitarian Support to Ukraine through 31 May 2022

On April 8, 2022, the Department of Defense (DoD) extended the authorization through May 31, 2022, or until there are no validated humanitarian requirements for the Department, for Commander, United States European Command (USEUCOM) to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2561 as a result of Russian military action. This authorization for humanitarian assistance meets the definition of “humanitarian or peacekeeping operation” at FAR 2.101. Additionally, contracting officers supporting the humanitarian operation are authorized to use the Government-wide commercial purchase card to make a purchase that exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold as long as the criterion at DFARS 213.301(3) are met, National Interest Action (NIA) Code “O22U” shall be used as a means of tracking acquisitions associated with this event. For more information, see the announcement at the link below.

Authorization of Humanitarian Support to Ukraine

On March 2, 2022, the Department of Defense (DoD) authorized Commander, United States European Command (USEUCOM) to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2561 as a result of Russian military action. This authorization for humanitarian assistance meets the definition of “humanitarian or peacekeeping operation” at FAR 2.101. Additionally, contracting officers supporting the humanitarian operation are authorized to use the Government-wide commercial purchase card to make a purchase that exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold as long as the criterion at DFARS 213.301(3) are met, National Interest Action (NIA) Code “O22U” shall be used as a means of tracking acquisitions associated with this event. For more information, see the announcement at the link below.

2021 DPC Year in Review Report

The DPC Year in Review Report for 2021 is now available. This year’s report includes topics such as addressing national priorities, acquisition innovation, “Striking the Balance,” and contingency contracting.

Best Practices/Lessons Learned for Competitive Acquisitions

DPC has published best practices for Contracting Officers conducting competitive negotiations, gleaned through the OSD peer review program. This publication provides helpful insight for evaluating contract solicitations, proposals, and revisions, among other aspects of the competitive negotiation process. For more information, see the complete Best Practices document and visit the DPC Competitive Peer Reviews webpage.

New Defense Pricing and Contracting (DPC) Website

To start the new calendar year, DPC launched a new and improved website.
The new DPC website now is accessible on multiple browsers and mobile phones. The site homepage now provides one-click access to key tools and resources like the Policy Vault and Workforce information and it also spotlights topical information such as COVID-19 material for the contracting community. The Principal Director, DPC encourages you to review the site and provide feedback via the Contact Us link on the homepage.

Striking the Balance – Subcontracting

On December 15, 2021, from 1300 to 1500, join DAU faculty Dr. Renee Butler for a special edition of the DPC "Striking the Balance" series featuring Ms. Shannon Prince, Procurement Analyst specializing in cost/price analysis with the Field Support Team with Headquarters Air Force, SAF/AQCP. Ms. Prince will discuss the importance of striking the balance between recognizing the Prime's responsibility for awarding subcontracts to responsible sources at reasonable prices, with the Contracting Officer's responsibility to provide goods and services to support the warfighter at fair and reasonable prices for the taxpayer. The presentation will cover the basics of evaluating subcontract business deals including topics such as important thresholds for obtaining data, commercial subcontracts, sole source cost and price analyses, consent to subcontract, long-term agreements, and why early engagement with the Prime is critical. For more information and to register for the session, please visit the DAU webpage.

Operation ALLIES WELCOME

As of August 29, 2021, Operation ALLIES WELCOME (OAW) is a continuation and renaming of Operation ALLIES REFUGE (OAR), with the task of managing the resettlement of refugees and providing "temporary housing, sustainment, and support inside the United States" for evacuees. OAW meets the definition of “contingency operation” at FAR 2.101 pursuant to SecDef approved Execute Order (EXORD) (Revision 1) dated October 4, 2021 (available on SIPR). The National Interest Action Code “O21R” shall still be used as a means of tracking acquisition costs for OAR and OAW. For more information, see the announcement link below.

Striking the Balance - The basics of pricing variable quantities

On October 6, 2021, from 1300 to 1500, join DAU faculty Dr. Renee Butler and Ms. Michelle Currier for a special edition of the DPC "Striking the Balance" pricing series featuring Mr. Stephen Rost, Cost/Price Analyst with Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. Mr. Rost will discuss the basics of pricing variable quantities including why we price variable quantities, the inputs needed to develop a successful RFP, and constructing a pricing scenario that creates flexibility while balancing the cost risk for both parties. Mr. Rost will lead an in-depth discussion of various methods for pricing variable quantities and provide analytical tools that Contracting Officers can utilize to drive outcomes that are equitable to both the Government and the contractor. For more information and to register for the session, please visit the DAU webpage.

Contracting Basics - Buy American Statute and Trade Agreements Act

On September 22, 2021, from 1300-1500, join DAU faculty Professor Michelle Currier for the next webinar in our “Contracting Basics” series featuring Mr. Jeff Grover, Senior Procurement Analyst for DPC/Contract Policy, within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Sustainment). Mr. Grover will discuss how to comply with and implement the Buy American Statute and Trade Agreements Act in supply related acquisitions. For more information and to register for the session, please visit the DAU webpage.

Call for Nominations - Defense Pricing and Contracting FY 2022 Acquisition Exchange Program

DPC announces the next cycle of the career-broadening Acquisition Exchange Program (AEP) opportunities for government employees. The DPC AEP initiative provides a unique career developmental experience for high-caliber individuals in acquisition and acquisition-related career fields. Applications for the FY 2022 program will be accepted from September 1, 2021, through September 24, 2021. Planned start date for the program is January 11, 2022, and will last for 9 to 12 months.

Operation ALLIES REFUGE

The Secretary of Defense has designated Operation ALLIES REFUGE (OAR) a contingency operation, effective August 15, 2021. A new NIA Code “O21R” (Oscar-21-Romeo) has been established for the NIA field in the Federal Procurement Data System-Next Generation as a means of tracking acquisition costs for OAR. For more information, see the announcement link below.

Striking the Balance - Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contracts

On August 4, 2021, from 1300-1500 Join DAU faculty Professor Michelle Currier and Dr. Renee Butler for the next webinar in our "Striking the Balance" series featuring Ms. Leslie Overturf, Senior Procurement Analyst for DPC/Price, Cost and Finance, within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Sustainment). Ms. Overturf will discuss Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contracts and demonstrate the use of the DoD CPIF Pricing Tool. For more information and to register for the session, please visit the DAU webpage.

Striking the Balance - Performance-based payments (PBPs)

On July 21, 2021 from 1300 to 1500, join DAU faculty Ms. Michelle Currier and Dr. Renee Butler on for the next webinar in our "Striking the Balance" pricing series featuring Mr. Phil McManus, McManus Consulting, LLC. Mr. McManus will discuss Performance-based payments (PBPs) and will provide a live demonstration of the most current PBP Analysis tool as it applies to analyzing an expenditure profile, and structuring and negotiating Win-Win PBP agreements with contractors that equitably accounts for cost, benefits, and potential risks associated with PBP's. For more information and to register for the session, please visit the DAU webpage.

DoD COR Guidebook

The updated DoD Guidebook for Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) has been published, this replaces the 2012 DoD COR Handbook. The DoD COR Guidebook can be found below.

Striking the Balance - The use of Fixed Price Incentive Firm (FPIF) contracts

On May 12, 2021, from 1300 to 1500, as part of the DAU “Striking the Balance” pricing series, Ms. Leslie Overturf, Senior Procurement Analyst, DPC/PCF and DAU faculty Dr. Renee Butler and Ms. Michelle Currier will provide a presentation on the use of Fixed Price Incentive Firm (FPIF) contracts and how they can be used to balance Government requirements and industry needs to get a good deal that supports the warfighter while prudently spending taxpayer dollars. For more information and to register for the session, please visit the DAU webpage.

Striking the Balance - Improving the quality and consistency of the Department's contracting processes

On April 14, 2021, as part of the DAU “Striking the Balance” series, Ms. Janice Muskopf, Director, DPC/PCF and DAU faculty Dr. Renee Butler and Ms. Michelle Currier will provide a special presentation on improving the quality and consistency of the Department's contracting processes, including Contracting Officer implementation of policy and regulations. For more information and to register for the session, please visit the DAU webpage.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Emergency Acquisition Flexibilities

An emergency determination was made by the President on March 13, 2020, under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the "Stafford Act") in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Back-to-Basics - New Contracting Certification Training Overview

On March 11, 2021, you are invited to attend the DAU and CON Functional Integration Team hosted webinar “Back-to-Basics - New Contracting Certification Training Overview” covering the Contracting Professional Certification Program effective October 1, 2021.

Cancelled - DoD Contracting Conference and the Procure to Pay Conference

We appreciate your patience regarding announcement of DPC’s plans for both the DoD Contracting Conference and the Procure to Pay Conference. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and the uncertainty surrounding travel and gatherings of any significant size, we are canceling both the conferences for 2021.

CMMC and Implementation of Interim DFARS rule 2019-D041

On January 27, 2021, Mr. John Tenaglia, Principal Director, DPC; Ms. Katie Arrington, CISO, USD(A&S); and Lt Gen David Bassett, Director, DCMA will be discussing the background, intent and implementation of CMMC and interim DFARS rule 2019-D041, Assessing Contractor Implementation of Cybersecurity Requirements. This presentation will be hosted by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU).

2020 DPC Year in Review Report

The Defense Pricing and Contracting (DPC) Year in Review Report for 2020 is available, which includes topics such as innovating acquisition policies, peer reviews, industrial collaboration, and annual awards.

Striking the Balance - Meeting Warfighters' Requirements While Achieving Industry Financial Goals

On January 27, 2021, as part of the DAU “Striking the Balance” series, Ms. Janice Muskopf, Director, DPC/PCF and Mr. Phil McManus, McManus Consulting, LLC, will provide a presentation on meeting warfighters’ requirements while achieving industry financial goals. For more information and to register for the session, please visit the DAU webpage.

2020 DoD Contracting Conference is being postponed

We appreciate your continued patience as we worked through modifying plans for the 2020 DoD Contracting Conference due to COVID‐19. At this time the Conference is being postponed until spring/summer of 2021.

Call for Nominations - Defense Pricing and Contracting FY 2021 Acquisition Exchange Program

DPC announces the next cycle of the career-broadening Acquisition Exchange Program (AEP) opportunities for government employees. The DPC AEP initiative provides a unique career developmental experience for high-caliber individuals in acquisition and acquisition-related career fields. Applications for the current opportunities will be accepted from September 8, 2020, through October 16, 2020. Planned start date for the program is January 6, 2021, and will last for 9 to 12 months.

Performance Based Payments

The Director of Pricing and Contracting Initiatives will be leading a class on Performance Based Payments on August 26. The class will be hosted by DAU and can be accessed here.

Performance Based Payment (PBP) Analysis Tool version 6.1

Performance Based Payment (PBP) Analysis Tool version 6.1 and accompanying instructions have been uploaded here.

Advance copies of the FAR clauses impacted by the interim rule implementing section 889(a)(1)(B)

DoD is providing advance copies of the FAR clauses impacted by the interim rule implementing section 889(a)(1)(B) of the FY19 NDAA, which become effective August 13, 2020. See the text of the FAR clauses here.

Performance Based Payment (PBP) Analysis Tool version 6.0

Performance Based Payment (PBP) Analysis Tool version 6.0 and accompanying instructions have been uploaded. Please click here for more information.

Rescheduling the 2020 DoD Contracting Conference

We appreciate your continued patience in the coordination of the 2020 DoD Contracting Conference. At this time we are rescheduling the Conference to December 15 – 17, 2020. Emails were sent to all attendees with specific guidance regarding conference registration, hotel reservations and travel plans.

Rescheduling the 2020 DoD Procure-to-Pay Training Symposium

We appreciate your continued patience in the coordination of the 2020 DoD Procure-to-Pay and Financial Audit Training Symposium. At this time, we are rescheduling the Conference to December 16 – 18, 2020. Registered attendees will be sent an email with specific guidance regarding conference registration, hotel reservations and travel plans. You may find this same guidance below.

2020 DoD Procure-to-Pay Training Symposium Schedule Status Update

We appreciate your continued patience in the coordination of the 2020 DoD Procure-to-Pay Financial Audit Training Symposium. At this time, we are proceeding with holding the Symposium in June as scheduled, however we will send a status update to all attendees no later than May 13, 2020.

This decision is based on the recent guidance from the Secretary of Defense related to travel in response to Coronavirus 2019 that states all forms of movement will cease for 60 days. Our conference dates, June 9-11, 2020, are beyond the period of prohibited travel.

Again, we will update this message and keep participants informed as necessary to ensure notification occurs well in advance of incurring any reservation penalties.

DPC Year in Review Report for 2019

The Defense Pricing and Contracting (DPC) Year in Review Report for 2019 is available below, which includes topics such as innovating acquisition policies, peer reviews, industrial collaboration, and annual awards.

2020 DoD Contracting Conference

The 2020 DoD Contracting Conference, hosted by Defense Pricing and Contracting, will be held in Orlando, Florida June 9-11, 2020 and registration is now open for SPE selected personnel.

2019 Pricing and Contracting Legends Award

Kim Herrington, Principal Director, Defense Pricing and Contracting, presented Mr. Christopher Kirbabas, Air Force Material Command, the 2019 Pricing and Contracting Legends Award.

2020 DoD Contracting Conference

The 2020 DoD Contracting Conference, hosted by Defense Pricing and Contracting, will be held in Orlando, Florida June 9-11, 2020.

2020 DoD Procure-to-Pay Training Symposium

The 2020 DoD Procure-to-Pay and Financial Audit Training Symposium, hosted by Defense Pricing and Contracting and OSD(Comptroller), will be held in Orlando, Florida June 9-11, 2020.

LeAntha Sumpter, Director, Contracting eBusiness, Defense Pricing and Contracting 2019 Excellence in Partnership’s Lifetime Acquisition Excellence Award Winner

On November 20, 2019, Ms. LeAntha Sumpter was awarded Excellence in Partnership’s Lifetime Acquisition Excellence Award. The Excellence in Partnership Awards honor individuals in the acquisition community who have made significant contributions to the procurement system that deliver best value and meet agency missions. As a Lifetime Acquisition Excellence Awardee, Ms. Sumpter demonstrated a life-long commitment to advancing “common-sense in government procurement.”

More details on Ms. Sumpter’s 20+ years in Defense Acquisition are available below.

Mr. Kim Herrington accepted the award on Ms. Sumpter’s behalf at the Excellence in Partnership Awards dinner on November 20, 2019.

Strategically Assessing Contractor Implementation of NIST SP 800-171

On Nov 14, 2019 the USD(A&S) signed a memorandum addressing results of DCMA's pilot effort to strategically assess implementation of NIST SP 800-171, and releasing Version 1 of the NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Methodology.

Submission Cycle Call for AEP Applicants

DPC announces submission cycle call for AEP applicants. Applications will be accepted for the next cycle of AEPs from October 18, 2019 through November 8, 2019. All projects are open for submission. Start date will be January 21, 2020. All applicants must be government employees and possess an active security clearance. Please click here for more information on the AEP page.

DoD, GSA, and NASA published in the Federal Register an interim FAR Case 2018-017

On August 13, 2019, DoD, GSA, and NASA published in the Federal Register an interim FAR rule, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (FAR Case 2018-017). This rule became effective upon publication.

Prepublication Version of an Interim Rule Being Issued by DoD, GSA, and NASA

On Wednesday, August 7, 2019, DoD, GSA, and NASA sent to the Federal Register the following document:

• Action: Interim Rule
• Title: FAR Case 2018-017, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment
• Docket ID #: 2018-0017, Sequence No.1
• RIN: 9000-AN83

DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232). Section 889(a)(1)(A) prohibits agencies from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as a critical technology as part of any system, on or after August 13, 2019.

A prepublication version of the interim FAR rule that has been sent to the Federal Register is being posted early by DoD, GSA, and NASA. Formatting or other administrative changes may be made by the Federal Register prior to publication. Although DoD, GSA, and NASA have taken steps to ensure the accuracy of this prepublication version, it is not the official version.

The link below provides access to the federal register.

FAR and DFARS Genealogy

DoD posted the FAR and DFARS Genealogy developed by the Section 809 Panel. Please click here.

Opportunity: Apply for Acquisition Exchange Program by April 8, 2019

The Principal Director, Defense Pricing and Contracting (DPC), announces the next cycle of the career-broadening Acquisition Exchange Program (AEP) opportunities for government employees. The DPC AEP initiative provides a unique career developmental experience for high-caliber individuals in acquisition and acquisition-related career fields. Applications for the current opportunities must be submitted no later than April 8, 2019. Commencement and length of assignment are negotiable, however we are targeting start dates in April 2019.

Submission Cycle Call for AEP Applicants

DPC is currently accepting applications from government employees for our Acquisition Exchange Program, a unique career development experience designed for high-caliber individuals in the acquisition career field. We are accepting applications until 4/8/2019.

DPC 2019 Procure-to-Pay and Financial Audit Training Symposium

The 2019 DoD Procure-to-Pay and Financial Audit Training Symposium, hosted by Defense Pricing and Contracting, will be held in Orlando, Florida April 23-25, 2019.