Moderator: Ms. Joanie Newhart, Associate Administrator-Acquisition Workforce Programs, Office of Federal Procurement Policy

Panel Members: Ms. Iris Cooper, Senior Procurement Executive, Department of TreasuryMr. Jeffrey B. Birch, Director (Acting), Federal Acquisition InstituteMs. Melissa Starinsky, Chancellor, Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy

FOSE Expo~ May 13-15, 2014

Better AcquisitionReturn to the Basics

Ms. Iris Cooper, Senior Procurement Executive, Department of Treasury

FOSE Expo~ May 13-15, 2014

Better AcquisitionReturn to the Basics

3

• Templates are helpful – thinking would be better• “Contracting by template” has not improved the quality

of Government Acquisition

• Speed is good – planning is better• In spite of GSA Schedules, MACs and GWACs, PALT times

have not improved significantly• Lack of up-front planning by requirements activities• Number of contractors on GWACS, MACs etc. too great to create

any efficiencies

• Reintroduce Common Sense• We are supposed to be business partners • If we are NOT value added, degrees & certifications won’t

make us professionals• If it doesn’t make sense to you (the CO), it won’t make

sense to anyone else

Keeping It Simple

4

• Actively Manage “Forward”• Customers• Vendor Community• Stakeholders

• Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) is NOT a “one size fits all” – neither is “Award without Discussion”• Have we lost the ability to communicate/discuss?• The inability to analyze and articulate a position

• E-mail• Electronic communications are essential but require

expert communication skills

Communication is Key

5

• Acquisition is “the art of the possible” – we need to re-focus

• Today’s acquisition community is fragmented – we can do much better

• We have the technology to make major changes in how we do business

• We have to be engaged to be relevant

• As a community, we need to own the challenges, the opportunities and the risks

Where to Go from Here

Mr. Jeffrey B. Birch, Director (Acting), Federal Acquisition Institute

FOSE Expo~ May 13-15, 2014

Better AcquisitionReturn to the Basics

7

People Make It HappenYOU

8

We’re On The Same TEAM!

9

Required Skills

Ms. Melissa Starinsky, Chancellor, Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy

FOSE Expo~ May 13-15, 2014

Better AcquisitionReturn to the Basics

• Trust in the system and in each other• Assume positive intent• Trust increases operational efficiencies and

minimizes programmatic risks• Ensure separation of duties internally and

maintain arms length relationship with contractors but be accessible and talk with each other

• Less email and more conversation • Eliminate the “us versus them” mindset• Stop the blame game – we own it together

Trust

11

Leadership

• We ALL have more influence than we think• Federal Executive Institute (FEI) - “If we’re not going to be the ones that

change or fix things, then who is?” Jason Stack, DoN and fellow FEI colleague

• Leadership is required and occurs at all levels/positions• Christina Eberhart (my hero!) – instrumental in getting an acquisition

regulation changed

• The only constant we have is change• Do we want to be “victims or pioneers” – Facing

the Challenge of Change, Dr. Ben Bissell• Appropriately challenge the status quo –

create an environment that encourages this and continuous learning and improvement

12

Leadership Traits

• Integrity - having the courage to take tough stances for what is right and doing what you say you are going to do.

• Vision - being able to see the possibilities of a better future and lead the creation of a roadmap to help the organization know where it is going and how it will get there.

• Optimism - giving hope, instilling confidence in, and inspiring others, when undertaking tough challenges, to stay the course for that better future (that some may not trust in or yet be able to see).

• Collaborative - knowing who stakeholders are and involving them in jointly developing and executing solutions that work and delivering results that matter.

• Decisive - confidence and competence in making good and timely decisions based on input from others and understanding and effectively managing associated risks.

• Technical Credibility – be at the “top of your game.”13

High Performing Acquisition Organizations

Organizational Alignment and Leadership

Ensure that the organization is optimally aligned with and effectively engages and communicates with all stakeholders to deliver the most effective acquisition solutions to best meet the mission.

Valuing People Be an “employer of choice” that attracts and retains the best and the brightest talent by strategically focusing and investing in our best asset—our people. Also, provide an environment that allows all employees to contribute and thrive to their fullest capability.

Policies and Processes Provide policies and processes that are clear, establish appropriate internal controls, and serve as enablers and tools for staff and stakeholders to deliver high-quality and timely acquisitions, grants, and interagency agreements—all in support of the mission.

Knowledge and Information Management Become a knowledge-driven organization that is accountable and transparent to all stakeholders and that ensures leadership and employees have access to the right information—at the right time—for effective, timely, and high-quality decision-making.

Strategic Framework for Acquisition Excellence*

*Adapted from GAO Framework for Assessing the Acquisition Function

14

Manage Risk

• Implement policies and processes that are clear, establish appropriate internals controls, and serve as tools for the acquisition team to enable the delivery of high-quality and timely acquisitions.

• Influence the elimination or reeducation of local operating policies and processes that:• (i) are not mandated by law or regulation• (ii) do not add value to the acquisition lifecycle• (iii) have not resulted from identified areas of risk or

vulnerability to the Agency.

15

Stick to the Basics

• Relationships, Relationships, Relationships!

• Don’t over engineer the process- look for ways to streamline

• Written documentation• Focus on substance; less on form• Tell your story first• Background• Discussion/Analysis• Recommendation

• Know your craft- be an expert

• Do what you say you are going to do! 16

DISCUSSION

FOSE Expo~ May 13-15, 2014

Better AcquisitionReturn to the Basics