Moderator: Ms. Joanie Newhart, Associate Administrator-Acquisition Workforce Programs, Office of Federal Procurement Policy Panel Members: Ms. Iris Cooper, Senior Procurement Executive, Department of Treasury Mr. Jeffrey B. Birch, Director (Acting), Federal Acquisition Institute Ms. Melissa Starinsky, Chancellor, Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy FOSE Expo~ May 13-15, 2014 Better Acquisition Return to the Basics

Ms. Iris Cooper, Senior Procurement Executive, Department of Treasury FOSE Expo~ May 13-15, 2014 Better Acquisition Return to the Basics

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 3 Keeping It Simple

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 Electronic communications are essential but require expert communication skills 4 Communication is Key

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 5 Where to Go from Here

Mr. Jeffrey B. Birch, Director (Acting), Federal Acquisition Institute FOSE Expo~ May 13-15, 2014 Better Acquisition Return to the Basics

7 People Make It Happen YOU

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 Acquisition Return 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 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 Acquisition Return to the Basics