For those closely following the DoD Back-to-Basics (BtB) acquisition workforce transformation initiative, encourage you to check out a new policy memorandum affecting our Contracting colleagues from the Director of Defense Pricing and Contracting (DPC). Entitled “Restructuring of the Certification Program for the Contracting Functional Area”, this memorandum outlines the contracting community’s plan for transformation of their workforce.

The new memorandum is augmented by a short three minute overview video entitled “Back-to-Basics: Contracting.” The overview of the video explains how on “…September 2, 2020, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment launched “Back-to-Basics” to bring the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act of 1990 into the 21st century. Getting “Back-to-Basics” means a refocus of our resources on the Defense Acquisition Workforce who develop, acquire, and sustain operational capability. Defense contracting plays an integral role in the procurement of goods and services for the warfighter. Furthermore, WHAT we buy, determines HOW we buy it, and there are strict regulations that must be followed to ensure the best value for the taxpayer. So, let’s take a quick look at how the Contracting Certification framework will change and what will be expected from you as you progress through your contracting career.”